Kingdom of Lahat

The Kingdom of Lahat is a feudal monarchy, with the Mekongga dynasty ruling from their capital city of Ratubala. The Mekongga monarchs are absolute rulers, with power over all aspects of Lahat's society and economy. Below the monarchs, there is a complex hierarchy of noble houses, each with their own lands, resources, and armies. The nobles owe loyalty and service to the monarchs, in exchange for the privileges and power they receive. The military is also a crucial part of the Kingdom's organization, with the Mekongga army being one of the most powerful and well-equipped in the Million Islands. The army is organized into units based on location and function, with the highest ranks being held by members of the nobility.

The Mekongga rulers have established a culture that emphasizes discipline, loyalty, and obedience. They believe that there is a divine structure and order to all things, an order they call Kosalo. One tension within the Kingdom is that many Mekongga believe that the conquest of Lahat is a violation of Kosalo, albeit one they feel they had to commit, and they are still striving to re-establish the divine order without ceding their command of the island.

The Kingdom of Lahat possesses a wide range of assets, including fertile farmland, abundant mineral deposits, and a strategic location on the trade routes of the Million Islands. The Mekongga have used their wealth and resources to build impressive fortifications, palaces, and temples, showcasing their power and grandeur. The army is also a significant asset, with highly trained soldiers and state-of-the-art weaponry. The Kingdom's control over the pearl trade is another significant asset, bringing in vast amounts of wealth and prestige. However, the Mekongga's oppressive rule and ruthless tactics have made them many enemies, both within and outside of Lahat.

The history of the Kingdom of Lahat is marked by conflict, conquest, and oppression. The Mekongga arrived on the island around 150 years ago, embarking on a campaign of conquest that would establish their rule over the native Sama Dilaut. Despite fierce resistance, the Mekongga were eventually able to gain control of the island, and established the Kingdom of Lahat. Over time, the Mekongga became more entrenched in their rule, using brutal tactics to maintain their power. The Sama Dilaut were forced to abandon many of their traditional ways of life, and their culture and religion were suppressed. Tensions with the city of Kendari have simmered for generations, with occasional outbreaks of violence and unrest. Today, the Kingdom of Lahat remains a powerful and feared force in the Million Islands, but its rule is tenuous and its enemies numerous.

The population of the Kingdom of Lahat is primarily composed of two groups: the native Tau Dilaut and Tau Tanah peoples, and the immigrant population that has settled in the various cities and towns throughout the kingdom. The Sama Dilaut are a seafaring people who traditionally lived in stilt houses along the coast, and who still make their living through fishing and trading. The immigrant population is diverse. A large portion of the inland residents are Mekonggan nobles and commoners, while the coastal city of Kendari is made up of people from all over the islands.

The Kingdom of Lahat controls the entire island of Lahat, which is the largest island in the Million Islands archipelago. The island is rich in natural resources, including precious metals, gemstones, and exotic woods. The Kingdom has established a series of forts and strongholds throughout the island to maintain control over the population.

The Kingdom of Lahat has a well-trained and disciplined military force. The army is led by a council of high-ranking generals, who are appointed by the King. The Kingdom also maintains a navy, which is responsible for patrolling the surrounding seas and protecting Lahat's shores from foreign invaders.

The Kingdom of Lahat maintains cordial relations with most of its neighbors, but is wary of outside powers that may threaten its sovereignty. The Mekongga monarchs have established diplomatic ties with the various city-states and kingdoms throughout the Million Islands, and often exchange envoys and gifts as a sign of goodwill. However, the kingdom is always prepared to defend its interests, and maintains a strong military presence throughout its territory.

The laws of the Kingdom of Lahat are strict and strictly enforced. Common crimes include theft, smuggling, and sedition, all of which can carry harsh punishments. The kingdom also has strict laws governing magic, which is viewed with suspicion and mistrust by the ruling Mekongga dynasty. Magic users are closely monitored by the government, and those who are deemed a threat to the stability of the kingdom are often arrested or executed. Despite the strict laws, Lahat is still viewed as a land of opportunity by many, and immigrants continue to flock to its cities and ports in search of wealth and adventure.

The fertile farmland in the northern part of the island is the breadbasket of the Kingdom, producing a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, and sugarcane. The southern savannahs are used for grazing livestock, including cattle and goats. The Kingdom also has a thriving fishing industry, with fishermen working the coastal waters and the inland rivers and lakes. The Kingdom's industry is centered around the production of textiles, including silk, cotton, and wool, as well as the crafting of fine jewelry, pottery, and weapons.

Kendari, the bustling port city on the southern coast of Lahat, is the center of the pearl trade in the islands. The city's strategic location on the southern coast of Lahat, near some of the richest pearl beds in the world, has made it a major hub for the trade of this valuable commodity. Pearl diving is a major industry in Kendari, with divers venturing out to the pearl beds in small boats to search for these precious gems.

The Kingdom has established trade agreements with neighboring kingdoms and trading posts, and is a major exporter of precious metals, gemstones, textiles, and exotic woods. The Kingdom's primary mode of transport is by sea, with a well-developed system of ports and harbors that connect the island to the wider world.

Education in the Kingdom of Lahat is largely the responsibility of individual families and communities. Formal schools are rare, and only the children of the wealthy and noble families have access to private tutors or schools. The Tau Dilaut have a rich tradition of oral storytelling and passing on knowledge through generations, while the Mekongga value practical skills and hands-on experience. Despite the lack of formal education, the people of Lahat place a high value on knowledge and seek to learn all they can about their world.

Infrastructure in Lahat varies widely depending on the region. The port city of Kendari has a well-developed infrastructure, with bustling docks, warehouses, and markets. Roads and bridges are well-maintained, and the city is served by a network of canals that are used for transportation and irrigation. In other regions, however, infrastructure can be much less developed.