Albassa

Albassa is a small, temperate island located around 1000 miles (two weeks sailing in good conditions) west of Cannis City, and one of the furthest land destinations known and visited by the peoples of Tanera.

Geography

The island is roughly 30 miles at its longest point.
About a third of the island is covered in lush forest, and the annual rainfall is high. Forest on the west coast is more sparse, due to prevailing sea winds. The Lunate Forest at the north of the island is sheltered by the Venniata Mountains.
Albassa is self-sustaining, growing its own food within small areas of farmland, though there is a small trade in luxuries (such as salt and certain woods and metals) which maintains connection to Tanera.

Population

The largest settlement on the island is Osteri, on the east coast, which encompasses the naturally sheltered Hala Bay. There are two other smaller settlements, Tolur to the west and Adris to the south, in addition to the small population residing in the Lunate Forest.
The majority population are Persanian (worshippers of Persana). with a much smaller Hiatean (worshippers of Hiatea) population centred around the Temple of the Moon in the Lunate Forest.
Both populations are multilingual, speaking a localised version of Taneran, with Persanians also speaking Aquan and the Hiateans Sylvan.

Architecture

Persanian architecture is primarily inspired by the native buildings, and much of it predates the Flood. There is a lot of light grey and yellowish stone, which has been quarried from the island. Persanian buildings rarely exceed two storeys, especially those in the coastal settlements (including the capital). They instead rely on the natural geography for height.
The Labyrinthine Palace in Osteri where the Lord and their family resides is two storeys and a basement level within the hillside. It contains living quarters for much extended family and nobility.
Natural land formations and plantlife feature heavily in the architecture, with many gardens and buildings being harmonious with the land.
Hiatean architecture is more humble than Persanian, due to the more limited space provided within the forests. It also uses similar grey and yellow stone, and arched structures. Most built residences are single storey, built within natural forest clearings, though the Temple of the Moon has a second domed level.
Hiatean culture places more emphasis on fresh water than Persanian (for which the sea is also very important), especially still lakes and ponds which reflect the moons. These still water sources are heavily incorporated into the architecture, and some of the highest points of buildings are fashioned into ponds for this reflective purpose.

Government

The head of the Albassan government in 830OE (since 820OE) is Lord Mersene of Mors, a 59 year-old female elf. The Albassan leadership for the past 600 years has been hereditary and she is from a line of elvish Lords with both native and immigrant blood.
Her wife is Perseth, a half-elf. She also has a human husband (lower in hierarchy to the wife), Nerium, to continue the family line. He takes care of their three children.

Temple of the Moon

The head priest of the temple is Abbess Meryta, a 200-year-old female firbolg. She helped raise Ishtar after she was given to the temple shortly after birth.

History

Prior to The Flood there were already worshippers of Persana living on the island, which is why it was chosen for the Aird refugees.
Albassa was protected by the rising waters by a temporary forcefield dome erected by Persana before his banishment.
In 829OE general hostilities broke into active combat following news that the Albassa Pearl had not reached the Temple of Persana on Tolsta as planned. The Albassan government forced the Hiateans to send their aasimar Ishtar Ishtar back to the Fallen Isles to set up negotiations with the Temple of Persana there, but she was murdered by Shen for her Sacrament Stone while staying on Kimber.
The Order of the Moon, who form an unofficial government of the Hiateans, had no confirmation of Ishtar's death until the arrival of The Folly three months later.
Her loss only increased tensions between the Hiateans and Persanians, further radicalising some of the Hiateans into active resistance against the Albassan government.

Ruler

Lord Mersene of Mors

Contested By

• Order of the Moon