XiinXään

XiinXään is a fictional city-state used within a speculative-world setting for fantasy literature and tabletop role-playing games. It functions as a maritime trading hub and cultural crossroads in the archipelago region known as the Nyssan Sea.

Geography and setting: The city sits on a crescent bay on the western coastline of Nyssra, featuring basalt quays, tidal channels, and a hill district dominated by the Grand Archive. The climate is temperate with strong coastal winds, shaping daily life and trade routes.

History and governance: XiinXään traces its origins to seafaring Xiin clans around the 11th century and later joined a loose federation of city-states under the Pact of Lumer. Governance is by the Council of Ports, a deliberative body representing major districts and merchant guilds. The Warden, elected by council consensus, is the head of state, while the Harbor Master oversees ports and safety.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on shipbuilding, rope-making, salt production, and textiles. The Grand Market attracts traders from across the archipelago. Culturally, XiinXään is known for the Xiin Scrolls, a body of maritime knowledge, and for the Festival of Winds, a biennial pageant of sails and navigational feats.

Landmarks and infrastructure: Notable sites include the Grand Archive, the Dockyards of Karth, and the Tidewater Canal, which connects inner harbors to offshore basins. Coastal defenses deter piracy and support safe trade.

In literature and media: XiinXään appears in several novels and tabletop campaigns within the same fictional universe, serving as a staging ground for political intrigue and sea-based adventure.