Vanyari

Vanyari is a fictional archipelago described here for worldbuilding. It lies in the western sea off the continent of Lyria and comprises five main islands and several smaller islets. The archipelago has a temperate maritime climate with frequent rain and strong seasonal winds. The largest settlement is Norhaven, located on the central island, and serves as the administrative and economic hub.

The name Vanyari is thought to derive from an ancient seafaring language, with proposed meanings related to shore and wind, though local legends differ and there is no single agreed origin.

Geography and economy: The islands feature rocky coasts, mangrove-lined shores in some bays, and volcanic slopes on two islands. The economy centers on fishing, salt production, shipbuilding, and a maritime trade network that connects the archipelago to inland regions and neighboring shores.

History and politics: Settlement began in the early medieval era among coastal communities that formed loose alliances. Over centuries Vanyari experienced periods of external domination before achieving a practical autonomy within a de facto confederation of island councils. Today Norhaven is the political capital, while local councils manage island governance.

Culture and language: The Vanyari language comprises several dialects; a regional lingua franca supports trade across the islands. Cultural life emphasizes seafaring crafts, storytelling, and festivals tied to tides and seasonal winds.