Thni

Thni is a fictional city-state in the southern archipelago of Nyr within the fantasy world of Aeloria. It functions as a major trading hub and scholarly center, noted for a windward harbor, timber-and-terracotta architecture, and a long tradition of navigation and meteorology. The name derives from the ancient Thnian language, meaning shelter of winds. The city is governed by a diarchy—a Merchant Prince and a Scholar-Overseer—selected by competing guilds and councils.

Geography and population: Thni lies on the crescent harbor of Tharun Island, protected by a natural breakwater. The urban core covers about 180 square kilometers and houses roughly 120,000 residents. Distinct quarters include Old Thni, Gate Quarter, and Rainwood, each with specialized crafts and guilds.

History: Thni was founded during the Great Migration by seafaring clans who sought a secure port for trade routes. It flourished through spice, resin, and timber trades and eventually became an autonomous city-state within regional alliances. It withstood sieges by the Karathic Empire and later joined the Nyr Confederacy under a treaty that preserves its autonomy.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on shipbuilding, textiles, and port services, alongside a vibrant market for spices, resin, and carved timber. The annual Wind Festival honors navigation, weather lore, and seafaring culture. The Thni language, a branch of Nyric, is spoken alongside the common tongue, and the Thnian script—a compact runic alphabet—is used in inscriptions and records.

Notable landmarks and modern status: The Silver Gate, the Cliffside Observatory, and the Grand Market Hall are among Thni's signature sites. In the present era, Thni maintains semi-autonomous status within the regional Nyr Confederacy and serves as a center for learning, trade, and cultural exchange.