Blade Maidens: Dead in the Water – 2

“Sailing has always been a lucrative trade in Telos. The overland trek from the peaks of Valfald to the sandy shores of Cruso takes months at the best of times, and is fraught with dangers ranging from political strife to the countless beasts and brigands that roam our lands.

Thus, the bountiful sea trade, from the likes of Freehold and Kilzia, with even landlocked nations such as Verdanna knowing all-too-well how profitable exporting their goods to distant neighbors can be. And while the sailors of Telos are no strangers to threats–the shifting territories of the merfolk under the waves alone proves a challenge– for many the greatest feat, and most terrifying route, lies across the Everstorm.

That raging collection of hurricanes and storm surges that spans hundreds of leagues and never abates has puzzled even the Tide Witches of Mara’s domain, and all attempts to study its secrets are swiftly either drowned beneath the waves or devoured by the titanic creatures that call it home.

That hardly stops tall tales from spreading, of course. Of the distant lands on the other wise of its churning waves and crashing thunder. Of hive-kingdoms deep beneath the earth. Of ruthless warrior bands roaming vast deserts. Whether any are true, none can say. At least not until a successful voyage somehow returns.”

– a passage from An Exploration of Exploration by Professor Heimrich Veldt of Freehold