Gilded Reef

(Author Note: There may be content within this article that is considered GM knowledge (Dawnbringer content) which wasn't filtered during the SummerCamp writing rush. Read accordingly!)

It's beautiful, stunning even, but you go home and you tell everyone you know never to sail a ship through these waters. There is no mercy, no forgiveness for those who trespass here.
I mean, you would protect your own gold mine, too, wouldn't you?

— Tilbari fisherman

The Gilded Reef is an expansive coral reef off the southern coast of Undmar, sister to the Velen Reef to the region's northeast.

A Cultural Treasure

Though many would describe the Velen Reef as more impressive, more wondrous, and in many ways more magical than the Gilded Reef, this reef is considered a wonder by those who make their homes around it. The Tilbari people, in particular, see this reef as not only a source of sustenance and valuable trade materials, but as a cultural gem which must be protected at all cost. This fervor in protecting the Gilded Reef is a somewhat recent one, only taking root in the populace within a handful of generations, hardly a fraction of the reef's perceived lifetime.

No Trespassing

The Tilbari do not take kindly to those who would captain ships into the waters over the Gilded Reef, as large vessels have been known to destroy structures and cause tremendous stress to the creatures of the reef. In addition to this, it was simply dangerous to sail through the waters, as certain coral structures are far stronger than they appear, causing shipwrecks even for experienced captains.

As a deterrent for any who would attempt to sail through the reefs, piracy is sanctioned and encouraged by the Tilbari, who will deploy their vessels only to intercept those of foreign origin. Among the most successful of these pirates is Meradi Reza, who has earned the moniker, "Monster of the Reef."

An Explosive Boom

When Bolkan experienced the leyline emergence which turned it into a volcanic hellscape, many feared that there would be a strong negative impact on the reefs, especially as ash and debris was carried eastward by the Ashen River, which empties into the sea to the west of the Gilded Reef. Instead of suffering negative effects, however, the reef was seen to flourish.
From the explosion in other species' populations arose newer species, or species not seen before in the waters of the Gilded Reef, including the gold-scaled tilbak, for which the reef earned its modern name. Settlements such as Gold Port in Undmar have built their empires on the careful acquisition and trade of this expensive fish and have even engaged in violent conflicts to maintain their monopoly in their trade.

The gilded legacy of the Tilbari people, deeply treasured and ferociously protected.

by Strixxline via Midjourney

Location

Undmar
Gold Port

Related People

Tilbari

Related Conflicts

The Gold War

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New Life

The wellbeing of the reef appeared to be in jeopardy for a short period of time after the emergence in Bolkan as water temperatures closer to the mainland rose, killing several sensitive species which made their homes within. Others thrived in the warmer waters, exploding in populations of species in rates never before seen.

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Blood and Gold

Conflicts have arisen in the region of Undmar over tilbak, the most notable being the Gold War, which was fought between Undmar's own people.

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