The Skyfall Isles

The Skyfall Trilogy takes place on an archipelago divided among three dynasties: the Solars, the Lunars, and the Ignis.

The Skyfall Isles Map

Solars

The Solars are the worshippers of Surya, the Sun God. Their home island is Yawadvipa, but the Solar Empire has spread to cover much of the Skyfall Isles. The Solar Empire is ruled by the imperial family, which claims divine mandate from Surya, with the blessing of the Children of the Sun. The Emperor (Kakudmi) oversees a number of subject kings (regional lords) of the provinces. In addition, he appoints six Ministers to oversee the empire.

Read more about the Solars.

Lunars

The Lunars claim descent from the Moon God, Chandra. They hail from Swarnadvipa and also hold part of Puradvipa and a handful of small islands around their homeland. Lunar society is meritocratic. A semi flexible caste system places warriors at the top of society. Skill at Silat determines specific rank within the warrior caste; however, Moon Scions always outrank non-Scions. In addition, some Moon Scions serve as priests of the Moon God, Chandra. Even those serving as priests must learn Silat to maintain political power. During times of war, the Lunars elect a War King, to serve as supreme commander.

Read more about the Lunars.

Ignis

Ignis claim descent from the Fire God, Agni. They hail from Suladvipa, but are spread throughout the Solar Empire, where they live as second-class citizens. They could become Solars and thus full citizens, but refuse to give up their religion.

The Ignis believe the souls of the dead enter Kahyangan. On arrival in the Spirit Realm, the deceased must prove their status in life. Thus the living offer funerals in accordance with the social status of the deceased. The body is cared for until this ceremony is complete, then it is cremated. Until the ceremony is complete, the Ignis consider the deceased merely sick.

Ignis work at jobs of manual labor or as low-end merchants, for little pay. Many Solar cities, such as Kasusthali, also regulate the areas where they can live. They know the price they pay for their religion, but pay it willingly.

Solar religious doctrine forbids Solars from dining with Ignis and discourages any physical contact with them. Ignis have much more limited rights. They are forbidden to carry weapons, hold public office, or make public speeches.

In addition to not owning weapons, Ignis are forbidden to train in Silat. Some Ignis have organized a resistance and begun talks with the Lunars. However, they fear the Lunars would prove just as oppressive.

Timeline

The people of the Skyfall Isles measure years from the breaking of the Pact, making the first year, 1 AP (After Pact).

  • 1 AP

    The three dynasties have held the Astral Temple in trust of the gods from time immemorial. The Pact that holds them together breaks when the Lunars assassinate the Solar high priestess.

    The Solars and Lunars fall to war, with the Ignis caught in the middle. This begins the First War, a struggle that lasts nearly three decades.

  • 380 AP

    Beginning of the Second War:

    The Radiant Queen declares the Solars must reclaim the Astral Temple. They launch a surprise attack against the Lunars, capturing the temple and starting the Second War.

  • 591 AP

    From the Astral Temple the Solars learn to create the Sun Brand. Fearing the power it represents, the Emperor declares this power can be held only by a small force. The Arun Guard is born.

  • 600 AP

    Using knowledge gained from the Astral Temple, the Solars build the city of Kasusthali under the sea, off the coast of Yawadvipa.

  • 620 AP

    Beginning of the Third War:

    The Moon Scion Houses appoint one of their own War King. He vowes to retake the Astral Temple at any cost. His forces murder all Solars at the temple, but cannot hold it for long. This ignites a hundred and fifty years of skirmishes as both sides struggle and fail to hold the Astral Temple.

  • 1146 AP

    Malin is born.

  • 1169 AP

    Naresh is born.

    Malin abandons his home in Mait and sails to far Serendib. A freak storm off the coast destroys his ship, but Bendurana pulls Malin from the sea.

    After recovering from his injuries, Malin promises to aid Bendurana if the Serendibian is ever in need. He steals a ship and lands on the island of Puradvipa, in the Skyfall Isles.

  • 1170 AP

    Rahu transforms Malin into the first of the Macan Gadungan. He soon begins to create other weretigers to serve as bodyguards for all powerful Moon Scion houses.

  • 1171 AP

    Ratna is born, followed by Chandi a few months later.

    Rahu uses his influence after creating the Macan Gadungan to get the Lunars to name him War King. The Fourth War begins when Rahu shatters four hundred years of peace.

  • 1175 AP

    Young Chandi catches malaria and lies teetering on the edge of death for days.

  • 1181 AP

    The Battle of Bangdvipa. A brutal naval engagement off the shore of the small island of Bangdvipa. Many Solars and Lunars die during the battle.

    Chandi and Ratna's mothers both die.

  • 1186 AP

    The Radiant Queen, Mpu Gandring, is assassinated, leading the curate, Aji Bidara, to take up the mantle. Aji Bidara sends her son, Naresh, off to the Academy.

  • 1191 AP

    The Battle of Astral Shore. Death of Ken Arok. The Fourth War ends.

    Children of Sun and Moon begins.

Phases of Time

Skyfall natives measure the passing of the day in phases of non-equal length.

bangun
pre-dawn morning phase.
esuk
post-dawn morning phase.
teng’angi
mid-morning phase.
lingsir kulon
early afternoon phase, the time of the midday meal.
asar
late afternoon phase.
sore
evening phase.
sirap
night phase.
tengah wengi
midnight phase.
lingsir wengi
late night phase.