Ullm

Ullm is a fictional city-state in the northern archipelago of the world of Norelia. It functions as a regional hub for trade, industry, and culture, with a population of roughly 180,000. The city sits at a natural harbor and blends maritime traditions with urban innovation.

The name Ullm is of Ullmish origin, derived from the river Ull and the locative suffix -m, reflecting its historical identity as a settlement near water. The written form documents from the early medieval period.

Located on the central island of Varen, Ullm features a protected harbor, rolling hills, and a network of canals that connect to nearby quays. The climate is temperate maritime, with cool summers and frequent mist.

Ullm began as a trading outpost in the early Middle Ages, growing into a free city under a merchant council. It expanded through shipbuilding and metalwork during the industrial era and joined a loose city-state federation centuries later.

Ullm is a constitutional city-state governed by a Council of Twelve and an elected mayor. The council enacts laws, while a separate judiciary interprets them. Residents with full rights elect representatives and participate in referendums on major issues.

Its economy centers on fishing, shipbuilding, metalwork, and, more recently, geothermal energy and light manufacturing. The harbor handles regional trade, while an inland industrial zone hosts workshops and research facilities, supported by a public university.

Ullmi culture emphasizes craftsmanship and maritime lore. Ullmish is spoken alongside neighboring dialects. The annual Winter Forge festival celebrates metalwork and seafaring, featuring markets, concerts, and demonstrations of traditional shipwork.

Notable sites include the Glass Quay, a transparent-walled harbor front; the Foundry Pillar, a towering kiln monument; and the Observatory, which houses maritime science collections.