Randstein

Randstein is a municipality in the fictional country of Veridia, located in the nordic province of Nordhavn along the Rand River. It covers about 40 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 4,600 as of 2022. The name combines rand meaning edge or border and stein meaning stone, reflecting the town's historic role as a boundary marker and its longstanding quarrying industry.

Randstein's geography and geology centers on a gently rolling landscape of sandstone outcrops, mixed forests, and small farms. The Rand River runs through the eastern part of the town, feeding a network of mills in the historical period. The local sandstone has shaped much of the town's architecture and economy.

The settlement emerged as a border outpost in the 12th century and developed around quarrying from the 14th century onward. It gained municipal rights in the 19th century and experienced modernization during the 20th century, while retaining a craft-and-resource-based economy. In the late 20th century Randstein expanded its service sector and tourism.

Today, quarrying remains a cultural and economic touchstone, though it has diminished in scale. The town also supports light manufacturing, agriculture, and a growing tourism sector centered on its historic sites and scenic trails. Notable sites include the Randstein Quarry, the Old Border Gate, and St. Nicholas Church. The annual Stone Festival celebrates local mining heritage with markets, demonstrations, and folk performances. Randstein is governed by a municipal council within Veridia's Nordhavn district. It is connected by regional roads and a passenger rail line, with the nearest international airport in the regional hub of Port Verdan.