Gondolhyllor

Gondolhyllor is a coastal city in the fictional world of the late medieval fantasy setting. It lies on a sheltered bay along the southern shore of the Great Sea and commands a strategic harbor used by mercantile fleets and war-ships. The city hosts a population of roughly 12,000 to 16,000 residents, with a dense inner quarter and wider suburbs.

Geography: The city is built on a rocky promontory that forms a natural breakwater. A river bisects the city, feeding into the harbor. The topography yields steep terraces; the oldest districts sit atop the cliff while newer districts expand along the quays.

History: Gondolhyllor dates back to the early Age of Exploration when mariners from several coastal cultures settled here. It grew as a trade hub for timber, wine, spices, and metals. In the War of the Breakwater, the city repelled a long siege, earning a reputation for stubborn defense and reinforced stonework. In the centuries since, it has alternated between periods of wealth and political tension as guilds vied for control of the port.

Governance and economy: The city is governed by a Harbor Council composed of senior guildmasters and a Harbor Master who acts as executive. The economy rests on shipbuilding, repair yards, customs revenue, and wholesale markets that connect inland producers with maritime traders.

Culture and sites: Gondolhyllor is known for its stone-and-timber architecture, lantern-lit streets, and annual Lanterns Festival. Notable sites include the Spiral Lighthouse, the Vault of Echoes, and the Sea Gate, which serves as the principal entrance to the harbor.