Stronghold River
Sources and tributaries of the Stronghold River
The Stronghold River, vast and lazy, winds more than four hundred miles from the Great Stronghold Lake through hills and forests, eventually recieving the flow of the Qualinost River as well before reaching King Cormach's capital city of Harnia on the Dargonesti Sound.
It is a vital artery of trade and transportation for the Free Kingdom of Harnia and Duchy Stronghold. It is also part of the Eastern reach of the Great Inland Waterway Initiative. Consequently, river traffic is heavy in both directions.
While the countryside seems wild and unspoiled, it is far from empty. Krynnic Elves of King Gilthanas' Elflands and caravans of Odin's Folk on their protective migrations are common on the West bank, and King Cormach sends regular patrols along the East bank, both to protect the river traffic and his scattered hamlets and herders.
The river is rich in fish and game, including catfish of astounding size. Bear, boar, and several species of wild cats abound. In addition to elk and water buffalo, herds of tiny fanged deer come to drink at the river. Apparently vegetarian, their appearance is still quite startling to outsiders. Otter and other members of the weasel family are common, and beaver spill down in some number from their main habitat in the Mist-Rib Lakes.