Veng River
The Veng River is one of the mightiest and most strategically significant waterways in the Central Flanaess, forming a vital geographical and political boundary between the Kingdom of Furyondy to the south and the dark domain of Iuz to the north. Its deep, broad waters and fast current make it difficult to ford and even more difficult to cross without notice. In times of war, it has served as both a line of defense and a site of bloody confrontation.
The Veng River is not merely a geographical feature—it is a living border, a shield, and a battlefield. Its flowing waters divide light from darkness, order from chaos, and Furyondy from destruction. Any who seek to cross it must contend not only with natural peril but with the vigilance of those sworn to defend the realms of men from the creeping shadow beyond.
Geography
- The Veng River flows westward from its headwaters near Lake Whyestil, coursing through a wide, forest-fringed valley before eventually joining the Velverdyva River system.
- It defines Furyondy's northern frontier, carving a natural border between civilization and the monstrous threat posed by Iuz's empire.
- The river is deep, cold, and swift, with strong currents even in summer. In winter, ice floes make it treacherous to approach.
Natural Features
- The Black Oaks of the Northern Bank: These twisted, ancient trees are said to be corrupted by Iuz’s magic, and locals whisper of ghosts that guard them.
- Fogfall Bend: A section where the river narrows and thick fog hangs year-round, believed to be cursed; many vessels have vanished here.
- Fort Belvor’s Span: The only major military bridge across the Veng, reinforced with enchantments and siege defenses.
History
Legends and Lore
- The Veng is sometimes called “the Sword of Furyondy” for its role in both defense and bloodshed.
- Riverfolk believe the Veng is watched over by an ancient spirit, a water elemental of immense power bound during the early days of the Great Kingdom.
- Some claim sunken relics from the Age of Aerdy lie hidden in its depths, guarded by river trolls, giant pike, or worse.
Tourism
Strategic Importance
- The Veng serves as Furyondy's first line of defense against invasion. Bridges and ferries are rare and heavily guarded.
- Watchtowers, river garrisons, and signal beacons line the southern banks, especially near the Northern March.
- Iuz’s forces have attempted to build rafts, ice bridges, and magical crossings to breach the river, leading to numerous skirmishes and naval battles.
- The Battle of Morsten Ford (589 CY) was fought here, marking one of Furyondy’s greatest victories against the fiend-led armies of Iuz.
Commerce and Travel
- In peacetime, the Veng supports river trade, especially in lumber, grain, and stone from central Furyondy.
- Flat-bottomed barges and patrol boats ply the southern stretches, but the threat of Iuzite raids makes navigation dangerous in the north.
- Fishing villages dot the river’s interior banks, though many have been abandoned or fortified due to increasing threats.
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