Kublais

Kublais is a fictional city-state featured in speculative fiction and world-building exercises. It is set on a sheltered harbor along the northern coast of the continent of Verra, where the confluence of sea routes and inland rivers supports a busy port economy. The city’s built environment combines stone promenades, timber warehouses, and ornate glassworks, with a network of canals that facilitate transport within the city.

Historically, Kublais grew as a trading hub during a period of regional maritime activity. Sources within the fiction describe successive governance arrangements, but most contemporary depictions describe a bicameral council—the Assembly of Merchants and the Council of Elders—along with a ceremonial Speaker who oversees civil affairs. The administrative model emphasizes merchant rights, public records, and infrastructure maintenance.

The economy centers on port trade, shipbuilding, glass production, and artisanal crafts. Kublaisian society is multilingual, with Kublaisian as the official language alongside regional dialects. The city is known for its craft guilds, maritime customs, and annual festivals that celebrate navigation and glassmaking.

Notable landmarks include the Laminar Gate, a monumental entryway to the harbor district; the Archive of Voices, a public library and record repository; and the Silver Market, a historic trading square. The population is depicted as around 60,000 residents, reflecting a diverse urban community with merchants, artisans, sailors, and families connected to inland towns.