Ranté

Ranté is a fictional coastal town and municipality in the nation of Veridia. It sits on a sheltered inlet along the Veridian coast and functions as a regional center for fishing, crafts, and services. The municipal area includes the main town and surrounding rural parishes, with an estimated population in the tens of thousands.

The origin of the name Ranté is uncertain. Some scholars trace it to an early Veridian harbor term, while others connect it to a medieval clan name.

Ranté was founded in the 12th century as a fishing village. It gained market-town status in the 16th century and expanded its harbor in the 18th and 19th centuries to support trade and shipbuilding. The railway arrived in 1892, linking the town to larger centers and accelerating growth. In the 20th century it diversified into seafood processing and light manufacturing.

It is located along a protected cove with a rocky shoreline and nearby hills. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and moderate summers, and sea winds that influence offshore activities.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on fisheries, seafood processing, tourism, and crafts. Local culture features seaside markets, regional cuisine based on fish and shellfish, and a yearly lantern festival. Veridian is the primary language, with a local dialect spoken in older communities, and some bilingual signage in town centers.

Governance and infrastructure: Ranté is governed by a municipal council headed by a mayor. It has a small port authority, a primary school, and a regional hospital. Notable landmarks include the Old Lighthouse, Market Hall, and the Harbor Promenade; the town maintains sister-city links with two coastal municipalities in Veridia.