Delmora

Delmora
Spirit	Naithis
Native Sophants	Ruvin • Ulshari
Significance	A land of renewal and prosperity • where rivers carve the destiny of nations.

Delmora is a realm where mighty rivers shape the land, carving their paths through fertile plains and ancient valleys. It is a domain of constant renewal, where seasonal floods nourish the soil and shifting waters guide the rhythms of trade, settlement, and spiritual life.

To dwell in Delmora is to understand the will of water—prosperity belongs to those who move with the current, not against it.

History

Delmora’s earliest civilizations emerged along its rivers, drawn by fertile floodplains and access to fresh water. Agriculture thrived, and trade followed the waterways, connecting distant settlements and fostering cultural exchange.

Ancient ruins beneath the Great Lake suggest the presence of a lost civilization, now submerged. The cause of its disappearance remains unclear—whether it was flood, abandonment, or divine punishment is left to myth and speculation.

Geography

Delmora is dominated by a vast river network flowing from highland and mountain sources. Its major geographic features include:

• The Twin Rivers – Two major rivers, one originating in the Anvil Range to the west, the other from the Northern Highlands. They converge at the realm’s heart, sustaining its largest cities.
• The Anvil Range – Delmora’s western border, supplying glacial meltwater and minerals.
• The Northern Highlands – Forested and rugged, home to untamed tributaries.
• The Southern Spur – A mountainous southern barrier that separates Delmora from the harsher realms beyond.
• The Great Lake of the East – A vast inland lake supporting independent lake-dwelling cultures and trade routes.

Climate

Delmora experiences a temperate climate regulated by its river systems. Seasonal change is defined not just by temperature, but by the behavior of the waters:

• Spring Floods – Meltwater from the mountains causes river swelling, enriching the floodplains.
• The Dry Season (Late Summer–Autumn) – Water levels drop, exposing additional farmland and ancient structures.
• Lake Mists (Winter) – Thick fogs roll across the Great Lake, giving rise to legends and reported disappearances.

Flora and Fauna

Delmora’s biodiversity is concentrated along its waterways, floodplains, and lakeshores.

Flora

• Rivergrass – A dual-use crop grown during floods, valued for sustenance and woven textiles.
• Blooming Lotus – A rare flower associated with Naithis, said to open only under moonlight.
• Verdant Willow – Deep-rooted trees that anchor the riverbanks and serve as habitats for birds and amphibians.

Fauna

• Silverback Sturgeon – Large, long-lived fish revered by many Delmorans.
• Mist Herons – Migratory birds considered omens; often depicted in spiritual iconography.
• Fen Serpents – Rare aquatic predators found in the lake's depths, central to several lakeborn myths.

Inhabitants

Delmora is home to:

• Ruvin – River-folk known for their agricultural and spiritual practices tied to seasonal cycles.
• Ulshari – Waterbound artisans and scholars who navigate both river and lake cultures.

Notable Settlements

Most of Delmora’s settlements lie along rivers or the lake coast:

• [Capital City] – Located at the confluence of the Twin Rivers, serving as Delmora’s cultural and economic capital.
• River-Towns – A network of settlements along the Twin Rivers, thriving on trade, fishing, and seasonal farming.
• Lake-Cities – Independent-minded communities along the eastern lake, influenced by maritime traditions and lake lore.

Cultural Significance

Water is central to Delmoran identity, economy, and belief. It is treated not only as a resource, but as a force with memory, intent, and spiritual agency.

• “The River Remembers” – A saying that reflects the belief that all who pass through the waters are remembered.
• Flood Priests and Water Seers – Spiritual leaders who interpret changes in water level and current as signs from Naithis.
• Maritime Distinction – The lakeborn identify as a distinct cultural group, with different customs, ships, and interpretations of Naithis’s will.
• Trade and Navigation – Boats and barges are more common than horses, with river routes shaping economic patterns.

Mythology and Legends

Delmora’s myths revolve around the agency of water, its memory, and its capacity for transformation.

• The Eternal Currents – A belief that the rivers of Delmora do not end, but loop endlessly, carrying voices of the dead.
• The Drowned Oracle – A prophetic figure said to have vanished beneath the river, yet continues to whisper to those who listen.
• The Sunken Cities – Legends tell of an ancient civilization submerged beneath the Great Lake, a warning to those who would defy the river’s will.