Nusa (ˈnu.sa)
"The Tirta Baya can take their threats to the bottom of the sea!"
Nusa is the largest of the Barutara Islands. It is the domain of the Karajan Rajalaut, one of the many polities that make up the Persatuan Phaṇin of Kanluranan. The island of Nusa is located in the northwestern part of Kanluranan, and has only minor conflicts with the forces of Rangdayan, a fact which has led to friction with the Karajans of the larger islands to the southeast. The Karajans of Barutara are seen as less committed to the war, and more concerned with personal gain. Karajan Rajalaut is considered emblematic of this attitude, and many southern leaders consider Nusa to be a hive of scum and villainy.
Once, the island was best known for having some of the most productive iron mines in the region, and shipments of iron from the city of Teluk Waja brought great wealth to the island. As the iron deposits petered out, the island looked for other ways to maintain their wealth, and took steps to be an attractive port of call for ships traversing the Southwestern Region. Nusa is known to be cavalier about where and how a ship acquired its cargo, and provides many opportunities for sailors to spend their money in the city.
When the Persatuan Phaṇin voted to become a protectorate of the Tagápulo Empire, the Karajans of Barutara voted in opposition, with Karajan Rajalaut being the loudest objector. Since then, the island of Nusa has become the focus of a separatist movement. This has drawn the ire of the southern members of the confederation, and the Tirta Baya has been drawn into the conflict. The Godslayers have revived long-dead rumors of Rangdayan cults on Nusa and the other outlying islands, and has sent agents to Nusa to seek out and exterminate anyone worshipping the dark goddess. These agents have not been welcomed, and are in fact hiding from the Sri's forces, as Layadahana has threatened to prosecute them for any crimes they commit in their territory (such as murdering those they claim to be cultists).
Notable Spirits
The god of Nusa is Arang, the iron-clawed. They are believed to be a god of secrets and the deep earth, who dwells in the old mines and caves beneate the island. Those who wish Arang's favor must descend into the darkness below with prayers and offerings. If the offerings are deemed worthy, the petitioner will emerge again with gifts from the goddess - gems, iron ore, and secrets whispered in the dark. Those whose offerings were not accepted will never see the light again, and their ultimate fate is unknown.
Geography
Nusa is a nearly circular island, about eight miles across. The center is dominated by Gunung Wali, a volcano that is almost three thousand feet at the peak. While Gunung Wali has not erupted in over a century, there was a major earthquake only thirty years ago.
Most of the island is covered in forest, with a few areas cleared for agriculture. Cashews, cocoa, and coffee are the main crops grown on Nusa.
Geographic Details
Location: Southwestern RegionLatitude: 22.7 degrees North
Longitude: 33.17 degrees West
Average Elevation: 247 ft
Highest Point: 2,847 ft
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 196.04 sq mi
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This article was originally written for Spooktober 2024. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
This article was originally written for Spooktober 2023. You can find all of my Spooktober Articles at Spooktober Central.
I am curious what happens to the people who don't please Arang. Sounds like a scary fate. I like the detail that the island doesn't ask too many questions about where cargo comes from. Could be a lot of plot hooks there.
Explore Etrea | March of 31 Tales
Yeah - they are all about the money, and less about establishing provenance. It's a great place to connect a pirate plot.