Narvyas

Narvyas is a fictional region and former city-state in the fantasy world of Therin. It is described in chronicles, poems, and maps as a key mercantile and cultural crossroads that linked coastal kingdoms with inland polities. The name appears in various texts as both a geographical term and a cultural identifier, reflecting its historical prominence in trade, crafts, and literacy.

Etymology and geography: The toponym Narvyas is attested in early texts as Narvyas, with scholars proposing a derivation from a root meaning river and a suffix indicating place or stronghold. The region centers on the Nar River valley, with foothills to the west and a temperate climate suitable for agriculture and crafts. The capital city is Narvar, a walled urban core connected by caravan routes to neighboring regions.

History: Narvyas rose as a trading hub in the late Bronze Age and continued to prosper through the early Iron Age, driven by river traffic and overland caravans. It endured dynastic shifts while maintaining a degree of autonomy through a guild-based governance system. During the Middle Period it faced external pressures but retained cultural influence, eventually forming a loose federation with neighboring polities. In modern lore, Narvyas is remembered as a cradle of crafts, literacy, and urban planning.

Governance and society: The city-state was historically governed by a council of guildmasters and a steward acting as chief magistrate. Society was multilingual and multiethnic, with Narvian as the administrative language and several local dialects in common use. Religious practice blended river-worship with temple patronage to a pantheon of deities.

Economy and culture: Narvyas specialized in textiles, copperware, and glassware, with artisan guilds controlling production. Markets flourished along riverbanks and trade routes. Cultural life centered on festivals, poetry, and architectural courtyards; the capital features arcaded streets and caravanserais.

Notable figures and legacy: Legends speak of Narvyas the Builder, credited with early water-management works, and Narvyas the Scribe, a chronicler of port cities. The name persists in toponyms, family names, and fictional works within the setting.