Narbung

Narbung is a fictional city-state and surrounding region in the archipelago of Verdan, a setting used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding. The name derives from the Narbri language and is commonly interpreted to mean quiet waters. The region is described as a coastal-hills landscape with river valleys where the Narb River meets the sea, and it features terraced agriculture, mangrove habitats, and forested uplands.

Historically, Narbung is presented as a trading hub that linked maritime ports with inland communities. Early records place its settlements in the first millennium, and in many narratives Narbung forms a loose federation of hill communes that maintained autonomy while engaging in regional commerce. In contemporary fiction it is depicted as a semi-autonomous zone within a larger federation.

Population and society: fictional censuses in the stories place Narbung’s population in the low hundreds of thousands. Ethnic groups include the Narbri and Kelari, with Narbri as the dominant language alongside regional languages. The religious landscape is diverse, combining ancestor rites with local animist and Buddhist influences.

Economy and culture: key activities include fishing, aquaculture, rice farming, commerce, shipbuilding, and crafts. Ecotourism and cultural tourism are described as growing sectors. Governance is usually described as a hybrid of council-based and ceremonial leadership, with a governor or chief elected by regional councils. The annual Tide Festival and the Terrace Market are recurring cultural motifs in portrayals of Narbung.

Notable landmarks include Narbung Fortress, Temple of the Sea, and the Hanging Terrace, often used as narrative settings to explore trade and autonomy.