Saukhin Islands

The Saukhin Islands (Tierradorian: Isléqs Saukhíns), also known informally as the Saukhins and Tapkoii, are a Tierradorian region and archipelago in the Polynesian region in the Ocean of Cathay. At their closest point to the Australis mainland, they are 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) northeast of Stenza. They are the southernmost of the Administrative divisions of Tierrador, and have a population of 2 million people, making it the most populous of the Tierradorian overseas collectivities.

The Saukhin Islands consist of over 85 islands throughout its 11,000 square kilometer radius. The eight main islands, from largest to smallest area, include Ato’Ato, Auapka, Laui, Tapakata, Chuli, Kuapa, Turpin, and Vana Vana. Many smaller islands include Kopa Lopa, Pazani, Tapikota, Kapio, and Tahua’na. The main industry in the Saukhins is agriculture, with the dairy and livestock farming sectors in the Saukhins achieving remarkable prominence. These industries rank the Saukhins among the most important regions in the world. Vast stretches of fertile land provide ample grazing areas for livestock, and modern farming practices have been adopted to ensure high productivity. The Saukhin dairy industry, in particular, is celebrated for its production of top-quality milk and dairy products, contributing significantly to both domestic consumption and international trade. Apart from land-based agriculture, the Saukhins benefit immensely from their island location and the abundance of marine resources in the surrounding waters. The tropical climate supports a vast and diverse aquatic ecosystem, making the Saukhin fishing industry one of the largest on a global scale. Mineral extraction is also a very large industry, characterized by its vast copper mines and petroleum fields.

The Saukhin Islands are a very popular destination for international and domestic tourists alike. Its lush beaches, subtropical climate, and important natural destinations attract more than 16 million tourists nearly. Many natural and historic sites include Mount Ganja, the tallest point in Tierrador, the historic Fort of Oaroa, which was once thought to be indestructible until the Battle of Oaroa in 1832, and the small but significant island of Kopa Lopa, which features many seaside luxury resorts, and is a prominent destination for many celebrities and wealthy people alike.

The Saukhin Islands have been inhabited for nearly two thousand years. Its close proximity to the Truk Islands have fueled competition with the neighboring emirate for most of its history. However in the early 1600s, the Capture of Truk by the Daxian Empire put an end to these competitions and implemented the Tapkoii Kingdom as the sole independent nation in the Polynesian region. In May 1832, The Qabóri Woqalate launched a surprise attack on the island of Kuapa, which resulted in the Saukhin Conquest. The conquest only lasted for twenty-one days, and while the Saukhins fought hard against the Qabóri, they were simply outmatched. Following the Saukhin Conquest, the islands were admitted as the tenth region of the Qabóri Woqalate. The islands would serve as an important location throughout modern Tierradorian history, as the region fully expressed the Tierradorian control of many Polynesian trade routes, playing a factor in the economic boost that the nation experienced throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.

Of the region's 85 islands, only 15 are inhabited as of the 2030 census. The most populous island is Ato'Ato, which consists of 45% of the archipelago's population. The next four most populous islands are Kuapa, Auapka, Laui, and Chuli. Those five islands make up 92% of the region's population and serve as the economic center for the archipelago.

Etymology
The name Saukhin Islands is likely derived from the Qabóri word Sauqhí Insé, meaning "Society Islands". The origin of this name is unknown, however it is theorized that the use of the word "society" comes from Qabóri traders' surprise when they first discovered the islands in 1553, and seeing that the islands were already inhabited by Polynesian peoples, as they were led to believe that the islands were uninhabited. In 1995, archeologists discovered an old journal, presumably from the same year. One of the surviving entries detailed a Qabóri warrior's journey to the Saukhin Islands,a nd how his commanding officer jokingly referred to the islands as the "Society Islands" upon discovering them.

The alternate name Tapkoii is believed to be derived from the Tapkoii language, which is the official language of the islands, translating to "homeland".

First human settlement
Based on archaeological evidence, the earliest habitation of the Saukhin Islands appears to date between 100 and 200 CE. It is believed that the first wave originated from the Vallos subcontinent, primarily from modern-day Takatta Loa and Almadaria. The second wave occurred two hundred years earlier, from 400 CE to 600 CE, and consisted of settlers from Audonia and South Crona. The topic of settlement date is somewhat debated throughout the archeological community, as many also believe the first settlers of the islands to originate from the neighboring Truk islands, and while there has been evidence of native Truk peoples migrating to the Saukhins during that time period, it was not enough to connect the various large communities built within the islands. For the first few centuries of the archipelago's inhabitance, there was no sole governing body throughout the islands. Instead, the islands were dominated by smaller fishing communities, often with a population of about 150 for the largest communities. These communities would evolve into small chiefdoms, in which said chiefdoms would then grow to encompass entire islands. Local chiefs, who were called opili'i, ruled their settlements, often with the ultimate goal of serving their communities. They would launch small but significant wars to extend their influence and defend their communities from predatory rivals, often other Polynesian chiefdoms who sought to invade for the purpose of draining resources or power projection. Ancient Tapkoii was a caste-based society, with complex systems of hierarchies being the sole distributor of power throughout the chiefdoms. Population growth was facilitated by complex ecological and agricultural practices that combined upland agriculture, deep ocean fishing, gardening systems, and complex fish husbandry systems. These systems were upheld by spiritual and religious beliefs, mostly the island religion of Tuhauata, that linked the cultural continuity with the upkeep of natural health.

Tapkoii Kingdom
The Tapkoii Kingdom rose to power in 1675 when Chief Kauap'aua of Ato'Ato Island inherited the throne from his father, Chief Tapaliu'iu. Kauap'aua learned of the Capture of Truk, which happened seven days prior, and was the cause of uncertainty throughout the islands. In the mid-1600s, the islands were at a state of peace, but without cooperation, simply living in isolation unless a foreign power chose to attack, which rarely happened. The Daxian conquest of the neighboring Truk Emirate created a wave of fear throughout the archipelago. In response, Chief Kauap'aua called for all the island chiefs to meet in Oaroa, where he discussed uniting the islands into one kingdom. During the pivotal gathering, Kauap'aua addressed the assembly of chiefs, advocating for a collective response to the situation at hand. Initially met with skepticism and reluctance, Kauap'aua's proposal of a united archipelago faced resistance from island chiefs who were accustomed to the prosperity and autonomy of their independent, isolationist states. The archipelago had thrived in a state of relative self-sufficiency, each island enjoying its own governance and resources. However, as the looming specter of a Daxian invasion continued to cast an ominous shadow over the islands, the gravity of the situation became increasingly apparent to the various island chiefs. Faced with the stark reality of an external threat that transcended their individual sovereignties, a collective sentiment of urgency and solidarity began to permeate the discussions. The island chiefs eventually set aside their initial reservations and apprehensions, and in a unanimous decision, they reached a consensus to embrace Kauap'aua's vision, paving the way for the unification of the islands into a formidable entity known as the Tapkoii Kingdom.

The newly-formed kingdom struggled for most of its existence. The Qabóri Woqalate, who first came to the islands in the 1550s, offered to protect the small kingdom in exchange for the kingdom to allow the Woqalate to use the Port of Oaroa as a trading and military outpost. Constant transferring of ruling dynasties by the different islands caused a fluctuation of the kingdom's political system. The presence of Qabóri traders throughout the islands did not help that cause either, as they were mostly interested in using the islands as a means to continue any illicit narcotics trade that they could not do back on the mainland. On August 4, 1811, Joseph Kapuala, a native of Ato'Ato, assaulted Qabóri businessman Aphío Evíle in an Oaroa bar, and was then arrested for it. Kapuala claimed that Evíle intentionally spilled his drink to get a rise out of him, which ultimately succeeded. Following pressure from the Qabóri government, Kapuala was sentenced to 15 years in prison without a fair trial. This caused outrage throughout the islands, and many Tapkoii residents called for the expulsion of the Qabóri forces, as the fears of a Daxian invasion had all but dissipated.

Tierradorian Conquest
Main article: Saukhin Conquest

As similar incidents took place, the Kingdom's patience would eventually run out. On May 7, 1831, the king of Tapkoii, King Wapuhunea, signed a decree expelling and severing ties with the Qabóri Woqalate. This sent shockwaves throughout the Woqalate, as the Saukhin Islands were one of the most important and strategic locations for the Qabóri Navy. The newly-implemented Woqala Saqula I saw this as a challenge to her and Qabór's sovereignty, and promised the situation would be dealt with accordingly. Just one year later, the Saukhin Conquest would begin on May 31, 1832 and would last for twenty-one days. The vast advantage in manpower for Qabór allowed for a swift and easy annexation of the Kingdom. The once-thought invincible Fort of Oaroa was destroyed in nearly three days, and, on June 25, 1832, the Saukhin Islands were admitted as the tenth region of Qabór. Wapuhunea was forced to sign the Saukhin Charter into effect, and while he would remain in power as king of Tapkoii, most of his powers would be stripped in favor of a democratically-elected governor, essentially making the Kingdom a puppet state of Qabór. Today, the Monarch of Tapkoii is still an established position, however, similar to the monarchies of Bogocía and Porvaos, it is clearly a ceremonial position, having absolutely no executive power throughout their respective regions.

Geography
The Saukhin Islands are located about 1,500 kilometers to the northeast of Stenza. The islands form the Polynesia ecoregion with Truk, Rapa Rapa, Taiiyo, Acosta, and Mazhosa (last 3 are placeholders). The Saukhin Islands is the largest and most populated archipelago of the Polynesian region. The archipelago consists of ten large islands, along with almost 70 smaller islands. These islands are all volcanic in origin. Ato'Ato is the largest and most populous island in the archipelago, at 945,142 inhabitants, which covers almost half of the entire region's population. Laui is the second most populous island, at 556,983 inhabitants. Auapka, Chuli and Kuapa are only other islands to have a population greater than 100,000 inhabitants. The islands are very mountainous, with the volcano Mount Ganja being the largest point in Tierrador

Flora and fauna
The Saukhin Islands, much like their Polynesian neighbors, exhibit a geographical remoteness from larger contiguous habitats. Life on these islands is thought to have originated through complex interactions of environmental factors, namely wind, waves facilitated by ocean currents, and the conveyance of various organisms such as birds, insects, and seeds, potentially adhering to their plumage. These insular landmasses stand distinguished for hosting one of the most diverse ecosystems globally, encompassing a myriad of species belonging to the realms of fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Notable among the indigenous fauna of the Saukhin Islands are the Saukhin reef heron, an avian species gracefully populating coastal regions; the Ato'Ato swallow, distinguished for its aerial prowess; the Polynesian clam, an unassuming yet ecologically significant bivalve; the pygmy killer whale, an enigmatic marine mammal navigating the surrounding waters; the Kuapa shark, a species that assumes a prominent role in the marine ecosystem; and the Kapa Lopa chameleon, which is the largest species of chameleon in the world. These islands, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity, find their landscape primarily dominated by subtropical laurel forests. The verdant expanse of these forests blankets the islands, and provide a lush habitat for the diverse array of flora and fauna. Large majestic trees punctuate the landscape, with their canopies creating a dynamic interplay of light and shade on the forest floor. The olfactory ambiance is infused with the fragrant notes of blossoms intermingling with the earthy scents emanating from the rich vegetative cover, forming a sensory panorama that enriches the immersive experience of the islands.

Climate
The climate of the islands is among one of the more interesting situations in the island world, as despite the islands being in a warm subtropical climate, the trade winds greatly moderate the weather of the islands. Throughout the year, it is generally unusual to see a temperature higher than 86 degrees and lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. On average, summer highs usually reach 84 degrees, with lows at 75 degrees, though lower temperatures have been recorded before. In the winter, temperatures can reach 68 degrees, with lows of 41 degrees. The highest recorded temperature was 111 degrees Fahrenheit, on the island of Kopa Lopa on July 9, 1977, and the lowest recorded temperature was 11 degrees, on the peak of Mount Ganja on Christmas Day of 1991. The islands' unusual climate patterns have earned them the nickname "Chilly Islands".

Regional Government
The government of the Saukhin Islands is similar to the governments of the Bogocía and Porvaos regions–a regional government, complete with a Governor and a Regional Legislature, with the addition of a purely ceremonial monarchy. The current monarch of the Saukhin Islands is King Kapahuna, who has had the throne since 2008. As codified in the Saukhin Charter, there are three branches of government: the executive, legislative and judicial. The executive branch is led by the democratically-elected Governor of the Saukhin Islands, who is assisted by the Lieutenant Governor of the Saukhin Islands, both of whom are elected on the same ticket. The governor is the only regional public official who is elected region-wide by universal suffrage; all others are appointed by the governor. The lieutenant governor acts as the Home Officer for the region. The governor and lieutenant governor oversee twenty agencies and departments from their offices in the Regional Capitol. The official residence of the governor is Saukhin Place in Oaroa. The current governor is Ray Kaunas, who was first elected in 2024 and is currently serving his second term, having won the 2029 election by a landslide victory. Governors are limited to two terms. The legislative branch consists of the unicameral Saukhin Regional Legislature, which is composed of 51 members, led by the President of the Legislature. The Legislature meets at the Regional Capitol. The unified judicial branch of the Saukhin islands is the Saukhin Regional Court. The region's highest court is the Imperial Court of the Saukhin Islands, which uses the former Tapkoii seat of government Iapoialoa as its meeting place.

Imperial Government
The Saukhin Islands are represented in the Qangreč by five representatives. As of 2033, all five seats are held by the left-wing Partéq Pepal

Demographics
According to the 2030 Tierradorian census, the Saukhin Islands have a recorded population of 2,033,649. However, as of 2033, that number is estimated to have gone up to 2,221,550. The total land area of the archipelago is 10,992 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of 185 inhabitants per square kilometer. The islands are separated into two provinces, Ato'Ato in the south and Wapahunea in the north. These provinces are further divided into 14 parishes total (8 in Ato'Ato and 6 in Wapahunea), with Oaroa Parish being the most populous. There are seven cities in the Saukhin Islands with a population greater than 100,000; Oaroa, Qahawaia, Wapkii, Tolapata, Port Waikata, Kuapa, and Chuli. Oaroa is the most populous city on the archipelago, with a population of 445,233, making it the 30th-largest city in Tierrador, behind Wadičaq but ahead of Anders.

Around 35% of Saukhin residents claimed to be from another Tierradorian region or country. The majority of foreign-born residents immigrated from the neighboring Truk Islands, however many people emigrate to the islands from nations such as Alstin, Ceylonia, Stenza, Urcea, Almadaria and Takatta Loa. Many illegal migrants use the Saukhin Islands as an entry point to the Tierradorian Woqalate, due to the Saukhin immigration laws not being as strict as the mainland.

In terms of religion, the islands are primarily Catholic, however influence from the neighboring Truk Islands also create a large Muslim diaspora throughout the islands. In 2030, 68% of the islands' population self-reported as Catholic, with 16% reporting as Sunni Muslim and 8% as Shia. Five percent reported as irreligious, and the remaining three percent reported as "other".

Islands
Ordered from north to south, the main eight Saukhin Islands are Kuapa, Vana Vana, Turpin, Chuli, Auapka, Tapakata, Laui, and Ato'Ato. In addition, the western barrier of the archipelago to the south of Chuli features the smaller three islands of Pazani, Kapio, and Tahua'na, which make up the West Saukhin archipelago. To the south of Ato'Ato features the island of Tapikota, which has a population of about 9,000. Just below Tapakata is the well-known islet of Kopa Lopa, which, along with neighboring Urcean territory Rapa Rapa, is a prominent tourist destination, and is usually the highlight of the archipelago in the eyes of the international community. There are also several smaller islets and atolls throughout the open water area of the archipelago, however these are mostly unnamed, uninhabited, and have no significance besides marine biological research.

Kuapa
Kuapa is the northernmost island of the archipelago. It has a land area of about 500 square kilometers, making it the sixth largest island in the archipelago. It has a population of 140,000, with the bulk of that number being in the island's capital of Kuapa City. Kuapa is known for being the first island discovered by Qabóri settlers, as it is the island with the closest proximity to the Tierradorian mainland. It was also the first island captured in the Saukhin Conquest in 1832. The island features an abundance of the Kuapa shark.

Ato'Ato
Ato'Ato is the largest, most populous, and southernmost island in the region. The regional capital, Oaroa, is situated on the northern coast of the island, and is the most densely populated area in the archipelago. Ato'Ato is unique as it is the only island to be separated into multiple parishes, where is is separated into three; Oaroa Parish, West Ato'Ato Parish and East Ato'Ato Parish. Ato'Ato is the economic capital of the Saukhin Islands, with 75% of all economic activity occurring within the island. Two of the region's principle cities, Oaroa and Wapihuna, are situated on the north and south ends of the island, respectively. Oaroa is home to the University of the Saukhin Islands, the largest public university in the Saukhin Islands and the fourteenth-largest in Tierrador. Wapihuna is a World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the archipelago. It is the most extensive island in the region, taking up over half of the archipelago's land area, or about 5,985 square kilometers. Ato'Ato is a major producer of livestock and dairy, being the 11th-largest in the Tierradorian Woqalate.

Economy
The Saukhin economy is primarily based on three industries: tourism, agriculture, and mineral extraction. Out of those three industries, tourism is the largest within the region. The Saukhins receive around sixteen million tourists per year from different nations all over the world. This accounts for 35% of the Saukhins' GDP. Mineral extraction makes up nearly 20% of the GDP and tropical agriculture, primarily bananas and tobacco, are grown for export to Crona, Sarpedon and Levantia. In recent history, there has been concern from ecologists that the resources, especially in the more arid islands, are being overexploited. However, there is still an abundance of several important agricultural resources, such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, sugarcane, grapes, vines, dates, oranges, lemons, figs, wheat, barley, maize, apricots, peaches and almonds. From 2011 to 2026, the Heartland Development Board had implemented numerous policies to combat the over-harvesting of these resources when there was a growing threat of scarcity to the Saukhin agricultural industry. While the policies did little to nothing to help the situation, the overexploitation eventually resolved itself, as many local farmers cut back on the harvesting of their crops.

The tourism industry makes up a large percentage of the Saukhin economy. Many tourists destinations include the islet of Kopa Lopa, the Saukhin Lagoon, the Fort of Oaroa, Mount Ganja, and the various lush beaches and natural habitats. The islet and atoll of Kopa Lopa is well-renown for its captivating charm, which stands as a testament to the archipelago's cultural and historical richness. It is a prominent destination for many celebrities and influential figures, earning it the moniker "Celebrity Island". The Saukhin Lagoon is a picturesque expanse of water, and it further adds to the allure of the region, providing a serene retreat for visitors seeking tranquility amidst the splendor of the archipelago's natural beauty. Mount Ganja is the second-highest peak in the Tierradorian Woqalate. It stands out as a prominent geographical feature, and not only contributes to a scenic panorama but is also popular amongst hikers and adventurers with its hiking trails and panoramic views. The various lush beaches, coupled with the diverse natural habitats, underscore Saukhin's commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable tourism.

Mineral extraction is the third largest industry in the archipelago. The islands feature several pockets of copper and nickel, the abundance of these resources playing a significant role in the Saukhin Conquest. The islands are one of the largest copper exporters in the world, exporting $45 billion worth of the resource every year. Another significant resource is petroleum, which was recently discovered along the Saukhin Lagoon in 1984. The Tierradorian government allowed Topka Petró to construct petroleum drilling rigs, much to the protest of the Saukhin people. These rigs produce 105,000 barrels of oil per day, making it one of the largest exporters of petroleum domestically. In 2032, the region reported a GDP of $103 billion, the 15th-largest in Tierrador. The median household income was $86,429, the third-largest only behind Sonaxa and Taisgol.

Sports
Sports are very popular throughout the archipelago. The most popular sport in the Saukhins is Saukhin wrestling, which features two opponents standing in an octagonal-shaped ring, where they must attempt to throw each other to the ground and keep them there for at least ten seconds. Football is another popular sport throughout the region. Some football clubs include Oaroa FC, UD Vana Vana, SD Kuapa, and FC Laui. Oaroa FC is the most successful out of those four clubs, being the only club to participate in the Premiership, where they have done multiple times. They won the Qopa Terranóq in 2016, a 4–1 upset over the heavily-favored Qapitol. Ice hockey is another popular sport played on the islands, despite their climate not being ideal for the sport. The Saukhin Hockey League is a semi-professional hockey league, which consists of ten teams based on five different islands. The Oaroa Islanders and the Kuapa Tahuna both play in the Orixtal Hockey League's Eastern Conference, and have an intraregional rivalry, where they play for the Saukhin Cup. Both teams have met twice in the OHL playoffs; the first in the 2011 OHL Eastern Finals, where the Tahuna won in six games. They would go on to win the Orixtal Cup and the Watson Cup. The second meeting took place in the 2019 OHL first round, where the Islanders won in five games. Other popular sports include basketball, baseball, and gridiron football, though mostly on the college level.