Valenne

Valenne is a fictional coastal city and regional capital in the Valennian Basin, located on the northern shore of the Valen Sea. The city sits in a sheltered harbor, with rolling hills to the inland and a river crossing the urban core. Valenne experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers.

Valenne originated as a 12th-century trading outpost established by inland merchants and seafarers. It expanded through the medieval period as a commercial hub and port city, later becoming the administrative center of the Valennian Commonwealth. The local government operates under a mayor-council system, with a council elected to represent districts and a mayor serving as executive.

The economy is diversified: fishing and maritime services, light manufacturing, and a growing education and research sector. A port district handles regional cargo and ferries, while a science and technology park hosts startups and university-affiliated labs. Tourism centers on the historic core, waterfront promenades, and green spaces.

Population around 120,000 residents in the metropolitan area. The city is multiethnic, with Valenian as the predominant language and smaller community languages represented in education and daily life.

Culturally, Valenne hosts the Festival of Light in autumn, featuring music, lantern parades, and markets. Cultural institutions include the Valenne Museum, several theatres, the Valenne University, and the Conservatory of Arts. Notable landmarks are Old Fort, the Lighthouse of Mira, the Glass Market, and Valenne Park.