Saranth

Saranth is a fictional city commonly depicted in fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing games. It sits in the highlands of the continent of Valara, along the serpentine Serin River. The urban core is compact, with stone lanes, a busy market quarter, and a protected harbor that handles river and seaworthy craft.

The etymology of Saranth is uncertain; scholars point to ancient Aelish roots meaning light, while others connect it to a vanished dynasty. The city is bordered by pine forests and terraced hills, with a temperate climate that brings foggy mornings and cool evenings.

Historically, Saranth grew as a trade hub after its founding in the early centuries by exiled guilds. It weathered conflicts and shifting borders, and its governance evolved into a council-led system that mediates commerce and civic affairs.

Economy centers on timber, pottery, textiles, and river commerce. The market district is renowned for crafts, and surplus goods flow through the Serin River to coastal towns. The city hosts seasonal fairs that attract merchants from distant regions.

Notable landmarks include the Lantern Gate, a stone arch that marks the harbor entrance; the Library of Echoes, an archive of songs and memories; and the Serin Bridge, which links the market quarter to residential wards. Saranth's cultural life emphasizes storytelling and music.