Kveh

Kveh is a fictional port city in the fantasy setting of Lysandria, situated on the southern shore of the Lyrin Gulf. It functions as a commercial and scholarly center, linking inland caravan routes with maritime trade. The city is known for its extensive libraries and workshops and for a long-running tradition of guild governance.

Etymology and geography: The name is traced to the old Khevan language, with scholars positing meanings such as "horizon" or "meeting place." Kveh sits at a natural crescent harbor protected by a stone breakwater. A central canal, the Silver Canal, runs through the city, aligning merchant wharves with public squares. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and warm summers.

History: Early records describe Kveh as a trading post in the First Era. It grew through merchant alliances and harbor grants, and by the mid Second Era it operated under the Guild Pact, a framework that shared power between shipmasters, scribes, and magistrates. The city survived regional conflicts by negotiating through neutral markets and favorable treaties.

Culture and economy: The population is diverse, with Khevi merchants, inland artisans, and visiting crews. Kveh is renowned for glassmaking, textiles, and book publishing. The economy relies on port dues, commissions on cargo, and the export of spices, resins, and crafts. Education and literacy are prioritized, with the Grand Library serving as a cultural anchor.

Notable sites and modern status: Key landmarks include the Grand Library, the Sea Gate, and the Market of Echoes. In contemporary fiction, Kveh appears as a focal point for trade, diplomacy, and scholarship.