Ochrauj

Ochrauj is a fictional city-state that appears in the speculative fiction setting of the Lyria Chronicles. Located on a sheltered harbor along the southern coast, it has long served as a commercial hinge between inland realms and seafaring states.

The name Ochrauj comes from the Ochraujian language, thought to be a compound of terms meaning shore and watch, reflecting its role as a maritime gateway. Scholarly debate continues about the exact roots.

Geography and demography: The city covers about 320 square kilometers and has a population around 120,000. The harbor is naturally deep, with timber-framed warehouses and stone quays. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and dry summers.

History: Founded in the early 12th century by maritime guilds, Ochrauj grew as a trading post. It endured periodic sieges during regional conflicts and expanded its fortifications in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the modern period, it joined a loose federation of coastal cities.

Government and economy: Ochrauj operates as a guild republic led by a rotating assembly of guildmasters. The ochra coin is the standard unit. Principal industries include fishing, shipbuilding, ropeworks, and grain trade. The city also administers a free port zone that encourages crafts and small-scale manufacturing.

Culture and features: The Old Quarter preserves timbered houses and arcaded markets. The annual Ochrauj Festival marks the harbor’s founding and features processions, ship parades, and public feasts. Notable landmarks include the White Gate and the Great Drydock.