To the east of Ulthuan's mainland are the Shifting Isles, an area shrouded in legend, where ancient spells of illusion shield the eastern coast of Ulthuan from intruders.[1a] Cast by Phoenix King Bel-Hathor and his mages, the spell is one of the most potent and far-reaching ever cast by the Asur. According to Teclis, any confusion caused by the spell would have a thousand-times its effect on Humans. Such is the power of this enchantment that it is visibly stronger than the glamour that hangs over the Annulii Mountains.[3a]
The whole area is wreathed in mists, and within these billowing clouds, strange and terrifying things are often seen; whether these are the products of men's ensorcelled imaginations or whether they actually exist is something not often discussed. However, the Shifting Isles definitely live up to their name, and each is seldom encountered twice in the same spot. This creates treacherous mazes of shoals and sandbars which can confuse even High Elf sailors.[1a] Those that enter the weave of the enchantment become lost and turned around by the labyrinth of spells and eventually, if they don't starve or run aground, find themselves back out on the open ocean.[3a]
Trivia[]
- In Defenders of Ulthuan, it's stated that when the Shifting Isles renewed themselves, all manner of plantlife was washed ashore from the disturbed depth of the sea, which may or may not include the pearl-leafed Torrelain, and the beautifully aromatic Moon Rose. Both of which are nocturnally blooming flowers native to Ulthuan.[2a]
- When Teclis and Tyrion first sailed from Cothique to Lothern to meet the Phoenix King, Tyrion noted how the Shifting Isles, leagues away, would sometimes be there, sometimes not. A faint shimmering covered the waves, as far as the asur prince could see; resembling a heat haze without being one.[3a]