Abyss Ocean

Ocean at the Bottom of the World

Even those who live in Káto do not know how far the Abyss Ocean reaches, or what can be found in its deepest depths. What lurks there may yet be the best-kept secret of the world.

— Adventurer of the Depths

Black waters lapping against dark rocks hide an even bigger world, one that stretches further than the world above the depths. Silence stretches through the blackness, only shattered by the soft motion of the waves when something stirs just below the surface. Beneath the blackness, there is something unknown, creatures and stories that even the world is not quite ready to share.
Káto is considered the bottom of the world, but the Abyss Ocean extends below it, filling the void that stretches from the caverns and caves of the depths to wherever the world finally ends. The black waters are endless, immeasurable, seen as something beyond comprehension. It is believed that a second world exists below the waves, but no one has dared venture forth, striking out to see if the world does indeed have an end.
The Abyss Ocean is one and many, a collection of waterways and oceans beneath what is considered the depths of the world that merge together and become one. Its name comes from the void it fills, the nothingness that emerges from cracks and crevices throughout Káto. The term "abyss" is synonymous with nothingness, endlessness, all things that have no beginning or end, or true definition. Of all the secrets in the world, the Abyss Ocean may be the one that is never truly shared.

Geography

The geography of the Abyss Ocean is as varied as the various tunnels and caverns of Káto. Nearest to the levels of Káto is a network of underground waterways that sometimes pool in deeper caverns or carve out small ponds from the thick rock. These waterways eventually flow towards the bottom of the world, where everything joins together into the collective that is referred to as the Abyss Ocean.
Large areas of open water reach for seemingly miles, dark except for tiny spots of bioluminescence. What little has been studied of the Abyss Ocean below the level of Káto waterways mentions an infinite expanse of water that is sometimes broken up by walls or spires, but difficult to discern due to the blackness of the water. It is believed that beneath the level of Káto, there exists an entire space of open water that is nearly as big as the surface oceans.
The temperature of the water does not seem to be affected by the time of year or even the depth of the water. Usually, the water of oceans gets colder as less light filters through, but the Abyss Ocean is cool

Black Waters

Body of Water by Clayton Tonna on Unsplash

The Abyss Ocean is known for its black waters that are impossible to see through. This shrouds the body of water in further mystery, as observation below the waves is not easy.

throughout, but not freezing, even in the darkest depths. This phenomenon is one of many related to the Abyss Ocean, but is also one of the hardest to study due to the depth.

Fauna & Flora

Bioluminescence

Jellyfish by Ned Daniels on Unsplash

Bioluminescence is common in both the flora and fauna of Káto due to the conditions of the area. This holds true beneath the waves of the Abyss Ocean as well, although these flora and fauna are not as kind as those above the water.

The Abyss Ocean is home to many aquatic species found nowhere else in the world, on the surface or deep in the ocean. Due to the conditions and continuous darkness, bioluminescence is common in both flora and fauna, with both adapting to a cold, lightless existence. Many of the fish especially have adapted to become the stuff of nightmares because the conditions have warranted it.
Flora in the Abyss Ocean is sparse, but still exists in interesting ways. Scholars believe that much of the flora has taken to rooting in the walls and ceilings, as there may not truly be a sea floor, but their roots have adapted to burrow into thick rock and hold on without eroding anything. Many of these plants are also bioluminescent, although more muted than many of the fauna.
It is believed that a number of megafauna have also made their residence in the Abyss Ocean, to include Megalodons and other extremely dangerous aquatic species. Many of these are believed to live below the Káto level, meaning their sightings and information about them are lacking.
Scholars also believe there is a difference in flora and fauna between the Káto levels and those below, as there is a slight temperature shift in the water from cooler to slightly warmer water, but without the ability to dive deeper, this difference cannot be studied fully.

Alternative Name(s)

Ocean of the Depths

Type

Ocean

Location under

Káto

Sea Level

The Abyss Ocean is the only underground ocean in the world, beginning at the highest levels of Káto and reaching to the theoretical bottom of the world. This means that many of the prominent tunnels of the depths meet up with underground waterways and lakes that eventually feed into the Abyss Ocean. Rivers and other waterways are always part of the Abyss Ocean, but may have local names to help aid in locating places within the tunnels.

Further Exploration

Scholars have attempted to create ways to study the depths of the Abyss Ocean, but due to the depths that one must travel, it has been rather complicated. One proposed possibility is a specially crafted submarine, a Megalodon Class Submersible, that combines magic and technology in ways that replicate the bodies of Megalodons that are suited for the depths and pressures. While still in testing, this vessel has been the closest to successfully braving the depths.