The Oceans of Gia

Most of Gia’s surface is covered in brackish water, with the seven significant landmasses clustered together on an underwater plateau. Geographically, the planet is divided into two distinct bodies of water, the Great Still Ocean and the Depths of Sedgedon, harboring drastically different depth levels and ecosystems.

The Great Still Ocean

Historically referred to as “The Shallows,” this ocean is now characterized by its lack of trade winds that make traditional long-range sailing nearly impossible. Reaching depths of only 800 to 1000 feet, the sea hosts aquatic life which thrives in the sun’s warmth, with a vast quantity of air breathers. This plethora of growth on the rocky ocean floor gives an overall green tint to the water, with large patches of colorful flora observable by passing vessels. As a result, marine life has developed a spectrum of color variations, with nature observers able to identify the origin of such species based on their unique patterns.
The Great Still Ocean encompasses all major landmasses of Gia, with a few portions of the continents within a few miles from the underwater waterfall, which separates the two bodies of water. The seam features volatile currents making crossing the border of the oceans unmistakable. Oceanographers credit the undercurrents to the pull of the massive waterfalls.

The Depths of Sedgedon

The remaining surface is covered with Depths of Sedgedon, which largely remains unexplored. Within its waters rest unknown dangers, treasures, and history that only the bravest of souls even tempt to discover. The Depths contain landmasses sprinkled throughout, each having its own ecosystems. However, it is cut off from the societies of Gia due to its lack of accessibility.
The Depths of Sedgedon received its name from the Kraken Titan, which devastated fleets during the Age of Amplification. During this age, its long reach could harass shipping lanes, but its body was so vast the shallows proved challenging to maneuver. The Depths, thus, belonged to the Titan and countless other massive sea creatures. As a result, the ocean is characterized as the most dangerous environment in Gia. Yet, despite the Age of Titans coming to a close, Sedgedon was never confirmed as deceased, with naval travelers maintaining a watchful eye for the arms of death, which could arrive at any moment.

Travel

Sea travel has always been a prominent means of transporting cargo and individuals. However, as the trade winds faltered and “The Shallows” turned into the Great Still Ocean, the means to accomplish this had to be altered. While a protected enchantment does exist to allow for traditional wind-based travel, it would be the discovery of the Undercurrents that would allow transcontinental trade once more.

Undercurrents

Recognized by lighter shades of teal, the effects of moving and colliding water, undercurrents were discovered planetwide, resting roughly 10 feet below sea level. These slow yet powerful currents form a net pattern across Gia, reliably connecting the continents. In the mid-Reemergence Era, great strides were made to map out these undercurrents to determine their consistency and navigation difficulty viability. At this point in history, one of the most respected and lucrative professions came into being, a navigator referred to as a “Slider.”
Most undercurrents have been mapped, though navigation by stream hopping still requires enormous skill and dedication to the craft. The undercurrents allow for a steady and reliable movement between locations, with primary routes heavily used for cargo shipping. While personnel movements occur, the process is expensive due to the transportation cost of food and well-being, as journeys take many weeks to complete.

Trade

Between vessel construction costs and large payload requirements to make trips economically feasible, intercontinental trade has fallen mainly to larger guilds that weather long shipping times and manage vessels as they move between routes dictated by the undercurrents. While slow, the added benefit of this method of travel is the reliability of a timetable, with vessels arriving at ports precisely as anticipated, allowing efficiencies in trade routes and commercial stocks.

Vessel Design

Sea vessels have become incredibly large, wide, and low riding unless using enchanted sails, emphasizing maximizing cargo storage per trip as undercurrents pull at consistent speed despite the weight. In addition, vessels feature deep catching fins or plates on a large-scale rudder that allows Riders to catch the full force of the undercurrent and switch streams when required.