Grintus

Grintus is a fictional city-state in the fantasy setting of Aldoria. It sits on a sheltered harbor at the estuary of the Nara River along the eastern coast of the continent, where trade routes connect inland markets with seaborne commerce. The name Grintus is derived from an old trading term meaning “watcher of the docks,” reflecting its maritime heritage. The settlement emerged in the late 11th century as a mercantile stronghold and gained status as a free city in the early 13th century, evolving into a hub of commerce and craft.

Grintus is governed by a merchant-republic in which guilds elect a ten-member Council of Tides to oversee policy for two-year terms. A standing guard provides defense, while a citizen levy supports public works and security. The city maintains a dense core around the harbor, with ring districts dedicated to various trades, including shipbuilding, glassmaking, and textiles.

The economy centers on shipping, fisheries, shipbuilding, and glass production, supplemented by overland trade in wool, grain, and metals. The population is diverse, with humans and several allied races represented; common languages include Aldorian and the Trade Cant. The urban landscape mixes functional quay architecture with public squares, markets, and workshops.

Culturally, Grintus hosts the annual Tide Festival, the Lantern Market, and a tradition of guild-sponsored public sculpture. Notable landmarks include the Gate of Dawn, the Lantern Bastion, and the Blackstone Market. In fiction, Grintus is portrayed as a political and economic hub that emphasizes craftsmanship, urban planning, and civic identity.