Zerkauen

Zerkauen is a city-state and major inland port on the eastern coast of the continent of Aridia. Located at the lower reaches of the Zern River, it functions as a commercial and cultural hub linking riverine agriculture with overseas markets. The urban area covers about 340 square kilometers and has a population around 110,000. The climate is temperate maritime, with mild winters and wet summers.

Name and origins: The name Zerkauen likely derives from the old Zerkic language, though its exact etymology is disputed. The city grew from a medieval market settlement that gained regional importance through tolls, guilds, and harbor rights.

History: Zerkauen achieved de facto autonomy in the 13th century and expanded through trade and fortifications. It experienced a high point in the 15th–16th centuries when milling, glassmaking, and shipping flourished, before facing reform and conflicts in later centuries while preserving municipal self-rule.

Governance and economy: Zerkauen is governed by the Council of Forty, a merchant assembly representing guilds and urban communes; leadership rotates annually. The economy centers on milling, shipbuilding, and trading services, supported by a harbor network, inland mills, and a regional rail link. The zer is the local currency.

Culture and landmarks: Notable sites include the Grand Mill, the Lighthouse of Wardens, and the Archive of Trade. The city hosts the Harvest of Bells festival and a university focused on maritime law and economics, reflecting its mercantile heritage.