Shambaa is a collection of islands in the Insula Sea where no one race rules. It has long been identified as a neutral nation where it does not participate or takes sides in foreign wars and is often the site of diplomatic negotiations when a neutral location is required. Thanks in part to this and its geographic location, Shambaa is a trading hub of the Southern Insula Sea. It’s shallow turquoise waters can make navigation for larger ships difficult and, in some places, impossible.
Governance
Selected by a group called the Policymakers, Shambaa runs a technocratic form of governing where specialists and experts are put into positions of power. These professionals utilize the knowledge in their fields – be they financial, industrial, etc – to make decisions in the public interest.
Climate
Shambaa is a mostly tropical climate with a hot-wet season and a warm-dry season. There is less than 10 degrees difference between the warmest and coolest days of the year. Tropical storms and hurricanes do occasionally impact and sweep across the nation.
Fauna
Shambaa boasts few in the way of predatory creatures, the most notable being large iguanas in the Pineyards region. There are a wide variety of colorful birds as well as crabs and sea turtles that populate the islands.
Shambaa is not without its share of mythical creatures, the two most notable being the Lusca and the Chickcharney. The Lusca is a giant half shark half octopus creature said to inhabit the blue holes of the islands. The Chickcharney is a furry, feathered land creature with the face of an owl standing on 3-foot long legs and said to bestow good luck.
Flora
There are many different types of trees and plants across Shambaa, but the most significant are the red, white, and black mangroves that grow in abundance here. These salt-tolerant plants help protect nearby areas from tsunamis and tropical storms as well as make for excellent fish factories.
Geology
All the islands are generally low and float with ridges that usually rise no more than 100 feet above sea level. The highest point is just over 200 feet on City Island called Resolution Peek. There are 5 important regions within the islands and water surrounding Shambaa: City Island, The Pineyards, Mangrove Keys, Paradise Coast, and the Abyss.
City Island
The entire landmass of City Island is essentially one dense and diverse settlement where the vast majority of the nation’s population resides. Trade and emissary vessels from across the Insula Sea fill its many harbors. The Policymakers dwell here at Resolution Peek and govern the nation.
The Pineyards
The tropical coniferous forest of the north is home to a variety of animals including iguanas, boas, bats, and a variety of birds. It boasts beautiful beaches, but remains relatively uninhabited beyond the coastline. The rumors of iguanas reaching enormous sizes here may be a factor in that.
Mangrove Keys
Red, white, and black mangroves populate the many islets dividing Paradise Coast from the Pineyards. The waters here are too shallow for ocean vessels to traverse, and even smaller boats can have difficulty during low tide. The labyrinth of flats, creeks and islands are home to various fish, birds, and sea turtles.
Paradise Coast
Paradise Coast’s beautiful golden sandy beaches and tropical broadleaf forests make it a relaxing destination for those who can afford it. Locals make a living fishing and cutting lumber. And many a ship captain has sailed here in search of one of the region’s many colorful, exotic birds as pets.
Scattered across Shambaa are geographic phenomenon known as blue holes: large marine caverns or sinkholes open to the surface. They are found all about the islands, but nowhere more so than within Paradise Coast and along its shorelines. They’re said to connect in an underwater cave system underneath the islands, but no one save the Seasia could know for certain.
The Abyss
The Abyss is a large ocean trench between City Island and the other landmasses that make up Shambaa. Its deep blue waters are a stark contrast to the turquoise of the surrounding banks. A large Seasia settlement lies within its depths. They permit ships to pass by but not loiter or fish, least they risk incurring their wrath. Some ships will dare to anchor there in order to seek an audience with the Seasia. Sometimes it’s successful, and the rest of the time those sailors are never seen again.