Icebay Gulf

Spanning far into the distance when viewed from the shore, the gulf has always been used as a stopover for vessels when bad weather comes to the northern ocean. Several wrecks of ships can be seen in the gulf, still floating on the water with rust-pitted chains and anchors, worm riddled planks hung with ice and snow. Though impassable without a boat, during winter the gulf ices over, allowing for travel across the ice and snow. Many travellers risk the wrath of the Trolls who inhabit Troll Tolls, The to circumvent their charge for using the bridges, while others use the ice to reach the floating wrecks, long stripped of valuable materials.

Geography

A deep gulf carving through the eastern area of Aesmaril, the seabed drops away almost immediately from the shores into a blue-black reach of sand and seaweed. Though the weed can be gathered as a food source, many have stopped trying after divers became entangled and drowned; those who could breathe underwater instead died at the claws and teeth of Trolls.
The Cataclysm almost turned the Gulf into a full ocean connection as portions of the land bridge to its south collapsed away, though a winding length of land survived. To the northern opening, where the gulf meets the ocean, the shores are crowded through with trees from the Icebranch Woods and The Faithwild.

Fauna & Flora

With various weeds growing in the water, many fish can be found living in the gulf. Shellfish and molluscs like crabs and oysters can be found in, on or near the anchored derelicts, the primary reason for winter travel to the ships. Unfortunately, there are larger and more dangerous beasts living in the area. Trolls have been regularly seen in the surrounding land and water; Water Trolls are quick to make short work of any who enter the water or become entangled in the weeds, while Snow Trolls stalk through the frozen lands in search of prey.

Natural Resources

The weeds and fish are a plentiful source of food, though the dangers are too great for what can be gathered from these resources. Every now and again someone might try to fish in the waters, either from the shore or in a boat carried to the water's edge. And eventually, the same thing happens: a surge of water over the shore and a shout cut short, leaving only ripples behind. Claws that shred boats apart and capsize the remains, with those who were inside plucked under the water. A gust of wind or snow shrouds the fisher for a brief moment, and suddenly they're gone, tracks in the snow already fading from view.

History

The Gulf was always used by vessels to avoid stormy weather in the ocean, while its ready access to the Icebranch Woods allowed for damaged ships to perform rough patch jobs until they could limp back to a dock for true work. Though never properly expanded to by dock or path, Driftown would often make some unofficial or undocumented trade with any crew who would disembark at the western shore of the gulf and trek across the land to the town.
The Cataclysm caused the southern land bridge to weaken, with several sections breaking free and sliding away. Though a winding length of land was left behind, it was dangerous to travel across. Water and ice from the gulf would make the exposed stone slippery, with those who slid into the waters quickly becoming bound up in the weeds.

Type

Gulf / Lagoon

Location under

Aesmaril