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[Lore] Fillyphines


RainbowFoxxy

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The Fillyphines - Islands of Plenty

 

The most populous and well-known island chain in the region, the Fillyphines are a cornerstone of Neighpon’s colonial empire. Although this archipelago lies at the far western end of Polyneighsia, that doesn’t stop the Neighponese Shogunate from garrisoning a significant portion of its armed forces here. Because the Home Islands of Neighpon rely so much on the Fillyphines to grow their food, the Shogunate places top priority on preventing anything from impeding Neighpon’s access to agricultural goods. However, the Fillyphines also benefit immensely by attracting tourism from all over the world.

 

Over a thousand years of history are contained in the many islands of the Fillyphines. In ancient times, kings and queens ruled over the main islands, their lands strong and prosperous. But then the nation of Neighpon ascended onto the world stage; desperate for resources after the Viking Caribou mercilessly devastated their Home Islands, the Neighponese turned their eyes to the Fillyphines and its rich bounty. When the Fillyphino ruler refused to enter exclusive export deals with Neighpon, the Shogunate responded by overthrowing the king and appointing a Neighponese governor in his place. Neighpon’s hegemony over the Fillyphines remains firmly in place to this day.

 

The Fillyphines consist of five primary islands along with many smaller isles, though those remain mostly uninhabited. The cultural flavor of each island is very similar to one another, blending native Fillyphino customs with those of Neighponese colonists. On the larger islands, enormous rice plantations act as Neighpon’s breadbasket, constantly irrigated by water gathered from the ocean. In uncultivated areas on many of the islands, relics from past millennia can still be found in the forms of ruins and ancient shrines, if one is inclined to go jungle exploring.

 

Ao, the largest island, is situated to the southwest. Its position close to Equestria makes Ao a trading hub between the mainland and the rest of Polyneighsia. Most of Ao’s western shore is covered with docks, ports, and shipyards. The large island gradually rises towards the center due to Ka-Kuchi, an active shield volcano which frequently emits steam and oozes lava. Eruptions are not particularly violent; lava flows generally head east, giving the slopes there a barren appearance. Volcanic quarries are commonplace on Ka-Kuchi’s slopes, devoted to the high-risk extraction of sulfur, obsidian, and pumice. Many ponies in fancy salons across the world enjoy mud masks made with Ao’s igneous material.

 

To the east of Ao rests the Twin Jewels of Kinsan and Ginsan; two crescent-shaped islands facing one another. The white-sand beaches bordering the partially enclosed lagoon give way to wondrous coral reefs, easily beheld while swimming or snorkeling in the clear, blue waters. While some locals work in the tourist-accommodating resorts, others work the banana, coconut, and pineapple plantations on the rimward sides.

 

North of Kinsan and Ginsan is the island of Green Sea, surrounded on many sides by jagged rock formations. More food, especially rice, is grown on Green Sea than anywhere else in the Fillypines, meaning that Neighponese presence is felt the strongest here. From the port city of Nihon, the Governor manages relations between native Fillyphinos and the Neighponese Shogunate. Aside from the significant military garrison, a small number of Neighponese families have taken root as well in Green Island’s towns.

 

Hanakotoba, to the northeast, is the smallest of the primary islands. This volcanic island is riddled with lava tubes and mined-out tunnels, where gems of all sorts are found in great abundance. In towns adjacent to the active mines, artisans specialize in cutting and shaping fine gems. Hanakotoba is also the host of the largest remainder of pre-colonial ruins; the entirety of the ancient Fillyphino capital of Hoshi Ishi sits covered in vines in the island’s rocky interior. Archeologists from all over the world make treks to Hoshi Ishi and nearby caves, hoping to find undiscovered relics.

 

There are many smaller islands that make up the Fillyphines, some as small as a hoofball field. These are mostly rocky crags thrusting out of the crystalline sea. Many tales circulate rumors of various creatures making their homes among these uncharted islands; from phoenix birds with blue and green feathers, to extremely small dragon-like beasts with lace like wings. Though many have searched for these creatures, none have been discovered... yet.

 

~Records of the Island Nations

Farwatcher Wingbeat
 

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