Hryji

Hryji is a rural village in the Veridian valley of Veridia, a fictional country in the northern region of the continent. It forms part of the Zaleska municipal district and lies along county road 7, about 20 kilometers east of the regional capital. The population is about 1,200 residents as of 2023.

The village was founded in the 14th century by agrarian communities settled along the Hryji River. The name derives from the Veridian word hryj, meaning harvest. Historically centered on a manor estate, Hryji expanded with the arrival of a small railway in 1902, which linked it to larger markets before the line was closed in the mid-20th century.

Geography and economy: Hryji sits on level alluvial plains with loamy soil. The economy relies on crop farming—wheat, barley, potatoes—and dairy production, complemented by woodcraft from nearby forests. A weekly market draws farmers and artisans from surrounding villages. In recent years, local tourism has grown thanks to hiking trails in the nearby Veridia Forest Reserve.

Demographics and culture: The population is predominantly ethnic Veridians. Veridian is the official language, with a regional dialect still spoken in family settings. The community hosts a summer cultural festival and maintains a village library and primary school. Healthcare is provided by a small clinic and visiting regional physicians.

Notable people: Notable residents include the poet Lira Hryji and craftsman Jasen Hryji, who contributed to the village's woodwork tradition.