Sèk Tela Hringhafi
The Circled Sea
Now why would I do that? Give up my Captaincy?
Oh no, I think not. Duely respected Instructor of Devotions Terja-Ussu, why would I give up the freedom of the Axe'Bytch and her sisters? Look out there? That is possibility. What you offer, is not. You offer... power, which is not the same.
Dragonkin Merchant Captain Arris O'DaringTon
In the heart of the Realm is the The Pinnacle, but surrounding that is the Circled Sea. The blue on blue waters of this cherished ocean lure young lovers for secret rendezvouses, carry the wealth of tens of thousands, and steal away the lives of the careless or adventurous.
This inland ocean is surrounded by a mountain range, The Shield, and is some 1000 km in diameter. But, do not let that geographic barrier imply to you that those that live on the Circled Sea are trapped or isolated, because it is also a region of diverse peoples and creatures. Further, the temperate to warm weather, which the sea is known for, make living in the region an almost idyllic life. More often then not, the sky is clear, the breeze refreshing and the ocean water's a warm gentle embrace.
Many come to visit the three great capitals in this region of the Realm, and many have stayed to make this region a permanent home. To the north is Ud-Moaza (North Moor) and of course to the south is Ur-Moaza (South Moor). Both are uniquely wonderful for the courageous and uniquely hazardous for the naive.
Additionally, fueling a great sense of freedom and prosperity are the many small or nameless settlements both permanent and temporary along the Sea's interior coast. So many, that it impossible for any single sea captain to know or have seen them all. This of course means that there is a level civil freedom enjoyed by those who live in the in these places. These entrepreneurs of business are often fickle and unpredictable. Many Paragons have commented on this particular regional idiosyncrasy.
The Circled Sea is also full of living marine life. There is no lack of food or basic resources for those who live on its waters or coast.
Geography
Sèk Tela Hringhafi (Circled Sea) is a large interior fresh water ocean which is completely land locked. The Shield mountain range completely surrounds it. From the exterior edge the mountain range has an average height of some 300-600 meters, but on the interior side, the waves of the Circled Sea lap up against sand and rock beaches, flow in and out of coves and fjords. In most places on the interior side, the Shield only rises some 100 meters above sea level, and in many a mere 10 meters. It is quite a contrast. The capital city of Ur-Moaza (South Moor) takes advantage of this geography having entire neighbouroods and gardens at the top of the Shield mountains allowing significant access to the trade economy of the Circled Sea. And, its counter part on the northern edge, Ud-Moaza (North Moor) uses this difference in elevation (or depth) to generate a geothermal power grid which has never failed in the 56 millennia of the city's existance.
The Shield mountains are also very extensive representing a significant zone of rich flora and fauna protected by valleys and rivers which lead back into the Circled Sea. There is a consistent physical barrier on the exterior side of the mountains that prevents rivers from forming and being sustained. When it rains on the Shield mountains the majority of the rain water falls into the Circled Sea. Water laden clouds coming up from the exterior side consistently drop all of their moisture on that side of the mountains. The only real breaks in this barrier are the large water fall cascades where the north and south capitals are situated. These are so large that they are the source of the realm's two most significant and largest rivers; the Drop and the Reach respectively.
For many it is a wonder that at some of the Shield peaks the entire Circled Sea does not spill out over them, but it has never happened. Such is the Glory and will of the Devouring Mother.
Part of the reason why the Circled Sea may not spill past the protection of the Shield mountains is that storms are almost unheard of on the sea itself. The climate is incredibly temperate and warm rare exhibiting variances or disturbances. On the other hand, there are many days where if one is looking out at the realm from the Overlook it can seem that you are above all of the strange turmoil of the realm because before you is an endless view of cloud and sky.
The Shield mountains are also very extensive representing a significant zone of rich flora and fauna protected by valleys and rivers which lead back into the Circled Sea. There is a consistent physical barrier on the exterior side of the mountains that prevents rivers from forming and being sustained. When it rains on the Shield mountains the majority of the rain water falls into the Circled Sea. Water laden clouds coming up from the exterior side consistently drop all of their moisture on that side of the mountains. The only real breaks in this barrier are the large water fall cascades where the north and south capitals are situated. These are so large that they are the source of the realm's two most significant and largest rivers; the Drop and the Reach respectively.
For many it is a wonder that at some of the Shield peaks the entire Circled Sea does not spill out over them, but it has never happened. Such is the Glory and will of the Devouring Mother.
Part of the reason why the Circled Sea may not spill past the protection of the Shield mountains is that storms are almost unheard of on the sea itself. The climate is incredibly temperate and warm rare exhibiting variances or disturbances. On the other hand, there are many days where if one is looking out at the realm from the Overlook it can seem that you are above all of the strange turmoil of the realm because before you is an endless view of cloud and sky.
Fauna & Flora
This is a brief list of the living things in the Circled Sea that most people know to be wary of:
Rissator Hekrib Ke (Gunship Shrimp) : These giant shrimp rise from the depth of the Circled Sea to hunt; ships. Through an evolutionary adaptation, these monstrous crustaceans have learnt that it is easier to hunt the surface of the Circled Sea for merchant boats and pleasure yachts, then it is to remain in the depths hunting each other and whatever other monstrosities live in the cold wet darkness. A lot is known about these animals due to their deadly nature, the many scientific groups in the Circled Sea have been studying these creatures for a very long time. Risstor lay in wait some 10 - 50 m below the surface, sensing for the vibrations created by a ship passing near them. Once they identify their prey, they patiently and line up their shot. The ship passes into range and the Risstor fires a cavitation bubble of super heated water. These shots can completely shatter smaller ships in one hit or cause larger ships to sink. It is common practice for successful merchants to travel in convoys to limit the losses from these attacks.
Ey'andi algReregi (Harvester Kelp): Az-Atla is a complicated place. Sometimes things are difficult to categorize, Ey'andi is one of those things. Many would argue it is a large floating island of sea kelp with many animals living on and with in it, and others argue it is a complex biological system involving several symbiotic animals and plants. Both agree that Harvester Kelp is dangerous for those unlucky enough to sail into it. Once your ship has made contact with the kelp mass, it quickly envelops your ship. This allows the various creatures that have adapted to live with it, the opportunity to attack or board your ship. Some will bore into the wood of the hull. Some will dissolve the hull, and others will move onto the ship's decks and attempt to attack whatever they find. It is a difficult and often horrible effort to win your way free once entrapped. Larger metal ships have an easier time freeing themselves, but often pay a steep price is loss of crew and extensive damage.
Haufiskur'ason (Fire Fish): This little fish travel in schools of thousands. They are a fairly common sight in the Circled Sea, and are often seen leaping into the air some 10m high and then gracefully and slowly floating back down to the water to avoid a predator. A long float for a school can last up to 8 mins. These fish are very beautiful due to their brightly colored scales. Many citizens often go on Haufiskur watching tours. Also, the Haufiskur are fished by commercial fishers for the methane gases that they hold in their gas bladders. Its this gas which allows them to maintain their extended time through the air. It is this gas that is one of the main reasons these fish have their name. Catching them is serious work, because one punctured fish can result in a mass sudden fire storm. The inexperienced fishing crew rarely gets more then one mistake.
Rakau Pyeo Djúpin (Trees of the Deep Sea): Under the water of the Circled Sea rising from the deep valleys and channels of the Shield mountains grow forests of these giant underwater plants. Most describe them as trees, but it would be more correct to say tree like. They have massive trunks, but they are not firm or supportive and so the forests made by this plants flow with the currents and tides of the sea. Their branches spread out in a tangle connecting to other Rakua and acting as a lush environment for a myriad of sea life. Fish, crustacean, mammals, invertebrates and other flora inhabit these dense and deep forests. What makes the Rakau amazing is their ability to regulate surrounding water temperature for the entire length of their trunk. The plans prefer a nice cool 18 degrees Celsius. Divers have reported many strange sights in these deep forests, and many divers have failed to return from their exploration. Professionals consider Rakau forests very high risk.
Taru Warolue (The Rolling Grass): This grass is a deep red to green in colour commonly found in the tidal pools of the Shield mountains. The grass is seen by citizens of the Circled Sea region as an interesting example of the Devouring Mother's philosophy of 'Work hard and prosper, or suffer." Rolling Grass is in truth a scavenger. The grass emits a subsonic aura that slowly paralyzes animals around it. Many animals do not stay in the grass's vicinity to suffer unduly, but those that remain to long, find themselves unable to move. This allows the grass to slowly, over the period of hours, 'roll' the animal up to be digested. The grass commonly devours fish, unlucky crabs, birds, and the occasional larger animal that is ill, injured, or ill fated. Rarely, citizens are found in the grass pools in various states of digestion.
Many other animals have learned to take advantage of the paralyzing effects of Taru Warolue. A small bird, commonly named the Rack Warbbler, uses the grass to nest in. Flitting about the grass seemingly unaffected by its aura. Other animals steal the semi or completely paralyzed catch of the Taru Warolue as an easy meal.
Rētita'alat (Giant Lettuce): These plants are commercially grown and harvested by many of the smaller settlements along the coast of the Circled Sea. The thick roots system which anchors the plant to the sea bed is used for making damage resistant clothing fibers and light weight but strong rope. The leaves are harvested and eaten in many various dishes. They are high in nutrients and have a refreshing taste. A mature Retita weighs about 6kgs and its large fronds can be as long 1 meter.
Fauna
Rissator Hekrib Ke (Gunship Shrimp) : These giant shrimp rise from the depth of the Circled Sea to hunt; ships. Through an evolutionary adaptation, these monstrous crustaceans have learnt that it is easier to hunt the surface of the Circled Sea for merchant boats and pleasure yachts, then it is to remain in the depths hunting each other and whatever other monstrosities live in the cold wet darkness. A lot is known about these animals due to their deadly nature, the many scientific groups in the Circled Sea have been studying these creatures for a very long time. Risstor lay in wait some 10 - 50 m below the surface, sensing for the vibrations created by a ship passing near them. Once they identify their prey, they patiently and line up their shot. The ship passes into range and the Risstor fires a cavitation bubble of super heated water. These shots can completely shatter smaller ships in one hit or cause larger ships to sink. It is common practice for successful merchants to travel in convoys to limit the losses from these attacks.
Ey'andi algReregi (Harvester Kelp): Az-Atla is a complicated place. Sometimes things are difficult to categorize, Ey'andi is one of those things. Many would argue it is a large floating island of sea kelp with many animals living on and with in it, and others argue it is a complex biological system involving several symbiotic animals and plants. Both agree that Harvester Kelp is dangerous for those unlucky enough to sail into it. Once your ship has made contact with the kelp mass, it quickly envelops your ship. This allows the various creatures that have adapted to live with it, the opportunity to attack or board your ship. Some will bore into the wood of the hull. Some will dissolve the hull, and others will move onto the ship's decks and attempt to attack whatever they find. It is a difficult and often horrible effort to win your way free once entrapped. Larger metal ships have an easier time freeing themselves, but often pay a steep price is loss of crew and extensive damage.
Haufiskur'ason (Fire Fish): This little fish travel in schools of thousands. They are a fairly common sight in the Circled Sea, and are often seen leaping into the air some 10m high and then gracefully and slowly floating back down to the water to avoid a predator. A long float for a school can last up to 8 mins. These fish are very beautiful due to their brightly colored scales. Many citizens often go on Haufiskur watching tours. Also, the Haufiskur are fished by commercial fishers for the methane gases that they hold in their gas bladders. Its this gas which allows them to maintain their extended time through the air. It is this gas that is one of the main reasons these fish have their name. Catching them is serious work, because one punctured fish can result in a mass sudden fire storm. The inexperienced fishing crew rarely gets more then one mistake.
Flora
Rakau Pyeo Djúpin (Trees of the Deep Sea): Under the water of the Circled Sea rising from the deep valleys and channels of the Shield mountains grow forests of these giant underwater plants. Most describe them as trees, but it would be more correct to say tree like. They have massive trunks, but they are not firm or supportive and so the forests made by this plants flow with the currents and tides of the sea. Their branches spread out in a tangle connecting to other Rakua and acting as a lush environment for a myriad of sea life. Fish, crustacean, mammals, invertebrates and other flora inhabit these dense and deep forests. What makes the Rakau amazing is their ability to regulate surrounding water temperature for the entire length of their trunk. The plans prefer a nice cool 18 degrees Celsius. Divers have reported many strange sights in these deep forests, and many divers have failed to return from their exploration. Professionals consider Rakau forests very high risk.
Taru Warolue (The Rolling Grass): This grass is a deep red to green in colour commonly found in the tidal pools of the Shield mountains. The grass is seen by citizens of the Circled Sea region as an interesting example of the Devouring Mother's philosophy of 'Work hard and prosper, or suffer." Rolling Grass is in truth a scavenger. The grass emits a subsonic aura that slowly paralyzes animals around it. Many animals do not stay in the grass's vicinity to suffer unduly, but those that remain to long, find themselves unable to move. This allows the grass to slowly, over the period of hours, 'roll' the animal up to be digested. The grass commonly devours fish, unlucky crabs, birds, and the occasional larger animal that is ill, injured, or ill fated. Rarely, citizens are found in the grass pools in various states of digestion.
Many other animals have learned to take advantage of the paralyzing effects of Taru Warolue. A small bird, commonly named the Rack Warbbler, uses the grass to nest in. Flitting about the grass seemingly unaffected by its aura. Other animals steal the semi or completely paralyzed catch of the Taru Warolue as an easy meal.
Rētita'alat (Giant Lettuce): These plants are commercially grown and harvested by many of the smaller settlements along the coast of the Circled Sea. The thick roots system which anchors the plant to the sea bed is used for making damage resistant clothing fibers and light weight but strong rope. The leaves are harvested and eaten in many various dishes. They are high in nutrients and have a refreshing taste. A mature Retita weighs about 6kgs and its large fronds can be as long 1 meter.
Natural Resources
The Circled Sea is a rich region. There is a profundity of marine life that are used in the daily living of the Citizens of the region, traded or refined for industrial use. Ocean kelp, plants and grasses are harvested for food, fibre and medicinal uses. Animals are hunted or fished for any number of economic reasons, from sports entertainment, industrial harvesting, exotic and rare foods, to simple daily needs. Additionally, there are the rich mineral deposits that are found in the Shield mountains; metals, industrial and precious.
And, lastly, an abundance of fresh water, for the Circled Sea is an endless basin seemingly boundless in its volume.
Tourism
There is so much to do in this region. Beaches on the interior ring. Rock climbing and para-gliding on the exterior ring. Scenic hikes in the garden neighbourhoods of Ur-Moaza, or less manicured hikes through the many secluded valleys of the Shield peaks.
Of course there is all of the activities to be done on the Circled Sea itself. Sailing, tours of the interior coast, and of course fishing. Of all of the regions of the Realm, the Circled Sea is the most civilized, peaceful and prosperous. This is very apparent due to its healthy industry of leisure.
There are also many strange and beautiful animals to see that are native to this region. In Ur-Moaza(settlement:d2250393-7069-47f9-8717-2b1a43a35684) on garden is dedicated to the upkeep and display of some of the more exquisite specimens that can be found. Birds, land animals, insects, and even beautiful fish can be found kept in this garden, but there are still creatures that can only be seen in their wild state; deep beyond the shore in the heart of the sea itself. @[Risstór Hekrib ke is one such animal. These monstrous shrimp average in size between 8 - 10 meters in length, are covered in a practically impervious chitinous shell, and are sport hunted. Experts argue that these shrimp are individually one of the most deadly animals inhabiting the Circle Sea.
Of course there is all of the activities to be done on the Circled Sea itself. Sailing, tours of the interior coast, and of course fishing. Of all of the regions of the Realm, the Circled Sea is the most civilized, peaceful and prosperous. This is very apparent due to its healthy industry of leisure.
There are also many strange and beautiful animals to see that are native to this region. In Ur-Moaza(settlement:d2250393-7069-47f9-8717-2b1a43a35684) on garden is dedicated to the upkeep and display of some of the more exquisite specimens that can be found. Birds, land animals, insects, and even beautiful fish can be found kept in this garden, but there are still creatures that can only be seen in their wild state; deep beyond the shore in the heart of the sea itself. @[Risstór Hekrib ke is one such animal. These monstrous shrimp average in size between 8 - 10 meters in length, are covered in a practically impervious chitinous shell, and are sport hunted. Experts argue that these shrimp are individually one of the most deadly animals inhabiting the Circle Sea.
Last Light by VantoZexWes
Alternative Name(s)
The Pool
Type
Ocean
Included Locations
Inhabiting Species
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