Straboria River
the Wall of the Wilds
The Straboria River is a major river in the north of Novyum, on the major continent of Ethae. The river is often considered the northwestern border of the Heartlands, with the civilizations of central Novyum seeing the south side of the river as the civilized lands, while the north side is untamed wilds. The river originates in the Plashin Range, winding its way through deep valleys as it makes its way west, then north to the Piercing Ocean.
The rivers most prominent feature is the deep thin canyon it cut over the ages into Novyum along its run. A canyon that, by Novya tradition as remained unnamed, though some call it the canyon cliffs, primarily on the northern side, 'the Wall of the Wilds.' Historical accounts claim the river was deepening and deadlier in the past, making it harder to cross. In the modern day it is much shallower and less dangerous.
The region beyond the river to the north is marred with difficult rugged tundra and marshy lands. It was largely ignored by the people of the Hearlands throughout history, even during the Lakorthian Age, when the rest of Novyum came under the control of the Republic of Lakorth. In the Novyum Age the United Kingdoms of Novyum made an effort to bring the tribes and creatures of this land under control, building several bridges over the Straboria. The campaign had some success but was ultimately futile. With the decline of the United Kingdoms, the lands north of the Straboria have fallen back into the wilds of the past and ever bridge over the river has crumbled into nothing.
There are rumors that flakes and nuggets of Gold wash down out of the Plashin through the river. This has led many prospectors into the canyon seeking their fortune. A dangerous prospect as many of the creatures that once hunted the river have returned with the decline of civilization in the region. Mountain Orc descending the Plashin are the worst of these, setting up territorial camps in the low river lands, away from the extreme weather of the mountains.
Comments