Sumilong

History
Sumilong began as a small settlement, one that many feared would fail. Coastal settlements had little protection from the powerful storms that came across the sea. It is common for coastal settlements to relocate further inland and simply rebuild their homes when they return. However, the founders of Sumilong planned for this, intending to create a more permanent home for themselves. A majority were miners or stoneworkers and came prepared to carve their new home into the cliffside itself. They hoped that by building on the natural resilience of the landscape, they would ensure not just their community’s survival, but also its longevity.

Because of its position along the coast and as the settlement closest to Kaylahon, Sumilong acts as a trading hub between Puthawanan and Timanduk. Thankfully, due to its distance from the other settlements and its importance in inter-island trade, Sumilong does not often find itself in conflicts with the settlements of Puthawanan. The threats Sumilong faces are more often external, whether that be in the form of typhoons or raiders.

While the tradition of stoneworking continues, Sumilong now acts as a home and hub for warriors, sailors, and traders. When traders come to the port of Sumilong, they have no trouble finding guides and guardians willing to help them navigate safely to the other settlements of Puthawanan.

Important Figures
‘’’Datu Dimalig.’’’ Datu Dimalig is an older, human man, broad-shouldered and such an imposing figure that some say that he’s cut from the same stone as Sumilong itself. He grew up in Sumilong and he is said to be a descendant of the woman who laid the first stone for the settlement’s foundation. While many in his family continued the tradition of stoneworking, Dimalig instead took to life as a warrior. Prior to becoming Datu, he protected travelling parties and helped them navigate Puthawanan. This work has left Dimalig with many scars and countless stories to share. More importantly, this has given him the experience necessary to make difficult decisions and protect his community.

Though Dimalig is not especially concerned with his reputation, he is well-liked for his practical and humble attitude. Datu Dimalig never left Puthawanan himself and because of this, he takes great joy in meeting with traders and travelers.

‘’’Babaylan Alon.’’’ Alon has always been a restless drifter. A tiefling originally from the Ashen Fields of Timanduk, they have travelled from island to island, learning from the communities they visit and leaving whenever they felt it was time.

They first came to Sumilong to visit Lagip, their longtime friend and the community’s Babaylan. Alon had originally planned to travel further inland, wanting to see the mountains of Puthawanan for themselves. However, when Lagip fell ill, Alon decided to stay to provide support both to their friend and the community. Alon did not feel right turning their back on a grieving community when Lagip passed away. They decided to stay, feeling it was their duty to step up, provide guidance, and soothe the pain of loss. Some worried that once Alon felt the community was more settled, Alon would move on as they had originally planned. And while it is true that Alon is still restless—still feels the call to travel— they see little reason to move on from Sumilong.

Important Landmarks
The Windbreaker is one of the oldest buildings within the settlement and stands as a testament to Sumilong’s history. It is an imposing limestone structure, carved into the highest part of the coastal cliffs, visible from any point in the settlement. The Windbreaker serves as the home of the datu, allowing them to oversee their people, both literally and figuratively. Because it was built to survive the harshness of typhoons, the people have faith that should they ever need to take shelter in the WIndbreaker during an attack, its walls would never fall.

At the southernmost point of Sumilong is a small meeting house. While the structure has no formal name, it is recognizable because its doorway is lined with colorful shells that catch the light. When fishers or traders return from their time at sea, they stop at this meeting house. Here, they are greeted with food and drink, swapping stories from their travels and catching up on what news they may have missed.