Nahxian ((Knock-zee-aun))
Nahxian is a mining town located within Zoi Mountain, a single mount in the larger Kos Mountains , bordered by the Munahi Desert and Baoshang Lake. Nahxian consists of intertwining tunnels starting from the base of Zoi mountain and spreading up to the peak, opening into a large open space at the upper third of the mount. At the base of the mountain is located a large notch that is carved into the shore of the lake at the edges of which are erected multiple walls to protect the ships that dock inside.
Nahxian is split between two different sectors. The Tangles, the mess of dark, poorly lit tunnels located at the base of the mountain, twisting and turning in a disorientating manner. The Tangles are home to the lower class of the city, which includes the miners, mushroom farmers, and those who run the fisheries. It is rumored that unmapped parts of the Tangles extend much deeper into the earth, where unsavory dealings are held. Above the Tangles are the Webs, where the restrictive tunnels open into the hollowed-out upper-half of the mount. Rope bridges and various suspended walkways criss-cross through the air, connecting the various residencies and businesses carved into the sides of the walls. Near the ceiling of the Webs are multiple panes of extremely thick glass that allow in scant rays of sunshine, while still being thick enough to prevent the entry of the raging sandstorms.
Naxian is the largest importer of food in the Mavanish Empire, the infernal sandstorms that regularly batter the Kos Mountains preventing the farming of any conventional crops. The city makes up for this loss in profit through its lucrative and expansive mining industries; plundering the nearby mountains for their many riches. Most of the mining force comes from the Tangles, where they have no choice but to suffer the harsh conditions of the mines and the occasional sandstorm on route to the mines. The Webs are where most of the shops, food stores, craftsmen, and merchant stalls are located.
The inhabitants of Nahxian are curious with their concealing dress and their face-obscuring masks. The adherence to wearing masks is strong amongst the population, sometimes even within homes the masks are not removed, even as the threats of the gangs have seemingly diminished. The masks are so ingrained in their culture that even upon leaving the city, the masks are worn religiously. Among the benefits of the Nahian style of dress is that it can easily be altered to obscure the long ears or the blue skin of the Elves. It is only assumed by the population that everyone around them is also a human.
History
Nahxian was founded in 240 M entirely by accident, as several ships of foolish explorers were stranded, huddling against the mountainside, as a sudden and abrupt sandstorm burned their ships to cinders and driftwood. Now trapped in the Kos Mountains, continually pinned there by the harsh sandstorms, they settled where they were. The explorers had enough sense to hire some mages before setting off, and they proved invaluable. The stone mage and water mage began to carve into the mountainside to create a shelter while the lone air mage retrieved water and fish from Baoshang lake; using gusts of wind to repel the searing sand. After a time, they had a working settlement, and in the process of creating their shelter, they had discovered the riches infused in the mountains. In 244 M, a similar band of explorers arrived at the burgeoning Nahxian. Some of the initial party left with the new explorers, but many stayed, realizing the potential fortunes that could be made in that hellhole. The potential of profit spread quickly across Elgis, and the encampment of Nahxian was quickly flooded with those seeking riches. By 250 M, multiple groups of miners had dug a series of intertwining tunnels that sometimes intersected, and began to treat it as a town.
Where money is to be found, fools flock. Where fools are to be found, those who extort and manipulate them can also be. Gangs began to war in the tunnels, vying for control of the lucrative gem trade. The sounds of weapons shearing flesh and the searing heat of flame spells filling narrow tunnels were common, the bodies left behind even more so. For a time it seemed that Nahxian would quite literally tear itself apart in the increasingly blatant and brutal conflicts. A unique solution was adopted by some families in the Webs: featureless masks that made identification of specific individuals difficult. Over the next few years, these masks spread throughout the city, and the long string of murders came to an end in 290 M. That is not to say that the killings stopped, quite the contrary, it simply meant that the gangs had to be smarter about who they killed and how.
Founding Date
240 Metah
Type
Large town
Inhabitant Demonym
Naxhians
Location under
Owning Organization
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