Riverlands

The Riverlands form the most fertile and populated region of Mar Miskun, stretching across the western part of the island. Fed by three major rivers - the Barvon, Ashan, and Thalmir - the region is a lush contrast to the arid landscapes that dominate much of the rest of the island. The rivers cut through valleys rich in vegetation, and it is here that the island’s largest settlements, including the great city of Ashanok and the town of Barvon Bir, thrive.
The landscape of the Riverlands is defined by rolling plains, fertile river valleys, and gentle hills. In contrast to the rugged and dry regions of Mar Miskun, this area is known for its greenery, with fields of crops and groves of Olive, Fig, Cedar, and Cypress trees flourishing along the riverbanks. These rivers are vital not only for agriculture but also for trade, providing a means of transport for goods from the island’s inland settlements to the coastal cities.
The River Ashan, the longest of the three rivers, originates in the Penstrarn Hills and flows westward through the heart of the region. It passes by the city of Ashanok, the largest settlement in the League of Mar Miskun, before emptying into the sea. The Ashan is particularly important for irrigation, with the fertile lands of its valley sustaining much of the island’s agriculture. Fields of grain, vineyards, and orchards thrive along its banks, providing food not only for the people of Mar Miskun but also for export to the other islands of the Helerin Archipelago.
The Barvon River, rising from the geothermal springs of Barvon Bir, is equally essential to the region. The hot springs and geysers that dot the area around Barvon Bir make this small town famous across the archipelago. The river supports the region’s metalworking industries, with Barvon Bir being a center for mining and smelting. The town’s geothermal energy powers its forges, allowing the production of high-quality metals and goods that are traded across Helerin.
The Thalmir River, though smaller, plays a critical role in sustaining the agricultural communities along its course. Flowing from the Penstrarn Hills, it passes through fertile plains before reaching the sea. The riverbanks here are known for their groves of Laurel and Olive trees, whose oils and fruits are highly prized. The Thalmir also supports local industries, such as pottery, with clay deposits found along its banks.
The Riverlands are not only a place of economic importance but also one of natural beauty. The flatlands and river valleys are dotted with groves of Pine and Fir, and in spring, the countryside is awash with Bloodpetal vines, adding splashes of red to the green landscape. Firevine, with its bright orange flowers, can also be found clinging to the rocky outcrops that occasionally rise from the plains.
Wildlife in the Riverlands is abundant, particularly along the rivers where the rich ecosystem supports a variety of creatures. Golden squirrels dart through the trees, and Hrynn, the woolly wild sheep of Mar Miskun, graze in the grasslands. Along the riverbanks, herons and Steelclaws hunt for fish, while colonies of Alyrros eagles nest in the cliffs overlooking the rivers, their keen eyes scanning the waters for prey.
The rivers themselves teem with life. Schools of Farshi fish, with their distinctive spotted patterns, swim in the slower-moving sections of the rivers, while the fearsome Thalkar prowls the deeper waters, its sharp teeth and predatory instincts making it one of the top aquatic predators in the region. Fishermen along the rivers often speak in hushed tones of the Morvix, a large, elusive fish said to dwell in the deepest parts of the rivers, capable of dragging small boats under the water.
The towns and cities of the Riverlands are vital to the economy of Mar Miskun. Ashanok, at the mouth of the Ashan River, is the island’s largest city and a major trading hub, with a great harbour that links Mar Miskun to the Seynan Islands and Forbin. Further upstream, the smaller towns of Ashmantan and Barvon Dola rely on the rivers for their agriculture and trade, producing crops, pottery, and other goods that sustain the League’s economy.
The Riverlands are not without their challenges. During the dry summer months, water levels can drop significantly, affecting both agriculture and trade. The rivers themselves, while vital to life, can also be unpredictable, with occasional flooding during the rainy season. However, the people of the Riverlands have adapted to these cycles, building irrigation systems and dikes to protect their crops and settlements.
In contrast to the barren expanses of the Naylin Desert or the wilds of the Arrimor Peninsula, the Riverlands are a thriving and prosperous region, where the rivers bring life and abundance to the people of Mar Miskun. It is a place of both natural beauty and economic significance, the green heart of an otherwise arid island.