The Sundering Sea

Geography

The Sundering Sea is a vast and treacherous expanse of water, stretching over 400 km at its widest point and narrowing to 150 km at its most slender. The northern and southern coasts of the Sundering Sea, which once formed the unified landmass of the First World, are now jagged and uneven, a constant reminder of the violent magical forces that tore them apart. These coastlines are characterized by steep cliffs, hidden coves, and treacherous rock formations, making navigation in the area difficult even for the most skilled sailors.
The waters of the Sundering Sea are a swirling kaleidoscope of colors, with iridescent shades of blue, green, and violet constantly shifting and undulating due to the magical remnants that suffuse the sea. This ever-changing seascape can be both mesmerizing and disorienting, contributing to the treacherous nature of the sea.
Beneath the surface, the depths of the Sundering Sea are a realm of mystery and danger. The sea floor is a labyrinth of underwater canyons, caverns, and trenches, some of which are said to plunge deeper than any explorer has ever ventured. The powerful magical energies that saturate the sea have given rise to a myriad of magical aberrations, ranging from deadly sea serpents to colossal krakens. These creatures pose a constant threat to any who dare to traverse the Sundering Sea, and many ships have met their doom attempting to navigate its treacherous waters.
Amidst the turmoil of the Sundering Sea lies the Shimeran Isle, a paradisiac island that has become a sanctuary for fae and mortals alike. partially encircled by the hazardous waters of the Sundering Sea, the Isle remains an isolated haven, untouched by the conflicts that continue to brew on the mainland.

Ecosystem

The ecosystem of the Sundering Sea is a testament to the resilience of nature in the face of devastation. Despite the violent origins and the ongoing magical contamination, life has managed to adapt and even thrive in this hazardous environment. The sea's waters are home to an astonishing array of creatures that have developed unique adaptations to survive in the midst of the rampant magical energies. Many species have developed protective measures, such as bio-luminescent markings and magically enhanced camouflage, to avoid the attention of the more dangerous magical aberrations that lurk beneath the waves. Others have evolved to feed off the magical energies themselves, becoming strange and fantastical beings that defy classification. The Sundering Sea is teeming with life, from vibrant coral reefs populated by a dizzying array of fish and invertebrates to deep sea trenches inhabited by colossal, mysterious leviathans.
The coastlines of the Sundering Sea have similarly adapted to the harsh conditions. Salt-tolerant plants with deep root systems cling to the cliffs and rocky shores, helping to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. In more sheltered coves, mangrove forests provide a vital habitat for a variety of aquatic species and act as natural barriers against the sea's more destructive forces.

Localized Phenomena

In the ever-changing environment of the Sundering Sea, a variety of unique and localized phenomena frequently occur. These events are often the result of the potent magical energies that continue to influence the sea and its surroundings. Here are a few examples of these remarkable occurrences:

1. Ethereal Storms: Occasionally, the magical energies swirling within the Sundering Sea coalesce to form ethereal storms. These surreal tempests are characterized by rapidly shifting weather patterns, from torrential downpours to sudden bursts of sunshine, often accompanied by iridescent lightning and otherworldly auroras that dance across the sky. While these storms can be visually stunning, they are also unpredictable and potentially dangerous, as the magical lightning can strike with devastating force or have unforeseen side effects on those caught in the storm.
2. Whirlpools of Reckoning: The unstable nature of the Sundering Sea's currents and the influence of magical energies have led to the formation of massive, treacherous whirlpools. Known as Whirlpools of Reckoning, these swirling maelstroms are known to appear without warning, swallowing up entire ships and dragging them into the murky depths. Some sailors believe that the whirlpools are gateways to other dimensions or even the afterlife, while others see them as a grim reminder of the sea's unforgiving nature.
3. Mirage Islands: Among the more beguiling phenomena of the Sundering Sea are the so-called Mirage Islands, ephemeral landmasses that appear and disappear without warning. These islands, often shrouded in a misty haze, seem to defy the laws of nature, with gravity-defying rock formations, otherworldly vegetation, and bizarre wildlife. Some believe that these islands are the result of magical energies interacting with the memories of sailors lost at sea, while others suspect that they are the work of mischievous fae or powerful illusion magic.
4. The Siren's Lament: The Siren's Lament is a mysterious auditory phenomenon that occurs along the more treacherous stretches of the Sundering Sea's coastline. Sailors navigating these waters have reported hearing haunting melodies, whispered voices, or even the distant tolling of a ghostly bell. The source of these eerie sounds remains a mystery, but many believe they are the cries of lost souls or the warnings of ancient guardian spirits.

Climate

The climate of the Sundering Sea is as diverse and treacherous as its geography, with its northern reaches experiencing frigid, arctic conditions and the southern regions characterized by a more temperate, Mediterranean climate. The magical energies that permeate the sea have a profound effect on the climate, making it far more unpredictable and hazardous than any natural body of water.
In the northern regions of the Sundering Sea, the climate is dominated by bitterly cold temperatures, powerful winds, and frequent snowstorms. Despite the freezing conditions of the surrounding lands, the waters of the sea itself remain unfrozen, due in part to the magical energies that keep it in constant motion. The combination of the arctic conditions and the influence of magic can create sudden and unexpected weather events, such as blizzards that appear out of nowhere or freezing rainstorms that encase entire ships in ice. As one travels further south, the climate of the Sundering Sea gradually transitions from the frigid polar conditions to a more temperate and Mediterranean-like environment. Here, the weather is milder, with warm summers and cool, wet winters. However, the magical influence on the climate remains strong, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events, such as sudden heatwaves, intense thunderstorms, and whirlwinds that can appear without warning.
The waters of the Sundering Sea also play a significant role in shaping the weather of the surrounding lands, with the constant release of magical energy affecting atmospheric conditions and generating a variety of localized phenomena. The sea is often shrouded in dense fog or mist, which can make navigation even more treacherous. Additionally, the magical energies have been known to generate violent storms that can sweep across the sea and onto the mainland, wreaking havoc on the coastlines of both the Sarentek Federation and the Volion Lesethocracy.

Natural Resources

The Sundering Sea, despite its hazardous nature, is home to a wealth of natural resources that have made it an object of desire for those daring enough to attempt to harness its potential. These resources range from the rich biodiversity of its marine life to the untapped minerals and magical elements hidden beneath its depths.
The marine life of the Sundering Sea is teeming with unique and often magical species, offering a vast array of potential resources. Many fish, mollusks, and crustaceans have adapted to the magical environment and developed unique properties, such as bioluminescent scales or shells with extraordinary resilience. These creatures may be sought after for their value as exotic cuisine, alchemical ingredients, or even for the creation of powerful magical artifacts. The risks associated with harvesting these resources are high, however, as the sea is also inhabited by dangerous magical aberrations that pose a constant threat to those who venture into its depths.
Beneath the surface of the Sundering Sea, the seafloor holds untapped deposits of precious minerals, gemstones, and ores. Some of these materials are imbued with magical properties due to the pervasive magical energies of the sea, making them highly valuable for crafting enchanted items or as components in magical rituals. The process of extracting these resources is fraught with danger, as the underwater terrain is treacherous, and the presence of monstrous sea creatures makes mining operations difficult, if not impossible.
In addition to its marine and mineral resources, the Sundering Sea itself holds a vast reservoir of magical energy that could be harnessed by those with the knowledge and skill to do so. The waters of the sea, infused with the remnants of the Spell of Sundering, have the potential to be a source of great power for arcane practitioners, fueling spells and enchantments that surpass the limits of conventional magic. Accessing this power, however, is a perilous endeavor, as the unstable nature of the magical energies can lead to disastrous consequences for those who fail to wield them with care.

History

The history of the Sundering Sea is one steeped in conflict, magic, and catastrophe. It began with the War of Sundering, a fierce struggle between the Sarentek Federation and the Volion Lesethocracy for control of a powerful artifact. This war raged for fifty long years, culminating in a moment of devastation on the 3rd of Purplebloom, -47 BC. As the Sarentek Federation closed in on victory, the Volion archmages made a desperate move, casting the Spell of Sundering in a bid to turn the tide of the conflict.
On the 32nd of Orangebloom, 1 CE, the Spell of Sundering reached its apex, and the Terminal Catastrophe occurred. The magical energies unleashed by the spell tore the First World asunder, splitting it in two and giving birth to the Sundering Sea. As the chasm widened and the waters rushed in to fill the void, the world was forever changed, leaving behind a lasting scar and a reminder of the destructive power of magic.
Over the next several years, the Sundering Sea became increasingly hostile, its waters teeming with dangerous magical aberrations and its climate growing more unpredictable. By the 40th of Purplebloom, 7 CE, the Shimeran Isle found itself isolated within the hazardous waters of the Sundering Sea, cut off from the rest of the world and left to forge its own destiny.
For centuries, the Sundering Sea remained an insurmountable obstacle, with countless ships falling prey to its treacherous waters and monstrous inhabitants. It wasn't until the 2nd of Goldbloom, 329 CE, that the first successful expedition managed to cross the Sundering Sea, defying the odds and proving that the seemingly impassable divide could be conquered. This daring feat marked a turning point in the history of the Sundering Sea, opening the door to new possibilities and stoking the flames of curiosity and ambition.

Alternative Name(s)

Ardaminesi Corus, Lumindeyr

Type

Sea

Related Historical Events

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  Terminal Catastrophe