Inkyunayaku Channel

The Inkyunayaku Channel lies between the continent of Idiri and the smaller landmass just south of it that is often known as Inkari or simply South Idiri. The Avarian equator runs just north of the Inkyunayaku, putting the channel very near the middle of the globe. The currents of the Inkyunayaku are legendarily powerful and destructive, sweeping strongly east to west and often wrecking ships captained by the inexperienced, unwary, or merely unfortunate amidst the Zendizi Isles. More experienced crews are able to chart a course that stays close to the southern coast of Idiri, conducting trade among the cities of Ulamba and Niyone.

A few vessels even make the voyage all the way west along the continent's edge to the Cloud Kingdoms that lie in the western reaches of the continent. However, since passage back east through the channel against the prevailing currents is next to impossible, these ships are generally disassembled upon arriving in a port such as Julane or Gbao, and their timbers and planking sold along with the cargo. The merchant crews then make their way to northern Idiri and the Great Hazari Desert via the Tajeddi River, and from there join a caravan crossing the desert to the Adelantean Shore. Obviously this journey is both perilous and lengthy so such trading ventures are not undertaken lightly, but the profits to be derived are significant.

The Inkyunayaku is so called for the legendary serpent of the same name, which is said to be coiled around the center of Avaria. The shifting of its vast body and the tightening and loosing of its coils are said to be responsible for the currents of the sea as well as for the equatorial region's unpredictable alternation of storms and the even more dreaded calms that can last for weeks and leave ships stranded far from shore.