Zánt

Zánt is a fictional archipelago and cultural region set in a maritime fantasy world. It consists of about two dozen islands arranged around a sheltered lagoon; the largest island, Merin, hosts the capital city, Vela, and the Assembly Hall, which coordinates inter-island affairs. The people are known as Zántans and speak Zántish, a language with coastal dialects.

The name Zánt is attributed in lore to an ancient tide word; scholarly reconstruction places its roots in early seafaring languages, but no single source is definitive.

Geography ranges from mangrove shores to forested highlands; the population is diverse, with fishing communities, shipwright workshops, and market towns linked by sea lanes.

Zánt developed as a loose network of island communities trading across the archipelago and with neighboring regions. A formal confederal council was established centuries ago to handle defense, ports, and common infrastructure. In modern times, Zánt maintains semi-autonomy within a broader regional federation, retaining cultural autonomy.

Zántish is the main language, with dialects; culture emphasizes maritime knowledge, lantern-lit festivals, ropework, lacquerware, and mat weaving. The Tide Lantern festival marks the start of the sailing season.

Economy relies on fishing, boatbuilding, and crafts; exports include dried fish, rope, lacquerware, and resins. The local currency is the kor, minted from shells and metal.

Notable sites include the Blue Trench, an underwater canyon near Merin used for research and legend, and the Quay of Winds, a historic harbor that shaped Zánt's trade routes.