Pleg-Mor Menez-Mikael
A large tidal bay/sand flat between the Armorican Peninsula and the Contentin Peninsula, defined by rapidly and dramatically changing tides. The quick-sand like consistency of the sands, broken up by jagged outcroppings of granite, give the bay an unusual appearance.
Geography
The Pleg-Mor Menez-Mikael is a large bay located between the Armorican Peninsula and the the Contentin Peninsula, marking the Northeastern corner of the Duchy of Letha and the Southwestern corner of the Duchy of Normaundie, respectively.
The bay covers an area of ~ 500 km2, an ever-changing field of pools, channels and sandbars. About 1/3 of the bay is dominated by its tidal flats, a plain of sand and shallow water with a dramatic daily tidal shift of 10-15 meters. The tide rushes across the region as a standing wave at the "speed of galloping horses", quickly transforming the field into deep water in a very short time. Three rivers, the Kouenon, the Sélune and the Sée empty into the Bay, forming a tidal bore that reverses the rivers' courses for several kilometers.
The flats are peppered with small tidal islands and granite spurs, with the two most prominent being Menez-Mikael itself and the island of Tombelaine.
Localized Phenomena
Despite a calm appearance, the Pleg-Mor Menez-Mikael is one of the most dangerous regions along the Ar Mor Breizh, as the sudden and dramatic tidal shifts claim dozens of lives every yearly cycle, caught unaware and unprepared for the oncoming sea. The ever shifting sands leads to the unpredictable appearance of pools of quicksand, capable of dragging down even prepared individuals, and hardening, making escape difficult. When the tides arrive, those trapped within drown, or stranded in the water, die of hypothermia. The danger is elevated by the common appearance of banks of heavy fog that roll in over the entire region from the sea.
More unusual though is the ghostly Forest of Scissy. During periods of heavy Feth Fiada, a ghostly forest will appear over the bay, with translucent trees and ghostly Envorad animals. These periods are exceptionally dangerous, as the terrain itself, despite appearances, does not change, and travelers are still subjected to the dramatic tides and pockets of quicksand.
Fauna & Flora
The active waters of the Baie has allowed a flourishing ecosystem to establish itself, home to a massive population of seabirds and hundreds of species of fish. Seals are common in the baie and dolphins appear in region during the warmth of Summerrule.
Natural Resources
The constant churning of the river silt and tides, mixed with the crushed shells from the sea makes the soil of the tidal flats exceptionally rich and nutrient-filled. The surrounding villages harvest this dirt to supplement their inland farms.
Oysters, shrimp and sand-eels are all fished in great quantities from the shore or from Bisquine
History
The Pleg-Mor Menez-Mikael was once a great primeval forest, known as the Forest of Scissy, in a sparsely populated and undeveloped region around the larger mountain of Menez-Mikael. During the Battle of Meneziou Are, the defining conflict of the War of the Two Brothers. The region was the center of a battle between two dragons representing Dumnonia and Kernev. The battle all but destroyed the forest below, resulting in the gradual emergence of the tidal flats that dominate the region.
The region was quickly taken over by the Arkanists of Ys, creating the Ailhedenneg of Menez-Mikael. In addition to the facility, the bay proved key in the establishment of both security and trade for the cross-channel exchange between Kornôgel and Albia.
Theregion was transferred to Letha during the campaigns of Hastings Fireforged in 755, then seized by Normandi during the Fomorian Interregnum.
Tourism
A ring of small hamlets and villages ring the bay, with few rising to any level of notoriety or mass. The towns of Dol and Avranches, the seats of their respective Sovereignties, are located near the bay, but not on the bay itself. The tidal flats are ideal for Windships to touch down, the deep water allowing smooth landing before the receding tides allow for repairs and overland logistics, offloading cargo and obtaining navigational materials and personnel from the Lavigerien Guild. To assist in this, and to establish connection between the small villages during tidal changes, amphibious Sand-Skiffs ferry passengers and cargo across the tidal flats, transitioning from overland vehicles to maritime ones as the tides change.
The Ailhedenneg and Menez-Mikael are a popular, although unofficial stop along the Tro Breizh Pilgrimage. The tidal island of Tombelaine is a pilgrimage site for the Druids, a sacred site of Belenos, the god of healing. The island also serves as the tomb of Princess Hélène, daughter of Hoel I, who, according to legend, fell in love with an Eladan prince, living on the island. When her lover sailed away to defend Kameled from a Norman host, she had an oracular vision of his death. Stricken by grief, she passed away when the ship passed below the horizon, sacred trees growing from her tears. A group of nine Nathair oracles reside in a cave on the island, tending this sacred grove and delivering portends to sailors who seek their council.
Both islands can be reached by foot during low tide, and this is the preferred method for pilgrims.
Alternative Name(s)
Scissy Bay
Type
Bay
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Contested By
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