Astral Sea

The ocean to the west of the Empire of Illyria with coastal ports Salindar and Berringar on it. The Feran River empties into it in the Bay of Souls just to the north of Salindar .

Geography

Ranging far to the north to beyond the jungle kingdom of Moraat to the south, the Astral Sea borders the western edge of the Empire. The sea should more likely be called an ocean as its size and scope prevent easy measurements of its bounds. The northern edges of the Sea are known end in the frigid waters of the north, where floating ice prevents ships from sailing further. The southern reaches of the Sea are currently uncharted, as expeditions to the south have often resulted in disastrous encounters with ferocious sea monsters or wild storms that destroyed any ships trying to pass through these waters.
Beyond the sea to the west lies the Tre'am Archipelago, the location of the Empire's newly established Colonies. It takes several weeks of sailing by even the fastest of the Empire's ships to reach the island chain. The Empire has attempted to explore further beyond the Archipelago, but so far have found nothing but open waters.

Ecosystem

The Astral Sea supports a rich ecosystem with deep currents bringing cool water from the north which mixes with the fresh water flowing from the mouths of both the Feran River and Estan River. Along these shorelines, wetlands and estuaries provide shelter and habitats for a wide variety of life, from migrating birds to hatcheries for fish. Additionally, these area protect the inland settlements from high water from storms and tides, acting as a natural buffer.
Just off shore, thick beds of kelp sometimes grow, rooted in the shallow waters. These undersea forests provide homes for a variety of wild life, including sea otters, turtles and a myriad of sea birds.
Further out in the water, coastal island rise from the depths attracting sharks and whales that feed off the fish that make their homes among the unique corals that ring the islands.  Some of these islands are volcanic in nature, and the rich minerals added to the ocean by the flows of lava into the sea can also attract and nourish unique forms of sea life that can be found no where else in the wide ocean.
Beyond that, the deep waters of the Sea holds even more mysteries, as sailors often speak of the strange and wonderous creatures that they have encountered out in these deep waves.  Tales of giant squid, massive whales or even aquatic dragons fill the tales of mariners.   Some even speak of lost cities deep beneath the waves and glowing lights that fly faster than the birds jetting through the deepest darkest of waters in the middle of the night.

Fauna & Flora

There are many notable animals and plants that grow within the Astral Sea.  

Astral Whales

Among the most famous animals in the Sea are the Astral Whale.  They travel in large groups, sometimes numbering over 100 and make a multi-year long migration from the waters south of the Empire of Illyria to the frigid north sea only to return again to the south and begin the cycle over again.  These animals grow to tremendous sizes, with the largest spotted measuring over 500 feet in length.  Their skins vary in color from a dark grey to shades of slate blue to the rare sights of almost pure white.  They are known to dive for a considerable amount of time, some believing they can stay submerged for several hours and reach depths of over 1000 feet.  As such, it is unusual to spot a pod of Astral Whales, but sailors who do consider it a good omen.  It is believed that they feed on smaller fish and have been seen to heard schools of fish together to make swallowing them with the massive jaws easier.  While it is very rare to hear of attacks by Astral Whale on humans, there are a few legends that surround some encounters people have had with them, most ending badly for the people.  Still, the Astral Whale remain a source of fascination for many and a sight of awe and wonder for those lucky enough to view them.

Natural Resources

The Astral sea provides abundant amounts of fish and seafood to the stalwart seafolk of the western coast of the Empire.  Both Salindar and Berringar have large local fishing fleets that sail daily to harvest the bounties reaped from the Sea.  Additionally, small villages and towns dot the coast where local fisherfolk harvest the sea to provide for their populations.   Fresh fish, crustaceans such as crab and lobster, as well as clams and oysters are harvested to provide for the needs of the Empire.

Alternative Name(s)

The Western Ocean, The Sea of Stars