¶ Flotsam Graveyard
The Flotsam Graveyard is a perilous and infamous area located in Kortos Bay, just outside the harbor of Absalom, the City at the Center of the World. It is a maritime maze of derelict ships, sunken debris, and natural hazards that pose a significant danger to those attempting to approach Absalom by sea.
¶ History
The Flotsam Graveyard originated during the Pirate Siege of Absalom, about a century after the god Aroden left the city. Absalom's defenders intentionally scuttled ships to create a physical barrier to protect the harbor from hostile forces. Over the centuries, the wreckage accumulated as more ships—whether destroyed in battle, confiscated from criminals, or wrecked by poor navigation—were added to the reef. The graveyard now serves as a permanent maritime hazard, part defense mechanism and part dumping ground for derelict vessels.
¶ Geography
The graveyard is a constantly shifting labyrinth of decaying ships, their skeletal remains covered in barnacles and seaweed. The water is treacherous, filled with sharp debris, dangerous currents, and unpredictable hazards, making it nearly impossible to navigate safely without specialized knowledge. Only licensed pilots from the Pilot’s Union, operating from Pilot Island, are skilled enough to guide ships through the dangerous waters.
¶ Hazards and Inhabitants
Beyond the physical dangers posed by the wreckage, the Flotsam Graveyard is home to an array of aquatic creatures. Among them are the azarketi, amphibious humanoids who have established enclaves within the wreckage. Additionally, predators such as sharks, hippocampi, and grindylows patrol the waters, preying on the unfortunate souls who venture too close. Rumors also persist of even greater dangers, including legendary sea serpents lurking in the depths.
The graveyard is a favored hiding place for smugglers and pirates, who use the cover of the wrecks to avoid detection by Absalom’s authorities. The area is also said to be haunted by the restless spirits of sailors whose lives were claimed by the many shipwrecks over the centuries.
¶ Role in Absalom’s Trade
Ships attempting to enter Absalom's harbor from Kortos Bay must pass through or navigate around the Flotsam Graveyard. Many vessels have met their end here, forfeiting both themselves and their cargo to the Primarch of Absalom. As such, it acts as a barrier to trade, forcing captains to either pay for the services of licensed pilots or risk their lives and cargo attempting the dangerous passage alone.
¶ In Popular Culture
The Flotsam Graveyard has become legendary among seafarers, spoken of in hushed tones as a place of doom and mystery. Its haunted reputation, combined with the constant threat of shipwreck, makes it a focal point for many stories and superstitions within Absalom and the greater Inner Sea region.