Thousand Cities:East

The East

Bordering the elemental pole of Wood, the forests and jungles of the East teem with life. Two major human civilisations are found in the central east, but neither has regular contact with the cities of the Central Islands. The East is also home to the two greatest rivers of Creation. Mzima, the life-spring, originates in the Far East and balances the flow of water out of the West. Aletschis, the crystal-spring, draws on meltwater from the northern glaciers.

River Aletschis

The crystal-spring is the second mightiest river in Creation, fed by meltwater from the northern glaciers. The river triples in size during the season of Ascending Wood, as the thaw breaks up seasonal ice formations on the lower peaks.

River Mzima

The life-spring flows directly from the Elemental Pole of Wood, and carries life throughout Creation. At its widest point, the opposite shore of the river cannot be seen - it stretches out to the horizon. The followers of the Green Path protect its shores, ensuring that the area remains undeveloped by humans.

Port Arek

Port Arek is located on the intersection between the two great rivers. It is the largest city of the East, and manages a thriving trade in agricultural and pharmaceutical products from the forests and jungles. The city's inhabitants consider themselves Easterners, although they predominantly descend from Central settlers who colonised the area in 748AF. Port Arek is seen as an exotic destination by those in the Central Islands, but those farther East see it as little more than a glorified colonial outpost.

Isle of Mists

Hidden in the mountains of the Northeast, the Isle of Mists projects from a circular lake formed by a meteoric impact. Densely wooded forests cover the surrounding slopes, and the lake's surface is perpetually cloaked in dense fog. The island is claimed by Eicentia, goddess of sorcery, and serves as a testing site for her spells. Few creatures - god or mortal - risk crossing the lake without invitation, as the sorceress wields powers unseen since the Foundation War.