Riipuen

Riipuen is a fictional city and provincial capital described in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing settings. It is situated in the Riire archipelago and serves as the administrative center of the Riipuen Province.

Geographically, Riipuen occupies the southern coast of the main island, with a crescent harbor, rocky cliffs, and nearby low hills. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters, cool summers, and frequent sea fog.

Riipuen originated as a trading outpost established by Riipuen seafarers in the early Middle Ages. It grew through fisheries, shipbuilding, and regional trade networks, and became the provincial capital after administrative reforms in the early modern era. The city expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, preserving a historic waterfront alongside newer commercial districts.

Administratively, Riipuen has a mayor–council government. It is part of the Riipuen Federation, a loose association of archipelago municipalities that coordinates regional planning and infrastructure.

Its economy relies on the port, fisheries, and maritime services, with ancillary industries in shipyards and crafts. The city is served by Riipuen International Airport and a light rail network that connects to surrounding towns and ferry terminals.

Estimates place the resident population at around 180,000 to 210,000 in fictional terms. The community is multilingual, with a local language called Riipuene and an official lingua franca used in administration. Cultural life centers on seafaring heritage, the Lantern Festival, markets, and seafood cuisine, including grilled fish and seaweed dumplings.

Riipuen University, established in 1969, focuses on marine science, engineering, and urban studies. Notable sites include the Old Fort Riipa, the Harbor Market, and the Leeward Promenade, which spans the harbor.