Ophoné

A cluster of islands between Xohura, Erwā and Aeho'ai, Ophoni waters are the buisnest shipping lanes in the world. The islands are home to the world's largest and most powerful trade guild, the Three Seas Company of Merchants and Sailors, as well as the prestigious Transtep International.

Central islands

• Aous
• Becara
• Kovarstan
• Mar
• Saha
• Saouaz
• Tarachea

Southern islands

• Ajeia
• Awaia
• Gama
• Orajia

Ecosystem

The Ai̯ophoné islands are a patchwork of wetlands and tropical and temperate rainforests.

History

The genetic antecedent of ialya originated in the dense jungle of Awaia before migrating to what is now Orajia and establishing a foothold in north Ewura in the second age. From there, they migrated north to the larger islands and outward to Xohura. Due to the relatively close proximity of the islands in the Xohura-Ewura corridor, the Ai̯ophoné did not develop ships and navigational techniques for open-ocean sailing until contact with the Aeho'aiwae in 4.237. After this encounter, however, they capitalised on their new neighbours' abilities to establish far-reaching trade and set up rapid and efficient transport links between ports that had previously served costal routes.

Tourism

As a major trade hub, Ophoné is a densely-populated confluence of cultural exports. It hosts more theatres, museums, art galleries, and restaurants per city than any other region. The region's historic piracy has been aggressively commercialised, with tourists able to experience staged boardings in the secure waters of dyi̯ʋyːt ou̯pɑi̯ - the sea between Kovarstan, Saha, Tarachea, and Saouaz.
So highly promoted are these so-called 'jewel islands', that visitors would be forgiven for forgetting about the southern spur, where the incautious tourist may suffer a genuine encounter with a far less amiable pirate crew. The failed state of Ajeia has caused a significant increase in the dangers associated with travel and transportation in the south and the waters around the struggling nations Gama, Awaia, and Orajia is patrolled by a collaboration between the Ai̯ophoné navy and the Aeho'aian coastal guard.

Type

Continent

Inhabiting Species

• Ljudoy
• Yutaaq

Related Professions

• Swellsinger

Spoken languages

• Tshowi
• Wāu̯ian
• Utetun
• Timmemish
• ’işan
• Praşkian

Demonym

Single / plural

• Ai̯ophoni / Ai̯ophonoshd (Tshowi: F)
• Ai̯ophonikp / Ai̯ophonokh (Tshowi: M)
• Ai̯ophonel / Ai̯ophonald (Tshowi: N)
• Luophoné / Luophonés (Timmemish)
• Ophonib / Shophonib ('işan)