Hixon

The busy port of Hixon sits at the southern end of Messerforth County, on the north end of the Pelmoore Bay. A geographically important location for both land and sea based shipping, Hixon's growth over the past century has been rivaled only by Midweld and the Capital. Labourers and would-be-industrialists from across the empire have gravitated towards the town in search of work and fortune. Hixon sits as the final rail station between the Northern and Southern halves of the Empire, as well as an important entryway for goods moving eastward from the coast. In addition to that, it's distance from the Fade makes it an appealing destination for those in eastern frontier towns seeking a reprieve from the looming threat of Fadebeast incursions.

The draw to Hixon appeals to more than just those in search of employment and safety, as with it's industrial growth and economic prosperity, a significant criminal element has established itself in Hixon. Several gangs with many fingers in every pot, there is little that goes through Hixon without the say-so of one of these nefarious groups.

Important People

Clara Whitewood

The Imperial appointed governor of Messerforth County, Clara Whitewood maintains her reputation as an honest person, despite occasionally having to deal with Hixon's criminal element when necessary. She understands the delicate balance between Order and Chaos under which Hixon thrives - and her decisions regarding the growing city are always made in the best interest of its people. The rolling hills and lazy plains of the rest of Messerforth county rarely demand as much attention as the port city in which she lives, and she's generally well respected by most of the people living under her governance.

Harold Blackthorn

Captain Blackthorn, leader of the town guard, is a corrupt and power-hungry man. He abuses his authority for personal gain, exploiting his position for bribes and turning a blind eye to criminal activities. Despite his corrupt nature, he maintains a façade of legitimacy, making it challenging for the town's residents to expose his true nature.

Davin Hartley

Davin Hartley is the owner and manager of the famous Rusty Anchor, a popular tavern and inn located on the docks. A giant of a man, he keeps the peace in his bar almost by reputation alone. The anchor hoisted above the tavern's bar may appear decorative, unless you've seen him hurl it across a room to break up a fight.

Dr. Ella Reed

Dr. Reed is a dedicated marine researcher, deeply passionate about the study of life beneath the sea - particularly that which originates from the Breach within the Mournlands. She conducts extensive research, often traveling back and forth from Sutherfane to charter ships willing to travel into the dangerous waters of the Sutherfane Mournsea. The study of aquatic life coming forth from the breach is her primary focus, however the reason for why the Mournlands breach and the Aarden breach bring such different creatures to their world is a question that will never cease to gnaw at her.

Victor Vasiliev

The Sea Snakes, a gang that originated from a handful of Seftmirian expatriates frustrated with the constant discrimination they faced so far south from their homeland, is led by Victor "The Viper" Vasiliev. He's known to be a cunning and ruthless man, with a strategic mind. What he lacks in underworld connections this far from the mines of Seftmire, he makes up for in his intelligence and mastery of subterfuge.

Serena Blackthorn

The great-aunt of the town's Captain of the Guard, Serena Blackthorn has been the leader of the Death's Head gang in Hixon for nearly fifty years. As charismatic as she is experienced, she commands both fear and respect among her followers, as well as everyone else in Hixon. The Death's Head gang, named for the Death's Head Willow tree that serves as their emblem, is the largest and oldest criminal organization in the empire. With business dealings across the empire, their name is recognized by many, though most citizens of the Empire are unaware of the criminal nature of the organization, or the depths to which it reaches.