The Storm's Spine is a perilous trading route that runs across the Imperial Bay, connecting Stormreach in the Silver Dominion to the coasts of the Protectorate of Clan Takahide within the Nagan Empire. Unlike the more established and secure Silk Straits, the Storm's Spine is infamous for its treacherous conditions, including volatile weather patterns, jagged reefs, and strong currents that have claimed countless ships over the centuries.
This route is primarily utilized by daring merchants and smugglers seeking to evade the heavy tariffs and strict regulations enforced along the Silk Straits. The Storm's Spine offers a much quicker passage, making it an attractive option for those willing to gamble on their fortunes. Despite the dangers, those who successfully navigate the route can earn significant profits, as goods transported via the Storm's Spine often fetch higher prices due to their scarcity and the risks involved.
The route holds strategic importance due to its potential for facilitating the clandestine movement of goods, information, and even people. Both the Silver Dominion and the Nagan Empire monitor the Storm's Spine closely, though its unpredictable nature makes it difficult to control entirely. The route’s reputation attracts a certain breed of trader—one who is as skilled in navigation as they are in the art of negotiation and subterfuge.
The Storm's Spine has become a symbol of the audacity and ambition that define the most successful and feared merchants of the Imperial Bay.
Type: Major Trading Route
Location: Imperial Bay, between the Silver Dominion and the Nagan Empire
Endpoints: Stormreach (Silver Dominion) to the Protectorate of Clan Takahide (Nagan Empire)
Notable for: High Risk, High Reward; Smuggling; Volatile Waters