The oceans, cultures, gods, and creatures that define this forgotten world.
The oceans cover 71% of Avalon, providing water, food, trade, travel, and countless dangers.
The largest and most traveled sea. Located south of Avalonia, stretching thousands of miles. Serves as a vital trade route and key source of food for coastal communities.
A unique freshwater sea along the coast of Tir O Dogma. Fed by numerous rivers and marshlands, home to diverse fish, plants, and aquatic life that thrive in freshwater.
West of Ambrosia. Known for extremely high salt content, making life challenging. Home to fish capable of handling high salinity and underwater volcanic systems.
Dangerous waters between the Avalonic and Western seas. Known as a pirate hotspot with remote locations and numerous hiding spots for ambushing trade ships.
FORBIDDEN WATERS
A mysterious and cursed place far south of the Avalonic. Infamous among sailors for treacherous waters and tales of colossal sea monsters that destroy any ships that venture too close.
The goddess of the ocean, Varuna is both feared and revered by sailors and pirates alike. The seas are her domain, and those who fail to show respect are met with harsh storms and fearsome sea monsters.
Many superstitious sailors make offerings before voyages, hoping to secure good fortune. In legends, Varuna appears as a beautiful woman, but she can take the form of ocean creatures - gulls, whales, or even the oceans themselves.
Bioluminescent lights in waters and on beaches are marks of the goddess's blessing. Creatures bearing these markings are considered sacred. Sea gulls are considered good luck, believed to watch over those in Varuna's favor.
Varuna sometimes accepts worship in exchange for favors - calm waters, abundant fish. Offerings are typically items of value or food released into the waters before voyaging.
Warning: Tossing trash overboard is seen as deeply disrespectful and greatly frowned upon among sea voyagers.
Those who die at sea are offered to the goddess, buried in her waters in hopes she guides them to the afterlife.
Notable beings spoken of in rumor and legend that lurk beneath the waves.
A fearsome shark rumored to grow up to 80 feet long with rows of razor-sharp teeth. Many believe they're myth, but ships with large bites torn from hulls tell a different story.
Very large, very angry squids. Normally dwell in deepest waters, but occasionally attack fishing vessels in search of food.
40-foot semi-aquatic reptiles that breathe oxygen. Stay near coastlines and islands, coming to land to sleep, sunbathe, and reproduce.
20-foot semi-aquatic lizards similar to Sea Serpents but smaller. Come to land to sleep, hunt, and sunbathe.
Massive scavengers in rocky waters. Adorn their shells with shiny objects - treasure, weapons, armor. Possibly to impress other crabs.
Shape-shifting spirit that takes horse form, waits for someone to try riding it, then drags them to a watery grave.
Sailors, pirates, and the followers of Varuna who brave the treacherous oceans.
Hardy and resilient folk who brave the oceans for adventure, trade, and fishing. With how dangerous the waters can be, many are superstitious and hold deep respect for the ocean and its creatures.
Skilled sailors and fighters known for ruthlessness and cunning, often taking on ships far bigger than their own. Extremely superstitious, many pay respect to Varuna or wear her symbol.
Followers who have dedicated their lives to the waves. Each wears Varuna's symbol, posting themselves in ports to guide travelers or offer talismans for safe passage.
Not every captain is the same - each has their own interpretation of the code.
While many have made peace with the waters, some adamantly clash with the oceans and its people. Beyond standard fishing, a dark market exists dealing in:
It has long been argued for banning such practices, but with how profitable these markets are, such a ban remains difficult to enforce.