The kingdom known as Meripar in the first millennium was a true rival to the early Vauldan Empire, with a navy that dominated the northern Amethran Sea and a strong economy that kept it relevant even as the Empire grew and grew. The Meripari are no longer the master-shipbuilders that their forebears were, their expertise and the great shipyards of Goldport falling prey to centuries of war, raids, and Churnings, but they are still expert sailors and merchants, their trading ships bringing back wealth and knowledge from across the Continent.
The pride of the Province is the city of Goldport, a sprawling metropolis built above the mud and flowing waters where the Savo and Lesala rivers meet. Its markets bustle with goods and merchants from across the Continent, the sounds of every tongue spoken by mortals and the scent of hundreds of different spices blending in the air. (The seafood sold in the alleyways off the main markets is a local legend, and well worth a detour for any visitor). Overlooking the city is the Great Library, a massive edifice of blue lapis and white marble that contains the largest collection of knowledge outside of the Tholmic Vaults.
Goldcoast has developed a cultural rivalry with the Dalean city of Bellharbor, with the rich and powerful of both cities competing with one another to see who can be patrons of the best artists. It’s done wonders for Goldcoast’s arts scene, and over the past few decades the number and quality of statues and murals on public display has notably increased.