The Shining Sea is the southern, tropical region of the vast Wyn Myr ocean.
The Shining Sea is home to several island chains and small, but diverse civilizations. Island chains include the Firestorm Islands, the Isle of Dread, the Serpent's Teeth, the Mist Kingdom, and the Olman Islands. The region is also home to the Great Sargasso. Well known island realms of Nimbor and Narrow Isle are also found in the Shining Sea.
Points of Interest in the region of the Shining Sea:
The Wild Coast: Term for the northern coast of Avokhar, which is dotted with human settlements dating back to the great colonies of the Kingdom of Ralas. The largest city on the Wild Coast is Kendar, but other smaller cities such as Sasserine and Caldera are located here as well.
Caldera: (Population: 7,630) Also called "Cauldron," This small inland city is located 80 miles east of Sasserine. The city is located in a dormant volcanic valley, thus its name. the residents of Cauldron are key trading partners with the merchants of Sasserine and the two cities have been known to ally together if need arises. The current ruler of Cauldron is Lord Severan Navalent.
Olman Islands: the only known civilization of the Olman people is located on this chain of five islands. The largest city is the city-state of Xamaclan on the largest island. There is little trade between the other human civilizations along the Wild Coast and the Olman people of the islands, who usually keep to themselves.
The Serpent's Teeth: (Pirate Isles) This sparsely populated chain of fifteen islands are avoided by most as they are home to many wretched bands of pirates and corsairs who raid the sea lanes of the Shining Sea. The infamous Crimson Fleet is based out of these islands, their fleet harbored at the squalid coastal town of Scuttlecove. Although not as well-known as the Corsairs of Tar Vielca, these pirates have a well deserved nasty reputation. Another small city located here is Freeport.
Isle of Dread: This massive island holds many dangers and is difficult to travel to. The Isle is rumored to be home to giant beasts, demons, and other evil creatures. It is also home to a small human colony called Farshore.
The Mist Kingdom: Very little of these islands is known, other than they are perpetually covered in thick mists which cause such a danger to ships that most sailors steer well clear of the area.
The Great Sargasso: A huge expanse of seaweed floating in the Shining Sea. The Sargasso is a well-known hazard to sailors around Corwyn and nicknamed the "graveyard of ships."
Firestorm Isles: A chain of active volcanoes, covered in clouds of ash and poisonous fumes. Very few humans dwell on these islands out of safety, but there are rich mineral and gem deposits located here, so hearty adventurers and miners have been known to try their luck for short visits, usually until the next eruption.
Axuxal Islands: These scarcely populated islands are home to scattered Olman tribes, and little else. The inner harbors of the islands serve to protect ships and several waterfalls provide a source of fresh water.
Ruja: This island of towering, moss-clad cliffs is uninhabited, but serves as a safe harbor to provide fresh water and supplies for passing ships.
The most important and well-known seaports on the Shining Sea are: Freeport, Sasserine, Shard, Stonehaven, Syrene, Tar Vielca, and Vanzali.
