kerdn

Kerdn is a town and commune in the fictional region of Valeria, located in the northern highlands. It lies along the Kerdn River, about 60 kilometers northwest of the regional capital. The town serves as the administrative center of the Valerian District. The name Kerdn comes from the old Kerdnian language, meaning "edge of the forest." The landscape is rolling with mixed woodlands and pasture, and the climate is temperate with relatively mild summers and cool winters.

Historically, Kerdn emerged as a trading post in the 12th century, growing into a market town by the 14th century. It benefited from river transport and later from steam-powered mills in the 19th century. The economy today combines agriculture (notably barley and potatoes), forestry, and light manufacturing, with a growing service sector including tourism and local crafts.

As of the latest census, Kerdn has a population around 7,800. The municipal government consists of a council and a mayor, elected for four-year terms. The town hosts annual cultural events, including the Kerdn Festival in late summer, and preserves several historical buildings in its compact old town core.

Key landmarks include the Old Town Hall, Kerdn Cathedral, and the riverside quay. Transportation links connect Kerdn to neighboring towns via regional roadways and a passenger railway line; there is no airport in the town. Kerdn is considered a typical example of regional municipalities in Valeria, balancing tradition with modest economic diversification.