erzäh

Erzäh is a fictional town and cultural hub located in the northern lowlands of the continent of Valoria. It serves as the administrative center of the Erzäh District and is noted for its longstanding emphasis on storytelling, public discourse, and cultural preservation. The name, drawn from the local language, is associated with narratives and oral tradition.

Geography and climate: Erzäh sits along the Lyrin River, on fertile riverplain terrain with nearby woodlands. The area supports agriculture, crafts, and small-scale industry. The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cool winters, influencing seasonal cultural activities.

History: The town traces its origins to a settlement established around 1123 by groups migrating from adjacent valleys. Erzäh developed as a market town and trading crossroads, acquiring a printing press and a school of rhetoric by the 16th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries it modernized while retaining a strong focus on oral and written storytelling.

Population and governance: The population is around 9,800. Local government operates under a council–mayor system, with a tradition of civic participation and cultural committees that oversee festivals and archives.

Economy: Key sectors include cultural tourism, publishing, and artisanal crafts. The annual Erzäh Storytelling Festival is a major draw, showcasing storytellers, writers, and educators from across the region.

Culture and education: Erzäh hosts museums such as the Hall of Echoes and maintains the Tale House library, which preserves regional narratives. Erzäh University of Culture offers programs in literature, anthropology, and media studies, with research focused on oral traditions.

See also: Lyrin River, Hall of Echoes, Erzäh Storytelling Festival.