Nymis

Nymis is a fictional coastal city conceived as a case study of maritime-urban development in the imagined continent of Veridia. The name is said to derive from an ancient tongue spoken by river navigators, and the city is commonly depicted as a hub of trade, culture, and innovation in Veridian literature.

Geography and climate: Nymis sits at the mouth of the Velis River, where tidal flats meet a sheltered harbor. The surrounding region has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, annual precipitation around 750 millimeters, and frequent sea breezes that influence urban design.

History: According to lore, Nymis was founded in the early Bronze Age by the Nymeri seafaring clans and evolved into a port city after the Velis trade routes opened. It has undergone periods of prosperity and rebuilding after cycles of coastal storms and urban fires, shaping its riverfront districts and fortifications.

Economy and infrastructure: The city's economy combines maritime logistics, regional finance, and technology research, with a modern port capable of handling cold storage and container traffic. Nymis maintains a light rail system, a bus network, and an international airport, serving as a regional gateway.

Demographics and governance: The population is diverse, with a history of immigration from Veridia and beyond. Nymis is governed by a city council and a mayor, elected to four-year terms, and operates within the Veridian Federation's framework.

Culture and education: Nymis hosts annual festivals of art and water, and its architecture blends glass, stone, and timber. The city is home to Nymis University, renowned for coastal engineering and urban planning research, and features museums, theaters, and public promenades along the harbor.