48 — Regions. Halcyon Sea

Map

Look and Feel

Halycon Sea is a vast land-locked area of coral reef and lake domain with clear water that only reaches knee height across the whole area. Various shell-like formations, coral and plants protrude from the surface. The Halcyon Sea has many remarkable features and houses enormous coral structures. Much of the vegetation here is brightly coloured, and vivid neon glow-in-the-dark plants and bacteria light up the area at night. In addition, streams and small waterfalls traverse the area, resulting in many puddles and pools in between sandbanks.

Takifugu's Dome

In the middle of the Halcyon Sea is a remarkable structure known as Takifugu's Dome. This is the lowest point in the region, with countless streams and small waterfalls making their way to the centre where the Obelisk stands tall.

Takifugu's Dome

Around the Obelisk, many crevices, drops, and ridges exist, framing the Obelisk as the object of importance in the area.

At the centre of Takifugu's dome — The Obelisk stands, somewhat sunken into the ground.

Giant coral-like structures have formed on the outer ring of the area, creating a dome that partially encases the Obelisk.

Halcyon Falls

Halcyon Falls lies to the northeast of the Obelisk. It is from here that the ocean water flows into the region. Along the steepest and widest waterfall, pools of water give way to rice-field-like steppes known as the Baifan Stairs.

View upon the Halcyon Falls and Baifan Stairs.

These reservoirs attract various organisms enticed by the nutrient-rich water flowing through them continuously. The pools are populated by a mix of coral and shell-like material as well as darker shaded rock. Each pool has a dominant organism that colours them red, green, purple, or tropical blue.

Atop the Baifan Stairs is 'The Overflow'. This bottomless lake is at the feet of the Halcyon Falls. The water collecting here has eroded the ground directly underneath and has become extremely deep, cold, and dark. Dim lights blink in the depths, with bubbles periodically breaking on the surface. It is unclear if something lives down there.

Water gushes down from the waterfall, making it challenging to attempt to ascend it. Coral ears jut out from the cliff face and break up the constant stream. These coral structures are sturdy porous organisms, allowing them to withstand the continued onslaught of water.

Rock and coral act as stepping stones up the entirety of the highest cliff, leading to an extensive, open, knee-deep channel. The waterway is vast, confronting, and eternal. The fog created by the warm water and cold atmosphere forms a thick mist, softening the noise of the waterfall behind and creating a serene atmosphere. One can find only a few large coral structures here.

Tropical Bluewater and mist arise from it, creating thick fog.

At times, one may see glowing fish-shaped objects zip around their feet as they walk through the water.
They remain hidden in the sand until disturbed by one's passing.

The Halcyon Sea

Surrounding Takifugu's Dome on the west is the Halcyon Sea, the region's namesake. The waters of the Halcyon Sea are warm and crystal clear. The surface is calm and serene; the lake is relatively shallow and has an average depth of about 50 centimetres. A few sandbanks are visible and show giant overgrown coral structures and fossils. It is difficult to discern what these once were — as they are now massive overgrown pillars.

The Halcyon Sea inland lake.

Whaleback Ridge

Backing the Halcyon Sea to the northwest is Whaleback Ridge. Massive stromatolite structures clump together to form a path into the Halcyon sea and keep the area partially cordoned off.

The stromatolite structures vary in size and absorb water from the ground, which they then spurt out, showering the plants and corals that grow on their sides.

Giant crystals form at the border between Whale Back ridge and the ocean. These crystals are dark purple, similar to those found in the Pango sinkhole or the Anguith Tunnel in the Crimson Waste.

Towering stromatolites in Whaleback Ridge.

Indigo Crypt

East of the Obelisk is Indigo Crypt, a vast underground maze. The entrance looks like a giant shell partially merged with the rocks — the outside displays many different colours that sparkle and refract in the sunlight. This strange material seems somewhat holographic.

Indigo Crypt owes its name to the deep metallic blue material found there. When a breeze makes its way into the caves, the several narrow corridors and pipe-like exhausts on top create a deep lurking flute sound.

Once inside, the ground has a spongey flesh-like feel to it. Everything is wet; the walls are covered in a slimy transparent goo, and water drips from the ceiling constantly, forming streams that find their way deeper into the maze. Thick vein-like structures have grown across this labyrinth's bottom, sides, and top. Invariably, this gives one the sensation of being inside an enormous creature.

Avoiding the dead ends or drops leads to Pango, a giant sinkhole deep in the ground. Large purple crystals jut out from the sides and can be used to traverse down into it. Eventually, even the crystals fall away, and below is pure darkness. Slipping here means oblivion.

The entrance to the Indigo CryptEntering the Indigo Crypt, the walls are covered in a slimy transparent goo- making one feel like they're inside a living creature.Some cave entrances look like giant clams, whether they might suddenly slam shut is unknown and a risk one must take.The entrance to Pango: a significant drop into unknown darkness. This hole resembles a fish eye pupil from far above.The deeper down into Pango you go, the more perplexing it gets. As you descend — the crystals become less frequent and smaller, eventually leaving nothing but darkness.The entrance to the Indigo Crypt

Sea of the Ancients

South of Takifugu's Dome is the Sea of the Ancients. Best described as a forest of giant coral, many of the natural structures in this region have grown so large they tower into the sky, creating exciting light and shadow play on the ground. Large salt crystals clump together at their base, providing nutrients for many more diminutive plants and corals to grow and thrive. Many organisms survive here thanks to the protection of these large coral structures.

Water drips down from the coral with muted splashes as the dry sand subsumes the landing water. These sounds break up the soft cracking noises of salt rocks crumbling, and the dripping water eventually collects into pools due to the never-ending streams from Halcyon Falls.

Looking out from the Sea of the Ancients towards Takifugu's Dome.

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