arvailua

Arvailua is a fictional archipelago in the northern reaches of the Archara Ocean. The group includes twelve principal islands and numerous smaller islets, with a combined land area of roughly 2,400 square kilometers and a resident population estimated at around 130,000. The archipelago sits in a marine corridor characterized by coral reefs, mangroves, and volcanic highlands.

Arvailua's climate is tropical to subtropical, with a marked dry season and a monsoonal wet season. The terrain ranges from wind-swept cliffs and lava plateaus to lush lowland forests and extensive estuaries. Endemic species include several seabirds and reef-dwellers; protected areas cover about 18 percent of land and sea.

According to in-universe records, human settlement began in the early first millennium CE by navigators who traded with inland societies. From the 16th century, Arvailua saw periodic colonial influence from neighboring coastal realms before joining the United Islands Confederation in the 19th century. In the late 20th century it gained semi-autonomous status within the Federation of Celestria.

Today, Arvailua is a semi-autonomous territory within the Federation of Celestria. It has an elected Legislative Assembly and an Administrative Governor appointed by the federation. Local law blends civil code with customary practices in dispute resolution and land tenure.

The economy relies on fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and light manufacturing. Ports on Porto Valo and Northshore handle trade; a regional airport on Isla Lumin hosts international connections. Inter-island transport relies on ferries and small cargo vessels.

Languages include Arvailuan, the majority tongue, with minority communities speaking related Oceanic languages. The culture features music using carved shell instruments, festivals around harvests and sea fisheries, and cuisine emphasizing coconut, fish, and root crops.

Notable sites include the Blue Gorge cave system, Arvailua National Park, and the Coral Reserve Array off the eastern reefs.