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The '''Great Sea''' was one of the larger seas of [[Toril]], lying between the continents of [[Faerûn]] and [[Zakhara]],<ref name="FRA-p8">{{Cite book/The Forgotten Realms Atlas|viii-x,8-11}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p146">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|146}}</ref> and, after the [[Spellplague]] of [[1385 DR]], between those two continents and the new continent of [[Laerakond]].<ref name="FRCG-p201">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|201}}</ref>
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The '''Great Sea''' was one of the larger seas of [[Toril]], lying between the continents of [[Faerûn]] and [[Zakhara]],<ref name="FRA-p8">{{Cite book/The Forgotten Realms Atlas|viii-x,8-11}}</ref><ref name="FRCS3e-p146">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|146,231}}</ref> and, after the [[Spellplague]] of [[1385 DR]], between those two continents and the new continent of [[Laerakond]].<ref name="FRCG-p201">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|201}}</ref>
   
 
==Geography==
  
==Geography==
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==Locations==
  
==Locations==
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In Faerûn, the Great Sea lapped at the southern shores of the lands of [[Halruaa]],<ref name="FRCS3e-p78">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|78,79}}</ref> [[Dambrath]], [[Luiren]], and the [[Shining Lands]] of [[Durpar]], [[Estagund]], and [[Var the Golden]].<ref name="FRCS3e-map">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting/map}}</ref> [[Nimbral]] was the most notable island in the Great Sea.<ref name="FRA-p8"/><ref name="aGTotR-p112">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/A Grand Tour of the Realms|112}}</ref>
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In Faerûn, the Great Sea lapped at the southern shores of the lands of [[Halruaa]],<ref name="FRCS3e-p78">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|78,79}}</ref> [[Dambrath]], [[Luiren]], and the [[Shining Lands]] of [[Durpar]], [[Estagund]], and [[Var the Golden]].<ref name="FRCS3e-map">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting/map}}</ref> [[Nimbral]] was the most notable island in the Great Sea.<ref name="FRA-p8"/><ref name="aGTotR-p112">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised)/A Grand Tour of the Realms|112}}</ref> Other known islands far out in the Great Sea on the Faerûnian side were, from west to east, the [[Beacon Rocks]], the [[Stormtails]], the [[Shipgrave Isles]], the [[Red Giant]], the [[White Rocks]], [[Naarlith]], [[Far Nemoree]],<ref name="FRA-p8"/> and the [[Realm of Tides]] off the coast of the Utter East.<ref name="B&M">{{Cite game/Blood & Magic}}</ref>
   
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In Zakhara, the eastern tip of the Sea's shore touched the [[Land of the Yak-Men]].<ref name="DM241">{{Cite dragon/241/Campaign Classics: The Roof of the World}}</ref> It ran to the southwest along the area of the city-states of [[North Zakhara]], then at the edge of the [[High Desert]] beyond the [[Mountains of the Lizard's Tongue]], and presumably on to mysterious [[Akota]].<ref name="LoF:M"/><ref name="GV-MB">{{Cite book/Golden Voyages/Map Booklet}}</ref><ref name="LoF-93">{{Cite book/Land of Fate/Adventurer's Guide to Zakhara|93}}</ref> Two groups of islands lay within the Great Sea on the Zakharan side: the [[Corsair Domains]], and under variably strong [[Qudra]]n influence, [[the Dancer]], [[the Bird]], [[the Fortress]], [[Lahib Island|Lahib]] and [[Dahab Island]].<ref name="LoF:M"/><ref name="CotGSM">{{Cite book/Corsairs of the Great Sea/Map}}</ref><ref name="CotGS-CG-6">{{Cite book/Corsairs of the Great Sea/Campaign Guide|6}}</ref>
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Other known islands far out in the Great Sea were, from west to east, the [[Beacon Rocks]], the [[Stormtails]], the [[Shipgrave Isles]], the [[Red Giant]], the [[White Rocks]], [[Naarlith]], [[Far Nemoree]],<ref name="FRA-p8"/> and the [[Realm of Tides]] off the coast of the Utter East.<ref name="B&M">{{Cite game/Blood & Magic}}</ref>
  
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⚫
In Zakhara, the eastern tip of the Sea's shore touched the [[Land of the Yak-Men]].<ref name="DM241">{{Cite dragon/241/Campaign Classics: The Roof of the World}}</ref> It ran to the southwest along the area of the city-states of [[North Zakhara]], then at the edge of the [[High Desert]] beyond the [[Mountains of the Lizard's Tongue]], and presumably on to mysterious [[Akota]].<ref name="LoF:M"/><ref name="GV-MB">{{Cite book/Golden Voyages/Map Booklet}}</ref><ref name="LoF-93">{{Cite book/Land of Fate/Adventurer's Guide to Zakhara|93}}</ref>
  
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Two groups of islands lay within the Great Sea on the Zakharan side: the [[Corsair Domains]], and under variably strong [[Qudra]]n influence, [[the Dancer]], [[the Bird]], [[the Fortress]], [[Lahib Island|Lahib]] and [[Dahab Island]].<ref name="LoF:M"/><ref name="CotGSM">{{Cite book/Corsairs of the Great Sea/Map}}</ref><ref name="CotGS-CG-6">{{Cite book/Corsairs of the Great Sea/Campaign Guide|6}}</ref>
  
   
 
In Laerakond, the southern edge of the [[Dragon Sea (Abeir)|Dragon Sea]], as well as the southern shores of the [[Dusk Ports|Dusk]] and [[Windrise Ports]], as well as [[Gontal]], touched the Great Sea.<ref name="FRCG-p201"/>
  
In Laerakond, the southern edge of the [[Dragon Sea (Abeir)|Dragon Sea]], as well as the southern shores of the [[Dusk Ports|Dusk]] and [[Windrise Ports]], as well as [[Gontal]], touched the Great Sea.<ref name="FRCG-p201"/>
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==History==
  
==History==
  ⚫
In the [[1174 DR|Year of the Agate Hammer, 1174 DR]], Dambrathan pirates went along the shore of the Great Sea, attacking and raiding the coastal cities of Durpar, Estagund, and Veldorn. <ref name="SS-p104">{{Cite book/Shining South|104}}</ref>
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Seeking new realms and riches, [[Durpari]] merchants went across the Great Sea and discovered the continent of Zakhara. The sea's currents and the habits of its storms were still being learned by [[1367 DR]].<ref name="tSS-p54"/>
  
Seeking new realms and riches, [[Durpari]] merchants went across the Great Sea and discovered the continent of Zakhara. The sea's currents and the habits of its storms were still being learned by [[1367 DR]].<ref name="tSS-p54"/>
−  
⚫
In the [[1174 DR|Year of the Agate Hammer, 1174 DR]], Dambrathan pirates went along the shore of the Great Sea, attacking and raiding the coastal cities of Durpar, Estagund, and Veldorn. <ref name="SS-p104">{{Cite book/Shining South|104}}</ref>
  
   
 
==Inhabitants==
  
==Inhabitants==

Revision as of 06:16, 11 November 2017

The Great Sea was one of the larger seas of Toril, lying between the continents of Faerûn and Zakhara,[5][2] and, after the Spellplague of 1385 DR, between those two continents and the new continent of Laerakond.[6]

Geography

The sea stretched from the southern coastline of the Chultan Peninsula in Faerûn to the northern coastline of Zakhara and narrowing far to the east where Faerûn and Zakhara joined.[7][2][3] It was roughly triangular in shape, nearly 2000 miles (3200 kilometers) long along the northern shore and almost as much wide in the west. It joined the Trackless Sea in the west south of the Chultan Peninsula, but it was unclear where to define a border.[2][8] After the Spellplague of 1385 DR, the continent of Laerakond appeared in its northern boundary.[6]

In the far east, the Golden Water in the Shining Lands of southeast Faerûn was considered an arm of the Great Sea. South of it, the sea lashed against the dry rugged shore of the Utter East, leaving in its wake whirlpools and maelstroms.[7]

Locations

In Faerûn, the Great Sea lapped at the southern shores of the lands of Halruaa,[9] Dambrath, Luiren, and the Shining Lands of Durpar, Estagund, and Var the Golden.[10] Nimbral was the most notable island in the Great Sea.[5][11] Other known islands far out in the Great Sea on the Faerûnian side were, from west to east, the Beacon Rocks, the Stormtails, the Shipgrave Isles, the Red Giant, the White Rocks, Naarlith, Far Nemoree,[5] and the Realm of Tides off the coast of the Utter East.[12]

In Zakhara, the eastern tip of the Sea's shore touched the Land of the Yak-Men.[13] It ran to the southwest along the area of the city-states of North Zakhara, then at the edge of the High Desert beyond the Mountains of the Lizard's Tongue, and presumably on to mysterious Akota.[1][14][15] Two groups of islands lay within the Great Sea on the Zakharan side: the Corsair Domains, and under variably strong Qudran influence, the Dancer, the Bird, the Fortress, Lahib and Dahab Island.[1][16][17]

In Laerakond, the southern edge of the Dragon Sea, as well as the southern shores of the Dusk and Windrise Ports, as well as Gontal, touched the Great Sea.[6]

Climate

The Great Sea was heated by strong warming ocean currents. These kept it noticeably warm south of Halruaa and in the eastern end,[9] but here the sea cooled the land of Ulgarth[18] and breezes off the sea provided cooler nights in Dambrath.[19]

Deadly winter storms hurtled north into Faerûn, such as into the Shining Lands[20] and Dambrath.[21] Such storms were caused when warm humid air from over the ocean was blown onto the land and up the sides of the coastal mountain ranges, leading to frequent, furious thunderstorms.[22]

Fauna

Dolphins were found in the Great Sea. When a major storm came north, they sought shelter in the Bay of Dancing Dolphins in Dambrath.[21]

History

In the Year of the Agate Hammer, 1174 DR, Dambrathan pirates went along the shore of the Great Sea, attacking and raiding the coastal cities of Durpar, Estagund, and Veldorn. [23]

Seeking new realms and riches, Durpari merchants went across the Great Sea and discovered the continent of Zakhara. The sea's currents and the habits of its storms were still being learned by 1367 DR.[20]

Inhabitants

Beneath the waves dwelled sea elves of a distinct ethnic type, having deep-green skin coloration and irregular brown patches and stripes.[4]

Trade

Most of those who ventured across the Great Sea around 1367 DR were Zakharan adventurers and merchants in search of new lands and markets.[24] However, Zakharan corsairs also harassed the eastern waters of the Great Sea.[2] In turn, some Dambraii merchants went across to Zakhara,[25] and their own pirates raided far and wide.[26]

Circa 1367 DR, most travel on the Great Sea went to Halruaa and points further west.[20] However, merchants plying the Great Sea visited the port of Beluir in Luiren to buy up produce and local handiworks by 1372 DR.[27]

Halruaan skyships flew over the waters of the Great Sea.[28]

Legends

In the legend of the Last March of the Giants, the fallen star that had formed the Sea of Fallen Stars rolled across the land and tumbled into the Great Sea, chased after by a titan king and all his followers. They all disappeared into the depths.[29]

In ancient times, the Great Sea was believed to lead to the Lower Planes.[20]

Appendix

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Jeff Grubb (August 1992). Land of Fate (Maps). (TSR, Inc). ISBN 978-1560763291.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 146, 231. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Nicky Rea (1994). Corsairs of the Great Sea (Cards). (TSR, Inc), p. 1. ISBN 978-1560768678.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), pp. 9, 12. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Karen Wynn Fonstad (August 1990). The Forgotten Realms Atlas. (TSR, Inc), pp. viii–x, 8–11. ISBN 978-0880388573.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 201. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Karen Wynn Fonstad (August 1990). The Forgotten Realms Atlas. (TSR, Inc), pp. vii, 3. ISBN 978-0880388573.
  8. ↑ Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 174. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 78, 79. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  10. ↑ Template:Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting/map
  11. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 112. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  12. ↑ Tachyon Studios (November 1996). Designed by Brian Fargo. Blood & Magic. Interplay.
  13. ↑ Wolfgang Baur (November 1997). “Campaign Classics: The Roof of the World”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #241 (TSR, Inc.), pp. 88–95.
  14. ↑ David Cook (October 1992). “Map Booklet”. In Bill Slavicsek ed. Golden Voyages (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 978-1560763314.
  15. ↑ Jeff Grubb (August 1992). Land of Fate (Adventurer's Guide to Zakhara). (TSR, Inc), p. 93. ISBN 978-1560763291.
  16. ↑ Nicky Rea (1994). Corsairs of the Great Sea (Map). (TSR, Inc). ISBN 978-1560768678.
  17. ↑ Nicky Rea (1994). Corsairs of the Great Sea (Campaign Guide). (TSR, Inc), p. 6. ISBN 978-1560768678.
  18. ↑ Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. 73. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  19. ↑ Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 94. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), pp. 32, 54, 62, 65. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. 24. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  22. ↑ Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 92. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
  23. ↑ Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 104. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
  24. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Julia Martin, Jeff Grubb (1993). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 2nd edition (revised), A Grand Tour of the Realms. (TSR, Inc), p. 6. ISBN 1-5607-6617-4.
  25. ↑ Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. 29. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  26. ↑ Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. 40. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  27. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 196. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  28. ↑ Tom Prusa (1993). The Shining South. (TSR, Inc), p. back cover. ISBN 1-56076-595-X.
  29. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 79. ISBN 978-0786903849.
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