The Rip: A Legendary Oceanic Current in Nehwon

"The Rip," an infamous and formidable oceanic current, is renowned for its extraordinary strength and perilous nature. Its name serves as a stark dual warning to mariners: firstly, for its capacity to physically "rip" ships apart due to its extremely high speed measured in knots per hour; secondly, as an acronym "R.I.P.," alluding to "Rest In Peace," reflecting the fate met by many sailors who have attempted to traverse this treacherous current.

Cultural and Mythological Significance

In Nehwon's lore, The Rip is steeped in myths and legends. Tales abound of sea monsters, underwater dragons, and eldritch creatures lurking within or near the current, waiting to ensnare or destroy ships. These stories, passed down through generations, have elevated The Rip to a mythical status, symbolizing the ultimate maritime challenge and the mysterious, untamed nature of the sea.

Historical Impact

Throughout Nehwon's maritime history, The Rip has influenced naval and trading routes. Sailors often seek alternative paths to avoid its treacherous waters, and many a ship has met its demise trying to cross or venture too close to the current. There are countless shipwrecks along the current's path, some extremely far from the place where the ship capsized in the first place. The Rip has become a cautionary tale among seafaring folk, often told to emphasize the respect and fear the ocean commands.

Impact on Navigation

Navigation through or near The Rip requires exceptional skill, experience, and knowledge of local oceanographic conditions. Throughout time, some ships have traveled along its path for a very short distance -- 1 to 2 NM, before having to steer back out into calmer water. Any sailor who has experienced this is said to have "rode the Rip", and is a sub-cultural badge of honor. Naturally, many sailors who claim this are embellishing or outright lying about their experience -- a "fish tale" of sorts.

Manifestation

The Rip originates in the Sea of Stars, a mysterious and vast body of water located south of the island of Lankhmaria. The current's exact starting point remains elusive, contributing to its legendary status among sailors and explorers.
The Rip is characterized by its incredibly high speeds, which has been measured anywhere from 32 knots per hour (kn) in its calmest part (about 100 Nautical Miles (NM) directly south of Kokgnab) to 88 kn (near the western coast of the Spark Islands). Typical oceanic currents range from 2 to 5 kn. These intense speeds, combined with turbulent waters, create a maritime hazard that is nearly impossible for ships to navigate safely. The current's path is unpredictable, adding to the peril it poses to unwary mariners.

Localization

The Rip originates about 100 NM south of Kokgnab and travels in an east by southeasterly direction, ending at the face of the shore cliffs of The Spark Islands -- 5,400 NM in total distance.. It's width is not entirely known, but it is believed to be about 2 NM in width.
Although it has never been done before, in theory, a ship that rode the Rip from beginning to end would start out at 32 kn/hr. This speed would increase about one-third of the way along its path to 44 kn/hr, where it would remain consistent until the last 60 NM, where it would increase to an incredible 88 kn/hr.

1. Inspired by "Trapped in the Sea of Stars" by Fritz Leiber, http://www.troynovant.com/Franson/Leiber/Trapped-in-Sea-Stars.html

Type

Natural