Moonshine Bay

Despite the name, Moonshine Bay has nothing to do with the illegal production of alcohol. At least, our research did not reveal anything of the sort. There is also no known legal alcohol production in the area around the bay. The bay got its name much more from a natural phenomenon that can be observed particularly well when the moon casts its light over the water. At that time, the waves glow in a radiant turquoise blue. And Moonshine Bay is the only bay where this beautiful phenomenon has ever been observed. If you have never seen this phenomenon with your own eyes, we highly recommend experiencing it at least once in your life. It is a sight that can hardly be compared to anything else.

Location

Moonshine Bay is located within the Hayato Shogunate on Borendal. Nestled within a vast expanse of Savannah, this bay stretches approximately 90 kilometers inland, carving its way through rolling grasslands and scattered clusters of acacia trees. The shoreline is dotted with patches of sandy beaches, transitioning into rocky outcrops and shallow estuaries that teem with birdlife. It’s a place where the untamed beauty of the Savannah meets the calming allure of the sea, offering a tranquil yet vibrant ecosystem.

This seems to be such a beautiful view and those cute little dolphins are just adorable.

Moonwave Jubilee

Every summer, there is a special week of festivities in Moonshine Bay. There is no fixed date for this event, but it generally takes place during the month of Color Moon. Some time beforehand, the water’s glow begins to intensify, which is the first sign that the Moonwave Jubilee is approaching. The event's timing is ultimately decided by an extraordinary occurrence: the arrival of schools of dolphins from the southern seas. These majestic creatures, drawn by the bay’s warm and tranquil waters, come to birth their young. Their gradual and graceful approach signals the final countdown to the festival, and their presence is revered as a symbol of renewal, harmony, and life itself.

During the festival week, various stalls are set up on the beach. Most offer food or drinks, featuring local specialties or globally popular delicacies, often made with fish or seafood. Additionally, there are numerous artisan stalls. Delicately carved wooden figurines, hand-painted shells, and intricately embroidered fabrics capture the essence of life by the bay. Their goods are typically sea-themed, with dolphins being a frequent motif.

The most popular items are jewelry, especially necklaces, bracelets, or earrings with small dolphin-shaped pendants carved from turquoise stones. Local legend holds that receiving one of these pendants as a gift brings profound good luck, particularly in endeavors involving love and travel. As such, they are often exchanged between close friends and romantic partners during the festival, sealing bonds and spreading joy.

"Battered fish! Steaming battered fish with perfect fried potatoes just here!"

"The most beautiful dolphin pendants you can find. Gift them to your loved ones!"

"Have a taste of our sugar kelp schnapps! You won't regret it!"

"Deep-fried octopus balls! Hot, delicious deep-fried octopus balls!"

— Cacophony of barkers during the Moonwave Jubilee

Sugar kelp schnapps, deep-fried octopus balls. Who in their right mind would say no to that?

Governmental Protection

To safeguard the unique characteristics of the region and the remarkable phenomenon occurring there, Moonshine Bay was officially designated as a protected area during the early period of settlement. Recognizing its significance, strict measures were put in place to preserve its integrity and ensure its undisturbed existence. As part of these measures, a buffer zone was established, prohibiting the construction of settlements within a day’s journey from the bay. This regulation has remained in effect ever since, maintaining the bay’s pristine condition and shielding it from the impacts of human encroachment.

Who would have thought that we can indeed be so considerate?