Liyu

Liyu (Corummese: 鲤鱼), officially the Liyu Special Autonomy Zone is a territory of the Republic of Corumm. Previously owned by Varshan which governed it as part of its Shauku Islands Province until its forces were expelled in 2021 by a joint Corummese-Alstinian invasion.

Early Oyashima settlement
Light Oyashiman settlement since roughly 200 BC

Varshan conquest
Conquest in the 1850's during Tezomoc expedition by Varshan, naval victory over Republic of Mutsutori makes continued hold of islands unfeasible

Government
Permanent military government due to high security challenges? Arzalist autonomy or different governing systems for different communities

Economy
The economy of the islands is relatively developed and varied as they possess significant natural resources that the Varshani state sough to develop. The Liyu islands have significant reserves of copper and thus strip mining of these is a major economic activity with an estimated production of four hundred thousand metric tons extracted in 2021. All of Liyu's copper mines are now under the control of the Ministry of Trade which is introducing the use of newer technology to increase copper production. Also present are large deposits of blue limestone and diorite which were highly valued by the Varshani for use in the construction of their monuments and temple complexes. So important were these materials to the mainland that most of the mines were nationalized and placed under the direct control of state run Arzalist foundations that directed the materials specifically to temples under construction in the mainland. Another important economic activity is the cultivation of aloe, which is used in Varshan's traditional medicine. Under Varshan rule, almost one third of the island's arable surface is dedicated to planting aloe fields. Tourism from mainland Varshan began to experience moderate growth and a few resorts catering to the upper castes were opened in the late 2000's. The partial restoration of the Blood Fane of Buruso saw a marked uptick in arzalist pilgrimages to the site so much that the Varshan Control Commission lodged at formal complaint with Corummese authorities, fearful of arzalist proselytism.

Demographics
The demographic makeup of the Liyu islands has changed considerable over the years. Originally lightly settled by peoples from Oyashima since around the year 200 CE, the islands never held more than a few thousands at their population peak. The disastrous aftermath of the Tezomoc Expedition for the Oyashima fleet led to an almost complete exodus from the islands, with Varshan bringing in thousands of its own laborers to work on the many mines on the islands. This demographic dominance by peoples of Varshan origin continues to the modern day, altough Corummese rule is resulting in the return of some Oyashimans along with new Corummese arrivals.

Transportation
Liyu is accessible by both air and sea based transport services. Liyu Regional Airport(LRA) is a state-run public airport situated in the main island, it has two runways with an asphalt surface measuring 1,524 x 46 m. For the 12 month period ending on March 13 2025,the airport had a total of 15,032 flights and an average of 18 daily flights.. A new runway and renovated passenger areas are planned for 2029. There is also the Liyu-Korell ferry which makes one round trip every week with a stop at Ankae in Metzetta

Ideas
Poop factory aka GUANO. You could make it a garbage collection island for Crona. Nature reserve is an easy one, but doesn't work great in conjunction with guano mining and garbage collection. service shipping between Corumm/Alshar and your colonies. Probably an important island for the navy You can right stuff about human migration through the islands from Alshar to Crona to Australis. Plastic surgery destination for interested Cronans You could have the Varshani history be about suppression of the native Alshari population while Varshan made irredentist claims about the islands being the gateway to Crona or something You can look to feudal Japan for other history ideas for before Varshan controlled the islands cuz yknow islands