yhin

Yhin is a port city-state located on the eastern coast of the continent of Imera. It functions as a major maritime and commercial hub, with a network of canals and a deep-water harbor.

The city is built around a sheltered harbor, with two inland hills forming a natural fortress. Its stone architecture uses locally quarried limestone.

The name Yhin derives from the ancient Yhin tongue, meaning "harbor gate," though later records offer alternate interpretations.

Established by seafaring communities in the 9th century, Yhin developed into a merchant republic by the 12th century, joined the Coastal League in the 14th century, and maintained autonomy through regional conflicts. A series of reforms in the 18th century strengthened port governance.

The city is governed by a Council of Merchants with a duke as ceremonial head. The economy centers on shipbuilding, grain storage, and the spice-and-textile trade, with the harbor handling a majority of regional vessels.

Yhin hosts the Tide Festival, featuring water parades and lanterns on the harbor. Notable landmarks include the Council Tower, Moon Gate, and Shipwrights' Wharf. The population is diverse, with Yhinian as the common language and communities of artisans, sailors, and merchants.

In fictional settings, Yhin is depicted as a neutral trading power that maintains strong port security and impartial dispute resolution, attracting merchants from across the known world.