zarvosta

Zarvosta is a fictional city-state in the eastern maritime realm of Eldoria. It is a major port and regional capital, serving as a crossroads for inland caravans and coastal fleets. Geographically, Zarvosta sits on a natural harbor at the mouth of the Serin River, with a fortified waterfront district, a hilltop citadel, and a dense historic core.

Originating as a mercantile enclave in the ninth century, Zarvosta grew through trade and shipbuilding. It established autonomous municipal governance and remained a free city for centuries, shaping regional politics through commerce and diplomacy. The city developed a structured system of guilds and councils to manage trade, defense, and public works.

Today the city-state is governed by the Zarvostan Council, composed of leading guilds and noble houses. A ceremonial governor represents Zarvosta in external affairs, while the council handles trade, defense, and civil administration. The central administration coordinates port operations, law, and urbanoeconomic planning, maintaining a balance between merchant interests and municipal welfare.

Its economy centers on port facilities, shipyards, and river trade, with markets trading in spices, textiles, timber, and metals. A robust guild system supports apprenticeships, quality control, and export networks. The population is diverse, with Zarvostan families, inland migrants, and artisan communities living in mixed quarters. Cultural life features markets, the Lantern Night festival, harbor performances, and public debates at the Forum.

Notable landmarks include the Silver Arch, the Mistral Library, and the Freethinkers' Forum, which together symbolize Zarvosta's blend of commerce, knowledge, and civic discourse.