Agusan

History
Founded long ago by islanders who descended from Himpapawiran in pursuit of Kamatayan, Agusan was built where the Iron Serpent first sank beneath the ocean waves. The port town supplies the mountain city with fish, foreign trade goods, and raided treasures in exchange for terrace crops and iron — one of the most valuable resources traded throughout the archipelago. Agusan is also known for producing some of the finest tuba in all of the islands, which is consumed liberally during social gatherings and ceremonial feasts.

The nearby Paikot-ikot River weaves through the Arimaonga Range, sustaining small pockets of wet farmland, but is mainly used for fishing and trade. Traps built from hardwood and bamboo are set against the current, catching fish as they swim downstream. Various baskets woven from bamboo and rattan strips securely carry everything from harvested rice to live chickens.

The settlement has always had a rocky relationship with the denizens of Kotabalon, as the archipelago’s northernmost island is the source of many attacks on Puthawanan ships. Retaliatory raids launched from Agusan have become a yearly event, and scouts stationed along the coast and in the harbor keep a watchful eye on approaching ships.

Despite this, Agusan keeps peaceful relationships with its Puthawanan neighbors. Since overland paths can be difficult to navigate without guidance, those seeking quick travel often rely on sea routes to reach the southern tip of the island.

Important Figures
Datu Macli’ing. Datu Macli’ing is a handsome elven man with thick, wavy hair that grows past his broad shoulders. Tattooed on his skin are the distinctive snakeskin tattoos that carry Kamatayan’s protective blessing. Originally from Himpapawiran, Macli’ing was once a warrior who came down to Agusan to help repel raiders from the northern seas. After taking the heads of many invaders, he caught the admiring eye of Datu Kasuyo, who took him as a husband. Their union began an unprecedented era of harmony between the people of the Mountain City and their lowland neighbors. After Kasuyo’s passing a few years ago, Macli’ing became his successor.

To prevent needless bloodshed, Datu Macli’ing maintains peace pacts among the different settlements of Puthawanan. Before, when a member of one village killed someone from another, vengeance meant taking the head of any person from the murderer’s village, resulting in an endless series of blood debts. Constant warring disrupted trade routes and his people were tired of taking up arms against their neighbors. But now, communities are accountable for the actions of their residents. When there are conflicts between individuals, the entire village is called upon to resolve them.

Babaylan Dalisay. A human woman with a dark, glowing complexion, Dalisay’s warm and exuberant nature is a surprise to those who know her sorrowful past. Her mother died in childbirth, along with her infant brother who could not be saved. But the community came together to care for her. Through this experience, she was able to observe and befriend nearly all of Agusan, who now feel like family.

Unusually perceptive for her age, Dalisay is the babaylan with whom Kamatayan most prefers to speak. She keeps an albino pet snake that’s grown fat on pests from the riverside fields, said to be a gift from the Iron Serpent herself.

Mambabatok Whagay. An older human with gnarled fingers, Whagay keeps a shock of white hair tied back with a head-cloth. The skilled mambabatok often allows his young grandchildren to observe him working, eager to learn his craft. He mixes charcoal and water to create ink, which is applied to a citrus thorn. With a bamboo hammer, Whagay patiently taps designs into the skin.

In Agusan, devotees of the Iron Snake seek special tattoos that act as wards against harm. These are given as part of a ritual during which the artist recites epics about the spirit throughout the process, imbuing the ink with her protective power. The more verses that are spoken, the more powerful the talisman becomes.

Important Landmarks
Paikot-ikot River. Flowing from the Himpapawiran to Agusan, the Paikot-ikot River helps facilitate trade between the two settlements. It carves a twisting path through the mountainside, widening into a muddy delta before emptying into the ocean. During the rainy season, flooded riverside fields are used to cultivate fast-growing rice, luya, and siling labuyo, while the Paikot-ikot itself yields fish, crabs, and snails year-round.

Spirit Path. This wide trail, originally created by Kamatayan, runs parallel to the Paikot-ikot River. Several smaller footpaths that branch off from the main road lead to spirit shrines and burial caves where the people of Agusan lay their deceased to rest.

Sailor’s Rest. Fishing boats are a constant, comforting presence in this harbor, sharing the waters with trade ships or warships according to the season. The port’s location makes it an ideal place to stop for supplies during long voyages, thus earning its name.

Fishermen, traders, and artisans can be found at seaside markets showing off fresh fish, spices, pottery, and other goods. Polished agate beads in yellow, red, black, and white are especially valuable here, as they are used to create heirloom jewelry that symbolizes a family’s wealth.