Kortish

Kortish is a fictional town in the Veridia region, commonly appearing in fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing campaigns. It is used as a setting to explore regional politics, trade, and everyday life within a broader fantasy world.

Geography and climate

Located along the Silverline River near the Verdant Hills, Kortish enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The town's layout centers on a riverfront market and a compact residential core, with surrounding farmland and woodland supplying local resources.

History

Kortish was founded in the mid-16th century by a coalition of merchants from nearby settlements. It grew around a river crossing and the Old Market, which remained a focal point through centuries of trade and occasional floods. A guild system emerged to regulate crafts such as woodworking, metalwork, and pottery, shaping the town’s social and economic structure.

Economy and governance

The economy combines agriculture from surrounding farms, milling, timber, and craft workshops. A weekly market serves as the town’s primary commercial event, supplemented by seasonal fairs. Kortish is governed by a town council headed by a mayor, with guild representatives influencing apprenticeships and local regulation.

Culture and landmarks

Notable sites include the Old Market Hall, the White Gate, and the Chapel of the River. Local tradition emphasizes community resilience and seasonal celebrations, often linked to river life and harvest cycles.

Etymology

The origin of the name Kortish is debated in in-world lore; some scholars suggest it derives from a word meaning crossroads, while others link it to a legendary founder named Kortar.