Deer River Valley

I didn't know what to expect when I finally crossed the boundry from the capitol into the counties. I guessed that the towns would be smaller, the people nicer, and the pace of life slower. Since I was heading first into the Deer River Valley, I only knew what I had heard - that there would be lots of trees, and rocks, and water. I was not dissapointed.
— Carlyle Westerward, Travel by Horse: The Deer River Valley

Trees and Rocks and Water

The Deer River Valley is not a large county but it has a lot going in the way of industry. The timber business makes up a large part of the work in the region, primarily through the Balsam Timber Company. There are a couple of small mines as well. The location of the valley between the port city of Winsound Inlet and the capitol region makes it very convinient to move goods both north and south as this roadway is maintained quite well and there are plenty of buyers at both ends of it. The entire valley runs along the sides of the Blustram River and is known for its cool summers in the shade and the brilliant colors of the autumn leaves. The river has plenty of fish but this local food is often overlooked by the wider world because the ocean is much closer and those town are known for their seafood.

Timber Towns

Many of the villages in the Deer River Valley were originally lumber camps that became permanent residences of the workers and eventually small communities. The largest community in the valley is Pine Mills, the location of the Balsam Company's headquarters. Ambergwali is a small village located closer to Winsound Inlet but is off the beaten path.

"No crashes, no tips, no holes, no rain."
— Traditional Fisherman's Prayer

The Eastern Ridge

Most of the arable land in the valley is located on the western side and as such so are almost all of the communities. To get to the few villages on the eastern side there are boat crossings or during the winter it is possible to walk across the frozen surface.