Hagane Bay, also known as the "Steel Bay," is a vast and treacherous body of water flanked by the Protectorates of Clan Nagikata and Clan Taoka. Its name is derived from the razor-sharp coral formations that stretch beneath its surface like jagged blades, often ripping apart the hulls of careless ships. Despite its dangers, Hagane Bay remains a critical maritime passage, serving as a lifeline for trade and commerce between the two protectorates.
Geography and Environment:
The waters of Hagane Bay are notoriously hazardous. Coral structures, some reaching just below the surface during low tide, are scattered throughout the bay. Sailors claim that during storms, the waves crashing against these corals make sounds reminiscent of clashing steel—a trait that solidified its ominous name. Navigation through the bay requires skilled pilots familiar with its shifting tides and treacherous shallows.
Beneath its waters, local divers whisper of submerged caverns and hidden grottos, some believed to contain long-forgotten treasures from wrecked vessels. However, few dare to explore too deeply, as the coral structures are as sharp as any blade and can sever ropes or cut through leather with ease.
Trade and Commerce:
On the northeastern edge of the bay lies Horo, a bustling port town within the Protectorate of Clan Nagikata. Horo acts as the primary gateway for legal trade across the eastern coasts, connecting merchants and goods from the Nagan Empire to the wider continent. Its docks are filled with towering junks and swift trade ships, their sails fluttering with the crests of powerful merchant houses.
However, further out into the bay, isolated and shrouded in mist, lies the island of Nigau. Nigau Port stands in stark contrast to Horo's bustling legality. Known as the "Shadowed Haven," this hidden port is a haven for smugglers, pirates, and those who trade in forbidden goods. Walled by sharp cliffs and obscured by fog, Nigau Port is accessible only to those who know the secret paths through Hagane's blade-like reefs.
Piracy and Conflict:
Hagane Bay is infamous for its seasonal spikes in piracy, particularly during periods of heavy trade between the two protectorates. Raiders and corsairs use the natural coral defenses of the bay to their advantage, laying ambushes for unguarded merchant vessels. Some rumors suggest that Clan Taoka and Clan Nagikata turn a blind eye to certain pirate groups in exchange for a cut of their spoils—though such claims are, of course, vehemently denied.
Despite efforts from both clans to patrol the waters, the hidden alcoves and labyrinthine coral paths make it nearly impossible to fully root out pirate activity. As a result, merchant ships often travel with armed escorts, and captains pay handsomely for skilled navigators who know the safest routes through the "Steel Gauntlet," as sailors grimly call the heart of the bay.