Amaniaris

Amaniaris is an overseas island possession of the Caphiria located west of Sarpedon, between the Taínean Sea and the Kindreds Sea. It is an archipelago consisting of small two islands and an atoll. Initially settled by ancient Taineans as a maritime trade hub, it experienced Latinization in the 4th and 5th centuries under Caphirian expansion into the west. The Isurians, a distinct ethnic group that emerged in the late 8th century, began to colonize islands in the Kindreds Sea to avoid Caphiria. The first people to migrate to Amaniaris, most likely from Albalitor, established fishing villages along the coast at first, and then spread into the interior. The first major establishment on the island was a fortified citadel on Kala, the larger island. During the 10th century, the Castrillón Estate used mass slave labor to dominate the pearling industry on Amaniaris. The pearl trade was extremely lucrative and their monopoly made the Castrillóns a wealthy and influential family. The Castrillóns consolidated power on Amaniaris and effectively ruled as their own quasi-independent city-state for over a century. During the 12th century, Caphira went through a civil war and the Isurians formed their own independent kingdom. Amaniaris however, still remained under the control of the Castrillóns, who had been given various aristocratic titles.

In 1180, Sebastián Pasillas, an Isurian member of the Castrillóns, embarked on an ambitious project to build a new capital of Amaniaris, called Castra Vorița. The construction was marked by both grandeur and controversy. Utilizing over a reported 50,000 slaves, Pasillas created an architectural marvel consisting of six villas, two palaces, a robust port, and a series of coastal fortresses. The city rapidly became a significant political and economic hub. However, this extensive use of slave labor, along with commandeering supplies from local populations, led to social unrest. Conflicts and resentment grew among the local communities, fueling tensions and causing several skirmishes and resentment. However, Castra Vorița became a key trade link between Vallos and the mainland, and in 1196 the port was declared an official port of Caphiria.

By the 16th century, the strategic location of Amaniaris along the Southern Route made it a bustling maritime hub, attracting traders from Daxia and all around the world. This era saw a cultural and economic renaissance on the island, as it became a melting pot of diverse cultures and a center for maritime innovation. Amaniaris became known for its exotic jewelry trade and it attracted artisans from around the world. During the late 18th century however, the collapse of the Third Imperium transformed Amaniaris into a refuge for pirates and mercenaries. The island harbored a secretive society known as the Order of the Crimson Sail, composed of approximately 16 pirates and mercenary leaders. This Order was led by the enigmatic figure known as Santimor. Santimor, whose identity is unknown, was rumored to have access to exclusive maps and documents showing hidden routes and treasures scattered across the Taínean and Kindreds Seas. He is believed to be a member of the Castrillóns, who became a patron of the pirates and began offering sanctuary in exchange for a share of their loot and information. During this time, Amaniaris's ports, while perilous, became melting pots of cultural exchange, with clandestine markets thriving on rare goods and information from around the world.

In 1808, amidst this chaos, Imperator Arturpiulerix III claimed Amaniaris as an official overseas possession, marking a significant shift in the island's status. This declaration was part of a broader strategy to reassert Caphirian control over key maritime locations and to curb the power of pirates and mercenaries. The Imperator's move was also rumored to be motivated by the discovery of titanium, which was of immense personal interest to him. This act of claiming Amaniaris not only restored order to the island but also reaffirmed Caphiria's dominance in the region.