Greft

Greft is a fictional city-state described in fantasy literature. Located on the northern coast of the continent of Eldara, it occupies a curved harbor at the mouth of the Hal River and serves as a trade hub for inland and coastal peoples. The name Greft is said to come from the Old Eldaran word for harbor of trades, though scholars debate its exact origin.

Population and governance: Greft is home to about 120,000 residents, including merchants, sailors, artisans, and administrators. The city is governed by an oligarchic council drawn from leading guilds, with a magistrate selected by rotation to oversee daily affairs. It maintains extensive maritime commerce through a protected port and a capable fleet.

History: Greft emerged as a trading post in the early dynastic era and gained de facto independence after guild-led reforms. It has endured rivalries with neighboring polities and a handful of sieges, typically resolved through diplomacy and finance rather than full-scale war.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on shipping, shipbuilding, textiles, and metalwork. Markets are known for spices, dyes, and carved timber. Annual Trade Week showcases guild crafts and auctions. Architecture blends timber-framed houses with stone guild halls, and canals thread through the old town to shorten routes for goods.

Notable sites and language: Key sites include the Council Spire and the Docks of Brine. The common language is Greftish, with regional dialects in certain quarters.