Bay of Bees

The Bay of Bees is a body of water located off the east coast of Ynys. It is on the border between the kingdoms of Gewisse and Creoda, and both nations have settlements on the bay. The bay is also home to the island of Guith, where the Solennefrieden Lighthouse is located.

The entire area is known for its honey production, including many varietals that are unique to one or more of the small islands in the Bay. The cliffs along the shore and several of the islands had natural populations of honeybees, and more have been imported by immigrants to the region. It is a matter of intense debate which community produces the best honey, but connoisseurs across the Great Ring agree that this region produces the best honey in the world.

The largest settlement on the Bay of Bees is the town of Hyfclif, in Gewisse. It is located atop a high cliff at the northern edge of the bay. The largest Creodan settlement on the bay is Shamblord, located on the Wrikon Peninsula that forms the bay's southern shore. 

Notable Spirits

Many of those who live on the shores of the bay pay honor to a goddess named Luzi of the Bees. She is said to spend her time walking over the waters of the bay, visiting the beehives on the shore and on the many small islands, excluding the island of Guith, which she has conceded to Mother Solace, the goddess of the Solennefrieden Lighthouse. While Luzi is usually invisible, she will sometimes manifest as either a glowing golden bee or a young woman surrounded by bees. She is said to be the protector of the bees and those who tend them, and will punish those who mistreat or mishandle the bees or their keepers. In some of the villages, mead or bread is left out near the beehives for Luzi, who may bless the hives with healthy bees and abundant honey.

Geography

The coastline of the bay is mostly steep, heavily wooded cliffs with no natural harbors. There are manmade harbors in a few places - the largest of these is at Hyfclif in Gewisse. At the base of the Wrikon Peninsula, there is a submerged forest with valuable deposits of peat which is uncovered at low tide. Further east, the shore of the peninsula is a long stretch of sandy beach and dunes.

Ecosystem

The bay has a vital ecosystem, with seabirds, fish, shellfish, and cetaceans, particularly orcas and the striped dolphin. Many of the islets in the bay are covered in wildflowers which are tended and cultivated by the beekeepers who wish to impart a particular flavor to the honey of the bees they tend. The cliffs around the bay provide nesting sites for dozens of bird species; the most commonly seen bird is the Great Gannet.

Type

Bay

Location under

Ynys

Included Locations

• Guith

Owning Organization

Creoda

Contested By

• Gewisse