Yabq

Yabq is a fictional city and setting used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing campaigns. It is depicted as a mid-sized urban center in a temperate river valley on a fictional continent. The name Yabq is commonly presented as a local endonym with roots in a language of traders, meaning something like 'river’s bend.'

The city centers on the bend of a wide river, with districts such as Old Dock, River Market, High Quarter, and South Gate. The riverfront forms a continuous pedestrian zone with markets, cafés, and performance spaces. Modern towers of glass and brick rise around a historic core, blending old harbor architecture with contemporary design.

Historically, Yabq began as a trading outpost in the medieval period and grew through river commerce and caravan routes. It underwent rapid modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries, expanding public institutions and industry. In many representations, it is governed by a mayor and a council elected by seven wards.

The economy is diversified, combining finance, logistics, biotechnology, and education services. The Yabq Institute of Technology and its Riverworks Research Park are notable anchors, supporting startups and research in robotics, renewable energy, and urban planning. The city maintains a balanced mix of housing and commercial districts to support its population of several hundred thousand.

Culturally, Yabq is depicted as multicultural with a lively arts scene, street festivals, and a cuisine that blends coastal, inland, and immigrant influences. The annual Quiet Lantern festival is a recurring setting in stories. Landmarks often cited include The Glass Spire, the Old Dock, and the River Market, which serves as a social and economic hub.