Islands of Ilia Bay
"Its storms have sent countless ships to their doom, and wars of one kind or another are constantly raging on its surface. Pirates affiliated with Pirate Kings hunt the ships that try to cross the ocean. Strange monsters emerge from the depths from time to time. However, despite all the existing and possible dangers, many empires rely on the sea as a water trade route. By following certain routes in the Azure Sea, merchant ships reach almost every important trading point in the archipelago." 1
Right in the middle is Evera's only independent sea. It was given its name by the indigenous people who lived here and spoke a Sylvan language (Halflings and Surta elves ), who respected these waters much more than the species that arrived later (including Humans, who consider the area itself "Paradise" and in their language the area was referred to as the "Azure Sea").
Although, unlike Blackwater, it does not have huge and wild currents, its weather is extremely capricious. During the Silver new moon, low tides result in lower water levels than usual, while during the Red full moon, high tides bring the highest water levels.
There are eighteen smaller and larger islands around the sea, on which thirteen official countries reside. Between the islands there are Mediterranean areas, deserts and lush jungles. The nearest inhabited area is the Costae Islands to the north and Pedite to the south.
At night, sailors usually use the Hunter constellation as a beacon.
Ilia Bay is home to the deepest deep sea trench, the Cursed Dark. The most evil monsters come out of here (usually with the tide of the Red Moon) and sometimes they spread to the shores.
There are two distinct seasons at sea, the dry and the rainy. The former is characterized by sudden, powerful storms, while the latter is characterized by rain almost every day.
Its wildlife is diverse: many birds live on the islands and along the coasts, and many nest on sea rocks and reefs. Seagulls and ospreys are also frequent guests in the ports, colorful birds and parrots fly around the forests. Whales and dolphins, seals, sea lions and similar mammals live in the sea, alongside turtles, crocodiles, snakes and even sea frogs. All kinds of colorful fish, barracuda, jellyfish, eels, octopuses, rays, and sea urchins swim in the warm, shallower water. The bottom is populated by blooming marine plants, algae, seaweed, sponges, corals, starfish, snails, crabs, and shells. In the deeper areas, sharks, cuttlefish, and swordfish hunt, and the fishermen's nets are filled with herring, tuna, and flying fish every day. From time to time, ships encounter giant animals and magical monsters, such as with hydras. Local legends also tell of Dragons. The giant turtle is considered a sacred animal in many local cultures, and sailors revere these creatures.
The sea provides extremely well for the people who live here: the collection and trade of salt, coral, fish, leather, bone, pearls, seafood, exotic plants and spices means a secure livelihood for anyone willing to take risks and hard work. The dried meats and grains produced by the islands are of great value to the ships. Slaughter animals are sometimes taken with them to the sea. Shipbuilding requires wood, rope and sail material, as well as metals, pitch and similar raw materials, which again only come from the inner areas, creating a continuous flow of goods. Trade between the islands of the sea began relatively early, and the commercial shipping routes currently in use are relatively new. To this day, not many captains want to sail over the Cursed Dark.
Since the transport of drinking water is the most problematic, many different solutions have been created for its magical support. Elves have the highest level of magic, but they don't waste much of that power on the sea. Usually, among the Hafling magic users and newcomers, the Humans are the ones who want to use the power of the sea to their advantage and tame the winds. The Gnomes living here are not as advanced as their counterparts living on Costae Islands, rather they have adopted the simple, closer perception of nature of the Forest Elves.
The Sheyarin Language (Common) is spoken in most ports, but only one country (Empire of Mavaria ) treats it as an official language. On the whole, Humans are treated by the more isolated aboriginals as unhinged, ambitious, uncaring and greedy creatures.
There used to be conflicts between the forest dwellers and with the new settlers, but these have now largely subsided. Monsters, pirates, and perils at sea are just enough of a challenge for those who live here, rather than fighting each other.
The people of Ilia Bay are currently counting the Fourth Era, the beginning of which was marked by the construction of the first steam engines. The technology was not yet widespread, but it revolutionized the processes of mining and metalworking, and made the construction of new steam-powered warships a near goal for most technologically advanced societies.
1Ilia Bay was inspired by the Azure Sea of Gosts of Saltmarsh, the introduction is based on the translated and revised text. (post Summer Camp supplement)
Alternatív Név(nevek)
Azure Sea
Típus
Sea
Hely itt:
Related Ethnicities
Megjegyzések
Author's Notes