Staritz

Staritz is a small town in the fictional nation of Veridia, located in the Veridian highlands along the Staritz River. The town sits on gentle hills around a compact historic center, surrounded by agricultural countryside. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters, shaping local farming and daily life.

Staritz was founded in the 12th century by settlers from the lowlands and grew around a market square. It developed through textile and milling trades in the early modern era. In the 20th century it diversified into light manufacturing and services, while maintaining a tradition of crafts.

Today Staritz serves as a local administrative and commercial center for surrounding villages. As of the late 2010s, the municipality had about 7,500 residents, with a mix of urban households and farming families. The population is aging slightly and includes a small number of students from nearby towns.

The town is governed by a mayor and a town council, and it belongs to a provincial district that coordinates regional planning, transport, and education with neighboring municipalities.

Cultural life centers on the annual Harvest Festival and the Staritz Museum, which focuses on regional history and craft. The town has one secondary school, several primary schools, and a public library.

Staritz is connected by regional roads and a small rail line linking it to larger cities, along with local bus services. Notable landmarks include Staritz Castle ruins, the Old Market Hall, and the parish church of St. Catherine. The surrounding countryside features orchards and small vineyards.