Sanailuan

Sanailuan is a fictional city-state used in fantasy literature and role-playing contexts. It is depicted as a coastal hub on the western shore of the Neralis Sea, situated at the mouth of two inland valleys and protected by a crescent harbor formed by limestone cliffs.

The name is sometimes said to derive from the local word sanai meaning harbor and luan meaning gathering, though variants exist across authors. The etymology is not consistent across sources, reflecting the variety of worldbuilding traditions in which Sanailuan appears.

According to lore, Sanailuan emerged in the early maritime era when fishing clans allied with caravan merchants to control trade routes between inland markets and seaports. It reached a peak during a dynastic period known as the Golden Tide, then experienced periods of political fragmentation and external pressure before reasserting authority within a regional mercantile league.

The city is ruled by an oligarchic council drawn from leading merchant houses. A mayor serves as chief magistrate for one-year terms, and a rotating committee handles defense, public works, and foreign relations. The legal code, the Sanailuan Compact, emphasizes property rights, harbor duties, and customary maritime law.

The port handles textiles, spices, and timber; shipbuilding and repairs are major industries. Multicultural neighborhoods reflect centuries of migration. The Tide Festival, held during the vernal equinox, marks the start of the sailing season with processions, sea songs, and markets. Cuisine fuses coastal and inland traditions, featuring grilled fish, citrus, and clay-baked bread.

Sanailuan occupies a natural harbor with a rocky promontory to the north and a river delta to the east. The climate is temperate, with dry summers and wet winters, moderated by sea breezes.