Shining Scale Gulf

 

The Gulf of Bright Scales

 

Geography and Natural Appearance

The Gulf of Bright Scales opens onto the eastern coast of the D'Hroha Peninsula, extending like a wide arc of sea that embraces the capital city of Mazur. The bay, protected by rocky headlands and jagged cliffs, stands out from all the other waters of the Sea of Tritons for a unique characteristic: it never freezes, even in the harshest winters.   This anomaly is due to a dense network of geothermal vents, many of which are located directly on the seabed. Warm currents and bubbles of steam constantly rise from the waters, meeting the frigid eastern air, creating shimmering fog banks. When the sun filters through the fog, the sea surface is covered in iridescent reflections, resembling dragon scales suspended above the waves—hence the origin of the name.   The waters, always warm, are extraordinarily rich in marine life. Schools of colorful fish coexist with deep-sea creatures from warmer areas, luminescent corals thrive in the depths, and phosphorescent algae glow at night, making the Gulf a unique and eerie spectacle.   Off the coast of the Gulf is an important breeding ground for fish called Ivoryheads (enormous fish with armored heads, from which a highly sought-after ivory is extracted), which are hunted for food, blubber, and ivory. Also highly sought-after are the Delfis, another highly sought-after fish because it produces a highly flammable oily substance that can be used as an alchemical preparation for war and also, thanks to its very distinctive aroma, as a key component in some of the most sought-after perfumes. The oil obtained from these fish, called Ambranera, is worth more than its weight in gold.  

Mazur and the Gulf

The capital city of Mazur overlooks the Gulf, built within a series of enormous geothermal caves on basalt terraces that slope down to the sea. Its port is the largest and busiest in the entire Kingdom of Mazur: it is frost-proof and remains operational year-round. This makes Mazur considered the beating heart of the Aj'Snaga empire, both militarily and economically.  

The port of Mazur is vast, with separate docks for the military and merchant fleets. Aj'Snaga warships are stationed here in large numbers, ready to defend the kingdom or set out on new campaigns.

The markets of the Gulf are famous for their fish and hot-water products, but also for their thermal mud and iridescent shells, which are sold as amulets or luxury items.

Strategic Importance

The Brightscale Gulf is vital to the Aj'Snaga for several reasons:  

Naval: It represents the kingdom's safest and most functional port, allowing the fleet to always be ready to move, regardless of the season.

Military: Mazur is naturally defended by the Gulf and the promontories surrounding it. The warm, misty waters create a natural obstacle to invasion, disorienting any enemy fleets.

Economic: Constant access to the sea allows Mazur to be the commercial as well as political capital. The Gulf's riches fuel the city's markets and tributes to the throne.

Political: Controlling the Gulf means holding the heart of Aj'Snaga power. Whoever possesses Mazur and its waters, dominates the Kingdom.

Folklore and Mythology

For the Aj'Snaga, the Gulf is not just a resource, but a sacred place. Its warm waters are interpreted as a manifestation of divine will.   According to the Coibantes, priests of the Cult of the Ancestors, the heat that wells up from the depths is the breath of Yggrash, the Sunken Dragon, a serpent-deity linked to ancient cult prior the establishment of the New Gods, and still secretly worshipped by some Aj'Snaga. It is said that the dragon rests in the depths of the Gulf and will one day emerge to reclaim the world for his Aj'Snaga followers.  

Notable Places of the Gulf

The Iron Dock: Mazur's great naval arsenal, from which the Aj'Snaga war fleets set sail. It is guarded day and night and accessible only to officials of the kingdom.

The Dragon Baths: hot springs on the shore of the Gulf, used by Aj'Snaga nobles for ritual and luxurious bathing. It is said that diving in these waters bestows strength and longevity.

Cliffs of Songs: promontories north of the Gulf, so called because the wind and sea create sounds similar to ghostly choirs. Some interpret them as the moans of dead slaves.

The Pit of Scales: an underwater abyss from which powerful thermal jets emerge. Many sailors swear they have seen, on moonless nights, giant glowing shadows moving in the depths.