Lech River

The Lech River is a deep river that flows from the highlands of Krandryia until its confluence with the Zun River at the city of Hattingen in the Kingdom of Dakar. The lower section known as the Windings is navigable, but only to the end of Dakarian territory.

The Lech River is traditionally divided into two areas: The Cascades is from the headwaters until it reaches the gentle hills of eastern Dakar; the Windings is from the Cascades until the confluence with the Zun River.

There are no true headwaters for the Lech River. The area called the Cascades is so-named due to the waterfalls and rapids that run along the many smaller rivers and streams that feed into the Lech River. The main channel comes out of the Iron Mountains and runs swiftly along the northwestern corner of Krandryia. For most of the length the Cascades can only be crossed by bridges, especially after snow melt.

The Cascades end at Lake Varngraf, the head of navigation. The lake is feed by a spring as well from the twin waterfalls caused by the division of the river.

The Windings starts where the whitewater ends. The Lech cuts a deep channel between the hills west of the highlands, gently bending the riverbed to the south. This section of the river is free flowing; although navigable only poled or shore-pulled shallow keeled craft. There are a number of large rocks along the riverbed to make travel by deeper draft boats dangerous.

The speed of the river is deceptive due to its constant bending around the hills and changing depth. A lazy section of the river might suddenly lead to a narrow section filled with rocks. Several villages along the river have pulled out or chiseled the largest rocks, but the river is not one to take for granted. A skilled hand at the rudder and knowledge of the river and seasons is needed to navigate clear through the Windings.

The depth of the river makes it unfordable; although dozens of villages along the length provide ferry service. Three large toll bridges cross the river, each controlled by a Count who strongly guards their privilege.

There is ample fishing in the river and hunting along the banks.