Meldenden

Meldenden is a fictional municipality in the country of Nordwald, located in the northern Lowland region. It is part of the rural district of Kortenwald and comprises the town of Meldenden and several surrounding hamlets. The population is described as a few thousand residents.

Etymology: The name Meldenden is of uncertain origin. In this fictional setting, scholars propose a derivation from an old Germanic word meaning "meeting place" or from a local river name.

Geography: Meldenden sits on rolling farmland with small forests and a network of streams feeding into a central basin. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters.

History: The first written references date to the 13th century, when Meldenden appeared as a market settlement. It grew through trade fairs and crafts, receiving a charter in the late medieval period. The 19th-century railway spurred growth and connected the town to regional markets.

Economy: Agriculture remains important, especially dairy and grain. Small manufacturing, retail, and services are present, with limited tourism tied to rural landscapes and historic architecture.

Culture and landmarks: The town hosts a harvest festival and a weekly market. Notable features include a 15th-century parish church, a timber-framed town center, and preserved historic houses.

Administration: Meldenden is governed by a municipal council and a mayor, and forms part of Nordwald's administrative framework.