Gar and Reva Riverlands
While often referred to in one breath, the Gar and Reva Riverlands are actually two separate Riverlands. Together they characterise the landscape of the
Garyialan Empire, comprising a large portion of the country.
The Gar and Reva River play important roles in Garyialan history, culture and economy. Ancient Garyialan civilizations arose on the banks of the rivers, and traces of these civilizations are still notable in current Garyialan culture.
Geography
Gar River
The source of the Gar River is in the Kirsan Mountains, in north-western Garyiala. It receives water from several tributaries and two fresh water lakes while flowing eastward towards the Deldoan Sea.
The Gar runs mainly through mountainous and woodland landscapes, with few grassland plains characterising some tributary basins. In it's upper reaches, the Gar runs through several gorgeous gorges, most famous the Vomsny Gorge.
It's largest tributary is the Lewin River, which brings water from the Estal Mountains and joins the Gar at the capital city of Asrila.
It's largest tributary is the Lewin River, which brings water from the Estal Mountains and joins the Gar at the capital city of Asrila.
Reva River
Only half the length of the Gar and with less tributaries bringing water, the Reva River runs south of the Gar. The Reva finds its source in the Mirdarn Mountains in central Garyiala, and runs towards the Temisnean Sea in the east.
The Reva runs through large grassland plains, like the Kalzin Valley, which is in fact a collective name for three continuous valleys.
The Reva runs through large grassland plains, like the Kalzin Valley, which is in fact a collective name for three continuous valleys.
Flora and Fauna
The Gar and Reva Riverlands are rich in both land and water animals. Carp and trout are the most common fish in both rivers. Exclusively, sturgeons can be found in the Gar, while catfish are not uncommon in the Reva. Both rivers are also inhabited by crayfish, softshell turtles and salamanders, both small and giant. And the Gar is home to the Gar alligator, a small crocodile species.
Other common animals in the Riverlands are buffalo, deer, foxes, badgers, otters, ducks, herons, sparrows and snakes. Most characteristic of the Riverlands is the
rynodon, a large mammal nowadays domesticated and used as draft animal.
Cradles of Civilization
For many centuries, people have lived on the banks of the Gar and Reva Rivers. Civilizations arose and perished, and remnants of such ancient civilizations have been found along both rivers.Today, many great cities line the rivers for both rivers are important trade routes. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution and urbanization, some valleys and farm towns along tributaries have become more quiet.
The Gar river is most likely the Grand River mentioned in the story of Bodia and Setor. Both scholars and explorers are still searching for signs of the ancient lands of Qual as well as White Mountain on the north-eastern side of the Gar. Many suggestions have been made, but the exact location is still heavily debated.
by Zongnan Boa
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