The Seraxi Depths
The Seraxi Depths is the ocean trench system that drops off the eastern coast of Louthia, in the greater Vinesian Ocean. Although the location of the trench is known, the true depth and the contents remain unknown, particularly due to heavy Seraxi presence in and around the abyssal trench.
Geography
The Seraxi Depths are the deep sea trenches that rest within the proper abyssal zones of the Vinesia Ocean, and thus are deeper than the abyss depths that have been sounded at approximately 5,200 meters deep. It is known, through sonar graphs, that the trenches form an underwater mountain network, with the depths extending beyond the 6,000 meter depth mark.
Unmanned probes that have been sent down into the trenches have seen smooth walls of hardened volcanic rock that forms the trenches' walls, as well as undersea volcanic vents that spew mineral-rich clouds into the otherwise pristine water. This provides the nourishment for the creatures that dwell around and within the vents.
Silt and sediment do not exist within the trenches themselves - this can be attributed to Seraxi action in maintaining the integrity of the trenches.
Ecosystem
The environment of the Trenches is relatively calm, as the undersea mountains shield the depths of the Trenches from deep sea currents.
Plumes of chemicals can be found near the mouths of the trenches, where hydrothermal vents from the core of the world open into the ocean. Rich in minerals and nutrients, a variety of organisms can be found in the vicinity of such vents, relying on chemosynthesis or on predation of existing creatures for sustenance.
The walls of the Trenches are rich in mineral and ethercrystal deposits, which provides an optimal environment for creatures and other beings that rely on the energies of Ethercrystal as part of their diet, including Seraxi harvesters.
Ecosystem Cycles
There are certain events that will cause significant ecosystem shifts within the Trenches.
- Astronomical Shifts: Certain constructive celestial alignments will resonate with Vinesia's ethereal fields, exciting the Seraxi and resulting in an uptick of activity, including incursions. On the reverse side, destructive celestial alignments will suppress Seraxi activity;
- Ethereal Bursts: Sufficient levels of energy (usually released from Category A+ ethereal workings and from Authority-level magi and archmagi) will excite Seraxi forms and attract attention. A massive outburst will create conditions ripe for Seraxi incursions;
- Tectonic Movements: Any movement of the tectonic plates will be felt immensely by the Trenches, which can upset existing communities, and can close off existing hydrothermal vents, as well as opening new ones;
- Whalefalls: The descending of sufficient biomass in the form of carcasses will drive scavengers towards the final resting place, forming entire microsystems that center around the carcass for generations.
Localized Phenomena
A Trench Burst is a distinct mana burst that can be detected even by terrestrial scanners. This burst is when hundreds of Seraxi forms begin to congregate, and is a distinct warning that an incursion is imminent. Trench bursts are monitored extensively by the coastal and naval units that supervise the Trenches, as well as scientific observers that seek to study and uncover the secrets behind the Seraxi's success in the inhospitable deeps.
Fauna & Flora
The Trenches are notoriously known for being a known Seraxi hive - perhaps the largest hive in existence rests within the trenches of the Vinesian Ocean. The Seraxi are the dominant species in the trenches, although they do not prey on the local fauna, instead taking their resources directly from the ether and the mineral veins deep in the Trenches.
Most of the life that exists in the trenches are small microbial organisms that subsist off of the thermal vents that exist on the ocean floor. There are shellfish, worms, crabs, and other small invertebrates that subsist off the sediment for any organic matter, but the majority of such organic life will exist in the vicinity of whale falls.
Natural Resources
The Trenches are rich in minerals and Ethercrystals, with such deposits being easily seen on the sides of the trench walls.
On rare occasion, Seraxi Deepbronze and Seraxi Deepsteel can be sourced directly from the Trenches, though it is usually picked up by a military dredge, and usually by coincidence instead of deliberate action.
Tourism
Because of the extreme danger of hostile Seraxi lifeforms emerging at any time from the depths, civilian and commercial traffic near the vicinity of the Trenches is prohibited.
Alternative Name(s)
The Deep Void, The Vinesian Trenches, The Abyssal Trenches
Type
Abyss
Location under
Inhabiting Species
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