Freda Island
Isla Freda Freda Island | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Languages | Pelaxian |
| Type | Provinces of Pelaxia |
| Area | |
• | 72 km2 (28 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2027 estimate | 2000 |
| GDP (PPP) | 2027 estimate |
• Total |  NSD 33,800,000 |
• Per capita | NSD 16,900 |
| HDI (2027) | 0.910 very high |
| Currency | Real |
Freda Island is a Pelaxian island in the Okatian Sea off Australis with a large and safe natural harbor. This island is the caldera of an active volcano, which seriously damaged local scientific stations in 1967 and 1969. The island previously held a whaling station; it is now a popular tourist destination with over 15,000 visitors per year with holding two scientific stations from Pelaxia and a small naval base. While various countries have asserted sovereignty, it is still administered as a Pelaxian dependency.
History
Discovery
Pre-colonial
Although most official accounts on Peratran pre-colonial history were destroyed during the era of Daxian occupation, it is known that Freda was inhabited by a collection of tribes before the colonisers arrived. These tribes were known to have one of either two main government types, a council of elders or a single chief with absolute power. Tribal territory usually did not extend beyond the tribe's settlement, though the settlement size could vary from a couple of huts around a plantation to something more reminiscent of a city.
Tribes were known to communicate and trade with each other, creating trade networks spanning various tribes where coastal products could reach inland, and vice versa. Tribal conflict was also commonplace in pre-historic Peratra, with tribes fighting not only for territorial dominance but also over way smaller affairs such as trade fees and other minor disputes. Martial strength was seen as a metric of respect in colonial Stenza, and fights within a tribe were not uncommon if one wanted to challenge the chief and take his or her spot.
Ancient tales, preserved through oral history during the colonial era and later preserved and studied, speak of two ancient societies existing between the 700's and 1100's. One was centred in the modern-day city of Falloopi, while the other was centred in modern-day Rakahanga. These societies are referred to collectively by modern histories as the Parent civilizations (malo matua). In both cases, historians believe both societies started as tribes that slowly but surely subjected neighbouring tribes into their sphere of influence to create larger societies where subject tribes answered to the dominant tribe. Eventually, these societies grew to explore across the mountain range splitting the country in half, and a brutal war erupted that led to the downfall of both these societies. Although few artefacts remain from this era, it is widely agreed that these societies were far more modern than the tribes that followed.
The small tool tradition peoples in Freda had small populations organized as hunting bands, their culture is deeply rooted in their connection to the land and sea, which they rely on for sustenance and survival. Hunting, fishing, and gathering were central to their way of life, and they developed sophisticated techniques for navigating the frozen landscape and hunting marine mammals such as seals and whales.
The Freda tribes were organized into small, tight-knit communities known as whanau, which are led by elders and chiefs who are respected for their wisdom and experience. These communities worked together to ensure the well-being of all members, sharing resources and supporting each other through the long Peratran winters.
Pelaxian discovery and settlement
Gabo de Pogiano's 1615 journey became an embassy after contact with the Daxians. After arriving in the port of Zong on the 10th of October, he had an audience with Digen Youdu, Viceroy of Ganshu; with whom he negotiated an agreement that allowed him to dock in Daxian ports and engage in trade, map out the surrounding seas. Pogiano in turn committed himself to on his return trip, guide a Qian squadron to the Kindreds Sea and the coast of Sarpedon. The ships that would join him on Zhijun were the Falun, the Gong and the Shen Yun; the first Daxian ships to ever make it to Sarpedon. Later contacts with Acirien representatives would lead to a similar agreement. The Qian would send goods such as slaves, bolts of silk, sugarcane, barrels of slozo, pink salt, ebony wood, cinnamon and other spices and in return would receive olives, oil, wine, cattle and fruits.
Gabo de Pogiano (1577 – c. 1640) was a Pelaxian explorer and navigator. A native of Rio Azul, it has been argued that he was an early explorer of Australis.
In March 1603, Pogiano was at the head of an expedition that weighed anchor from Albalitor. Under his control were three ships: the galleon Jesús María, of 600 tons and 30 cannons, Nuestra Señora de la Visitación and Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes. The expedition was entrusted by the King Jerónimo l, to suppress the incursions of Coscivian privateers in the seas to the south of Loa Chiefdom.
Historians conjecture that they penetrated to a latitude of (64° S) in the Okatian Sea, and made port in the Freda Island. If correct, this would be the farthest south that anyone had travelled, at that time. Subsequently, several merchant vessels reported being blown south of 60° S in severe weather.
On 1628 a group of merchants from the Caphirian Third Imperium were deputized to travel to the west and make contact with the Qian dynasty. The leader of the delegation was the banker Ottorio Adelistian Malessar who was personally cognizant of the amounts of profit that trade with Daxia was generating for some of his clients in Pelaxia. Given how late the Imperium was in joining the trade, Ottorio was given wide latitude to negotiate terms, especially if it could result in elbowing aside the other Sarpedonians. Arriving on Zhijun after several months of travel, the delegation embarked on vessels of the Grog Fleet and sailed for the mainland.
Official Qian accounts of the reception of the Caphirians are embellished by the highly florid language of the time but it is readily apparent the bargain struck was well received by both sides as Ottorio and his fellow delegates were given expensive gifts, a rarity. Caphirians traders were granted exclusive use of two thirds of the ship berthing in the port of Zong and they were given permission to establish a permanent office in the city to conduct business with Qian traders; this office would be known as the "Domus Orientalem" and would in time grow organically into a small neighborhood populated by Caphirian sailors, merchants and their families.
The outsourcing of colonial administration of the Australis territories to the South Seas Trading Company and the expansion of its commercial activities by establishing bases in Port Bondor, Rakin (later Rakahanga) and Ambo led to the establishment of a quasi commercial monopoly on the western end of the Southern Route. As the company's wealth increased, it would outfit a fleet of warships of its own, nominally under Imperial control but in practice operating to protect firstly its commercial interests. The Harmonious Flotilla Invincible began operating in 1758, when it fended off Bergendii corsairs off the coast of Freda Island.
Daxian Expansion
The impact of establishing the southern route was enormous in both economic and cultural terms for the Daxians. The first contact with 'westerners' (Burgoignesc around Audonia were believed to be a subject of people of the Audonian Muslim sultanates) and the confirmation that were further lands beyond the Polynesian sea was a great shock to the Qian court. The flow of trade goods greatly enrichened the Qian state, with the treasury benefiting from extra taxes and tariffs, including a tax on all precious metals, fees for providing naval protection to merchant ships, docking, warehouse use and clerical services. In addition, there were cultural and technological exchanges, with several Sarpedonian scholars taking up employment with the Daxian court. The first Christian preachers arrived by boat in 1623, with one of them eventually founding what would become the Church of the East. These new developments were not universally met with welcome arms, a great many instances of violently xenophobic events are noted in Daxian historical records such as the Pogrom of the Caphirians in 1758 and Loa peddlers being thrown into the sea (on false charges of selling human meat)
In time further contacts would expand beyond simple trade with merchants from the Carto-Pelaxian Commonwealth and the court received embassies from nations such as the Imperium of Caphiria, the bug kingdoms of Takatta Loa and the explorers from the seafaring nation of Kiravia. Trade contacts would be increasingly delegated to economic experts from the South Seas Trading Company which would come to enjoy a monopoly on the transport of goods of the route. On behalf of Daxia the company would engage in attempts at entrenchment and expansion in the Polynesian Sea region during the Daxian Polynesian Wars, noteworthy events include at least one failed attempt by a group of privately armed filibusters to take over the Tolu Manatu queendom during the Tolu Manatu incident, the Siege of Dun-Kurrengev and the building of an outpost further east in the Truk islands to expand further into the Kindreds Sea.
The colonization of Peratra by the Qian dynasty was the main contributing factor to its decision to start a conflict with other seafaring powers and to forestall their expansion into the western Cathay area. The series of conflicts and battles is known as the Daxian Polynesian Wars and it involved Daxia fighting at various times Kiravia, Burgundie and Caphiria. Supplies and men for the wars on Peratra continuously poured through Zhijun and the Fleet of the Eastern Tides had its main naval bases there. Zhijun was targeted in 1666 by a Kiravian fleet in retaliation for Zhu Bolin's Siege of Dun-Kurrengev, around a third of Port Bondor burned down as a result of enemy bombardment and parts of Tang were temporarily invaded by Kiravian land forces. This period of conflict resulted in the Qian dynasty pouring a great many resources into improving the defenses of the island by actions such as: building new walls for Yishi that completely encircled the old ring wall, increasing the imperial garrison to five thousand men, building a keep and watchtower in Tang and enlarging the docks of Bondor to accommodate larger warships. Many non-Daxians captured from enemy fleets or taken from raided towns wound up in the flesh markets of Zhijun, usually sold off at high prices as 'westerner barbarian' slaves, especially sought after if they were dwarves. Zhu Bolin's famous albino manservant, Mala Jong, was bought in such an instance.
Captain Generalcy
As the Qian dynasty poured resources into improving the defences of their territories, they sought to strengthen strategic locations to protect against potential threats from rival seafaring powers. Freda, situated in a strategic position in the southern Pelaxian archipelago, likely became a focal point for fortification efforts due to its proximity to key naval routes. Recognising the island's vulnerability to enemy incursions, the Carto-Pelaxian Commonwealth invested in fortifications to bolster its defences and secure its maritime borders and declared the island an imperial governation. The fortification of Freda may have involved the construction of defensive structures such as coastal forts, watchtowers, and defensive walls. Overall, the fortification of Freda during this period can be seen as a strategic response to the heightened tensions and security challenges posed by the Daxian Polynesian Wars, aimed at safeguarding Pelaxia's territorial integrity and maritime interests.
First Republic
During the First Republic era of Pelaxia, the remote Antarctic island of Freda served as a strategic outpost for the new government. Isolated yet significant, Freda was transformed into a symbol of the triumvirate’s commitment to expanding Pelaxia’s reach and influence.
The island’s harsh climate and challenging geography made it an unlikely candidate for traditional development, but it was rich in mineral resources, which were discovered shortly after the establishment of the First Republic. The triumvirate saw Freda’s potential as a source of wealth and as a demonstration of their ability to harness the nation’s natural assets for the common good.
Freda became a hub for scientific research, particularly in geology and meteorology, attracting scholars and experts from across Pelaxia and beyond. The island’s unique thermal lake within a caldera, heated by geothermal activity, was a subject of fascination and study. It was believed that understanding the lake’s properties could lead to advancements in energy production and environmental science.
Girojón Restoration
During the Girojón Restoration, Freda Island’s fate took a turn as the monarchy sought to reassert its authority over Pelaxia’s distant territories. The island’s remoteness, once a symbol of the First Republic’s reach, became a challenge for the restored monarchy, which was more focused on consolidating power in the mainland. The scientific community on Freda was largely disbanded, as the Girojón dynasty prioritized economic exploitation over research. The mineral resources that had been carefully managed under the First Republic were now extracted with little regard for environmental impact or sustainability.
The monarchy viewed Freda’s isolation as both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, the island’s distance from the mainland allowed the royal family to use Freda as a place to exile political disidents, away from the public.
Freda Island captured the imagination of several famous Pelaxian exiled artists and writers, who depicted its stark beauty and the drama of its history in their works. One such figure was Alarice Duvall, a renowned painter known for her sweeping landscapes. She created a series of oil paintings titled “The Moods of Freda,” which captured the island’s rugged terrain and the ethereal glow of its thermal lake under different light conditions. These paintings were celebrated for their ability to convey the isolation and raw beauty of Freda, and they became symbols of national pride.
Another prominent figure was the poet Laureano Viera, whose epic poem “The Ballad of Freda” chronicled the island’s history from its geological formation to its role in the First Republic and beyond. Viera’s verses highlighted the contrast between the island’s serene natural environment and the tumultuous human events that unfolded there. The poem became a staple in Pelaxian literature, taught in schools and recited at public events.
Lastly, novelist Emilia Serrano penned a historical fiction titled “Whispers from Freda,” which became a bestseller. The novel followed the lives of several characters living on Freda during the First Republic era, weaving a tale of love, science, and political intrigue. Serrano’s work brought attention to the island’s significance in Pelaxian culture and history, inspiring a renewed interest in preserving its legacy.
Second Pelaxian Republic and Whaling Boom
The Second Pelaxian Republic was established in the mid-19th century, following a period of political unrest and reform. It marked a new era of governance, focusing on democratic principles and economic expansion and transition to a modern industrial capitalist economy.
During this time, Freda experienced a significant whaling boom. Whalers from various nations flocked to the region, attracted by the abundant whale populations and the lucrative opportunities they presented. The island’s remoteness, combined with the abundance of marine life, attracted adventurous seafarers seeking fortune in whale oil and other valuable resources.
The whaling industry brought wealth and development to Freda, transforming it into a bustling hub of commerce and trade. This period saw the construction of new ports, expansion of shipping routes, and the rise of related industries. The Second Pelaxian Republic actively promoted whaling as an economic driver. To facilitate organized hunting, guilds were established on Freda. Skilled harpooners formed guilds, mastering the art of accurate strikes. They were essential for capturing whales efficiently. Blubber extractors specialized in processing whale carcasses at sea. Their expertise ensured maximum utilization of every part of the whale.
The Whaling Charter (1852) was the first legislation that outlined rights and responsibilities for whalers. It emphasized sustainable practices and conservation.
By the late 19th century, overexploitation led to a decline in whale populations. This prompted the Second Pelaxian Republic to implement regulations to sustain the industry and protect marine life, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts.
Restauración Nacional
During the “Restauración Nacional” period (1922-1956), the new political process Pelaxia would significantly impact Freda Island, aligning its policies with their conservative, nationalist, and authoritarian ideology.
The government would view Freda’s australis position as a representation of the self evident manifest of Pelaxia's capacity for expansion an a base for its irredentism. Freda’s economic activities would continue to decline as oil exploration was not favored by the government at this time.
During the Second Great War, Freda’s waters would be patrolled by naval vessels. Military personnel would monitor naval activities, ensuring compliance. During the Second Great War, Freda Island experienced significant growth in shipbuilding and repair facilities.
Freda Naval Arsenal (FNA) was a state-controlled shipyard on Freda Island. It operated under strict military oversight. The FNA specialized in constructing warships, including destroyers, frigates, and coastal patrol vessels. Its drydocks accommodated medium-sized vessels. Propaganda posters depicted FNA workers as guardians of Pelaxian sovereignty, reinforcing nationalistic fervor.
Government
The government of Freda Island operates as a self-governing overseas Pelaxian territory, characterised by a unique blend of local autonomy and overarching Pelaxian authority of the Ministry of the Interior. At the helm of Freda's government is the Captain General, appointed by the Pelaxian Federal Chancellor, who serves as the chief executive and representative of Pelaxia's interests on the island. Working in tandem with the Captain General is a local council, elected by the residents of Freda Island annually. This council serves as the legislative body, responsible for crafting and enacting local laws and regulations that govern the day-to-day affairs of the island community.
Defence
The Federal Republic of Pelaxia, recognizing the strategic importance of Freda Island due to its dispute with Stenza, has established a modest but effective defense structure on the island.
Advanced radar and satellite communication systems are installed on Mount Charco’s peak, providing comprehensive surveillance coverage and enabling swift communication with the mainland. A facility that houses a detail from the Pelaxian Coast Guard, responsible for patrolling the surrounding waters and ensuring the island’s maritime security. And while not permanently stationed at Freda Island, a segment of the Pelaxian naval fleet conducts regular amphibious operations in the region. A specialized unit from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias in search and rescue operations, environmental disaster response, and wildlife protection is stationed on the island to address any threats swiftly.
Bases
The Pogiano Station, commonly called Base Pogiano, is a permanent base and research outpost in Australis managed by the Pelaxian Antarctic Secretary (SAP). Pogiano was established in 1954, Pogiano is Pelaxia's only Antarctic station and the oldest continuously inhabited Antarctic station. The station was named in honour of the Pelaxian explorer Gabo de Pogiano.
Pogiano was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 2001 and listed on the National Heritage List on 22 June 2004, reflecting the post-Great War revival of Pelaxia's scientific research and territorial interests in Antarctica. The station is dedicated primarly to scientific research programs including an underground cosmic ray detector, various long-term meteorological aeronomy and geomagnetic studies, as well as ongoing conservation biology studies, in particular of nearby Auster rookery, a breeding ground for emperor penguins. It houses approximately 20 personnel over winter and up to 120 in summer. It is the only Antarctic station to use wind generators for over 70% of its power needs, saving over 600,000 litres (130,000 imp gal; 160,000 US gal) of diesel fuel per year. It is accessible by sea for only a short period each austral summer, between February and March.
Pogiano's infrastructure includes an ANARESAT satellite antenna Earth station for communication.
1972 Dispute
In 1972, a team consisting of personnel from the Pelaxian Hydrographic Service and Stenzan personnel working together determined the geographic coordinates for Freda Island. During negotiations between Pelaxia and Stenza on their maritime boundary in 1973, both states claimed Hans Island was part of their territory. No agreement was reached between the two governments on the issue. A claim that continues to this day.
Geography
Freda Island is situated in the Okatian Sea, near Australis. It is renowned for its large and secure natural harbor. The island is a caldera of an active volcano, with Mount Charco being its highest point, rising to 542 meters above sea level. The island spans an area of 72 km² and has approximate dimensions of 12 km in both length and width. The geological history of Freda Island is etched into its very foundations. Basalt columns line parts of the coast, remnants of ancient lava flows. Within the caldera lies a thermal lake, heated by geothermal activity below. This lake is not only a natural wonder but also a vital resource for the island’s inhabitants.
The thermal lake within the caldera of Freda Island, often shrouded in mist, is a mysterious and enchanting feature known as “Perol de Freda.” This serene body of water is heated by the geothermal activity that simmers beneath the island’s crust, creating a warm oasis in the heart of the cold volcanic landscape. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, Perol’s waters are said to be therapeutic, rich in minerals like silica and sulfur that are believed to have healing properties. The lake’s surface is often still, reflecting the sky and the surrounding peaks in its mirror-like expanse. Steam gently rises from the water, especially during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, adding to the lake’s mystical allure.
Local legends speak of ancient spirits that dwell within the depths of Perol, guarding its secrets and guiding the island’s fate. The lake is also home to unique aquatic flora and fauna, including thermal algae that thrive in its warm waters and provide a vibrant splash of color against the dark volcanic rock.
Regarding the caldera’s activity, it has remained dormant for several centuries. The last recorded eruption is a part of island folklore rather than recent history, contributing to the formation of the caldera and Perol de Freda. The island’s volcanic activity is now limited to the geothermal heat that warms the lake, with no recent eruptions reported.
Climate
Given Freda Island’s proximity to Australis, the climate is predominantly subpolar oceanic. The island experiences cool summers and relatively mild winters for its latitude due to the moderating effect of the surrounding ocean currents. The average summer temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F), while winter temperatures can dip just below freezing, particularly at higher elevations like Mount Charco.
The Australis convergence, a natural boundary where cold polar waters meet warmer waters from the north, affects Freda Island’s climate. This convergence leads to frequent fog and high humidity, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn. Snowfall is common in winter, blanketing the island in a layer of white, but it rarely accumulates heavily due to the maritime influence.
Despite its chilly weather patterns, Freda Island’s unique position also allows for occasional warm spells when northern currents are stronger. These brief periods can see temperatures rising significantly, creating a temporary but welcome respite from the usual cool climate.
Biodiversity
In the subpolar environment of Freda Island, several unique wildlife species have adapted to thrive in the cool, often harsh conditions. Among them are: The Freda Fur Seal: A species of seal with a thick, insulating fur coat that allows it to navigate the icy waters and rocky shores. They are a common sight on the island, often found basking on the beaches or hunting for fish in the nutrient-rich waters.
- The Snowy Shearwater: A seabird with a remarkable ability to glide over the ocean’s surface, even during strong Australis winds. Their white plumage provides camouflage against the snow-covered landscapes.
- The Australis Fox: A small, hardy mammal with a dense, silvery coat that provides both warmth and stealth. These foxes are solitary creatures, known for their cunning hunting skills in the snowy terrain.
- The Icecap Hare: With its white fur and large hind feet, the Icecap Hare is well-adapted to moving across snowy surfaces. They feed on the sparse vegetation that grows during the short summer months.
- The Caldera Carp: A freshwater fish that inhabits Perol’s thermal waters. Its scales have evolved to reflect the geothermal heat, allowing it to survive in both warm and cold water.
A significant portion of the island, including the caldera and surrounding habitats, has been designated as a nature reserve. This status restricts human activities and development, allowing wildlife to thrive without disturbance. The waters around Freda Island are part of a network of MPAs, which limit fishing and other extractive activities. These areas provide safe breeding grounds for the Freda Fur Seal and other marine species. Ongoing scientific research helps track the health of the island’s ecosystems. Monitoring programs for species like the Australis Fox and Icecap Hare provide data that inform conservation strategies.
Economy
Historic economic development in the 20th century was advanced by ship resupplying and fishing. Since the 1950s the island's economic activity increasingly focused on oil field exploration and tourism. All large settlements are now connected by road and, since 2008, a small train links Base Pogiano and Punta Fidel. The islands' major exports include fish and squid; its main imports include fuel, building materials and clothing.
Oil Industry
In December 1969, PETROPEL discovered oil about 217 km (135 mi) east of Freda Island.The original objective of the well had been to drill for gas to test the extension of the gas layers in Peratra. PETROPEL were astonished when the well-discovered oil. Pelaxia is said to be the largest producer of oil and the second largest producer of gas in Sarpedon. Today, oil and gas activity in Pelaxia mostly takes place offshore on offshore oil and gas platforms in the Kindred Sea.
Decline
Although Freda’s oil production has been declining since 1999, an estimated 920 million tonnes of recoverable crude oil remained in 2029. Over two and a half billion tonnes were recovered from the first PETROPEL crude coming ashore in 1975 and 2002, with most oil fields expected to remain economically viable until at least 2040. High oil prices have resulted in a resurgence of oil exploration, specifically in the Peratran basin in areas that were previously considered marginal and unprofitable.The Freda oil and gas industry contributed $15 billion to the Pelaxian economy (a little under 1% of GDP) in 2034 and is expected to decline in the coming years. The Pelaxian Government recognised that the Freda "basin is mature and oil and gas production will inevitably decline". The government is committed to the transfer of workers in Freda oil and gas fields to transition to other sectors of the industry relating to net zero energy and other adjacent energy sectors of PETROPEL.
Whaling
By the second half of the 19th century, the island caught the interest of Pelaxian whose ability to kill huge numbers of whales really ratcheted up as new whaling techniques and technologies coming out of - most notably the exploding harpoon cannon and ‘factory ships’ for processing whales at sea - paved the way for a dramatic expansion of the industry.
After decimating local blue whale and fin whale populations in the Southern Kindred, the whalers turned their attention to killing whales in other regions, including the Okatian Sean and the Antarctic.
Bahía Ballena is a small bay entered between Punta Fidel and Base Pogiano at the east side of the Island. The bay was so named by the Pelxaian Antarctic Expedition 1908–10 under Miguel Charro, because of its use at that time by whalers.
Demographics
The Freda Island population is homogeneous, mostly descended from Pelaxian immigrants who settled in the territory after 1830 with the whaling industry boom. The Freda-born population are also descended from Pelaxian, Coscivian and Peratran peoples. The 2036 census indicated that 33% of residents were born on the island, with foreign-born residents assimilated into local culture. The legal term for the right of residence is "belonging to the island". A significant population decline affected the archipelago in the 20th century, with many young islanders moving overseas in search of education, a modern lifestyle, and better job opportunities, particularly to mainland Pelaxia. In the 2032 census, a majority of residents listed their nationality as Pelaxian (59 per cent), followed by Fredan (29 per cent), Daxian (9.8 per cent), and Coscivian (5.4 per cent).