The Cerulean Trench
An absolutely massive abyss in the Warmwind Sea, its sheer sides plunge nearly a mile to the bottom of the chasm. There, several cities of Aquans spread themselves out in various configurations of pressurized domes and connecting passages, at a depth so difficult to attain that it protected the Aquan city by default. Only accessible by the barimetric chambers invented by Hando Cerullo or by some type of specialized underwater vehicle, access to their civic centers is easily protected, and a dome of magical force covering the entirety of the subaquan cities protect the pressurized ceramic domes of the city from infrequent shipwrecks, or attacks by their enemies. At the very bottom of the Cerulean Trench, there lies an otherworldly expanse of abyssal plain. This is a vast, flat area characterized by a seemingly endless stretch of dark, fine sediment that has settled over millennia. The sediment consists of silt, sand, and organic matter that has gently accumulated, creating a soft, muddy seabed. Despite the depth and darkness, the abyssal plain is not devoid of life. Unique species of bioluminescent organisms inhabit this realm. Their soft, glowing lights punctuate the darkness, creating a mesmerizing display that plays out in slow motion. Creatures such as lanternfish, deep-sea jellies, and glow-in-the-dark corals produce ethereal glows, providing a faint, ghostly illumination. Simple life forms, too, have come to thrive in the extreme conditions of the deeps. Their lives at the bottom of the trench feature unusual geological formations, including hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. These areas emit mineral-rich water and nourish unique ecosystems, attracting a variety of deep-sea creatures adapted to extreme conditions. These creatures make up the vast majority of the Merfolk diet, although there is a robust trade at every depth of the trench. In some regions of the trench, where conditions are more favorable, submerged coral gardens thrive. These vibrant ecosystems are teeming with life, including colorful coral formations, sea fans, and anemones. These areas are like oases in the otherwise stark abyssal landscape. Deep water corals and seaweeds are treasured as topiaries. The inhabitants of the Cerulean Trench include a wide array of deep-sea fauna, from ancient and elusive creatures like giant squid and dragonfish to bottom-dwelling organisms such as sea cucumbers, brittle stars, and deep-sea crabs. Many of these animals have adapted to the extreme pressure, darkness, and low temperatures of the deep sea. Over the centuries, ships and structures have sunk to the bottom of the trench, becoming silent witnesses to the empire's rich maritime history. These sunken artifacts could be explored by adventurous merfolk archaeologists, using specialized pressure equipment devised originally by the first emperor of The Cerulean Empire, Hando Cerullo.
Maps
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The Cerulean Trench: Mezzofathom
The second oldest city in the Empire, and the capitol of the same, Mezzofathom has a massive population. Extending below the protective domes of the abyssal plain many hundreds of feet at times, the city extends upwards and downwards in equal proportion. -
The Cerulean Trench: Pluraspede: Crew Cabins
The cabins are where the crew spend most of their precious few downtime hours. There are hammocks, a plethora of reading materials, and a clever green-scale screen that they can watch the latest gladiatorial games on from anywhere in the trench.
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Chasm, Underwater
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