Merkanós

Merranós, or as it is known in Tiel, the Northern Sea, is a cold, dark expanse dotted by harsh islands. The harsh currents, its enchanting purple waters, combined with the presence of ghost islands make this sea one that even seasoned sailors think twice about before agreeing to sail in there.
This cold ocean is by no means empty. Whales, sharks, and great crustaceans alike swim below the surface. Thunderbirds, devilfish, and shantaks can be seen flying above the waters, looking for prey.
Despite its many dangers, Merranós feeds many people both in Davsolu and in Tiel. Its waters are the home to many species of fishes which are eaten by people all across the north to sustain themselves.

Geography

No one can agree whether the key defining feature of Merkanós is the purple water or the amethyst spire which rises up from the seafloor all the way into the surface and beyond. However, most everyone agrees that the amethyst spire is the reason the waters of this ocean are purple.
Aside from the amethyst spire, the other constant feature above Merkanós waters are the 31 islands made of auxolith, the growing rock.

The endless sea

It is said that if you cross Merranós all the way north, you will end up in the water plane. It is unknown if this is the truth, but certainly, the ships that have tried to traverse the sea that way have never returned. Similarly, ships that have gotten lost further north than the northernmost island are considered lost to the water plane and irretrievable.

Ghost islands

Ghost islands carry polar bears across the ocean into new territories.
Ghost islands also bring doom to ships at night, which is why few sailors dare sail during the winter months when night prevails for most of the day.

Seasons

Winter in Merkanós is a dark time of the year, with daylight lasting 5 hours or less. Winter brings freezing temperatures, snow, and strengthened sea currents which can push the mightiest ship off course.
Summer can be equally jarring for some, when darkness may last as little as 5 hours. During summer, temperatures are bearable but still cold. The water is still quite chilly, however, and those that fall in the waters may risk hypothermia if they are not rescued and warmed up within a few hours.

Mind you, if you are planning on sailing to the Northern Islands, travel during the summer, when the sun is high in the sky for most of the time. You don't want one of them winter currents to take you away under the cover of darkness...

— A sailor priming their audience for some high sea tales

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