====== Zarin River ======

The **Zarin River**  runs along the border between the [[atlas:Valley of the Sun]], [[atlas:Druyen Highlands]], and [[atlas:Irill]]. Although not a particularly long river, it is both deep and swift. Fed by snow melt and heavy rains from a large network of [[wp>tributaries]] the Zarin River is navigable all year long. The river empties into the [[atlas:Caragan Sea]].


===== Geography =====

The Zarin River can be divided into three distinct area: The [[#Headwaters]] is outflows of several small lakes joining together in the [[atlas:Rivenlands]]; the [[#Zarin]] runs along the Druyen Highlands and fed by dozens of streams; the [[#The Breaks]] is the division of the river by rocks until it empties into the Caragan Sea.

==== Headwaters ====

The Rivenlands is pockmarked by hundreds of small lakes fed by snowfall and rains from the winds blowing over the [[atlas:White Sea]]. Over a dozen of the outflows from these lakes eventually converge and form the headwaters of the Zarin River. The main channel comes from [[atlas:Lake Dores]]. The river is navigable on all but the smallest streams; although water can get dangerous during the heavy spring rains with flash flooding not infrequent.


==== Zarin ====

The largest section of the river is considered by most to simply be the Zarin River. The maximum depth is 15 meters (50 feet) and averages just under 10 meters (30 feet). The widest point of the river is under 3/4 km (1/2 miles) and narrowest is 150 meters (500 ft); averaging just under 1/2 km (1/3 mile). River boats of all kinds move along the river and the fishing is plentiful. The hilly land forks the river several times during its journey forming hundreds of [[wp>river island]]s as they rejoin.


==== The Breaks ====

As the river exits the border of the highlands and enters the southern border of the [[atlas:Valley of the Sun]] it widens out to an average of 3/4 km (1/2 mile). Unlike the deep channels upstream the large broken lands divides the river, causing several outflow streams to flow southwest, reducing the water levels. The river is still over 8 meters (26 ft) deep, but seismic activity has causes several rocky outcroppings around which the main channel flows. The river is navigable, but more difficult than sections upstream.


===== Prominent Features =====

==== Water and Earth Spirits ====

[[#The Breaks]] is a strong draw of spirits of the earth and water. These spirits often clash resulting in random waterspouts attacking boulders which are rolling along the riverbed. This is the most dangerous hazard to boats - breaking up on a rock that was not there before or sinking from water filling its hull.

=== Argus ===

The largest earth spirit is called [[people:Argus]] by the locals. A massive stone 70 feet high and nearly 150 around at the widest point. Argus is nearly always moving back and forth between the riverbanks, occasionally finding itself on one of the smaller forks. During the winter months Argus lays on its "back" forming an island in the central channel. Argus cares little for those it shares the river with, even grinding other stone spirits in its path. Rivermen have learned its best to avoid Argus as he cannot be placated.


=== Astraea ===

[[people:Astraea]] is the most powerful of the water spirits. Considered mischievous more than malicious, Astraea is most active during the spring and early summer where she can be seen rushing along the surface of the river as a large jumping wave. She delights in swamping boats, but has never been known to drown or dunk the people on it. Rivermen toss remembrances or children's toys into the water hoping to draw a favorable eye from her.


===== See Also ======

  * [[atlas:List of Rivers in Irill]]
  * [[atlas:List of Rivers in the Western Realms]]
  * [[atlas:List of Rivers in Miran]]


{{tag>river irill}}