Kotabalon Current Status
Current Status
Kotabalon is currently fighting a brutal war of survival against Colony invaders launching from staging points primarily on Nasirakna but supported by Colony settlements on Puthawanan.
After the initial attack and ravaging of the southern city of Tungkulin, the many surviving residents of Kotabalon banded together under the leadership of Babaylan Aoanan who began staging raids against the invading forces leveraging guerilla tactics. Based out of the hidden settlement of Makusog, the Colony is both unaware of the location of this rebellion and unfamiliar with the harsh environment of the island. By leveraging hidden stores of obsidian to arm those willing to fight, the victorious rebels are poised to fully reclaim the island under their new banner of the Free Territory of Kotabalon.
The Colony is not defeated though. With significant resources pouring into the islands and their control of Puthawanan and Nasirakna, the Colony is able to stage violent raids against coastal Kotabalon, mostly focused on gaining a foothold in the Island's South. In addition, knowing that the military center of the Island has moved underground, Pirates take advantage of the power vacuum to make opportunistic coastal raids.
Background
Have you ever seen a ghost? In a way you have, if you have ever traveled to Kotabalon. In the white scales of the Umalagad Dragonborn, a race which derives its ghostly pallor from their trip to and return from the Underworld. Legend has it that the souls of the dead travel to the bottom of the sea to the great underwater mouth of the Black River: Lalangban. Here, the souls traveling the river are washed clean and brought to the underworld where they are reunited with the spirits of their ancestors and continue life in a forever world which mirrors that of mortals. Some find, for one reason or another, a need for their spirit to return. As they travel up the black river once again their spirit is wiped of the memories and they are reborn as Umalagad, or so the legend goes. It is not uncommon for a white scaled stranger to walk out of the ocean and join into Kotabalon society as if following instinct--nor is it questioned by those already living there.
The reasons for this are often debated. Many believe that Kotabalon is the site of a literal entrance to the underworld, hidden below the sea level but close by. Others cite the strange phenomenon surrounding the massive dormant volcano known as The Pit as potentially luring the Umalagad to the island from wherever they spawn. The jagged edge of the craterous mountain indicates a series of violent eruptions that likely formed much of the island, as evidenced by the stripes of obsidian inlays amongst volcanic rock. A mist clouds the bottom of the pit--those who have ventured in have not ventured out, and the Umalagad seem entirely uninterested in what lies below.
Faction Control
Kotabalon is currently controlled by the Free Territory of Kotabalon
Diplomacy
In addition to their military success, Babaylon Aoanan has sent emissaries to the other unoccupied islands to attempt to organize them into further militant resistance against the Colony.
This has been successful to some extent--helping to unite several other islands to form the Free Islands alliance. This alliance is preparing for armed conflict but cannot move immediately to help Kotabalon, which continues to suffer and repel frequent colony attacks.
Emissaries to Timanduk have not successfully swayed leadership to abandon neutrality at this time.
Emissaries to Occupied Puthawanan and Nasirakna have attempted to create partisan unrest on the island. This is proving difficult due to Colony repression, collaborator leadership in some areas, and lack of resources to provide to partisans. Additionally, as the religious order of The Holy Trinity continues to expand influence, locals are less likely to be supportive of these efforts.
Key Figures
Babaylan Aoanan - Survivor of a storm that once ravaged the northern waters, Babaylan Aoanan is known for her booming voice which rose above the sound of crashing waves. A strong dwarven woman, her strength as a medium is equal to her skill as a seafarer and climber of Makusog’s Bowing Cliffs. It was believed that her survival was an acknowledgement of her mettle from the spirit Aguahi, guardian of the entrance of the underworld, itself. Now head Babaylan, she often remains at the boulder beaches of her village, or at Diviner’s Rest. She prays for safety and watches the skies for shadows and the murmur of the incoming storms (Sina Una 140). She leads in communing with spirits that surround their settlements, calling upon them for safety. When the Colony made its initial invasion, it was her that held the people of the island together, working with Datu Calomay to ultimately reverse their fortunes and push the Colony off. She continues to be the head of the political wing the Free Territory of Kotabalon, positioning it as frontline guardians of all held sacred by the people of the Islands.
Datu Calomay - Datu Calomay is adored in Makusog: not because of the raw strength he possesses, but for the fairness he spreads within their community. Dangers lurk within the island, tempting many to look after themselves, but Datu Calomay reminds them that their strength lies in working together. Encapsulating the spirit of solidarity, he elects leaders in tasks to not only ensure the wealth and prosperity of his settlement, but also their safety. The strength of their network is clear in the success of Makusog’s survival and self-sustainability. He is a proud balat-kayo; one of superstition, and with unshakeable faith and duty to Mayari. When not conducting duties to his people, he is often found in the presence of the Babaylan of Makusog seeking their guidance. (140) His charisma makes him a great leader in battle; Datu Calomay led the great raid which drove the Colony off Kotabalon once again, making him a hero of the people and respected military leader of the Free Territory of Kotabalon
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