TERRITORY
to reach the main city , you must first pass through the water gate . it is the only opening in the barrier that does not leak water, with a winding path leading from the shore into the heart of the territory . it's a marble archway that marks the safest opening of the air bubble for access by those who can't shapeshift and traverse the waters . these boats will lead you the beginning of the territory , which is a few miles in from the edge of the air bubble . passing through the gate , you'll see the water vents . just like regular hydrothermal vents , these fissures release air . except the air comes in the form of bubbles that are filled with water . they float aimlessly around the kingdom , and can be popped or even entered if you hold your breath .
the main camp is a sunken kingdom . large , ivory , stone makes up a main castle and its surrounding ruins . there are spires , chains , and small homes that dot the area . these act as the camp , the homes going to anyone who wishes to live here . it's completely open to the sky , where you can see the water from below as the air bubble ends just a few miles from the surface .
towards the edges of the city is a large , inactive , volcano . it's sat dormant for years , and no one is particularly worried about it . smaller homes are built around it's base , and members enjoy climbing it for fun and practice . spreading out from there are rolling hills of grass , stone walkways , and beautiful gardens . throughout the open spaces are lanterns that hang from stone poles and pillars . they glow softly and steadily , offering a faint light whenever the ocean territory is plunged into darkness during the night .
on the outskirts of the main city is the kelp garden . the kelp here grows thick and up towards the sky , swaying magically despite the lack of an actual ocean current . wandering through it makes you feel as if you are , in fact , swimming or wading through water , though you remain entirely dry ( aside from the watered ground it's growing in ) as it is still within the confines of the air bubble . near this garden is the prophetic willow , a twisty and old tree that grows lavender , golden , and blue flowers . it , too , sways in an invisible current , and constantly emits a pale blue glow . it is here that the returned leaders were given their powers and grace of the gods , chosen by unseen forces to bring the kingdom back to its former glory .
in the center of the main city is an ornate temple that serves as the main religious site of amphiria . there is a main room for religious ceremonies and gatherings and other events such as weddings and funerals, as well as the leviathan’s coronation . in the back are sets of doors that are generally blocked to the public . they lead to housing and private rooms for those members following the religious path . they can choose to sleep there , though they mainly carry out their studies and preparations there .
at the edges of the air bubble surrounding the entrance to the and going along the right side is a forest of towering trees . it starts within the bubble before extending out into the frigid waters beyond . outside , the trees are still intact , holding their ghostly shapes throughout the year . it is said that the spirits of those who disobey the deities find themselves caught within the forest , forced to forever wander as lost among the wildlife . lanterns hang within the forest that resides in the air bubble , lighting up the area in a ghostly , yet warm , glow throughout the darkest hours . they hang at various lengths and are sometimes scattered upon the ground , often found in bunches near scouting platforms and makeshift tents that offer refuge when needed . there is a wide stream within that branches out into the territory like a spiderweb from a hole higher up in the bubble . it acts like a makeshift waterfall , though the water itself is salty and has to go through a purifying process before it’s drinkable . it looks similar to the kaindy lake that has recently formed in kazakhstan .
TRADITIONS
nautical banquet ― a feast held with allies to thank the god that saved the city with the air bubble . the camp is decorated with plant life and lanterns , and it doesn't start until the sun is low in the sky . larger fish are served , and they often dance and party well into the night .
dolphin races ― dolphins love to circle the bubble , peering in and making noises at the empire's members . those who can shapeshift often swim with them and chase them around , even racing . members enjoy watching , betting even on who they think will win . those who can't exit the bubble are still welcome to race , running along the worn down track that's just within the bubble's confines . the dolphins seem to know , too , and will often slow down for the land animals they go against .
bubble hopping ― it's become a quarterly game to see how many bubbles you can hop through , or how long you can keep up . the bubbles are prone to popping at the wrong move , making it quite the challenge to remain submerged within them . the higher you go , the more dangerous it gets , though precaution is always taken in the form of thick kelp beds laid on the floor to break anyone's fall .
erall’s coronation ― due to erall’s associations and the workings of religion within amphiria, it is traditional for new leaders to swear upon erall that they will watch over and protect the clan, even at the cost of their life. this includes the unspoken vow that they will make the needed blood sacrifices to keep the deities appeased and the air bubble intact.
seasonal festivities ― in the midst of each season, various kinds of celebrations are held to honor the deity that is associated with that season. most often it is a feast or dance, but it ranges depending on what materials are available and what the leader(s) and religious heads think is best for the time.
river of the dead ― the river that stems from within the forest acts like a ‘river of the dead.’ though the cursed spirits remain within the forest, every few months they will be honoured by amphirians holding a parade-like boat ride on the waters . they take great care in decorating the boats and crafting prayers and offerings .
