The Scorched Sea
The Scorched Sea is a large body of water in the large area beneath Erindor, marked by its scalding temperatures and calm conditions. Created by the cataclysmic destruction of the Essence Forge, this sea serves as a crucial trade route between the eastern and western regions of Pathriam and as a naval base for Frijring. Specialized ships called Bargos are required to navigate its hazardous waters.
Administered by Erindor, the sea is bordered to the north by the Crystalcap Mountains, which create a natural barrier that keeps the waters generally calm. A chain of islands punctuates the central area, offering navigational challenges and temporary refuge. To the east, the sea meets the Tritos Dominion and Frijring; to the west, it's bordered by Graetis, Thorn, and Belwin, with the latter's coastline featuring imposing cliffs. The Blighted Cove, a poisonous area devoid of marine life, is situated along the Belwin coastline and is believed to be caused by an unexplored underwater reef. Adding to the sea's hazardous geography is its northeastern quadrant, which remains in a perpetual state of combustion due to the destroyed Essence Forge far below its surface.
Originally known as the Gulf of Erindor, the Scorched Sea underwent a dramatic transformation during the Age of Horror when a monster called the Konoclast destroyed the Undain Clan's Essence Forge. This cataclysmic event not only obliterated a significant portion of dwarven history but also set a roughly 100-mile radius of the sea into perpetual boiling. The underwater depths are a chaotic mix of collapsed mountain ranges, dwarven ruins, and the remnants of countless ships that have met their end. Over time, these conditions have rendered the Scorched Sea a hotspot for military conflict and piracy. During the initial conflicts in the region Thorn openly supported mercenaries to control the central islands, leading to the establishment of Trayo, a town often mislabeled as a pirate haven but in reality serves as a crucial stopover point. About 300 years ago, the dwarves opened the Calendar Exchange, a large bank located on the shores within the inner ring of the Crystalcap Mountains. This has become the most frequented stop in the area, particularly for ships from the Westlands. For centuries, the Tritos Dominion's powerful navy dominated the eastern waters until Frijring seceded and commandeered the fleet. This transition has recently led Trayo to seek protection from Frijring, creating an alliance in the center of the sea.
Conditions have led to specialized industries. Shrimping is a mainstay for many coastal communities, while adventurous fishermen with specialized Bargos capture rare aquatic life in the sea's boiling region. Trade and transportation are also key, especially between the southern areas adjacent to the Drakefire Ocean. A thriving shipbuilding sector has emerged to produce vessels capable of navigating the sea's challenging waters. The port town of Trayo is a major stop for travel between the Eastlands and the Westlands, boasting a large tavern and import business, as well as a strong guild presence from the Guilds of Tor. The Calendar Exchange, a financial hub, is situated within the inner ring of the Crystalcap Mountains and serves as a crucial economic center, particularly for the Westlands.
The Scorched Sea's waters are rich with hardy aquatic species, including many unique forms of life that have adapted to its extreme conditions. While not densely populated, surrounding coastal areas and islands host a mix of permanent and transient residents. The port town of Trayo is a notable hub, often mistaken as a pirate haven but serving as a major stopover point with a significant guild presence from the Guilds of Tor. Erindor maintains jurisdiction over the sea, with the dwarves of the Undain Clan playing a significant role in its governance. The sea also attracts various military presences, most notably from Frijring, which recently seceded and commandeered a fleet from the Tritos Dominion.
Geography
Administered by Erindor, the sea is bordered to the north by the Crystalcap Mountains, which create a natural barrier that keeps the waters generally calm. A chain of islands punctuates the central area, offering navigational challenges and temporary refuge. To the east, the sea meets the Tritos Dominion and Frijring; to the west, it's bordered by Graetis, Thorn, and Belwin, with the latter's coastline featuring imposing cliffs. The Blighted Cove, a poisonous area devoid of marine life, is situated along the Belwin coastline and is believed to be caused by an unexplored underwater reef. Adding to the sea's hazardous geography is its northeastern quadrant, which remains in a perpetual state of combustion due to the destroyed Essence Forge far below its surface.
History
Originally known as the Gulf of Erindor, the Scorched Sea underwent a dramatic transformation during the Age of Horror when a monster called the Konoclast destroyed the Undain Clan's Essence Forge. This cataclysmic event not only obliterated a significant portion of dwarven history but also set a roughly 100-mile radius of the sea into perpetual boiling. The underwater depths are a chaotic mix of collapsed mountain ranges, dwarven ruins, and the remnants of countless ships that have met their end. Over time, these conditions have rendered the Scorched Sea a hotspot for military conflict and piracy. During the initial conflicts in the region Thorn openly supported mercenaries to control the central islands, leading to the establishment of Trayo, a town often mislabeled as a pirate haven but in reality serves as a crucial stopover point. About 300 years ago, the dwarves opened the Calendar Exchange, a large bank located on the shores within the inner ring of the Crystalcap Mountains. This has become the most frequented stop in the area, particularly for ships from the Westlands. For centuries, the Tritos Dominion's powerful navy dominated the eastern waters until Frijring seceded and commandeered the fleet. This transition has recently led Trayo to seek protection from Frijring, creating an alliance in the center of the sea.
Industry
Conditions have led to specialized industries. Shrimping is a mainstay for many coastal communities, while adventurous fishermen with specialized Bargos capture rare aquatic life in the sea's boiling region. Trade and transportation are also key, especially between the southern areas adjacent to the Drakefire Ocean. A thriving shipbuilding sector has emerged to produce vessels capable of navigating the sea's challenging waters. The port town of Trayo is a major stop for travel between the Eastlands and the Westlands, boasting a large tavern and import business, as well as a strong guild presence from the Guilds of Tor. The Calendar Exchange, a financial hub, is situated within the inner ring of the Crystalcap Mountains and serves as a crucial economic center, particularly for the Westlands.
Inhabitants
The Scorched Sea's waters are rich with hardy aquatic species, including many unique forms of life that have adapted to its extreme conditions. While not densely populated, surrounding coastal areas and islands host a mix of permanent and transient residents. The port town of Trayo is a notable hub, often mistaken as a pirate haven but serving as a major stopover point with a significant guild presence from the Guilds of Tor. Erindor maintains jurisdiction over the sea, with the dwarves of the Undain Clan playing a significant role in its governance. The sea also attracts various military presences, most notably from Frijring, which recently seceded and commandeered a fleet from the Tritos Dominion.
The Scorched Sea
Points of Interest The Blighted Cove, The Calendar Exchange, Death's Call, Trayo, Witches Bay
Points of Interest The Blighted Cove, The Calendar Exchange, Death's Call, Trayo, Witches Bay
