Alitaya (ʔa.liˈta.ja)
"Ah, to watch the star-flies glimmering over the water - so restful."
Alitaya is an island in the Kapuluan archipelago, located about sixty miles southeast of the large island of Pulo. It has been a part of the Tagápulo Empire for centuries, and some people claim it is the original home of the Tagápulo people before they came across the Salat Lunti. The current royal family has their roots on Alitaya, and maintain a lavish retreat there for when they wish to escape the hectic atmosphere of the capital.
The island's name translates as "shimmering land" in Pananalita, a reference to the star-flies which live there. These insects are bioluminescent, and seem to twinkle like stars that have descended to the ground. Once night falls, the star-flies emerge in a vast swarm, filling Alitaya with tiny sparkling lights. They are particularly attracted to the night-blooming Alitaya rose, which the Tagápulo plant in great numbers. Killing a star-fly is considered to be very bad luck, and the Empire will fine anyone proven to have done so.
Notable Spirits
The island of Alitaya has many cave systems, which are said to be home to the Anito of the island. Among these spirits are the Talag, the spirits of the deceased who have not yet moved on. Most of the Talag remain in order to counsel the living, and this is the case with the Imperial Talag - the spirits of the previous rulers of the Tagápulo Empire. Every year, the Emperor and his children descend into the great cavern of Payapangyugto, where the Imperial Talag gather to meet them, hear their questions, and offer advice. No one outside the direct line of succession accompanies them, and the details of the encounter are not shared. However, it is notable that even the notoriously carefree and self-indulgent Emperor Matatag treats these occasions with solemnity and respect.
Geography
Alitaya is a heart-shaped island, with a shape reminiscent of Pulo itself. The southern part of the island is higher and more mountainous than the north, and the highest point is Marilagbundok, near the island's southern tip. Several cave systems run beneath the surface, and are said to be the home of the island's many Anito. The northern portion of the island is more populous than the south, and has many plantations growing mostly rice and coconuts. The Imperial Retreat at Luntibaybay on the northern coast is directly across from the town of Matuwidhanap on Pulo. When a member of the royal family is present, it becomes the largest settlement on the island. Luntibaybay is famous for its massive gardens and incredible natural beauty.
Geographic Details
Location: Southwestern RegionLatitude: 13.96 degrees North
Longitude: 26.04 degrees West
Average Elevation: 125 ft
Highest Point: 3,796 ft (Marilagbundok)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 367.79 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 love the imagery of the star-flies and their light. Reminds me of my mom's village <3 One question about the Talag spirits: do they eventually move on? Is there any specific milestone that needs to be met in order for them to do so?
The Talag will move on when they think they have nothing more to offer the living, or they will fade when they are completely forgotten. So it’s very individual; some of them are always going to think they have more to say, and many of those are loud enough to not be forgotten easily.