Alabasta

Biodata

Geography

• A desert kingdom where more than seventy percent of the land is desert. Yellow sand, quicksand, and sandstorms are defining natural hazards. 33 35
• The Sandora River sustains settlements along its banks but fell to its lowest recorded level during the drought. 18
• Arubana is the royal capital and location of the royal palace. It continued receiving rain while much of the country suffered drought, fueling rumors against Cobra. 18 19
• Elma, on the southwestern coast and bordering the Sandora River, was once known as the “City of Oasis.” Its water supply nearly failed during the drought. 18
• Yuba Oasis suffered conditions severe enough to drive residents away. 18
• Cataleya was among the cities later restored by rainfall. 28

History

Seven-month drought

Alabasta endured seven months with little or no rainfall outside the capital, devastating crops, lowering the Sandora River, raising water prices, and displacing people from locations such as Yuba. Rumors spread that King Cobra was using improper means to keep rain over Arubana while abandoning the rest of the kingdom. 18 19

The drought was part of Baroque Works president Crocodile’s plan to seize the country. Dancing Powder was used to create rain in one area at the expense of surrounding regions; the planned discovery of a large stockpile in the capital would frame Cobra and incite rebellion. Crocodile also sought information concerning the ancient weapon Pluton, said to be connected to Alabasta. 20 33

Intervention of the “Rain Summoner”

A masked representative of the Twelve Zodiacs, the Dragon of the Hour of Chen, arrived in Alabasta bringing rain wherever he traveled. He disclosed the planned coup to Cobra and offered rainfall and assistance against the conspirators in exchange for payment. 19 20

Cobra negotiated the price down to five billion Belly per rainfall and set a thirty-billion-Belly bounty for eliminating the mastermind. To prove his intentions, the Dragon stayed at the palace as bait for Baroque Works. 21

The Dragon subsequently brought rain to Yuba, Cataleya, and Elma, stabilizing the country’s immediate crisis. Elma began recovering: its cracked land healed and merchants returned to the streets. 28 32

Baroque Works conflict

Baroque Works agents infiltrated the South Hall of the royal palace by impersonating Vivi. The Dragon defeated and captured the attackers, leaving the hall divided between frost-covered ruins and heat-scorched stone. The captured agents provided Cobra with evidence of the organization’s involvement. 30

Crocodile later confronted the Dragon near Elma. Their battle reshaped the surrounding desert through quicksand, sand curtains, ice, rain, waves, and magma. The Dragon killed Crocodile, ending the immediate threat to Alabasta. 35 36

World Government cover-up

Following Crocodile’s death, the World Government intervened. Cobra was presented with a choice between exposing Crocodile’s attempted usurpation or accepting an official account that blamed extreme weather for the drought and identified the Dragon as Baroque Works’ Mr. 0, who had killed Crocodile during an internal conflict. 38

Cobra accepted the version that protected the government’s standing in exchange for compensation intended to repair the damage suffered by Alabasta’s people. He framed the decision as prioritizing the living and the kingdom’s future over publicizing the truth. 38

Government and Defense

• King Nefertari Cobra personally met the Dragon of the Hour of Chen despite the risks, judging that Alabasta’s crisis required action rather than avoidance. 19
• Princess Vivi began involving herself in state affairs during the drought and repeatedly sought to learn the identity of the conspiracy’s leader. 19 28
• Igaram serves as captain of the Royal Guard and is fiercely protective of Cobra and Vivi. 19 30
• Bell is a royal guard capable of transforming into a falcon. 23 38
• Huka is Cobra’s personal bodyguard and one of Alabasta’s two known Devil Fruit users. 19 30
• Alabasta possesses Seastone restraints, which were used or requested for the captured Baroque Works agents. 30

Economy

• Alabasta is described as a major power with abundant land and resources, reportedly paying ten billion in annual Celestial Gold tribute. 12
• During the drought, water became scarce and increasingly expensive in Elma. 18
• Sand Shoots, desert plants dependent on groundwater and rainfall, are harvested and sold as a valuable local food product. 35
• The kingdom agreed to pay the Dragon of the Hour of Chen for rainfall and for resolving the Baroque Works conspiracy. 21

Notable Events