Palades

Palades is a town located in the northern highlands of the fictional nation of Veridia. It sits at about 420 meters above sea level, near the confluence of the Lir and Nesh rivers, and experiences a temperate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Founded in the 12th century as a seasonal market center connected to a hill fortress known as Palade Fort, the settlement gradually adopted the name Palades. The town expanded thanks to irrigation projects in the 17th century and grew further with the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century.

Today Palades has a diversified economy rooted in agriculture, light manufacturing, and services. Olive groves and vineyards support producers of olive oil and wine, while small textile and woodworking workshops balance employment. The town also benefits from a historic market district and modest tourism.

Culturally, Palades hosts an annual autumn harvest festival and maintains a compact town center with stone houses and a central square. Local cuisine favors olive oil, goat cheese, and baked goods. The population is mixed, with Veridian and immigrant communities contributing to diversity.

Governance is by a mayor and town council within Veridia's provincial framework. Palades is linked to the regional capital by a regional railway line and a local bus network. Educational facilities include two primary schools and one secondary school; a cultural center serves as the civic hub.