Sea of Moving Ice
The Sea of Moving Ice, also referred to as the Floating Land by the Reghedmen barbarians, was a collection of icebergs and frost-covered isles that floated in the waters of northwest Faerûn.
Geography
The Sea of Moving Ice was located west of Icewind Dale and northwest of the Cold Run.
Almost completely uncharted, the ice masses set wide enough apart for a ship to pass. The ice of the sea changed so that all but the most experienced seafarers could be caught off guard. Proof of such are a collection of ancient ice-locked ships.
Ecosystem
The Sea of Moving Ice is a vast and treacherous body of water in the far north of Faerun, located beyond the Spine of the World mountains. The ecosystem of this region is characterized by extreme cold and harsh conditions, making it difficult for most forms of life to survive.
Localized Phenomena
The Sea of Moving Ice is known for several localized phenomena that occur in the area. These include:
Icebergs: The sea is filled with massive icebergs that have broken off from glaciers and ice shelves. These icebergs can be dangerous to ships, as they can easily capsize a vessel.
Ice Floes: Along with icebergs, the sea is filled with smaller ice floes that drift with the currents. These can also be a hazard to ships, as they can cause damage to a vessel's hull.
Aurora polaris: The Sea of Moving Ice is located far enough north that the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, can often be seen in the night sky. These colorful lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's magnetic field.
Ice Caves: The sea is home to numerous ice caves, formed by the freezing and thawing of the ice over thousands of years. These caves can be dangerous to explore, as they are often unstable and prone to collapse.
Whirlpools: The currents and tides in the sea can create dangerous whirlpools that can pull ships under. These whirlpools are often caused by the interaction of warm and cold water currents.
Fauna & Flora
Along with seals, walruses and polar bears, the Sea of Moving Ice was also home to other dangers. Lairs of ice trolls could be found in errant shipwrecks, and White Dragons often made home within larger icebergs.
Few humans made their home among the icy bergs. Among the few that did were the nomadic Ice Hunter tribes, and whalers who dwelled upon the sea's icy shores.
History
In the Year of Chilled Marrow, −343 DR, the arcanists of Ythryn found a mysterious stone spindle that beneath the seam, an artifact that dated back to the ancient kingdom of Ostoria.
The Waterdhavian whale hunter Jendren Uruth made regular excursions into the sea in search of ambergris during the late 1480s DR.
Alternative Name(s)
Floating Land
Type
Glacier
Included Locations
Related Ethnicities
Inhabiting Species
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