The Sunken Coast
The Sunken Coast: Aethelar and Holyhead
The Sunken Coast tells a tragic tale of desperation, destruction, and unrelenting change. Once thriving hubs of trade and culture, the cities of Aethelar and Holyhead were victims of a dire strategy executed by Halcion, one of Lady Elriza Daressin's most trusted commanders. Known as "Halcion's Folly," the maneuver aimed to sever the western shore as a last-ditch effort to halt advancing forces. The resulting catastrophe sent both cities collapsing into the sea, forever altering the geography of the region.The Shift to Ayinel
The Sunken Coast's story, however, did not end with its descent into the sea. When the Moonshae Isles were transported to Ayinel, the Sunken Coast experienced a second tragedy. The oceans that once engulfed Aethelar and Holyhead disappeared, leaving their shattered remains exposed to the unyielding encroachment of The Shifting Sands of Yesh. Now, these ruins lie in a barren wasteland, their once-grand structures crumbling under the oppressive weight of time and the desert's relentless march. Each passing day sees the sands claim more of the cities, burying the memories and the glory of what once was. The once-proud spires of Aethelar, known for their artistry and elegance, are now jagged remnants jutting from the dunes. Holyhead's hallowed temples, where divine chants once echoed, now stand silent and broken, the desert winds carrying whispers of a forgotten past.The Dwarven Tunnels
Amid the ruins of the Sunken Coast, adventurers have uncovered entrances to an ancient network of dwarven tunnels. These subterranean passages, masterfully carved into the stone, once served as vital trade routes and refuges for the dwarves who lived in harmony with the surface cities. The tunnels remain a testament to the dwarves' ingenuity, with intricate carvings and architectural marvels still visible despite centuries of decay. However, they are not without peril. Many of the passages are partially collapsed, riddled with unstable sections, and protected by hidden traps meant to deter intruders. Some areas are said to be guarded by ancient constructs or creatures left behind in the chaos of Halcion's Folly. For those brave enough to venture into the depths, the tunnels may hold forgotten treasures, relics of dwarven craftsmanship, or even hidden pathways leading to other unexplored ruins beneath the Sunken Coast. These remnants add a layer of mystery and danger to the desolation, tempting the daring and the desperate alike.
Mysteries & Legends:
The Wailing Stones: Scattered throughout the Sunken Coast are stones that emit eerie sounds when the desert winds blow through them. Local legends suggest they were part of an ancient dwarven warning system, now corrupted by the sorrow of the drowned cities. The Weeping Waters: Some survivors recount the eerie sound of flowing water deep beneath the sands. Legend has it that a hidden subterranean river flows under the Sunken Coast, carrying the echoes of drowned voices.Environmental Hazards:
Shifting Fault Lines: The unstable ground of the Sunken Coast frequently gives way, creating sudden sinkholes that can swallow entire camps. These fault lines make prolonged expeditions a deadly gamble. Sandstorms of Ayinel: Fierce, magical sandstorms occasionally sweep across the region, said to carry fragments of the old ocean's essence. These storms obscure vision, distort magic, and have been known to leave explorers disoriented, or worse, missing entirely.
Owning Organization