Leydigi

Leydigi is a coastal city-state in the western reaches of the Valaran realm. Located at the mouth of the Serai River, it functions as a major maritime and commercial hub, linking inland markets with distant trading partners. The city’s population is diverse, including urban families, guild members, sailors, and migrant communities who contribute to a multilingual, cosmopolitan urban life. Leydigi maintains a long-standing tradition of mercantile law and civic pragmatism, with a strong emphasis on trade, craft production, and port administration.

Historically, Leydigi traces its origins to a twelfth-century coalition of merchants and craftsmen who established a protected trading enclave along the river delta. Governance is centered on the Council of Twelve Guildmasters, an oligarchic body elected by major guilds. The magistracy rotates among guild leaders, while the Leydigi Code provides civil, commercial, and procedural law. The judiciary operates independently of commercial interests, though it cooperates closely with guild administrations to resolve disputes.

The economy is anchored by the port, shipbuilding, textiles, pottery, and timber trade. Leydigi ware, lacquered goods, and woven fabrics are notable exports, while the city also serves as a transshipment point for regional spices and timber. Cultural life centers on markets, maritime festivals, and guild-sponsored education. The city supports libraries and archives, preserving navigational charts and merchant records that inform current commerce and research.

Notable landmarks include the Silver Market, the Sea Lantern Lighthouse, and the Guild Hall. Leydigi has produced renowned navigators and merchants, with many achievements preserved in the Leydigi Archive. The city maintains historical ties with neighboring ports and participates in regional cultural and economic networks.