A medium-sized settlement, primarily populated by humans, Xin has the appearance of a fortified earth city of the Ottoman Empire era. The city is surrounded by a slightly sloping defensive stone wall with black powder cannon mounted atop its six towers. Roughly hexagonal in shape, the city is set back from a shallow water harbor, connected by a stone causeway.
Xin is a new city by Arvian standards, founded just over a century ago during the fall of the Melandrach Empire. Refugees of the conflict originally settled in this area at the site of the so called “old fishing village,” a location offering plentiful fishing in the protected shoals, fresh water from Willow Creek, and a good source of timber and game from the nearby forest. Regrettably, the nearby forest was also home to the Tionora harpy flock. After numerous attacks, the settlers fled the area to found what would become the modern city of Xin. Xin’s location was less favorable, having worse access to fresh water and wood. However, a supply of stone allowed for the construction of better defenses, and being further from the forest meant that harpies could be spotted from a greater distance, should they attack. As it turned out, the location was outside of the range of what the harpies considered their territory (not a well-marked region for sure, but over time the settlers were able to identify the approximate boundaries). Note: the ‘old fishing village’ survived following some last-ditch diplomacy and exists to this day as a tiny settlement, virtually cut-off from the outside world.
Despite a dearth of valuable resources in the immediate area, residents of Xin are able to produce much of what they need, while maintaining enough trade with nearby cities to supplement their needs. Local products include ceramics, glass, eel oil, and a wide variety of items made with ‘pekoberries,’ a rather sour berry with an excellent shelf life. Residents tend to be reluctant to embrace the level of technology found in cities like Arania, as the specialized parts and materials often needed to maintain complex devices in working condition may be unavailable for months at a time. Labor shortages can be an issue as well. The allure of wealth and adventure often lures younger residents away from Xin. Those that succeed settle in more prosperous cities, while those that don’t… well, the Arvian wilderness can be rather unforgiving.