Anadurna

Coursing through the land is the glistening snake of the Anadurna, the giant river that connects the World.

## Locations

### Northern Aenín

In the North, upon the highlands of Ûrad-Dum, stands the Mountain. Here the dwarves have built a great hall and dug deep in the stone. From wells and springs hidden within the roots of this Mountain the Anadurna begins. The water comes up to the surface and flows between the feet of the giant Huthvírn to start its journey into the land of Aenín. It flows across Ûrad plateau and swells as snowmelt and mountain streams join up to the now fairly-sized river. Not even thinking of stopping, the water tumbles down the side of the plateau creating waterfall hundreds of feet tall.

Down at the bottom the Anadurna makes a big curve, steering South and away from the mountains. At the apex of this curve, before reverting direction and flowing Westward, the river finds a human town. Here you will find shops selling climbing gear, stables filled with able-bodied pack mules, as well as guides to take you up into the mountains.

Further down the river another human settlement bars the way. However, this is no mere town. This is Groth, greatest trade center in all of the North! Wooden bridges span across the river and a beginning lake, and on either side tall buildings of seasoned wood stand as proud as the many merchants that call Groth home. Dozens of boats are moored on the banks of the Anadurna, stuffed with all kinds of wares. Pelt traders from the wilds up North, loggers from the woods out East, fishermen from the lakes just West and nobles from the estates down South come here to buy, sell and trade everything.

### The Lakelands

South of this city a great expanse of water accepts the flowing Anadurna gratefully. Large as it is, this Lake is but the smallest of Five. Where the river meets Lake Dragost marks the start of the Lakelands. This land, a little hilly, but mostly flat, is dotted with dozens of sparkling blue lakes. Five major Lakes are distinguishable, bigger than the rest. They are Dragost, Corduros, Edurna, Aegos and Bergunost. On the banks of Lake Aegos sits the magnificent City of a Thousand Towers. From Lake Bergunost the Anadurna continues, flowing East towards the sea.

### Southern Aenín

However, it has a way to go before it arrives there. Nearing the hills of upper Xarahad, the river swells once more. More waters flow down and meet the Anadurna to continue together, veering East. Between the hills in the West and the forest in the East lie the grand estates of nobles. Leisure boats accompany the bulkier trade vessels and gardens line the shores of the river as it passes along the border of Abydos and Bélona.

Then the river leaves the civilized lands. For a long way ahead the landscape barely changes, though everywhere is wild and untamed. The Northern shore is lined with trees, ominous and dark, while on the Southern shore little grows, and the arid Steppes of the Shunna continue along the horizon.

Further down the river you find a strange sight. On an island in the middle of the river is something that looks like a giant anthill. It is built like a tiny mountain, with chaotic street plans and busy people running around. This is Warrict, city of engineers. Here river boats can resupply themselves before traveling further up or down the river.

Nothing else changes much as the river speeds closer to the sea. Past the county Lirra the trees back away from the riverbank, and civilization takes back over. Large stretches of farmland are built, using the Anadurna for irrigation. Towns appear more often, and even some large cities.

### The Mouth

Just before the mouth of the Great River you find the largest trade city of the world, apart from Si-Tahna. Before the city of Ismarus another forest seems to rise, only this one sways with the pull of the tide. Many ships, ocean sailers and riverboats alike, are moored in the largest harbor you have seen. This city is responsible for for the distribution of trade goods from the Seven Isles to the mainland and vice versa.

Then the estuary of the Anadurna widens, salt water replaces sweet, and the waves of the Aegaic Ocean are all that is left.