The Western Ocean

• A region in Taelgar

The halfling story of the Western Ocean is one of mystery and adventure, fantastic voyages, and strange sightings far from land. Even among halflings, few captains dare sail into west, braving the uncharted currents and winds of the Endless Ocean. Many who do never return. But sometimes ships bring back wild tales: of hidden islands, cities beneath the waves, and giant creatures of the depths.

Topography and Major Features

The Endless Ocean is unmapped and uncharted even by the best halfling navigators, stretches for uncounted and untracked miles. No definitive features are known in this region, though sailor’s yarns and the shanties speak of rumors of sunken ruins, perhaps the remains of Hkar, somewhere out in the deeps.

Civilizations and Cultures

Halfling songs, especially those of Apporia and Mawar, sing of merfolk who live in the oceans here, but few concrete reports come from those who actually visited any of their cities or underwater realms. Many a halfling captain, sailing far beyond the sight of land, has reported strange sights – birds that should not be seen far from land, wind and currents that hint at nearby shores. And some report strange islands after being lost in a storm. But no one has managed to map these far reaches, though many have tried, and many halfling sailors believe the Endless Ocean is empty of all land.

Climate

This region is entirely ocean, mostly temperate. The near shores are relatively navigable, but the farther reaches of the ocean are dangerous, and few sailors venture needlessly far into the west. There, storms and currents are unpredictable, and few have returned from voyages west.

Major Historical Eras

Little is known of the history of the oceans, although halfling songs speak of the ancient ~Mariners~, who left Hkar and crossed the Endless Ocean to reach the Green Sea. Many speak of the lost birthplace of humanity, the now sunken island of Hkar, but where it lies is not known.