Váení

Váená is a fictional region frequently encountered in fantasy literature and role-playing games. It designates a distinct geographic and cultural zone on the eastern margins of the imagined continent of Lirath, with its own history, languages, and institutions.

The name Váená is a constructed term from the Váenic language family. In the imagined lore, váe denotes river or flow, and -ná is a suffix indicating belonging or relation, yielding a meaning akin to “beloved river valley.” This etymology is presented in in-universe sources and varies slightly across local dialects.

Geographically, Váená covers roughly the size of a small country. It centers on a fertile river valley bordered by plateaus to the north and marshlands to the south. The climate is temperate with four seasons. The capital city Valen sits at the confluence of the Taba and Nire rivers, while towns such as Garan and Nysan serve as regional hubs. The landscape features cultivated plains, orchards, and forested foothills.

Historically, Váená is depicted as being settled in multiple waves of migration before being unified under the Council of Five Cantons in early lore. In the contemporary setting, Váená is described as a constitutional republic within a loose regional federation. Governance combines a bicameral council with an elected executive known as the President of Váená and the cantonal administrations.

Economy and culture center on agriculture and river trade, with grain, olives, timber, pottery, metalwork, and textiles as key outputs. The Váenic language and script are used in daily life, education, and ceremonial contexts. Notable cultural events include River Tide and Harvest of Glass.

Key landmarks include the Great Archive, the Valley of Glass, and the Glass Cathedral, which feature prominently in regional folklore.