Goga River Valley
The Fruitful Heartlands of Rosara
The most fertile soil and farmlands west of Rosara are found along the length of the Goga River, colloquially known as "The Goodlands". Measured at approximately 1,230 miles, the Goga River Valley is the primary source of irrigation and fresh water to the City-State of Rosara and its territories.
History
To protect its natural resources, the Rosaran royal house keeps the location of the Goga River's source a tightly kept secret. Rediscovered in 811 ER by Karladron Heart, Ambrose François, and Chrysanthemum Ostander, the waters of the Goga River Valley are emitted by a magical relic hidden in an underground facility deep in the Sun-Dural Mountains north of Rosara. In appearance, the relic is a plain, palm-sized stone, yet when placed within a vessel the relic emits mineral-rich water until the vessel is full. Currently, the relic is placed atop a colossal fountain that pours into the natural aquifers beneath the mountain. The origin of the relic and the ruins are a mystery, however, its presence implies that the Goga River Valley is not a natural geographic formation. If the relic is ever removed from the fountain, the river valley will dry within weeks.Geography
Sedimentary records show that the Goga River once filled the now valley completely, and as such was tremendously deeper until as recent as the end of the First Era . The Goga River itself spans just over 3 miles across on average and the valley can be measured to be an additional 5 to 7 miles on either side. Known as the widest valley in the world, the Goga River Valley spans over 1,200 miles North to South; beginning at the river's source in the Sun-Dural Mountains and ending where it feeds into the Sea of Howza.
Fauna & Flora
While the northern half of the valley has been settled and cultivated, the southern half remains mostly untouched save for a scattering of riparian trading outposts. The Southern Valley is home to many large old-growth, deciduous forests. Valley fauna varies from common game to large predators such as cougars, bears, slimes, and ogres.
Natural Resources
Crops
Due to the magical origin of the river's water, the valley is blessed with an abundance of fertile, mineral-rich soil perfect for a wide variety of crops. The enchanted river water has been proven to ward off crop diseases and can be attributed to the enlarged size of the many cultivars. The farming communities situated within the Goodlands produce such bountiful harvest season on a regular basis, that the Rosaran state will purchase excess yields from the farmers and sell them to neighboring countries; thus positioning Rosara to prosper even while other countries experience droughts or blights.Glass
The fine silt that can be found at the shores and riverbeds of the Goga River is so pure that it is commonly collected for use in glass making. Glass made using Goga silts is known to be low in impurities even when produced by unskilled hands. The easily accessible source of silt has made glass the largest Rosaran export."The Goodlands are dry and Rosara suffers for it. Others have been sent to find the cause of this drought, yet none have returned. Will you take upon this request for my country? Will you be the heroes it needs?"
by E. Jones
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