The Xin Precinct is made up of the eight central star systems, along with a number of smaller outposts, all contained with a constricted pocket of stellar space that has only now become accessible once more, after a thousand years of isolation caused by the detonation of the Aldan Crucible during the first Khanate War. Contained by Dolorous Clouds that resulted from the detonation, which also decimated the Prydian Precinct, there is now a slim, open passage for navigation by Ancep Drive. Our knowledge of the Xin comes from archives that are from ancient times, and also a more recent partially successful expedition mounted in 4303IC by the Starvaulters, and of course, from the Great Trade Fleet dispatched to Prydia in 4327IC. Commanded by Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin, the hundreds of vessels that make up the fleet have visited a third of the systems in the Precinct thus far. Trading in exotic goods and rarities, as well as information and technology, they have made allies and some enemies.
While the hegemony maintains its own imperial army and fleet, officially under the command of Princess Xin Meiying, the grand admiral has his own military that is embarked upon his starships. Collectively known as the Sanbao, the gifts or protectors, we refer to them as Trade Fleet Soldiers for the most part. Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for the Sanbao in detail. These troops are very effective, and have aided our regiments in actions against the Khanate Empire. The Xin hegemony is centered on the three core planets in the central Xin Precinct system of Jinhong. From the lotus throne on the planet of Wei, the princess rules in troubled seclusion, while the planets of Zhao and Yan are in an uneasy alliance. We know of the rebel Prince Tang and his efforts to marry the princess, though these actions seem to be taking place in the holdings of all three planets of the Jinhong system outside of the core system. All three core planets have the other systems in the Xin Precinct split between them. Refer to other entries in AAT Series 77 for details.
The Council of Addans has deemed the Xin Trade Fleet has a nominal ally, though it is up to each Knight General and Marcher Baron to establish their own relations with the vast fleet as it passes through. As yet, Grand Admiral Hong Tu Quin has not responded to the ongoing campaign in the Carmarthen cluster.
– Academy Auto-Trainer Series 77, New Glastonbury, 4335IC.
A major release into the 15mm scale Ion Age range, with codes for the Xin Trade Fleet. Designed by Michal Janecek, the fine fellow who created the mighty Tohlic Armored Crawler, comes the Shangpin, a multiple-use vehicle in three types with two different modes of propulsion. See the Xin part of the range by clicking through for all the troops and specialist infantry, plus the Jade Ape Battlesuit. The Shangpin operates as a cargo carrier, as well as an armored personnel carrier and an armored fighting vehicle too. It is a medium vehicle comparable to the Prydian Mullo AFV and the Pugnus and Manus wheeled vehicles of the Shia Khan.
IAF173 – Shangpin APC
The Shangpin armored personnel carrier transports ten Sanbao mercantile troopers of the Xin, and is armed with a turreted main gun. This code comes in two different variants, these being either one-tracked or one-wheeled. Make your choice, and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen. A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey-tone resin, with a total of five pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections), including a choice of two different weapons. Once assembled, it is 80mm long, 50mm wide, and 25mm tall.
IAF174 – Shangpin AFV
The Shangpin armored fighting vehicle is used for fire support, and has a missile-pod armament. This code comes in two different variants, these being either one-tracked or one-wheeled. Make your choice, and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen. A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey-tone resin, with a total of three pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections). Once assembled, it is 80mm long, 50mm wide, and 25mm tall.
IAF175 – Shangpin Cargo Carrier
This type of Shangpin moves goods, and other materials which the Xin have sold in their business deals. This code comes in two different variants, these being either one-tracked or one-wheeled. Make your choice, and you may also choose three of the same vehicle and save 10% on screen. A 15mm scale kit made of high quality grey-tone resin, with a total of three pieces (plus six wheels or two track sections), including a cargo pod which may be attached or left loose. With this code, you may also select to purchase the cargo pod on its own as well. Once assembled, the vehicle is 80mm long, 50mm wide, and 25mm tall.
Each of these codes has many images on its page of the website, which you can scroll through and enlarge. The lettering and colors of the Shangpins are very much in keeping with the Xin and their ways. In addition, for those seeking a larger force, there are a couple of extra options with savings for these vehicles on the website. You can get one of each type of Shangpin wheeled (three kits) with a 15% saving and the same for tracked variants. Excellent!
But What of the Xin Themselves?
The Xin in Patrol Angis
We have an updated version of the free download article for making use of the Xin Trade Fleet in your games of Patrol Angis. Seven pages long and fits right into the main game book and Callsign Taranis as well. Get it from our online storage by clicking here.
Here are some scale shots for you of the Shangpin next to other Xin codes, as well as the Khanate main personnel carrier and a tracked Mullo medium vehicle.
