Naneth's Deep

Naneth's Deep, known as Ary-Alu in elvish, was the largest body of water in the world. It encircled the entire continent, and encompassed several bays and seas. The majority of Naneth's Deep was wide open ocean, stretching from the near freezing waters in the north, down to the more temperate waters of the south. Known as the Blue Void to many across the world, Naneth's Deep was unforgiving and dangerous, it's crushing depths and unpredictable storms leading many sailors to a watery demise.

Geography

Naneth's Deep stretched across the entire world, encompassing the coasts of Chult and Meridian in the south while surrounding Astora and Atmora in cooler northern waters. North to South, the ocean stretches approximately 1200 miles, concluding at both ends as the waters descend into The Mist. None are sure how far the waters flow East to West, as none have survived the journey to return.

Locations

Naneth's Deep was large enough to encompass several smaller bodies of water, such as bays and seas. Typically, these areas of the ocean were far more traversable for Naneth's inhabitants.

• Royal's Bay: The most well traveled of Naneth's waterways, Royal's Bay sits between Astora and Atmora, and has coasts in every country excepting Chult. Royal's Bay is a hub for trade and travel, as well as naval warfare, specifically in the waters alongside the The Quaan Empire.

• Gullet's Bay: Apart from the vast ocean itself, Gullet's Bay is Naneth's largest waterway, encompassing most of the south. Gullet's Bay is the lifeblood of Meridian, it's waters providing the tropical nation with food, trade and travel.

• Cradle's Sea: Cradle's Bay sits at the top of the world, separating Astora's Wilderlands, Atmora, and Naneth's Tip. It's frigid waters are named Cradle's Sea, as most believe this area to be the origin of life upon Naneth.

• Sea of Ghosts: Sitting at the very top of the world, the Sea of Ghosts separates Astora from the receding mists to the north. This sea is the ocean's smallest names waterway, though it is possibly the most dangerous. This sea is a maze of ice and rock, making travel here extremely dangerous.

• Elfblood Bay: These warm coastal waters teemed with vast amounts of sea life, largely due to the massive coral reefs in the region and runoff from the Sunrise Delta. It's name, Elfblood Bay, oringated from a sad reality, as this region suffers constant raids of the Meridian coast by Quaan slave ships and warbands.

History

Creation

Naneth's Deep was among the first features of the world completed by The Eres; Eldath and Silvanus. Aided by Sandrum, the Eres filled Naneth's Deep with life and characterized it's waters with plummeting depths and powerful storms.

Commerce

Trade

Trade across Naneth depends greatly upon the navigation of Naneth's Deep, though primarily through the smaller bays and seas of specific regions. Royal's Bay and Gullet's Bay are the busiest waterways, with Meridian, Astora, Atmora and Chult all depending upon these waters to sustain commerce between nations. Additionally, many settlements rely on the sea life of Naneth's Deep for sustenances, especially within regions like Meridian, where the desert climate leaves little in the way of alternative resources.

Travel

Travel by ship is a popular route of travel for the people of Naneth. Large ships are built strong enough to cross large bodies of water such as Royal's Bay. Though possible, coastal travel along the western and eastern edges of Naneth is seldom done, as the distance between safe ports is too great. The constant dangers of unmapped coastal waters and raiders, either pirate or Quaan, mostly dissuade would be sailors from attempting the journey. Unpredictable weather plagues the vast open ocean of Naneth's Deep, discouraging advancements across the Blue Void.
Veteran sailors of Naneth's Deep know to pay tribute to Sandrum before setting out into her waters, regardless of the length of journey. In doing so, they hope to receive a blessing of safe passage from the Mistress of the Deep. Long rumoured to be fickle god, the largest of coastal storms are often attributed to her own fury, a result of a slight against her power. Sailors of all nations rightfully fear the "Stormbringer".

Legends

It is said that Naneth's Deep mirrors the mood of it's maker and master; Sandrum. When she falls into a foul mood, the waters of Naneth react accordingly, unleashing devastating storms. Because of this, many that proceed to cross Naneth's waters first pay tribute to the Goddess, hoping for her blessing in doing so.
Many believe that the crushing depths of Naneth's vast open oceans is a gateway into other planes. The Blue Void is aptly named because of this, many sailors believing that upon death at sea, ones body would simply drift into the dark, finding it's way to the bottom of the ocean where The Void awaits. Other's believe that the deepest trenches of the ocean lead into a plane of Sandrum's own making.

Basic Information

Type: Ocean
Location: Surrounding all of Naneth
Other Names: The Blue Void, Ary-Alu
Regions: Royal's Bay, Cradle's Sea, Elfblood Bay, Gullet's Bay, Sea of Ghosts