koldeid

Koldeid is a fictional city-state in the high-fantasy setting of the Northern Realms. It is located on a crescent of shoreline along the Cold Sea, with a network of quays and canal basins that connect the coastal districts. The climate is maritime, often foggy and cold in winter.

Historically, Koldeid arose as a trading hub for fishermen, timber merchants, and salt workers. It developed a semi-republican governance model, featuring a city council of magistrates and an annually elected captain-major who leads external affairs. The legal framework is commonly described as the Koldeid Charter, which codifies rights for guilds, merchants, and municipal defense. The city has endured sieges and shifts of allegiance, reflecting its strategic position between northern highlands and southern markets.

Economy and culture center on maritime commerce and related industries. Key sectors include fishing, salt production, shipbuilding, and warehousing for northern trade routes. Koldeid remains a pivotal transit point, with a busy harbor and specialized districts for guild activity and customs. Culturally, the Koldeid dialect and maritime folklore shape local life, and the Winter Festival is a recurring communal event.

Notable landmarks frequently cited in in-universe maps include the Ice Gate, the Port Citadel, and the Pearl Market. In fictional narratives, Koldeid is depicted as a place of intrigue and mercantile power, where guilds and rival houses vie for influence. The term Koldeid appears in maps, travelogues, and novels set in the Northern Realms.