Toiston

Toiston is a coastal city-state on the southern shore of the continent of Eldara. It occupies a sheltered harbor and foothill backdrop that have long facilitated trade and maritime activity. The name is attributed to an ancient Toist word meaning "stone passage."

Founded in the early medieval period by competing merchant houses, Toiston developed into a principal mercantile hub through canal and sea routes. Its strategic position fostered alliances with inland polities, helping it maintain autonomy amid regional conflicts.

Toiston is governed by a metropolitan council elected by residents, with a ceremonial head of state and an executive mayor who oversees daily administration. Representation includes merchants, neighborhood wards, and harbor authorities; elections are held every five years.

Its economy centers on the harbor’s trade in textiles, fish, salt, and timber, with the toisten as its currency. The city maintains quays, warehouses, and a light industrial zone that supports service and crafts linked to maritime commerce.

Toiston supports a maritime culture, hosting annual festivals and boat-building workshops. The population is bilingual, speaking Toist and Eldarin. Notable sites include the Bridge Gate, Market Bastion, and the Council Spire, which rises above the harbor and marks the city skyline.

Current estimates place the population around 120,000, with services and logistics forming the backbone of the urban economy.