Straits of Jaltra
The Straits of Jaltra are a narrow, turbulent passage of water separating the island of Remon from the larger landmass of Great Forbin to the southeast. Known for both its strategic importance and its treacherous waters, the straits have long been a vital, yet perilous, trade route connecting the northern reaches of the Gamanaean Ocean to the sheltered waters of Berin Sound. With the city of Jaltra perched on an island at its southernmost point, the straits take their name from this once-capital city of the Kingdom of Remon.
The straits are known for their powerful, shifting currents and sudden storms, making navigation hazardous even for experienced sailors. The waters are relatively deep, but the combination of strong tidal flows and the narrow channel between Remon and Great Forbin often results in dangerous whirlpools and eddies. Ships passing through must navigate carefully, and it is not uncommon for vessels to be caught in these unpredictable currents, leading to wrecks on the rocky shores of either island.
The northern part of the straits opens into Berin Sound, a calmer region, while to the south, the straits lead directly into the vast expanse of the Gamanaean Ocean. As such, the Straits of Jaltra serve as a gateway for merchants, explorers, and naval fleets traveling between the northern and southern seas. This makes the straits an essential but perilous route for trade and diplomacy, with both Remon and Forbin maintaining a strong presence along their respective shores to monitor and control traffic.
The city of Jaltra, which overlooks the straits from its high cliffs, once held the seat of the Monarchs of Remon, and its strategic location made it a key player in the region's naval dominance. Today, Jaltra remains one of the busiest ports in the archipelago, its deepwater docks providing a crucial harbour for ships braving the straits. The sight of Jaltra’s towering cliffs, dotted with the remnants of old fortifications, serves as a reminder of the city's historic role in defending Remon from seaborne threats.
The Straits of Jaltra are also home to an array of seabirds, including the majestic Ulmathren, which nests on the cliffs, and the aggressive Karnosh, known to scavenge along the straits’ rocky shores. Fishermen often ply the shallower waters for Bellim-Ban, a prized fish native to the area, though they must remain wary of the larger predators that lurk beneath the waves, such as the dangerous Lorghee and the rare but deadly Reestlash.
Throughout history, the Straits of Jaltra have been the site of numerous naval battles, given their importance as a choke point between the northern and southern seas.
Type
Strait
Location under
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