Bassarid Penal Colony of Drag'os
| Bassarid Penal Colony of Drag'os Bassarid Drag'os | |||
| |||
| Location of Bassarid Drag'os | |||
| Capital | Zamma | ||
| Major cities | Duro | ||
| Demonym | Ralgonese | ||
| - Adjective | - | ||
| Area | 120,384 km² | ||
| - Ranked | |||
| Population | TBD (TBD PSSC) | ||
| - Ranked | |||
| Density | TBD/km² | ||
| Abbreviation | BY | ||
History
Originally established as part of the Ralgonese territory of Drag'os, the territories claimed by the Bassarid Penal Colony were annexed by the Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union in exchange for the Realm of Alphaville, a move which itself prompted outrage and enflamed anti-government sentiments across the Bassarids. Under Bassarid control, the territories were classified as a penal colony intended for all individuals convicted of crimes related to their connection to the monastic rebellions which had swept the nation in recent years.
The establishment of the Bassarid Penal Colony served two major purposes. On one hand, it provided an opportunity for the Bassarid government to effectively dispose of individuals and groups known to be opposed to the Empress. On the other, it provided an additional opportunity to maintain a level of stability in lands recently abandoned by Ralgon's ruling class, as those shipped here by the Bassarid government were forced to develop and maintain infrastructure capable of withstanding attacks from the island's native dragons and threats posed by rebellious, indigenous populations.
Although the former Ralgon rulers had left the military infrastructure intact at the capital of Zamma and in significant bases inland, much of the country was depopulated by events during the Ralgon Civil War. Despite the majority of the population departing the region in the wake of the larger conflicts and regional political collapse happening around them, about four million people were either unable or unwilling to leave the colony between the point the ruling classes fled the region and the Bassarid takeover on behalf of the USSO's strategic initiative to save the population from massacre at the hands of the wild elder dragons burning down the island near-unchecked. Even after the elder dragons and most of their spawn were removed from the area (thanks in great part to Adrestia and native sympathizers) the area was already lost to the Ralgons, who agreed to transfer the region permanently to Bassarid control.
In exchange for help from the Adrestians and the Bassarids, the Ralgon imperial government also gave away the territory of Duro to the north, in exchange for the Realm of Alphaville, a move lopsidedly in favor of the Adrestians -- as they were the only ones who could afford to pay (in cash, no less) the massive difference in financial value and potential between that strategically important area and the regions surrounding both Zamma (along with its attendant military installations) and Duro. Additionally, Adrestian help also secured for them the right to secure sovereign territory in their own name, and achieve independence in all but name from the Holy Ralgon Empire as a state in equal standing with the capital. In addition, The Hexarchy also secured its independence due to the military losses from mass defections to the Adrestian portions of the Imperial Navy.
In the end, the Adrestians and Ralgonese left the remaining territories of western Drag'os not reclaimed by The Green almost entirely to Bassarid designs and devices, with the sole hard condition being that control of Duro's airport remained in Ralgon hands, with another to be built for the use of civilians and merchants at a later date. Surprisingly, the common population within the city of Zamma and within the wider territory reacted with relative ambivalence to the Bassarid takeover of the region, with many opting to stay in the province and help rebuild in exchange for preferential treatment. The presence of a large, agreeable native population further helped the Bassarids re-stabilize the colony for use as a convenient place from which they could expand their interests in the continent of Cibola.
Geography
Climate and Topography
The Bassarid Penal Colony of Drag'os is located on the western end of the island of El Dorado, in Northern Cibola, more recently known under Ralgonese rule as the island of Drag'os. The territory, which is mostly covered by hilly, semi-tropical savanna, is bordered to the east by the Great Swamp, a vast wetland area which is home to a range of species of fierce dragon, and by giant insects irradiated by a series of nuclear blasts in the island's recent history. The Great Swamp and its fearsome inhabitants have played a significant role in the development of cultures on the island of Drag'os throughout modern history.
Transportation
The Bassarid Penal Colony's various settlements are connected by a network of well maintained roads constructed by the government of Ralgon, and by a network of sea-routes which connect the bulk of settlements to the city of Duro, and the island as a whole to the remainder of the Bassarid Trade Association. The roads and sea-rorutes connecting the Penal Colony's settlements are regarded as being unsafe for travelers, due to threats posed by the region's dangerous wildlife, and by the violent indigenous natives of the Great Swamp. Those traveling by sea are advised to take precautions to avoid encounters with pirates operating in the waters surrounding Bassarid territories in the region, such as those affiliated with the Fold of Red Duros.
Military Installations
The Bassarid Penal Colony is home to two significant military installations, both constructed during the era of Ralgonese rule on the island of Drag'os. The first of these, Fort Zennia, located to the south of the capital city, is the official headquarters of the New Zimian War League in Cibola. The second, Fort Minaria, located to the east, is the Cibolan headquarters of the New Zimian Temple Authority.
Protected Areas
Bassarid citizens are prohibited from traveling into the Great Swamp, which constitutes much of the region's eastern border. Exceptions may be made for bands of hunters associated with the Drag'os Cooperative and missionaries and merchants affiliated with the Duros Fleet.
