Vipa (ˈvipə)
Vipa is the second largest island in the Sabaen Archipelago, after the island of Saba. It is a part of the Malikate of Saba, and is subdived into the Aatma Muhafazah and the Kanakala Muhafazah. There is also a large tract of land that is not a part of either Muhafazah and is under the personal supervision of the Malika. This is called the Ard Al-Malika, and is reserved for use by the members of the Burj Alhikma.
Vipa is best known for the palatial residences and massive estates located there. The wealthiest people in the Malikate have built homes on Vipa where they can get away from the crush of Tarshish, and have spared no expense in creating lavish retreats for their enjoyment. The majority of the resident population of Vipa works within one of the wealthy houses there, and to "Like unto Vipa" is a phrase that means extreme opulence within the Malikate. The largest settlement on the island is the city of Nahala, on the the southern coast in the Kanakala Muhafazah. Nahala is near the narrowest part of the Fiban Strait, and is the main port for traffic passing between Vipa and Saba.
Notable Spirits
Under the Nagarajya, the Deva of Vipa was known as Azaga, and was the ruler of the skies over the Sabaen Archipelago. Azaga was believed to be present anywhere the wind blew over the archipelago, and served Vashirak as a sentry and guardian. However, Azaga betrayed Vashirak when the Malika of Saba invaded, and gave no warning of her approaching fleet. Some believe this is because the Malika had bound the god to her with his true name (as she later bound Vashirak himself into sleep with his), while others claim that Azaga simply sought to have more power than Vashirak and betrayed him in order to get it.
Either way, after the invasion the Naga reviled Azaga, and cursed his name. When the Malika chose to remove all the Naga Bamsam from the island, they required less persuasion than in other places. She resettled the island with loyal members of her army, and they adopted the Deva in their own worship. They named him Azu, and worship him as the lord of all weather and patron god of Vipa.
Geography
Vipa is located off the northeastern coast of Saba, separated from the larger island by the Fiban Strait. The island has many rolling hills and rainforests, and is considered one of the most beautiful island in the Sabaen Archipelago, The beaches are wide stretches of white sand, and the water offshore is a particularly striking shade of aquamarine.
In the interior of the island is found the Ghabat Alqurud, the Monkey Forest of Vipa. This forest is known to be a Wild Place, and even the Malika herself does not go there without a strong reason and steadfast defenses. The Ard Al-Malika borders the Ghabat Alqurud, and it is said that safely passing through the forest is one of the final tests to become a master in the Burj Alhikma.
Geographic Details
Location: Southeastern RegionLatitude: 7.57 degrees North
Longitude: 28.9 degrees East
Average Elevation: 95 ft
Highest Point: 1,600 ft
Lowest Point: -7 ft
Area: 2,074.98 sq mi
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