Coribus

Coribus is an island situated in the Odoneru Ocean, several hundred kilometers south of Kiravia. It is an overseas possession of Caphiria that serves as a penal colony.

The initial inhabitants of Coribus were believed to be predecessors to the North Songun civilization, with their arrival speculated to have been on Heaven Ships. Over time, these settlers established modest communities across the island. When Coscivian merchants discovered the island, they noted its limited fresh water sources, which made extended stays challenging outside the rainy season. Subsequently, the island caught the interest of the McDickus family, who utilized it as a pivotal stopover for ships and a vital resupply point. By 1850, the island transitioned from being a mere maritime hub to a private resort for the Fanerian royalty. Noteworthy during this period is the construction of a desalination plant in 1872, enhancing the water supply for permanent settlers and visitors alike. Following the Fhainnin Civil War, the island became the exclusive property of the monarchy, even serving as a temporary residence for the last King of the Fhainn, Antaine Lohr-Mártainn. However, in 1918, the island's ownership shifted as it was annexed by Caphiria.

After its annexation, Caphiria's immediate interest in Coribus was its strategic location amidst significant global players. The island's inherent isolation and scarce water supply made it suitable for establishing a penal colony. The initial phase of this colony revolved around basic agriculture to sustain the incarcerated population, with the pre-existing desalination plant playing a crucial role in meeting the water needs of both the inmates and the prison staff. In 1928, the discovery of rare earth metals ushered in a new era for the island. This revelation marked a shift from the island being purely strategic to being economically valuable. The abundant mineral deposits paved the way for labor-intensive mining operations. Many of the prisoners were integrated into these operations, leading to the establishment of labor camps across the island. This integration not only expanded the island's economic potential but also reshaped its societal structure. The raw materials mined and processed, all through prison labor, became sought-after commodities, elevating the island's importance in regional trade networks. Over the decades, the island's infrastructure has developed significantly. Modern housing complexes for the staff, state-of-the-art mining equipment, and expanded desalination facilities have been installed. To cater to the increased water demands of the burgeoning population and mining activities, further technological investments have been made in water conservation and recycling techniques.

Coribus has also grown in its geostrategic importance. The island's central location, coupled with its economic significance, has led Caphiria to establish a modest naval base on the island. This serves dual purposes: protecting the invaluable mineral resources and asserting maritime dominance in the region. Trade routes have been established, primarily connecting Coribus with the mainland of Caphiria and other nations in Crona. Today, Coribus has a population of approximately 275,000, the majority of whom are prisoners. A staff population of approximately 35,000 oversees prison and labor operations, ensuring the steady extraction and processing of the precious minerals. These employees come from a mix of Caphirian mainlanders and a few international hires with specialized expertise. The penal colony, while still active, has seen reforms over the years. In response to international scrutiny and human rights concerns, Caphiria has introduced vocational training programs for prisoners, allowing them to acquire skills that can be used upon release. Moreover, a portion of the revenue generated from the rare earth metal trade is reinvested into rehabilitation programs, emphasizing the nation's commitment to progressive penal practices.