Blànousii ([blɑːnuːziː])
The Blànousii River finds its sources (for there are two) at the Zelohiiblàn in the very North of the Erdàn Savànii. These treacherous, jagged peaks contain snow- and ice-covered rocky mountains, as one would expect. From there it winds its way South through The Drift, past the Viàn Falìnai and through the Forest of Doon. North of Everspring, the Blànousii then falls down the Pifòn and leaves the Forest at Sudàmàr Pine and past the Stones of Myrn.
Once it reaches Crystal Circle Tower's island it merges with the Aszilousii River, where it forms part of Lake Paxeux, replenishes The Well or reaches Risehope Docks before joining the Grànousii-an-Ormàszil Ocean.
Meaning of the Name
Blànousii literally means "White Waters", but blàn may also refer to "purity or clarity". So, while many Common Tongue speakers call it "White Water River", those who are influenced either by historical documents or the Foyii may call it the "River of Purity".Alternative Names
- Blànàneux: ([bla:n:a:n:əʊks]) The so-called "Qalashev"
- Blànànousii: The more-literal Foyiitùn name, used especially when referring to the purity or clarity of the water. (àn may be translated as "of" or "from").
Unusual Trait
The water of the Blànousii is unusual. For most rivers and streams, the further South it flowed the warmer it became. However, if one were to drink of the Whitewaters at Traders Square (before it joins with the Aszilousii) it would be just as cold as if taken from the foot of the Zelohiiblàn mountains. This trait has led to it being a source of chilling liquid either for the preservation of food or in certain Alchemic concoctions.Blurred Ownership
While Qal'ath would like to claim "ownership" of the entire river, in reality, it was more about who had access to which portions of its path.Northern Section
This is held almost exclusively by the Deenfeiss Leen Kyadii of Frostplain.Central Section
The Woodsmen do not claim to "own" any of it, but only they - and any visitors - have access to the stretch between the Viàn Falìnai (North of the Forest) and Sùdamàr Pine (at the very South).Southern Section
This is the portion that is controlled by Qal'ath, so may be reasonably claimed by the Realm.Ecosystem
The creatures here that have made their homes within the near-icy waters have been likened to freshwater cousins of oceanic organisms. A few examples include:
Riverweed:
A pod-bearing, flowerless plant, creatures in the river either eat or lay eggs in it to raise their young. While it is bitter, it can be - and is occasionally - used in a culinary context. Due to its strong flavour, only small amounts are ever used, creating a natural barrier to over-harvesting.Ice Coral
To clear any misunderstandings before they arise, this type of coral is not made literally of ice. However, while appearing as a smaller version of the sea-bound type we are familiar with, Ice Coral can either be pure white, or transparent. In both cases, this makes for a sanctuary for smaller creatures. In the case of white Ice Coral, light reflects from it, deterring daytime predators. For transparent (or "pure") Ice Coral, while such creatures can be seen, the invisible barrier is believed to confuse a river-bound stalker.Pebble Oyster:
The name Pebble Oyster has a double meaning.1. Their Actual Size
Many Pebble Oysters are the size of a small stone and, while containing nothing of nutritional value to overland beings, they are sought-after in the creation of jewellery. For this reason, there is strict regulation on harvesting these - at least in Qal'ath's stretch and that of the Woodsmen.2. "Ice Gems"
Some larger Pebble Oysters, like the ocean variety, create lesser stones within their shells. These "Ice Gems" appear to retain their cold temperature long after their removal from the Blànousii River. Though mages past and The Crystal Circle present have confirmed these hold no Elemental Essence that could be harnessed (They are not "Shards"), a single Ice Gem can chill a barrel of liquid for a week. After that, it must be returned to the River for a time before it can be reused.Section Menu
- Ice Coral
- Riverweed
- Pebble Oyster
Alternative Name(s)
Whitewater, River of Purity
Type
River
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