Kabkay (kaˈbʔkaj)

Kabkay is a medium-sized island in the Kapuluan archipelago, and part of the Lalawigan ng Duhan, a province of the Tagápulo Empire. It is inhabited primarily by the Pulawan, who have lived there for as long as humans have dwelled in the Great Ring. They are sometimes called Pulawang Maitim by the Tagápulo—a phrase meaning "Dark Pulawan."

For most of their history, the people of Kabkay were independent of the nearby islands, organized into several small villages that traded (and occasionally warred) with each other, but rarely unified into larger political units. As the Tagápulo Empire grew to dominate the Kapuluan archipelago, it became the most important trade partner for the Kabkay villages, supplying goods the villagers could neither acquire nor produce themselves.

Eventually, the Empire chose to leverage this trade relationship to gain more control over the island. They invited several village chiefs to become favored trade partners - on the condition that they also accept citizenship in the Empire. A few agreed, becoming the only villages on the island with whom the Empire would conduct trade. The other villages soon found they could buy and sell with the Empire only through these intermediaries - and that the Empire provided protection for its allies against raids and wars.

Crucially, the Empire extended the offer of citizenship only rarely, allowing early adopters to grow wealthy and powerful before permitting their rivals to join. Over time, Imperial citizenship became a mark of status and prosperity on Kabkay. When the offer was extended again, most of the remaining village chiefs chose to accept it.

In this manner, the island of Kabkay became part of the Empire - without bloodshed or violence. Today, most people born on the island are Imperial citizens. Only a few isolated villages in the interior have never joined, and they are often looked down upon by their more integrated cousins. Citizenship is still seen as a mark of class, even though it is now widespread, and the people of Kabkay are considered some of the Emperor's most loyal subjects.

Notable Spirits

The people of Kapulan know of many spirits and gods who inhabit the island and make sure to honor them in their daily lives. Among the most important are the Nuno sa Punso - tiny spirits who dwell in the ground beneath anthills and termite mounds. These spirits rule over the soil and can either nurture the plants that grow there or cause them to wither.

The Nuno are easily offended. If someone insults or ignores them, they may retaliate by destroying the crops that person depends on. To show respect, the people of Kabkay often say "tabi‑tabi po" when passing a mound believed to house a Nuno sa Punso. This phrase means "Pardon me" in the local dialect. On certain days, small offerings of food and drink are also placed near these mounds to entice the Nuno to bless the land and bring a good harvest.