One of the newest settlements in Varisia, the village of Abken was founded as a commune by peace-loving lower-class Korvosans in 4668 AR. The inner workings of the town are kept secret from outsiders, but it is known that Abken's citizens see each other as one large "family" and entrance into their fold is only permitted by a vote or through marriage. The town is seen an annoyance to the Korvosan government, as they only occasionally pay taxes, but when they do, they provide them in the form of foodstuffs and even some illicit drugs, such as cabble-weed and flayleaf.