Lampuato

Lampuato is the largest island in the Mekonggan Archipelago located in the southwestern region of the Great Ring. Once inhabited by the Mekongga people, it has since undergone an ecological collapse that forced them to migrate to the neighboring island of Lahat. Today, Lampuato serves as a strategically valuable naval base for the Kingdom of Lahat and a place of isolation for prisoners. However, the island's troubled past, angry native spirits, and ongoing cycle of violence make it a source of fear and contention in the region.
Approximately 150 years ago, the Mekongga people, who had long called Lampuato their home, departed en masse to conquer the larger island of Lahat. They established the Kingdom of Lahat, driven by the ecological collapse that had befallen their own island. The collapse was primarily caused by their own actions, leading to a deterioration of Lampuato's natural resources and environment. The ecological collapse on Lampuato resulted in the diminished presence of the island's native spirits. However, their lingering anger and resentment have fueled a cycle of violence. These restless spirits frequently lash out at the island's inhabitants, generating fear among the population. This fear, in turn, perpetuates the anger and violence of the spirits, creating an atmosphere of perpetual dread.
The environmental collapse on Lampuato can be traced back to the extensive deforestation carried out during the construction of monuments dedicated to the royal family. The excesses of the monarchy ultimately led to their downfall and violent removal, paving the way for the current ruling dynasty responsible for the invasion of Lahat. The ecological devastation left in the wake of their rule is a constant reminder of their ill-fated reign. Whispers persist about the last days of the old monarchy on Lampuato, alleging the practice of cannibalism. Some believe that the island's vengeful spirits attempt to compel the current inhabitants to re-enact this horrific past. Whether rooted in truth or borne from the fears of a traumatized population, these rumors further contribute to the island's atmosphere of darkness and horror.
Deep within the heart of Lampuato lies the largest of the prison communities on the island. Known as Desa Penjara, this secluded settlement exists in a precarious state of existence, teetering on the edge of subsistence. Far removed from the bustling naval base and the remnants of civilization, Desa Penjara is nestled amidst the rugged terrain and encroaching wilderness. Its inhabitants face a daily struggle to eke out a meager living from the land, navigating the harsh realities of an unforgiving environment. With limited arable soil and scarce resources, they rely on meager crops, hard-earned forage, and the barest of sustenance provided by their surroundings.
None of this has diminished Lampuato's strategic importance. Presently, it serves as a vital naval base for the Kingdom of Lahat, providing a stronghold for maritime operations and defense in the region. Lampuato is at the center of a larger conflict between the Kingdom of Lahat and the Tagápulo Empire, which rules the neighboring island of Pulo. Control of Lampuato would grant the Tagápulo Empire an exceptional launching point for an assault on Lahat. Consequently, the island becomes a strategic focal point in the ongoing war between the two powers.

Geography

Lampuato, situated in the southwestern region of the Great Ring, is a medium-sized island within a vast archipelago. It is relatively close to the larger island of Lahat, enhancing its strategic importance. Lampuato's terrain is characterized by rolling hills and occasional mountain ranges, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding azure seas.
One of the most prominent landmarks on Lampuato is Gunung Mulia, the highest point on the island, standing tall at an elevation of 6,407 feet. The majestic peak serves as a beacon for adventurers and a challenging climb for mountaineers, rewarding them with awe-inspiring vistas from its summit.
The coastline of Lampuato is adorned with picturesque beaches, secluded coves, and rugged cliffs that offer a striking contrast against the deep blue waters. Notable coastal landmarks include Pantai Naga, which means Dragon's Breath Beach, where fierce waves crash against the rocky shoreline, creating a spectacle of raw power. Another notable site is Teluk Bisik, translated as Whispering Cove, a serene enclave with calm waters and a hidden cave system where legends speak of the ghostly echoes of whispered voices.
Within Lampuato's once lush forests, the Grojok Sakti, known as the Enchanted Grove in Mekonggan, once stood as a mystical site shrouded in myth and legend. However, the last monarchy's reign saw the grove torn down, leaving only a haunting presence. The ghost of the grove still lingers in the location where it once stood, its ethereal essence serving as a reminder of the natural wonder lost to the passage of time.
The Great Lagoon, or Rano Moko, a vast inland body of water nestled amidst Lampuato's interior, serves as a tomb for the life it once harbored. Fish and other animals lie dead beneath the poison waters, unable even to rot. Ruins of fishing villages dot the lagoon's shores, but the lagoon itself is virtually lifeless.
Scattered across the island of Lampuato, remnants of a bygone era stand as haunting testaments to its troubled past. Half-destroyed and decaying, these monuments serve as somber reminders of the once-glorious reign of the deposed monarchy and the environmental collapse that followed. Weathered by time and neglect, these structures bear witness to the destructive forces that plagued the island. Moss-covered pillars, crumbling archways, and shattered statues evoke a sense of melancholy, reflecting the loss and decay that permeate Lampuato's history. Amidst the overgrown foliage and encroaching wilderness, the dilapidated monuments serve as eerie echoes of a forgotten era, whispering tales of past grandeur, demise, and the price paid for heedless ambition. Explorers and wanderers who encounter these forsaken relics cannot help but be reminded of the fragile nature of power and the ultimate toll it can exact upon a land.
As Lampuato continues to be a strategic naval base, its geography plays a vital role in shaping military strategies. Hidden bays and natural harbors provide secure berthing for ships, while towering cliffs and steep cliffsides act as natural defenses, making it challenging for potential invaders to penetrate the island's strategic positions.

Ecosystem

Despite the ecological collapse that befell Lampuato, remnants of its once-vibrant ecosystem still persist. The island is home to a variety of flora and fauna, although their numbers and diversity have significantly diminished. The surviving ecosystem struggles to regain its balance, battling against the adverse effects of deforestation and environmental degradation.

Ecosystem Cycles

Lampuato's ecosystem cycles have been disrupted by the actions of its former inhabitants, the Mekongga people. The collapse they caused has left a lasting impact on the island's delicate balance. The flora and fauna that remain are engaged in a slow process of adaptation and recovery, striving to restore harmony to the natural cycles of life and regeneration.

Localized Phenomena

Lampuato experiences unique and localized phenomena attributed to the island's troubled past and the lingering anger of its diminished native spirits. These phenomena manifest as inexplicable sounds, flickering lights, and sudden shifts in weather patterns. Some inhabitants believe that these occurrences are manifestations of the restless spirits seeking vengeance or warning the island's current occupants.

Climate

Lampuato enjoys a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. The island experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. The combination of ample sunlight and abundant precipitation contributes to the regrowth of vegetation, aiding in the island's ecosystem recovery efforts.

Fauna & Flora

Lampuato, despite the ecological collapse, still possesses unique and diverse flora and fauna. The surviving plant life includes towering banyan trees, vibrant orchids, and various species of ferns and mosses. Animal life on the island includes colorful birds, small mammals like monkeys and civets, and a variety of marine creatures along its shores, including tropical fish and crustaceans.

Natural Resources

Lampuato was once blessed with abundant natural resources, including timber, fertile soil for agriculture, and a rich marine ecosystem teeming with fish. However, the excessive exploitation of these resources by the Mekongga people during their reign led to the collapse of Lampuato's ecosystem. Today, the island's resources are severely depleted, and efforts are being made to restore and sustainably manage what remains.

History

Lampuato's history is marred by the ecological collapse and the exodus of the Mekongga people to conquer Lahat. The collapse was a result of rampant deforestation driven by the construction of grand monuments dedicated to the old royal family. Their reign was eventually overthrown, and a new dynasty emerged, leading the invasion of Lahat. Lampuato's tragic history haunts its present, with echoes of past horrors still reverberating throughout the island, fueling the cycle of violence and fear.

Type

Island

Location under

Mekonggan Archipelago

Included Locations

• Desa Penjara

Owner/Ruler

King Manggala

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Lahat

Contested By

• Tagápulo Empire

Related Myths

• Keterbagaan

Geographic Details

Location: Southwestern Region
Latitude: 23.77 degrees North
Longitude: 52.06 degrees West 
Average Elevation: 246 ft
Highest Point: 6,407 ft (Gunung Mulia)
Lowest Point: -5 ft
Area: 7,617 sq mi