The Split Ways Sea

The Split Ways Sea
The Split Ways Sea is the largest ocean in the world of Azure. From above, while atop the Halos, you can see there is a clear and nearly equal divide. This is why it is called the Split Ways Sea. The eastern side is Magna with bright blue waters that are full of life and beauty. Obitus is the western side and has dark and murky waters. It is the home to more dangerous and monstrous creatures. They are currently divided by a magical kelp forest that was grown at the border. Many outposts are stationed along the border in Magna to prevent monsters from crossing over from Obitus.

Magna
Magna is a highly trafficked ocean that has many islands in its waters. Trading vessels enjoy the relatively calm waters. Various undersea towns and settlements do trade with the surface world and have been known to help the stranded. The denizens of these places are mostly friendly tritons, merfolk, and other water-dwelling humanoids. They are also known for exotic fish, pearl farms, kelp fields, and vacation spots. All of these towns and cities are unified under the Merilia Kingdom.

The capital city is Aquocia, an ancient city placed in the safety of a network of underwater valleys. The capital city has been known to host nobility from all over the world. The Merilia family has been around for hundreds of years. Before they went into power the different undersea races were in separate tribes and city states. When the Merilia’s started their kingdom, the entirety of Magna became a peaceful and harmonious blend of all of the undersea peoples. The current king is Cerilis Merilia. He is known as a kind and fair king who is has an affinifor of many forms of magic. His queen is Nadia is an accomplished is the head of the Merilian Military and a great warrior of the ocean. They have two twin daughters and a son who is meant to be the heir to the throne.

Obitus
Many parts of Obitus are still a mystery to most. Ships have a tendency to go missing here due to horrible storms and choppy waters, so it is avoided by most. It is the home to many dark and dangerous creatures, most of them being undead, monstrosities, or aberrations. Over the years there has always been a fair amount of traffic from Obitus into Magna. Creatures that manage to make it past the border usually migrate to settlements or towns and bring destruction and death. Intelligent beings are known to live in those waters but they are also extremely dangerous.

There are a few islands that are found in Obitus but they are mostly used those who don't wish to be found or bothered.

Backgrounds:
If you would like to be from the Splitways Sea these are a few options for your backgrounds. Talk with Karina if you would like to expand upon it!

https://5e.tools/backgrounds.html#fisher_gos
https://5e.tools/backgrounds.html#marine_gos

Aquocian Diplomat
You are, or were, a diplomat for the Merilia Kingdom, a person appointed by the nation to conduct diplomacy with one or more other nations.

Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion, Insight

Languages: Primordial and one other.

Equipment: A set of fine clothes, a quill and bottle of ink, a blank treaty, and a belt pouch containing 15gp

Diplomatic Immunity:
In peaceful foreign lands that recognize you and your place of origin, you may use your status as a diplomat to avoid penalties for minor crimes, and you may not be attacked by soldiers or guards. You may procure audience with various officials and nobles by using your title, though they are less likely to meet with you directly if you are not on official business. If you are ever publicly arrested in a foreign land, Aquocia will likely negotiate your return if this is both possible and desired by them. Abuse of this power will mean that it will be ignored or revoked.

Cursed Merfolk
''You were once a merfolk but you did something to upset a sea hag. As vengeance, she's taken you away from your home by cursing you with legs and taking away your ability to breathe underwater. (water breathing races are not appropriate for this background.)''

Skill Proficiencies: Choose 2 out of Animal Handling, Medicine, Performance, or Nature.

Languages: Primordial

Tools: Choose 1 set of artisan's tools, herbalism kit, or one musical instrument of your choice.

Equipment: The toolset or instrument you are proficient in, the skeleton of a small sea creature, a pice of art you have made, a trinket that you collected from the surface, and a pouch with 5gp.

Feature: Apart of this World

Your behaviors, mannerisms, figures of speech, and inability to understand certain things all mark you as not of the surface. People view you as a sweet soul that needs to be taken care of. You can be provided a place to stay and general information about a location you are in by almost anyone. From nobles to the common folk.