Shale River

Geography

The Shale is relatively narrow and deep as it cuts through the Staegers, where it is fed by runoff and confined in its meander by rocky foothills and mountains. Cinder Lake is one of the volcanic lakes that feeds the Shale through trickling downhill streams and falls. Because the Staegers are considered mineral-poor and indefensible, due to the messy volcanic eruptions that turned a few high mountains into a convenient stairstep hike across foothills and broad plateaus, there have been relatively few old Dwarven holdings, and the Shale does not pass through much industry until it leaves that mountain range. Instead, it flows idyllically through green farm valleys, connecting a few middling-sized towns by boat and barge

Ecosystem

• Eels: Harmless. Delicious. Most apparent in spring as they head to the ocean, they burrow in mud over the winter.
• Cottonwoods: Keep the river banks in place and shade the shallow spots to cool temperatures suitable for spawning fish.
• Ferns: Grow on the rocks and deadfalls. Feed insects and other animals.
• Many, many other plants and animals.

Type

River