Wala

Wala is the third-largest island in the Mekonggan Archipelago, situated just southeast of the largest island, Bara. It is ruled by the Wala Karajan, a Phaṇin kingdom that split from the Bara Karajan several centuries ago. Since then, it has adopted an isolationist stance, allowing only a handful of heavily vetted merchant vessels to dock at Pelabuhan Senyap - the sole port in the Wala Karajan open to outsiders.

The residents of Wala split from the Bara Karajan in response to the constant wars on Bara, which the Walani likened to a parasitic monster draining Wala of its finest people and resources. For the first century or so after the division, the Wala Karajan remained far more open than it is today, but an attempted reconquest by the Bara Karajan prompted the Walani to sever most external contact.

According to rumors circulated by the merchants permitted to trade at Pelabuhan Senyap, there may also be a religious dimension to their xenophobia. Apparently, the island's god has commanded the Walani to remain isolated, though the details of this directive are known only to the Walani themselves.

Notable Spirits

Little is known about the current configuration of Wala's gods. Before the Wala Karajan isolated itself, the island was said to be under the dominion of Walanagara, the great serpent of Wala, who was believed to sleep beneath the island's highest peak, Gunung Walanagara. The other spirits of the island were notably wary of Walanagara, insisting that it was vital not to disturb the great god of Wala lest they rouse its anger.

Today, the few Walani who interact with outsiders refuse to discuss anything related to the island's deities. When questioned, their demeanor turns cold, and they often cease speaking altogether - sometimes even abandoning ongoing trade negotiations. At least one persistently curious merchant reportedly had their license to trade with the island revoked, and few others are willing to risk the same fate.