Tairos' Rivers - Sursay, Tharantha, and Martarane

To them, it's just water. For us, those rivers are our gods, our kin, our world, and our souls

— Insight from a River Halfling trader

  Tairos is blessed with an abundance of small waterways, tiny lakes, and countless bays. Yet, few compare in utility or size, to that of the three primary rivers -- the Sursay, Tharantha, and Martarane.   The water system of Tairos centers on the vast inland expanse of Lake Tairos, a freshwater body fed by rivers that descend from every corner of the continent and drained only by the mighty Sursay River, which cuts north between the Queen's Scar Woods and Frostmere's Fort Blackvane, to reach the frozen waters of the Endless Ocean. To the south, the Martarane River gathers the snows and storms of the Melanthran highlands, feeding into the twin headwaters —the Red Sister and the Blue Sister to its east—joining in the shadow of Mount Glastia before winding through fertile floodplains toward Ghal Pelor. From the east, the slow, reed-choked Thararanthra seeps from the mountain ranges of Ghal Ankhar , creating a labyrinth of marshes and peat that oozes into Lake Tairos with waters dark as tea . Together, these rivers sustain the heartlake’s immense volume and temperate climate, their cycles of flood and drought dictating the rhythm of life across the region. At the same time, the outflowing Sursay carries their mingled currents northward to the ocean, linking the continent’s highest peaks to its coldest shores in a single, unbroken chain of water and history.   The Tharanthr originates in a boggy area slightly upland from the Ghal Pelor Basin. Its marshes are made from the meltwater of the Ankarana mountains and the rainfall the valleys see. The area sees random and powerful floods as well, brought on either by torrential storms during the warmer months or by Cinderstone. The Duergarian cults that worship The Chain Maker often trigger volcanic eruptions and scalding gas releases from their venerated cauldera. These events can trigger massive melting of the ice caps in the region, creating flood surges that can arise with little warning. While the Ghal Ankharan Dwarves and Duergar stay in their respective homes, the region around the marshes is home to Clan Dougal. This is the Butchers' Farm, where the deformed descendants of Giants rule. The lord of the region, August Dougal-The Pallid King, resides in his rotted and nightmarish plantation, known as the Butcher's Maw. This estate and sprawling farmland are nestled right in the middle of the region, where the stagnant flows begin to converge into the Tharranthra. Much of the water in this region is rather toxic, due in part to the waste runoff of the many Dougal farms, but also because of seepage from the ruins of the Dread Forge. This former Ghal Ankharan factory-city was seized by the Fae during The Autumn Queen's war. Under the control of her Shadow Court it was converted into a Manacite factory, churning out the stone at a dangerous rate. Thankfully, this horror was destroyed by the dwarves, yet harmful chemicals and runoff still leak into the land almost three hundred years later.   The Maratane is runs from the Melanthrin highlands, eastward and into the Ghal Pelor Basin. Most of Tairos' southwestern region is over a thousand meters above sea level, Melanthris and Lake Lunarch peaking at twelve hundred meters in fact. While far from the heights of many of Tairos' most incredible peaks, this is nevertheless the tallest single expanse on the otherwise mild continent. Rainwater from around the Fiefdoms of Melanthris is plentiful and much of it finds its way into the Martarane eventually. Either collected and stored in the icy peaks of Mount Glastia, or simply as eastbound storms that roll toward the Basin. Beside Mount Glastia are the two twin headwaters, contributory rivers that merge to form the Martarane as it flows downward into Lake Tairos. To Glastia's west is the Blue Sister, who's name in original elven is Liuni Sirae. To the mountain's west is the Red Sister or Corani Sirae. Original elven tribes named them such after the phases of Cetna, Tairos' moon. They are known as the Isul Siraes or Rivers of the Moon. Ancient elves believed that Cetna had rivers from which the first elven people traveled, making their journey from the stars they worshiped to the land they would call home. Elven trimarans use the Blue Sister when venturing to Ghal Pelor for trade. The Red Sister sees very little use in modern times. During the Queen's War, Baradradi used these waters to ferry supplies to Ghal Pelor quickly. Prior to that, the Ximezci made many attempts to use it to invade the inland continent. Oakheart Bastion, built by Melanthris, still watches over the region almost a millenia later. Diligently guarding for any sign of the ancient enemy's return.   Flowing north is Lake Tairos' singular outflow, the Sursay River. This is the most vital of the three rivers, for it carries trade northward into Frostmere and the countless riverside communities that exist along Sursay's banks. It's also the territory of the River Halflings, a nomadic branch of halfling culture that has mastered rafting along these waters. Many see the River Halflings' dominance over the area as endearing. They are known for their willingness to trade wares gathered from all across the region, their gregarious hospitality, and their respect for nature. However, many view them as a nuisance as well. Some halfling communities are known to attack shipping, stealing the wares and reselling them elsewhere. For the many Frostmerite merchants waiting in Blackvane and Adirak, delays caused by River Halflings costly affairs. While the two people share a great respect and veneration for Totem Spirits, the practical impact of lost cargo is deeply felt. They often pay these halfling communities handsomely to ensure smooth sailing. Alternatively, the Rylanders's use their Steamtech vessels to navigate the waters of all three rivers frequently. Their ships launch from a factory just north of the mountains near Muldrak's ruins, Ne'Avanto, which translates from their tongue to Balmoran and something like New Progress or Advancement. River Halflings despise the Rylanders. Their ships pollute the waterways, and the companies that comprise Rylan's Governing Trust dig up sleeping river spirits to be processed into Rylanite fuel.   Ghal Pelor exerts the greatest control over the entire river system. It's ships patrol Lake Tairos at all times, acting as both rescue vessels for travelers struck by inclement weather or aquatic dangers, but also to keep the peace. Were it not for Ghal Peloran intervention Rylan and the River Halflings would be at each other's throats in open war. Locklander and Duergarian slavers would be prowling the waters abducting whomever they pleased, and Dougal "grocery runs" would reap revolting tolls on lakeside communities. Yet, this is not without its dark side. Ghal Pelor is well known for interfering (secretly or overtly) in the development of its many neighbors. Access to Lake Tairos from each of the rivers is controlled by Ghal Peloran forts and soldiers, the largest of which is Homeguard Tower nearest to Lockland and the Butchers' Farm. They can tax traffic as they please, turn away any travelers they like, and use these waterways for whatever subterfuge fits with their current agenda.