The Viridis Maelstrom

This once tranquil archipelago was once home of dozens of villages across many islands. Tortles, Water Elves, and other humanoid species flocked to these islands for their beauty, bountifullness, and peace. The only threat once came from Pirates and Raiders that seek shelter here as well. The small coalition of Islands doesn't have the power to patrol all the waters it has also become a refuge to Pirates and those who want to create their own realms.
However in the last months a large Vortex has opened up near Saphrey - Submerged CIty of the Sea Elves. In the aftermath of a Raid by the Raiders of Ly'Ze'Dir the Powerfull nexus connected to the Water Plane opened up with disastrous concequences for the Sea Elves. The City in lies destroyed with more than half of it's population dead or displaced. A few survived the opening of this rift.
From the rift a large Vortex and Storm released. As water jets out of this Vortex in to the air, causing flooding and Storms. The sea currents changed and lead to this anomoly now called The Viridis Maelstrom. It has shattered the Islands and those that remain are left in shambles.  Most of the once idyllic Archipelago has been torn assunder. As Islands were flooded, their settlements destroyed. A huge fleet of refugee ships (large three mast ships and small fishermen craft) gained shelter in the 'Independent' City of Liberté. This city holds some of the Pirate clans but als part of this Archipelago it has opened it's doors to those unfortunate enough to lose their home. 
As it lies in the centre of the Inner Ocean sea travel has been changed greatly and is even more perilous than before. Trade routes have changed, altered or are no longer viable.