Valnorian

Valnorian refers to the people, culture, and language of the Valnorian Plateau region on the western continent of Elaria in fictional works. The term denotes a polity traditionally organized as a loose federation of coastal city-states and inland principalities. Valnorian society is characterized by maritime trade, scholarship, and artisan guilds.

The core homeland runs along the Valnari coast and its inland river valleys. The population is diverse, with city-dwelling merchants, farmers, and scholars. The Valnorian language is part of the Valnaric family, written in a flowing script used in inscriptions, manuscripts, and coins.

Historically, Valnoria emerged as a collection of autonomous ports in the early second era, uniting under a rotating council in the Late Era. Modern governance emphasizes balance between central councils and local assemblies; defense relies on a capable fleet and fortified caravan routes.

Valnorian culture emphasizes education, architecture, and craft guilds. Economic life centers on trade, shipbuilding, and agricultural surpluses exchanged through regional markets and long-distance routes. Scholarly institutions maintain libraries and observatories, with research spanning navigation, meteorology, and elemental magic.