Yellowsalt Scar

The Yellowsalt Scar is an enigmatic underwater chasm located south of the main islands of Edison City, near the towering volcano Mount Cerberus. This geological marvel, formed during the early stages of the Burn, stands as both a testament to the cataclysmic events of the past and a thriving ecosystem filled with strange and otherworldly life.

Formation and History

The Yellowsalt Scar was born from the violent tectonic upheaval caused by the Burn, a cataclysm that reshaped much of Nyria. Before the Great Flood submerged the lands, the chasm opened abruptly, splitting one of the most densely populated districts of the imperial capital Eld. The event devastated the area, claiming thousands of lives and leaving behind a void that continues to mesmerize and terrify to this day.

Now submerged beneath 150 meters of ocean, the scar is a seemingly bottomless pit that still spews molten lava. This continuous volcanic activity has transformed the surrounding waters into a haven of extremes—dangerous, yet rich with life.

Geological Features

The scar itself is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, heavily infused with sulfur and other minerals from the volcanic vents. The waters are significantly warmer than the surrounding ocean, creating a localized microclimate that influences the sea currents and slightly raises the temperatures around the Edison archipelago. Steam geysers erupt unpredictably around the chasm, making it a perilous location for divers and explorers.

The bright yellow hues of sulfur deposits, combined with the shimmering blues and greens of the coral, give the area an almost alien beauty. The underwater landscape is otherworldly, with jagged rock formations, bubbling thermal vents, and streams of rising heat that distort the water.

Biodiversity

Despite the harsh conditions, the Yellowsalt Scar is a biodiversity hotspot. Unique species of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks have adapted to the sulfur-rich environment, displaying vivid coloration and bioluminescent patterns that rival the coral itself. Some of these creatures, like the Sulfur Spinefish and the Luminal Crawlers, are found nowhere else in the world.

Larger predators, such as the Crimson Eel and Cerberus Shark, patrol the warmer waters, preying on the smaller creatures that flourish in the reef. Explorers have reported sightings of even stranger, almost mythical creatures deep within the scar, though their accounts remain unverified.

Risks and Exploration

The Yellowsalt Scar is as dangerous as it is captivating. Steam geysers and sudden eruptions of superheated water make diving here an incredibly hazardous endeavor. The unpredictable volcanic activity, combined with the depth and the toxic sulfur levels in certain areas, has claimed many lives.

However, the allure of the scar continues to draw daring explorers, marine biologists, and treasure hunters. The ruins of Eld’s submerged district, partially visible on the outskirts of the chasm, add another layer of mystery and temptation. Artifacts from the past, as well as potentially valuable natural resources, lie scattered across the ocean floor.

Significance

The Yellowsalt Scar is a place of profound historical and ecological importance. It serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of the Burn while standing as a sanctuary for some of the rarest life forms in Nyria. Its geothermal activity plays a role in shaping the environment of the Edison archipelago, influencing currents and weather patterns.

Whether as a site for scientific discovery, a perilous destination for adventurers, or a haunting memorial to the lives lost during its creation, the Yellowsalt Scar remains one of the most fascinating and dangerous locations in Nyria.

Species of the Yellowsalt Reef

The ecosystem surrounding the Yellowsalt Scar is one of contrasts, where beauty and danger intertwine. The volcanic activity and sulfur-rich waters have created a unique environment that supports life forms found nowhere else on Nyria. From dazzlingly vibrant coral to mysterious, predatory fish, the Yellowsalt Reef is teeming with biodiversity.

Sulfur Spinefish

One of the most iconic residents of the Yellowsalt Reef, the Sulfur Spinefish is renowned for its bright yellow and green hues, which mimic the sulfur deposits on the coral. These fish are small, averaging 20 centimeters in length, and possess venomous dorsal spines that can inject a paralyzing toxin. Their venom is highly sought after by alchemists for its potential medicinal and defensive applications.

Luminal Crawlers

The Luminal Crawler is a bioluminescent crustacean that thrives near the hottest geothermal vents. These creatures are covered in a translucent exoskeleton that glows in shades of blue and white. They feed on microscopic organisms that flourish in the sulfuric plumes, creating shimmering trails of light as they scuttle across the seabed. Luminal Crawlers are revered by local fishermen for their beauty and are sometimes captured to adorn aquariums in Edison City.

Cerberus Shark

Named for its proximity to Mount Cerberus, the Cerberus Shark is a medium-sized predator that has adapted to the reef’s sulfur-infused waters. These sharks are characterized by their dark red coloration, sleek bodies, and heightened senses, which allow them to navigate through the geothermal plumes. Cerberus Sharks are aggressive and territorial, posing a significant threat to divers. Despite their danger, their skin, which resists corrosion, is often sought after by artisans and alchemists.

Obsidian Anemone

The Obsidian Anemone is a coral-like invertebrate that thrives on the rocky edges of the scar. These organisms appear as dark, jagged outcrops with glowing tips, which lure small fish and plankton. When prey draws near, the anemone injects a neurotoxin that immobilizes its victim. This same neurotoxin is being studied for its powerful analgesic and healing properties, with promising results in treating nerve damage.

Steam Strider Eel

Living perilously close to the steam geysers, the Steam Strider Eel has evolved to tolerate extreme heat and pressure. This eel has a serpentine body with metallic scales that shimmer in the warm water. It uses the geysers to hunt, lurking nearby until a surge of steam disorients its prey. Then, it strikes with lightning speed, snatching its meal before retreating into the shadows.

Glasscap Jellyfish

Floating eerily in the warm currents, the Glasscap Jellyfish is nearly invisible, with a transparent bell that refracts light in prismatic colors. These jellyfish drift in schools near the chasm, feeding on smaller bioluminescent organisms. Their stingers are non-lethal to Alsian divers but leave a lingering numbness. The jellyfish are often studied for their unique biological structure, which some alchemists believe holds secrets to advanced healing compounds.

Amber Clams

Nestled within the sulfur-coated coral, Amber Clams are a prized species for their lustrous, golden shells. These clams are filter feeders, consuming microorganisms from the water, and are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. Their shells are frequently used in jewelry and fine art, while their meat is considered a delicacy.

Chasm Leviathan (Rumored)

Whispers among divers and sailors tell of a massive creature lurking in the depths of the scar itself. Known as the Chasm Leviathan, it is said to be a bioluminescent, serpentine predator with jaws large enough to swallow smaller vessels whole. Though no confirmed sightings have been documented, the legend of the Leviathan adds an aura of mystique and fear to the Yellowsalt Scar.

Ecological Impact

The species living in and around the Yellowsalt Scar contribute to a highly specialized ecosystem. Many creatures have developed symbiotic relationships; for example, the Luminal Crawlers clean the coral of algae, while the Amber Clams filter impurities from the water. The geothermal vents also provide nutrients that sustain a delicate food web, from microscopic organisms to apex predators like the Cerberus Shark.

The reef’s biodiversity has drawn the attention of biologists, alchemists, and conservationists alike. While the area’s volatile nature has preserved it from overexploitation, there are growing concerns that increased interest in the reef’s resources—such as the neurotoxins of the Obsidian Anemone and the shells of the Amber Clam—could lead to ecological harm.

The Reef’s Mysteries

Despite years of study, the Yellowsalt Scar continues to hold its secrets. Researchers speculate that the scar may lead to an expansive underwater cave system, potentially harboring even more undiscovered species. The constant flow of lava from the chasm has also led to theories about vast magma chambers deep below the ocean floor, possibly connected to Mount Cerberus.

For explorers, divers, and scientists, the Yellowsalt Scar remains an enticing challenge—a place where life and death dance on the edge of fire and water, and where the mysteries of Nyria’s past and future intertwine beneath the waves.

Location under

Edisonne Archipelago