Tzhelyen

Tzhelyen is a fictional city and surrounding highland region in the world of Ethoria, frequently used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding communities. It centers on a river valley in the northern highlands and is often depicted as a political and cultural hub.

Geography features rugged mountains, terraced valleys, and a network of passes including the Tzhelyen Pass. The climate is alpine with cold winters and mild summers; rainfall is abundant in spring.

Founded in the late medieval period by the Tzheli people, Tzhelyen prospered as a trade gateway and cultural crossroads. It later became a semi-autonomous city-state, contracting with regional rulers before joining a looser confederation.

Demographics and culture: The population is described in fiction as around 150,000, with Tzhelish as the official language alongside regional dialects; religious and festival traditions emphasize river folklore. Cultural highlights include textile weaving, metalwork, and river-based festivals.

Government and economy: Tzhelyen is depicted as a council-led polity, with a High Council and rotating executive in practice. The economy combines agriculture (barley, rye), livestock, crafts, and small-scale manufacturing; trade routes link to neighboring regions.

Name and origins: The name Tzhelyen is attributed to different etymologies in fan-created lore, with proposals ranging from river-bend roots to rapid-travel imagery; in fiction it is also used as an ethnonym.