Espin

Espin, officially the Great City of Espin, is an island city-state located off the coast of East-Parthus. It was founded by pirates who took advantage of a weakened Elderkin naval presence during the time of the War of the Dawn. Once settled, the city-state began thriving through the trading of illicit materials and the raiding of merchant vessels.

Once the War of the Dawn concluded, Espin begin trading more freely with the wider world, becoming a land of opportunity to conduct all manner of business. In the modern day it has become a multi-kin nation, wielding considerable naval power despite its smaller size.

## Geography

### Interior

Espin has expanded much from its humble beginnings as a pirate settlement. As a city, it now encompasses most of its home island (simply called Espin Island in the modern day).

### Environment and Climate

Espin lies below the equator, experiencing a mostly tropical, humid climate. What land has not been overtaken by city streets is filled with palm and cycad trees. The waters surrounding the island have been somewhat polluted over the recent years due to industry and boat traffic, upsetting the local marine life.

## Culture

### Demographics

Espin is a predominately Lesserkin city, consisting of Humans, Orcs and a few Beastfolk. However, their has been an influx in recent years of Elf and Dwarf refugees due to conflicts bubbling across Tyrrell. These refugees are treated little better than slaves, though some have managed to take higher positions of power.

### Politics

Espin's government is split into two primary factions: the Federalists and the Espin Privateers. The Federalists consist of wealthy merchants and bureaucrats, with goals of modernizing Espin and making it more legitimate on a global stage. The Privateers are made up of the members and families of the original pirates that settled the city, who wish to stick to the old ways and remain more independent.

### Military

Much of Espin's strength comes from a formidable navy. Constructed to prepare for a looming Elderkin invasion, the Espinions were nearly destroyed only months after the end of the War of the Dawn. This near defeat incentivized the nation to invest in its naval might, producing some of the finest cruisers and battleships within the region.

## History

### Early History

The island of Espin, originally called Lilathus, was the home to generations of Beastfolk sheep herders and fishermen throughout most of the Second Age. Though under the rule of the Elderkin, it remained largely independent, having no strong Leylines worth the Elderkin's time. Its people would trade wool and fish to the Elderkin, receiving tools and trinkets in exchange.

### Founding

However, during the War of the Dawn, the local Elderkin navy which patrolled the Ruby Sea was demanded elsewhere. As the ships slowly vacated the territory, the door was left open for all manner of pirates and smugglers to raid and plunder the islands. One of these crews, the Espin Privateers, took a liking to Lilathus and created a permanent settlement on the island. They killed or enslaved the local Beastfolk population, using their strength to build their town.

As the War of the Dawn raged on, the Espin privateers begin raiding passing merchant vessels and added their wealth to the newly formed city. Its reputation only grew, drawing in more pirate crews, bringing more illicit trade in their wake. Drugs, spices and slaves soon flowed through Espin, and the influx of wealth only made its footprint wider.

## Trivia

* Originally created by Gust/ partially Spintool
* Art by Tayfun Kalafat.