Lirin

Lirin is a coastal city-state in the eastern archipelago of the fantasy continent of Valara. Located at the mouth of the Serin River, it functions as a major hub of maritime trade, shipbuilding, and guild commerce. The population, drawn from merchants, sailors, artisans, and migrants, is estimated at around 100,000. The city is governed by a council of guildmasters and a ceremonial mayor, with the day-to-day affairs managed by a guild council.

Historically, Lirin grew from a trading outpost established in the 7th century and developed into an independent city-state through a series of maritime alliances and selective diplomacy. It avoided major wars by leveraging its strategic harbor and trade networks.

Its economy centers on port dues, shipyards, textile workshops, and spice imports. The Tide Market along the harbor is renowned for goods from across the archipelago. The city also maintains a modest university and a public library that preserves merchant ledgers and navigational charts.

Lirinian, a creole influenced by neighboring tongues, is the dominant language, while Common is widely used in markets and ports. The culture blends seafaring traditions with festival, music, and crafts.

Landmarks include the Lighthouse of Lirin, the Great Gate, and the Tide Market, as well as the Library of Lirin, which holds maritime manuscripts and navigational treatises.

Notable figures associated with Lirin include governor-general Arin Valen and shipbuilder Mara Delo. In fiction, Lirin is described as a bustling entrepôt in various travelogues and fantasy novels.