Heartvein River

The Heartvein River was a large river that flowed through Vhakizla in southern Sapphros. Through many tributaries, it connected the Sphinxes to the Draconic Ocean.

Geography

The Heartvein's headwaters were located high in the southern Sphinxes. It flowed from several mountains, the largest and most significant of which was Mount Zyraxes. From the mountain slopes, the Heartvein cut a swath through the Vhakizlan Basin and contributed much of the groundwater to form the Ghostmire. The city of Izla – Vhakizla's largest population center – was constructed on its banks. The Heartvein opened into a wide river delta when it reached the Draconic Ocean, deep enough for certain ships to sail down.

History

Night Wars

When the Thanasians, led by Caliphar II, invaded Vhakizla in 899 2A, they took precautions against the river's natural effect on the undead. Through powerful necromantic magic – the same that caused the Spoils to ravage half the continent – they stopped the Heartvein's flow. The river quickly grew stagnant and undrinkable, as it remained well into the Second Age.
In its putrid state, the river proved a hotbed for black bloat.

Campaigns

The Menagerie

• Vhakizla: When approaching Vhakizla by sea, the Menagerie aboard the Silver Saber were prevented from entering the Heartvein by a pair of Pious ships, blockading the river mouth. (Chapter 2)