luvasta

Luvasta is a coastal city and regional capital in the fictional nation of Meridia, situated on the southern shore of the Lumen Sea. It functions as Meridia's principal port and economic center, with an estimated metropolitan population around 320,000. The city traces its origins to a 9th‑century harbor settlement founded by maritime guilds and expanded into a regional trading hub during the medieval period.

Etymology: The name Luvasta is attested in early Meridian chronicles as Luvas-ta and is thought to derive from a Meridian root meaning harbor or gathering place; modern usage standardizes it as Luvasta.

Geography and economy: The city sits on a natural harbor protected by a quay and a network of canals. It has a deep-water port, freight facilities, and a growing tech district. The economy combines shipping and logistics, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and services including finance and software development. Luvasta is connected by an electrified rail system and a light-rail tram network.

Culture and society: Luvasta hosts an annual Festival of Lights and a biennial maritime trade fair. The city houses two universities, several museums, and a renowned conservatory of music. Its architectural heritage includes the Old Quarter with red brick warehouses and the modern Lumen Bridge spanning the harbor.

Government and administration: Luvasta is governed by a mayor and a city council, with a district-based administration. As Meridia's administrative core, it maintains several autonomous zones for port operations and research institutions. The city participates in interregional planning and environmental initiatives.