Seafaring

As the English and Spanish settlers were both the result of sea voyages, and populated with sailors, it was natural that maritime exploration soon developed in Altierra.

Geography

Because the world is oceanic and these islands lie between 30–55°N, the prevailing wind systems play a huge role.

Wind Patterns

• 30–35°N: Subtropical High — light winds, calmer seas.
• 35–55°N: Prevailing westerlies — strong west-to-east winds.

Sailing Between Islands

1. Alba (West) to Isla Arbojan (East)

Distance is about 2,500 miles.

• Easy eastward sailing, thanks to prevailing westerlies (like the North Atlantic Drift).
• Traders and explorers travel quickly with the wind.
• Return journeys are slower — may require tacking or following a longer southerly route.

2. Isla Arbojan (East) to Veridia (North)

• Northward journey into cooler, stormier waters.
• Warm currents aid navigation and climate near Island 2.
• Risk of seasonal storms (autumn), especially along eastern coasts.

3. Veridia (West) to Alba (Southwest)

• Difficult without advanced navigation — sailing into the windward direction.
• May follow coastal routes or use looping return paths with trade winds.

Maritime Culture

• Expect island-hopping trade networks, storm-season shut-downs, and sailor guilds.
• Coastal cities would be port-focused, with societies heavily influenced by tides, stars, and seasonal sea conditions.
• Likely legends of sea monsters, storm spirits, and sunken isles in folklore.