Fridrun

The Fridrun is not the longest, widest, or most storied river in Elysoria. But for ships sailing from the Heartland to the Eastern Sea, it is the only way through.   Flowing gently from the eastern edge of the Azure Expanse, the Fridrun runs a straight and steady course for 300 kilometers before emptying into the open sea at the coastal city of Ravenspire. Wide, slow, and notoriously calm, the river is easy to navigate, even for deep-hulled merchant vessels making the full inland crossing from Riverhold, Lion’s Rest, or Gildenquay.   Its banks are mostly lowland forest and open fields, with only a few river hamlets scattered along its length. The only true settlement of note is Ravenspire, which guards the river mouth with high towers and harbormasters known for their obsessive record-keeping. Here, customs are paid, cargoes declared, and ships passed on to the open sea—or welcomed home again from distant coasts.   Despite its unassuming nature, the Fridrun is indispensable. Without it, the entire interior of the kingdom would be cut off from maritime trade. All major waterborne exports—grain, fish, ore, crafted goods—must pass through these quiet waters to reach distant shores.   For this reason, riverfolk often say the Fridrun is like the hinge on a great gate: rarely noticed, but always carrying the weight.