Editing Across the narrow sea (section)

==Civilizations, nations and regions==
===Continents===
The known continents in the world are:
*[[Westeros]], a large landmass that lies west.
*[[Essos]], a large landmass that lies east.
*[[Sothoryos]], a mysterious landmass to the south.
*[[Ulthos]], a continent densily populated by forests.

===Asshai===
:{{Main|Asshai}}
A mysterious port city beside the equally mysterious [[Shadow Lands]], Asshai holds many secrets, including [[dragon lore]] and the prophecies of [[Azor Ahai]]. It is often called "Asshai-by-the-Shadow" or simply "the Shadow" when grouped with the Shadow Lands.

===Ibben===
:{{Main|Ibben}}
Ibben is an island nation in the Shivering Sea often referred to as [[Ib]], after its largest island. Its major port and capital is the [[Port of Ibben]]. The Ibbenese are a hairy race of people who often wear sealskins and favor axes and shaggy brown shields in battle. They populate the island of Ib as well as colonies on Essos. The Ibbenese are predominantly whalers, sailing fat-bellied whaling ships covered in black tar. They chew blubber and use whale oil to light their lamps. Their trading range extends to the [[Iron Islands]] in Westeros.

===The Shadow Lands===
:{{Main|Shadow Lands}}
A land to the extreme east, the Shadow Lands reside at the edge of the known world, beside or around Asshai. In the western world, there are many tales about the Shadow Lands, though how much fact they hold is unclear. It is said that petrified dragon eggs come from the Shadow Lands, and that dragons themselves originated there. The [[Dothraki]] believe that [[ghost grass]] covers the land, with stalks that glow in the dark and grow taller than a man on horseback. Natives of this place, called [[Shadow Men]], cover their bodies in tattoos and wear red lacquered wooden masks. They are described as "dour and frightening". Some of them practice bloodmagic, using spells that require blood sacrifices. The area of the Shadow Lands and Asshai are sometimes referred to simply as "the Shadow".

===The Stepstones===
:{{Main|Stepstones}}
The Stepstones are a chain of islands in the narrow sea, to the east of Dorne and the Storm Lands. Once the Stepstones were part of the Arm of Dorne, which connected Westeros to the eastern continent. The [[First Men]] crossed the Arm of Dorne to begin their invasion of [[Westeros]]. Legends describe the greenseers of the [[children of the forest]] using magic to shatter the Arm into an archipelago. Various [[Free Cities]] engage in almost constant war over possession of the Stepstones. Several times in its history, the Seven Kingdoms have also fought for control of them.

===The Summer Islands===
:{{Main|Summer Isles}}
The Summer Islands are a number of islands in the Summer Sea, to the south of Westeros, that form a single nation. The port of [[Tall Trees Town]] serves as its capital. The natives of the islands are a dark-skinned people who speak their own language and often wear capes of brightly colored feathers. Archery is an important cultural skill to the Summer Islanders. Their special bows have a longer range than most others, giving their merchant boats added defense against pirates. During the events of ''A Song of Ice and Fire'', an exile prince of the Summer Islands, [[Jalabhar Xho]], lives in Westeros. For many years he unsuccessfully attempts to convince the kings of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] to invade the Summer Islands and install him as their ruler.

===Yi Ti===
:{{Main|Yi Ti}}
Yi Ti is a coastal city on the Jade Sea, southeast of Qarth. The people of Yi Ti are said to be dark skinned and bright-eyed, and some wear [[monkey]]-tail hats. The jungles of Yi Ti are infested with [[basilisk]]s. In Westeros, it is considered to be a fabulous city, though little is known about it. Somewhere beyond the city is thought to lie a "legendary dreaming city" of poets.