The River of Living Beasts

The River of Living Beasts is a snaking river through the wildlands bordering Ghur and Ghyran. The river itself flows along a channel which was not eroded, as a traditional river would, but instead seems to be the leavings of a massive, scaled creature. The distinct markings of scales can be seen still, crushed into the earth and rock. Where the creature went after leaving the trail is unknown, but the Godbeast is one that all are glad is gone. Then again, it may just be sleeping, far beneath the surface of the Archipelago, and waiting for the opportunity to come back to a surface teeming with life, and feed on those far above.

The river itself rushes swiftly, like a mountain river at spring thaw. It floods regularly, and for one season spreads for kilometers away from the banks in part, creating massive swamplands. Mosquitos travel in great droning clouds following this, said to be so thick that they can drain a man of his blood between three heartbeats. The leeches which lurk in these waters are even worse, and one can’t remove them, instead of having the choice between chopping the creature off or removing the limb to which they are attached. These leeches can force their way through leather, and even some armors.

The River itself is deadly. Long bodied reptiles swim through its waters, kin perhaps to crocodiles, but far more savage. Their limbs are lithe, and they can reach sprint speeds on par with any horse, and swim as swiftly as any fish. They bear row after row of teeth, which constantly replenish, and can see in the night just as well as they can during the day. The spines along their back are bladed, and swimming under a boat can be enough to saw through it entirely.

Shoals of teethed fish swim the waters as well. An aquatic form of squig, they ravenously attack their prey, biting off large chunks of flesh until the body is reduced to naught but bones. This makes the shoreline ideal for the Bonereapers, for a casual stroll can bring them a massive harvest.