Ljepian

Ljepian refers to the people, language, and culture of the Ljepian region, a fictional highland area in the eastern part of the continent of Valara in speculative fiction. The Ljepian region is characterized by dense conifer forests, terraced valleys, and a network of rivers; its capital and largest city is Vostgrad. The Ljepian population is diverse, with communities in urban centers and in hillside villages. The Ljepian language, with several dialects, is traditionally written in an alphabet derived from the fictional Ljepic script. Most Ljepians are bilingual in a neighboring regional language used for official administration.

Geography and society: The region covers roughly 25,000 square kilometers and has a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. The population is concentrated in a few municipalities, while many smaller settlements maintain agrarian and artisanal livelihoods.

History: The Ljepians organized into a loose confederation by the 17th century and later formed an autonomous region within a federal state during the 20th century. Cultural revival movements in the late 20th and early 21st centuries emphasized traditional crafts and language preservation.

Culture and economy: Ljepian culture emphasizes woodwork, lacquerware, and weaving. Traditional music features modal singing and string instruments. The economy relies on agriculture—potatoes, barley, dairy—along with crafts and a growing tourism sector around natural and historical sites.

Notable sites and institutions: Ljepia National Park, Lake Silver, and the Stone Bridge of Koryn. Administrative center: Ljepian Autonomous Council.