Kethari

Kethari is a coastal city-state and commercial hub in the fictional continent of Arin. Located on a sheltered bay, it stretches along tidal plains with wooden causeways and stilted houses that rise above the water during high tide. The city has long served as a gateway between inland markets and seaborne routes, handling a wide range of goods from spices and timber to glass and metals.

Geography and climate influence daily life in Kethari. The harbor is protected by coral reefs and a granite breakwater, and the surrounding hinterland provides a mix of farms and resource extraction sites. The climate is temperate maritime, with windy springs and relatively mild winters, conditions that favor shipbuilding and long-distance trade.

Kethari’s history begins as a fishing town that grew through mercantile activity and strategic alliances. By the medieval era it had formed a mercantile republic, governed by a Council of Five Guilds that represented major crafts and trading interests. The Chief Magistrate, chosen from among guild leaders, presides over the council and oversees a legal framework that blends customary law with merchant ordinances.

The city’s economy remains export-driven, with markets renowned for bronzeware, textiles, spices, and shipwrighting. Its demographics are diverse, including coastal clans, inland traders, and a growing artisan class; Kethari’s languages typically include a regional dialect and a maritime Trade Creole. Cultural life centers on sea-focused festivals and markets that celebrate navigation, harvests, and maritime deities.

Notable sites include the Spiral Market, the Coral Gate, and the Lighthouse of Aënor. Today, Kethari remains a regional hub for caravan and seafaring commerce, balancing tradition with ongoing urban development.