Gold River

The Gold River is a river in southern Florarova that flows out of the Hunter Mountains, into the Major Ocean. Originally a trade area between the Elves and the Dekani, it was later settled by Diamondheart, until 16th century, when Florarova became an autonomous territory. Isa Rosu was famously born in the Gold River area.

Unclaimed

The first settlers to the Gold River area were elvish explorers who had sailed past the Hunter Mountains. They valued the land because it was a good area for growing cotton. Other early settlers included the Cult of Ijok, a Dekani religious offshoot that likely went in search of an area where they could openly practice without criticism, though they still identified as Dekani. Though neither group officially claimed the territory, there was an unspoken agreement that settlements to the east followed Dekani law and settlements to the west followed Elvish law.

This was also considered a major trade area between the Elves and the Dekani. Traders from both groups would travel up and down the river, and a couple times each year, large trade gatherings would occur in the north of the region, near the edge of the mountains. Both Dekani and Elves would purchase cotton and cotton fabric, as well as spices and other crops that didn't grow farther north. In turn, they would bring news, crafted items, books, and even Lume from Brightland.

Unregulated

As Dimondheart began to settle the southern coast of the Minor Continent, it also worked its way up the Gold River, taking settlements and forcibly converting those who lived there. Though Diamondhearten leaders allowed many people to remain on their cotton farms, they required most of the cotton to be given to the new governors they had set up in the area, so it could be traded in their own country.

The Elves struggled to quickly send a force big enough to defend the area around the mountains. Dekani sent some forces to defend the area, but it was not enough, and Diamondheart, magically transporting in all the people it needed, overwhelmed both, causing the two groups to retreat and defend their primary territories. There is some speculation that the Dekani did not send enough help because the Cult of Ijok were already considered outsiders in their culture, and there was limited desire to help them.

They cut our ears believing it would separate us from demonic forces.

— Elvish journal

Diamondheart installed transportation stations in the area, bringing in government officials, military commanders, and religious leaders, alongside new settlers. The elves in particular suffered, as their pointed ears were declared marks of association with demons. Many elves fled north into the Hunter Mountains. Those who did not were pressed into service navigating around them by sea.

Diamondhearten leaders viewed the land north of the mountains as an even bigger threat to the world. Here was not only a larger population of Elves, but a more organized society of them, living with humans who did not realize they were being corrupted. Diamondheart redoubled its efforts on taking control of the land around them and establishing a new order. After a significant amount of fighting, they succeeded, taking over the old capital and creating the Florarovan colony.

CW: exploitation, occupation, racism, bodily harm

by Molly Marjorie

Alternative Name(s)

The Wild River

Type

River

Location under

Minor Continent

Owning Organization

Florarova

Trade Centers

Rivers have always been important trade centers on the Minor Continent, and for centuries were considered neutral ground. Trade itself is often described as a river (i.e. "the river of trade is flowing well this season"), and in many countries, the phrase "meet at the river," still signifies two parties making a trade or reaching a compromise.

Lawless

Even with Diamondheart's focus on the northern half of the colony, the Gold River area was not left to its own devices. A secondary leader was appointed for day-to-day rule of the area, though they reported to the primary leader in the north. Nevertheless, elements of the old culture were able to grow stronger here. The Elves who had been converted kept parts of their own faith, eventually evolving into the Vitnu religion, and the people of the Gold River pushed more and more for a type of self-government similar to what they'd had before Diamondheart had claimed the land.

In the 16th century, during the Southern Conflict, the pirate Isa Rosu, an Elf born in the Gold River area, began to hammer the Diamondhearten fleets, already embroiled in battle with Atlinthaia in the Southern Strait. Aided by expert Mermish sailors, Rosu's attacks up and down the Florarovan coast made her the most notorious pirate in Nideon's history. Combined with a growing hunger for political power by the leaders in the north, the Diamondhearten government eventually realized it had stretched itself too thin and gave up possession of the Florarovan colony, allowing them at last to rule themselves.