A long river that winds throughout the Kingdom of Tolondrigna.
Some points of the river stretch three miles wide to hardly 15 feet wide in some places. The water flows at about 3 1/2 miles an hour in most places, but when it narrows the water can reach speeds of up to 6 miles an hour. The river flows North. The water is almost always 87 degrees Farenheit (30 degrees Celsius), which makes it quite comfortable to swim in. The river's elevation doesn't change drastically and can be ridden from its source a hidden river in the low foot hills of the Gravelmiota mountains. The river runs to the Nishath Lake which is as unique of a habitat as the river if not even more so. The water is used heavily for trade and commerce. As well as producing the purest water known to man.
The river ranges from 3 feet deep in the middle to some 300 feet deep. Also at its narrowest it is about 10 feet wide and can be 500 feet wide.
The water is crystal clear. The areas around the river are quite green with grass, ferns, and trees growing everywhere.
At night the water reflects the night sky and the stars and moon look amazing against the slight ripples of the river.
The river supports lots of life. Many different fish species live in and occupy the river. Other plant lives in the river are grasses, weeds, and reeds. As well as other plants, such as lilies and mosses.
There are some 180 different fish species that live in the river. From colorful and flambuoyant Angelfish to quick and dull colored Brown Trout.
There are a variety of plant species that live in or on the water. These range from liles to reeds to mosses and grasses. One of the rarest flowers the Alysan Lily is only found on the waters of the Nishath and only can survive in water from the Nishath River.
The water stays even and at steady levels despite the season. Its width and depth never change, the water keeps the same temperature. Which means it can be used at all times of the year. Never freezing or evaporating excessively.
The water is the clearest you can find in the world. It also the cleanest, and silt and muck instantly dissolves and the water always stays fresh and drinkable. It is even unpoisonable. Rumors even say the water comes from some magical source, maybe even from the dimension of the gods.
Animals and plants live both in and out of the water. Those outside the river come to and live near the riverbanks.
The animals in the water range from some aquatic insects to fish and frogs.
Animals that come to the waters and live near the shores range from squirrels to the occasional bear. Herons and other water birds also visit the shallow parts of the river to hunt for food.
The river provides endless amounts of fresh water.
In some areas peopl use it to turn water wheels for grain mills.
Some areas have been diverted for irrigation with the kings approval. Crops grown with water from the river seem to grow slighlty bigger and never have blights, as if some of the river's properties transfer to the plants themselves. Seeds from these plants have been exported and sold at high prices. This is great because it prevents famines.
The river is used for transportation of people and cargo. The military also uses the river for messages, troop transport, and to deliver heavy siege equipment and chariots or supplies. The king's messengers also use it.
Was first discovered back in 300AD by a group of explorers whose names have been lost to time. It has been used for many different purposes. Soon after its discovery it was used for fishing and swimming. In 479AD when boats and rafts were invented, they began to be used for trade and travel and is still used for those options. People even drink from the water, something about it keeps it fresh, it is unpoisonable, and no silt or muck fill the water. Merchants have ran into trouble at the shallow/narrow parts of the river and have with some magic and technology have made legs that appear out of the port and starboard sides and walk over the land, although at a much slower rate then sailing. Most ships also have a mage on board to fill the sales with wind and help protect the ship.
Many people come to visit the crystal clear waters.
There are various places to stay, from inns and taverns in settlements along the rivers banks. To camping on the riverside.
People also like to swim in the waters because they are warm and comfortable to relax in.
One group of engineers and architects is petitioning with the king to dig a small channel to make a luxury hot spring and spa resort. Which has interested the king, but he is still considering if he should grant their request, for some fears linger if the fires that make it a spa, could perhaps damage the water if kept under for so long, because it has never been tested, and could any of the water backflow?
Kings and other rich lords have been known to have water from the Nishath River shipped to their residences to be used for drinking and cooking and even bathing. Some even drink from the water whilst bathing, because it constantly purifies.
The water is commonly sold as holy water in small glass bottles. Be it from peddlers or merchants to clerics and priests. You can find at least one person selling bottles of the water in every major city. Towns and cities situated along the riverbanks collect the water and export it in barrels and tanks.
Alternative Name(s)
The Crystal River
No matter what one puts in the water, it wil instantly become clean again, as if the foreign substance never had entered the water, be it blood, poison, mud, or dead plant and animal matter. So one can fill a bathtub with the water and use it again and again. The water will eventually evaporate if it sits in the sun or heat for too long. But that still takes some year. The water cannot go stagnant either.
An example of the Alyssan Flower that grows only on the Nishath River.
The map is really wonderful and I enjoy the simplicity, and yet the clear atmosphere of it! I do hope you continue to flesh out this article and to add more to the environment around the river, and to the interesting things found in it!
Yea, I certainly do plan on it, I was kind of just waiting for feedback, would love to hear your thoughts on it.