The Serpent’s Tread is the primary trade route encircling the southern coastline of Kings Isle in the Vache Kingdom. It connects the bustling city of Hiki on the eastern coast with Cogtown on the western coast, passing through the vital ports of Hydra Harbor and Steam Harbor along the way. This route is a lifeline for commerce within the kingdom, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and culture across the island.
The Serpent’s Tread is favored by sailors and traders due to its relatively safer passage compared to the treacherous northern coastline, which borders the cursed waters of the Emerald Ocean. While the route does pass through the Endos Depths, home to various sea monsters, these dangers are well-documented and can be navigated by experienced sailors who follow the established paths. The southern route's predictability and the presence of key harbors make it the preferred choice for maritime trade within the kingdom.
The importance of the Serpent’s Tread to the Vache Kingdom cannot be overstated. It supports the economic vitality of the kingdom by connecting its major coastal cities and ports, ensuring that goods and resources flow efficiently between them. The route’s name, "Serpent’s Tread," reflects both the winding nature of the path and the lurking dangers within the Endos Depths, symbolizing the balance between risk and reward that defines seafaring in the region.
Despite the ever-present threats from sea monsters, the Serpent’s Tread is considered far safer than the perilous northern route, which is plagued by extreme weather, rough waters, and far more formidable sea creatures. As a result, it attracts the kingdom’s smart and ambitious sailors, who choose the southern path for its ease of navigation and lower risk, ensuring the continued prosperity of the Vache Kingdom’s maritime trade.
Type: Major Coastal Trade Route
Location: Kings Isle, Vache Kingdom
Endpoints: Hiki (Eastern Coast) to Cogtown (Western Coast)
Notable Stops: Hydra Harbor, Steam Harbor
Notable for: Safer Southern Route; Sea Monsters; Endos Depths