Maelstrom

Maelstrom, pronounced /ˈmāl-strəm/, as defined by Miriam-Webster is a powerful often violent whirlpool sucking in objects within a given radius.Maelstrom: from Miriam-Webster "The word was originally the name of a giant whirlpool supposed to exist off the west coast of Norway in the Arctic Ocean which was said to destroy all ships that came close to it."Maelstrom: from Wiktionary
There is a second definition that states that maelstrom is (figuratively) a chaotic or turbulent situation. The maelstrom in the story could reflect Pezci's state of mind and current state of affairs. She has no home or family, she is very timid and withdrawn, and her life has been co-opted by the presence of the Golden key on her hand. She collapses easily into hysterics when frightened, which also happens quite often. Her whole life resembles a maelstrom.
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== Description ==
In , the maelstrom is more than just a random disaster, striking willy-nilly like a tornado on dry land, it is also a villain in the play. Though the maelstrom appears to be acting in a deliberately chaotic manner, it also appears to be pursuing Pezci, moving faster than she expects and gaining on her wherever she goes, despite her attempts to put distance between them. Most maelstroms, generated by a storm above the surface and not reaching very deep, dissipate once the storm runs its course. Research has shown that this maelstrom and the storm above it are not dissipating as they should, and it is reaching to unprecedented depths. It has also been noted that some feel that everything about this storm is wholly unnatural. The maelstrom is causing unnatural movements in the planet's currents, and it has started bringing in toxic water from across the ocean.
== History ==
Pezci relates how a maelstrom appeared at her home and destroyed it, killing off all of the Planifron Tribe except herself,Fears leaving her with no home, no friends or relatives, and no money.Lost in Thought
The maelstrom that wakes her at the beginning of the story causes her to remark that it's traveling quicker than she thought. The implication is that it's the same maelstrom she'd encountered earlier and that had killed her tribe. Her uncertain reaction to the encroaching maelstrom is what inspires her to go to the surface, and that's when she encounters the Golden keys and becomes a Keyholder.
Guided by the Key, Pezci travels to a nearby city, presumably leaving the maelstrom behind yet again, but after a very short time, the maelstrom arrives and begins destroying this city.The Game Begins Pezci only just escapes the ravening force and leaves it behind again. Scypho remarks at this point that it's enormous.Maelstrom Round 2! Once more, Pezci's remarks imply this may still be the same storm, and it would appear that it's following her.
After encountering Shin and being brought to meet the Dohrnii elders, Pezci learns that this maelstrom is as unique as she'd thought. The Dohrniis' research shows that this maelstrom, and the storm supporting it, are lasting far longer than they should and reaching to unprecedented depths. Sir Cindarii relates how the maelstrom is altering ocean currents and bringing toxic waters from across the ocean. While trying to muster her courage, Pezci looks out a porthole and spots the maelstrom moving in on the castle.The Keyholder's Burden
 
== References ==