Balin

Balin is a community in southwestern Ethion known for harvesting a variety of spices, particularly Anise Seed.

History

Balin was founded in 1844 by Madav Jakob, who purchased a large plot of land in order to start a plantation to grow anise seed. A small town grew around him as he rented out land to farm workers and others. The Blight of 1887, however, destroyed the crop. Without money to pay rent, many of the workers left, and eventually Balin became a sort of ghost town. In 1900, the entire town was again purchased by a wealthy entrepreneur, Tamra Duffy, who transformed the old anise farms into fields of flax. Again, the town grew as weavers and spinners came to trade in linen. The flax was partially maintained by an array of magical plant workings, however, and The Rift of 1920 saw the second decimation of the area. Duffy's money dried up with the crop, and again the area became little more than a ghost town, with only those who could not afford to move remaining. As Pelan refugees arrived in 1930, the remaining residents were happy to sell their properties for what they could. With the available land, the Pelan community that moved there started to grow spices again.

The Town Today

Once again, Balin is famed for the production of spices, including anise, tumeric, saffron, and Dream Sweet. The people who live in the community agree that Pelan Hospitality has seen success where others have failed because the farming is shared in co-operative fashion, with all farmers sharing in the labor and expenses of the land and all reaping the benefits. Furthermore, the Pelan are careful to plant multiple crops, which they rotate, so if one should fail due to poor conditions, others may yet succeed. Some people also raise chickens and goats, which are sometimes sold to Thisaazhou traders or other locals, along with the eggs and milk they provide. Balin is known for being the foremost provider of spices for Snaptrap and Daughters, making both more successful.

Type

Village