Naril (na.ril)

Naril is a small island in the Mekonggan Archipelago, located southeast of the large island of Bara, near Kambi. It is the territory of the Kedatuan Naril - a kingdom that has held the island for centuries. The people of Naril, who call themselves the Narinon, are dark-skinned humans of the Pulawan ethnicity, distantly related to the Pulawang Maitim of Kabkay.

Throughout its long history, the Kedatuan Naril has remained apart from the endless wars that consume its neighbors on Bara. The Narinon maintain strong defenses, for the Bara Karajan has attempted to conquer the island more than once, but beyond repelling invaders they do not seek war.

In recent years, however, the Tagápulo Empire's expansion has brought great unrest to the region - especially since the Empire purchased Kambi to use as a military base, placing large Imperial forces uncomfortably close to Naril's shores. Thus far, the Narinon have permitted Imperial envoys to visit, but they have resisted diplomatic efforts to draw the Kedatuan deeper into the Empire's sphere of influence. This resistance has not been without cost: the Empire has begun to exert trade pressure on Naril, and many of the island's traditional trading partners are now either subjects or allies of Tagápulo. Imperial envoys have hinted that these relationships may suffer should the Narinon continue to defy the Empire's will.

Notable Spirits

The patron god of Naril and the Kedatuan Naril is known as Barungha. He manifests as a strong man with dark skin and the head of a black-furred lion, bearing a spear and shield. Barungha is a god of protection - according to legend, his roar is powerful enough to strip the sails from a ship and cast men on its deck into the sea.

He is the leader of the island's many spirits, collectively known as the Barungaya. These include both nature and ancestor spirits, who are said to join the Narinon in defending the island in the event of an invasion. While not all of the Barungaya are as loyal or protective as Barungha, none would dare ignore his call to battle and risk incurring the wrath of their king.