Orsen

Orsen is a fictional city in the fantasy world of Aurelia. It is commonly depicted as a regional capital and commercial hub on the Serine River in western Aurelia, and the administrative center of Orsen Province. The city features a mix of stone civic quarters, timber-framed districts, and a dense market zone.

Orsen traces its origins to a caravan settlement established during the early expansion era. It grew through river trade and guilds, suffered several major fires, and was rebuilt in stone and brick. In modern timelines it developed a network of canals and a light-rail tram system that connects key districts.

The city is governed by a mayor and city council, with oversight from the provincial governor. The economy centers on river trade, artisanal crafts, textiles, and metalwork. The Grand Market is a focal point for commerce and social exchange.

The population includes artisans, merchants, laborers, and families from diverse backgrounds. Common languages include the regional tongue and a trading lingua franca. The city hosts annual festivals such as the Harvest Festival and Guilds' Day.

The Serine River forms part of its eastern boundary, with surrounding hills to the west. Notable landmarks include the Grand Market, the White Bridge, and the Royal Archive.

Orsen appears in multiple fantasy novels, role-playing games, and game worlds as a bustling provincial capital with a strong guild system. Variants differ in detail, but the core traits—river trade, structured guilds, and stone architecture—are common.