Continental Road

The Continental Road is a road that spans the entire southern continent of Alkeria. Running South of the Bloodwood, and North of the Southlands, most Humans use the Continental Road as a delineation between the 'Civilized' and "Non-Civilized" world.  The Road was first created as a method of getting around Bloodwood.  Over time, the road expanded, continuing further west and east as explorers did their thing.  As Southland expanded, the road nearest them was paved to make trading and security more possible.  Guard towers were established along the most trafficked portions of the road for security purposes, and Southland patrols regularly make the rounds near their portions.  The fringes of the Continental Road are barely more than a footpath leading to some of the most unsavory and inhospitable areas.
The area closer to the Southlands is simply called the "Way". it is noted that in the early days, when asking for directions, people would simply point and describe go "This way", or "That way". It was a simple road, two directions, not easy (but not IMPOSSIBLE) to get lost, so over time, it was simply shortened to the "Way". You can go "Go west along the Way for half a day, and you should come to an inn. Any further than that, and it'll be another two days before the next Way stop."
There are various settlements that have made their home along the Road. The further from Southland you go, the more diversified the Townsfolk.  It's known that at the very edges of the Continental Road, you'll find that Humans are no longer the majority.  Humans will be just another race trying to survive in the inhospitable portions of the edges of society.  Not to say that prejudices don't exist, but rather that there is a bit more acceptance of non-humans, just as one would see along the road.
There is a certain code of ethics along the Continental Road. Nobody knows exactly why or how this came about, but travel along the Road is generally peaceful. Not to say that attacks by monsters don't happen, but it's not unheard of to see several caravans of different species travelling together along the Road for safety and companionship. The trip may not always be PLEASANT, but the fact that fellow travelers are not in the mind to be slitting throats in the middle of the night is always a bonus.
While for most folk, the Continental Road is known to be the safest way to travel long distances.  However, various groups do set up shop along the road from time to time to take advantage of the traffic.  Bandits will charge tolls over the typical toll bridge scenario, fanatics of various types will scour the road looking for their various targets.  The various true law abiding forces generally do their best to keep the road clear, but bribes, threats, and general beauacracy will keep parts of the road open to any and all who wish to do 'business' there.