The realm of Esmaraine lies in the Esmar river valley on the large island of Saloren. It lies snug between the Rila and Tarkeni mountain ranges, offering protection from outside invasion. Due to these geographic features the Esmarian region developed in relative isolation. The great river Esmar is the defining feature of the region. It provides a source of food, irrigation and a natural highway to ship people and goods along. In recent centuries Esmaraine has been exposed to the outside world. As the western waters increasingly became a busy shipping lane for trade between north and south.