The Sea of Antiquity

Spanning the waters between the magical Sultanate of Al-Zandhar to the north and the dangerous southern lands of the The Encroaching Deadwood, the Sea of Antiquity is as enigmatic as it is ancient. Shimmering beneath an ever-warm sun and dotted with the shattered remains of once-proud civilizations, this body of water holds both beauty and danger in equal measure.
The most notable remnants of the past are the Crumbling Naxos Ruins, an archipelago of cracked marble colonnades, sunken amphitheaters, and overgrown temples peeking above the waves like half-remembered dreams. Once a shining sea-bound nation steeped in arcane artistry and cultural grandeur, Naxos fell in a sudden, unexplained cataclysm centuries ago. No empire rose to claim its bones. Today, the ruins are scattered across dozens of small islands—some barely more than jagged outcroppings—each echoing with strange sounds at night and filled with rumors of chittering, alien creatures that now dwell in the ancient halls, guarding secrets best left forgotten.
To the southeast of the ruins looms a smoldering volcanic peak, Pyraesthia – A name whispered in ancient texts, possibly once the name of a Naxosi fire goddess said to be trapped within. It is believed this volcano played a part in the fall of Naxos, either as nature's wrath or a magical weapon turned against its creators.
Further south lies the infamous Brown Island, a wide, low-sitting landmass of muddy beaches and crumbling stone. Once the ceremonial arena of ancient aquatic kingdoms—where gladiators fought at the behest of sahuagin kings, triton warlords, and deep merfolk nobles—it now exists as a satirical footnote in the region’s lore. Though the battles are long past, faded murals and waterlogged bleachers still dot the island, now home to hermits, treasure hunters, and amateur bards reenacting “the glory days” with foam weapons and bad accents.
Despite its fall from grace, Brown Island is still known for harboring rare relics and ancient blood magics hidden beneath its silt-heavy soil. Those foolish or brave enough to dig deep might find remnants of power—and perhaps wake what still stirs below.
While trade vessels and naval ships from Al-Zandhar cross the Sea of Antiquity regularly, few dare to anchor near the Naxos Isles or Mount Pyraesthia, lest they attract the attention of what some call the Forgotten Choir—a mysterious force said to sing from the depths when the sea is still, luring ships to their doom.