A small oasis settlement about a day and a half northeast of Ashkelon, where springs emerge from the hills creating a lush green refuge. Ein Gedi sits along the route toward the interior hill country and the distant Salt Sea.
Ein Gedi is built around a series of natural springs that create year-round flowing water - a rarity in this region. Date palms, fig trees, and gardens surround the springs, making this a welcome rest stop for caravans heading inland. The settlement is small, perhaps three dozen families, but prosperous from charging for water and provisions.
Ein Gedi's people are welcoming to travelers - their livelihood depends on it - but they are alert to threats. Bandits occasionally raid from the hills, and the settlement maintains a small militia.