Thalassas world illustration - Pirate theme
Pirate

Thalassas

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beelzebubby

A vast oceanic world of cursed waters, ancient ruins, and perilous islands veiled in eternal mists.


Author's Note: The world of The Shrouded Seas is an oceanic expanse veiled in eternal mists, where myths and danger collide. Its treacherous waters are dotted with countless islands, each harboring secrets of ancient civilizations lost to time. Shrouded in mystery, the seas are said to be cursed, haunted by spectral ships, sea monsters, and whispers of drowned gods. Navigators rely on star charts and enchanted compasses, as the mists twist both time and direction. Empires of seafaring merchants and ruthless pirate armadas clash for control of rare treasures, while explorers seek the fabled heart of the abyss—the source of the sea’s curse.
Played2 times
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Created
140 days ago
Last Updated
89 days ago
VisibilityPublic
The Ashen Forge

The Ashen Forge

Deep within the heart of Blackreef Isle lies an ancient volcanic cave known as the Ashen Forge. This molten chamber pulses with heat from an underground magma flow, and its walls are lined with veins of a rare metal known as Embersteel, prized for its durability and ability to hold enchantments. The forge is rumored to have been crafted by a forgotten race of fire-worshipers, who left behind cryptic carvings detailing their downfall. The site is fiercely guarded by elemental creatures born of flame and ash, and some say it is still watched over by the fiery spirit of a vengeful smith.

The Blackened Citadel

The Blackened Citadel

The Blackened Citadel is a towering fortress made of dark stone, scarred by time and ancient magic. Once home to a powerful sorcerer who sought to master the forces of shadow, the citadel is now a ruin filled with shifting shadows and cursed spirits. The most sought-after treasure is the Ebonheart, a dark gem that can control minds, hidden deep within the citadel’s walls. However, it’s heavily guarded by twisted sentinels—spirits of the sorcerer’s former servants—who protect their dark master’s legacy at all costs. Few dare to enter, as the dark magic within twists the very fabric of reality.

The Bleak Wastes

The Bleak Wastes

The Bleak Wastes is a vast, barren stretch of land on the Isle of Sorrow, dominated by cracked earth and withered trees. In the distance, the sky is always overcast, casting a grey pallor over the dead landscape. The air here is heavy with sorrow, and the winds carry faint, mournful cries that seem to echo from the past. Legends tell that the Bleak Wastes were once a lush forest, but a great disaster—an ancient curse or a forgotten war—turned it into a wasteland. Among the twisted, leafless trees are ruins of an old temple, half-buried in the earth, where it’s said that the souls of those who perished there wander eternally. The ground itself is treacherous, with sudden sinkholes that swallow the unwary. Some say that beneath the Wastes, in the depths of the ruins, lies a tomb holding a powerful artifact—a relic capable of lifting the curse… if one dares to face its guardians.

The Drowned Siren

The Drowned Siren

Nestled on the edge of the docks in Hurricane’s Rest, The Drowned Siren is a dark, weathered tavern with a notorious reputation among the pirate crews of Tidebreaker Island. Built from the wreckage of a once-proud ship, the tavern's sagging wooden walls are covered in barnacles, and its sign—a tarnished iron anchor entwined with a faded siren—swings in the breeze, creaking ominously. Despite its grim exterior, The Drowned Siren is a popular gathering spot for pirates, mercenaries, and those seeking information, making it the perfect place for deals both shady and outright criminal.

The Guilded Gull

The Guilded Gull

The Gilded Gull is a large, opulent tavern that stands out in Seahaven for its luxury. Here, the wealthiest pirates and traders meet in style to drink, gamble, and broker deals. The tavern is adorned with gold trinkets, seashell chandeliers, and massive paintings of infamous pirate fleets. The Gull’s Game, a high-stakes gambling game, draws in wealthy patrons looking to risk their fortunes. It’s also the secret headquarters of the Sea Serpent Syndicate, a shadowy organization of spies and assassins that works behind the scenes, ensuring Tidehaven's dominance over the nearby seas.

The Heartstone Grove

The Heartstone Grove

Deep within the heart of the island lies Heartstone Grove, a sacred, secluded area where the trees themselves seem to pulse with life. The grove is filled with towering Coralwood Trees, whose trunks are covered in vibrant coral-like growths, and their leaves shimmer with iridescent colors that change with the light. At the center of the grove stands the Heartstone, a massive, glowing crystal that hums with a faint, rhythmic energy. Local legend claims that this stone is the source of the island’s vitality and magic, capable of healing wounds and extending life. However, the stone is fiercely protected by the island’s guardian creatures—giant, sentient sea turtles that patrol the perimeter. It’s said that anyone who seeks to tap into the Heartstone's power must prove their worth by completing a series of trials set by the ancient spirits of the island.

The Mirror Lake

The Mirror Lake

Nestled in a secluded valley, The Mirror Lake is a tranquil, perfectly still body of water that reflects the sky so clearly it seems as if the world beneath the surface is a mirror of the heavens above. Surrounded by weeping willows and dense foliage, the lake exudes an otherworldly calm, and local legend speaks of it being a portal to other realms. Some say that if one gazes into the lake at dawn or dusk, they might catch glimpses of the past or future—visions of long-lost civilizations, impending storms, or hidden treasures. Yet, those who linger too long often feel a strange compulsion to dive into the water, where it’s said that the lake’s depths guard a forgotten artifact of immense power—one that many believe to be cursed.

The Moonwell

The Moonwell

Hidden deep in Moonshadow Cay’s jungle, The Moonwell is a glowing spring surrounded by ancient stone carvings and lush vegetation. Said to have been created by an ancient moon goddess, the well’s waters possess healing properties, though they can also curse those with ill intent. To reach it, adventurers must navigate dense foliage and face strange creatures. The Moonstone, a rare gem beneath the well's surface, grants visions of the future to those who pass a trial set by the goddess’s spirit. Many seek the gem, but only those deemed worthy by the goddess can obtain it.

The Mourning Shore

The Mourning Shore

The Mourning Shore is a hauntingly beautiful, yet desolate, stretch of beach on the island’s northern coast, where the waves crash against jagged rocks with a mournful wail. The sands are stained with a strange, black substance that seems to shimmer in the light, and piles of shipwreck debris litter the shore—remnants of lost vessels that met their end in the churning waters. At the water’s edge stands an ancient, crumbling lighthouse known as The Lantern of the Lost, its light extinguished long ago. The lighthouse was once a beacon for sailors, guiding them through treacherous waters, but it now serves as a grim monument to those who have perished seeking refuge on the Isle of Sorrow. It’s said that if you visit the shore at night, you can hear the whispers of the lost souls trapped in the wrecks, their voices carried on the wind. Some believe the souls are cursed to repeat their final moments, forever seeking a way to reach the shore once more.

The Obsidian Canopy

The Obsidian Canopy

A vast stretch of jungle where trees are adorned with black, reflective leaves. This eerie forest is said to pulse with the presence of a forgotten serpent god, and those who wander too far often vanish, leaving behind only their boots and weapons, as if consumed by the island itself.

The Obsidian Labyrinth

The Obsidian Labyrinth

A sprawling network of narrow canyons and sharp ridges carved into the black volcanic rock. The labyrinth is treacherous, with sudden drops, sharp turns, and walls that glisten like glass in the dim light. Those who venture too deep speak of strange, glowing glyphs etched into the walls, pulsing faintly as if alive. At the labyrinth’s heart is the Chamber of the Shard, where a massive, glowing obsidian crystal rises from the ground, radiating a strange, hypnotic energy. Some believe it is the anchor of a long-dormant magical ward, while others whisper it is the petrified heart of an ancient sea god.

The Phantom Lagoon

The Phantom Lagoon

The Phantom Lagoon is a serene, moonlit body of water where ghostly figures appear on its surface. Legend holds that the lagoon hides the wreckage of the Silver Eclipse, a sunken pirate ship, and its treasure lies beneath the calm waters. However, none who’ve tried to retrieve the treasure have returned. It’s said the spirits of the ship’s crew guard it, and the captain’s ghost still haunts the lagoon. The moonlight glowing over the water is said to offer both a curse and a blessing, tempting treasure hunters into the spectral world below.

The Pirate’s Market

The Pirate’s Market

A chaotic, open-air bazaar where anything can be bought or sold—stolen relics, magical artifacts, cursed items, and rare maps leading to uncharted islands.

The Rusted Anchorage

The Rusted Anchorage

A sprawling ship graveyard just outside the harbor, where pirate crews strip wrecks for parts and treasure. Some of these ruined ships serve as homes or hideouts for reclusive pirates, while others conceal dangerous creatures drawn to the decaying wood and treasures within.

The Sapphire Depths

The Sapphire Depths

The Sapphire Depths is a large, cobalt-blue lake nestled at the foot of the island's highest peak. The water here shimmers with an unnatural blue hue, caused by the rare Blueheart Coral that grows on the lakebed, radiating a soft, magical glow. The lake is surrounded by jagged cliffs and thick forests, making it difficult to access, though a series of ancient stone steps leads to the water's edge. The lake’s deep waters are said to be home to Morrana, a mysterious water spirit who appears as a half-fish, half-woman creature. She is a protector of the lake, and some believe she guards a sunken city beneath the waters, filled with treasures from an ancient civilization long forgotten.

The Shattered Lagoon

The Shattered Lagoon

On the southern coast of Sablewreath, the Shattered Lagoon is a mysterious, blackened tidal pool surrounded by jagged cliffs. The lagoon was destroyed by a catastrophic storm, leaving behind shipwrecks and cursed artifacts. Its tar-like waters conceal dark secrets, and whispers are said to emanate from beneath the surface, beckoning adventurers to dive deeper. The Heart of the Tempest, a jewel of immense power, is believed to lie at the bottom—but those who seek it rarely return, drawn under by the lagoon’s dark magic and the spirits of those lost in the storm.

The Shattered Reef

The Shattered Reef

Surrounding Stormwake Atoll is the Shattered Reef, a maze of razor-sharp coral that is notoriously treacherous to navigate. The reef was formed after a great storm centuries ago, and many ships have been shattered upon its hidden rocks. Beneath the surface lies a sunken city, believed to be the remains of a once-thriving civilization that fell victim to the storm god’s wrath. Divers report strange, glowing ruins on the ocean floor, and some claim to hear eerie whispers beneath the waves. It’s said that the ruins hide forgotten knowledge and powerful artifacts, but the dangers of the reef—along with the curse of the storm god—make it a perilous place to explore.

The Siren's Archipelago

The Siren's Archipelago

Off the northern coast of Coralheart Island lies a cluster of small, uninhabited islands known as the Siren’s Archipelago, named for the haunting songs that drift over the waters during the night. These islands are jagged and rocky, surrounded by dense fog, and the sound of ethereal, melodic voices can sometimes be heard echoing over the waves, luring sailors into dangerous waters. While most of the islands appear desolate, several hidden caves contain rare Siren’s Pearls, which are said to have magical properties, from enhancing one's charm to granting temporary protection from harmful magic. The archipelago’s dangerous tides and sudden storms have claimed many ships, but for those who can brave the haunting calls and discover the islands' secrets, great treasures and knowledge await. Some even say the Sirens who inhabit the islands are not mere legends, but powerful sea witches, waiting for those brave enough—or foolish enough—to seek them out.

The Veil of Mourn

The Veil of Mourn

The Veil of Mourn is a mist-covered chasm on the western edge of Ebonspire, where the souls of fallen warriors linger. The thick fog carries the mournful cries of the dead, echoing through the chasm’s depths. At the bottom, a forgotten battlefield lies buried under rusted weapons and broken armor. Legends say the ghostly commander of the lost army still waits in the Veil, seeking someone to challenge him in a final duel for his soul’s release. The chasm’s oppressive atmosphere and tragic history make it a dangerous place for anyone brave enough to enter.

The Venomspire

The Venomspire

A towering ziggurat entwined with vines and serpents, hidden deep within the jungle. Built by an ancient civilization, it is said to be the heart of the island’s curse. The Venomspire is guarded by massive stone serpent statues that seem to come alive when intruders approach. At its peak lies the Fang of Zyssar, a legendary artifact said to grant dominion over snakes and poison—if one can survive the deadly trials to claim it.

The Waililng Wreck

The Waililng Wreck

A derelict shipwreck perched precariously on the jagged obsidian reefs that encircle the island. The ship, known as the Dreadwhisper, was once captained by the infamous pirate Alara Grimwave, who disappeared along with her legendary treasure. Sailors claim the wreck is haunted by Alara’s ghost, who appears as a shadowy figure wandering the decks, her voice carried on the wind like a mournful wail. Explorers who brave the wreck speak of cursed artifacts and a logbook hinting at a greater treasure hidden somewhere on the isle—if they can survive the malicious spirits and the dangerously sharp reefs.

The Whispering Pools

The Whispering Pools

A series of interconnected lagoons filled with glowing green water. These pools are believed to be sacred and cursed, their glow attributed to the magical venom of the serpents that inhabit them. The pools reflect visions of the past, present, or future, but prolonged gazing risks madness. Nearby, explorers have found carved stones covered in ancient, serpentine script that scholars have yet to decipher.

The Widow's Hollow

The Widow's Hollow

Deep in Sablewreath's shadowy forests lies The Widow’s Hollow, a haunted glade cursed by a vengeful spirit. The Widow, betrayed by her pirate husband, is said to have cursed the land in her dying moments. The Hollow is filled with eerie whispers, fog, and dark flowers that bloom unnaturally. The spirit of the Widow is rumored to seek vengeance on anyone who enters. Hidden within the Hollow is the Crown of Lost Love, a relic that grants control over spirits—but at the cost of the wearer’s sanity. Few who enter the Hollow return, and those who do are never quite the same.

Thunderclash Spire

Thunderclash Spire

At the heart of Stormwake Atoll rises the Thunderclash Spire, a jagged, towering rock formation struck by constant lightning storms. It’s said that the spire is a remnant of an ancient temple dedicated to a storm god, and the sky above it is always dark and crackling with energy. The air is thick with the scent of ozone, and the ground beneath the spire is scorched and cracked. Treasure hunters claim that the Spire houses a forgotten relic—a storm-forged weapon of immense power—that can only be claimed by those who survive a violent trial set by the god’s spirit. Few venture here, for the storms are unforgiving, and many who have tried to scale the spire never return.

This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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