Land-Splitter
Known by a great variety of names, the Land-Splitter is not one river, but several massive rivers which connect to each other. Found in the central north of Yayge, the largest continent on Erret, the Land-Splitter runs from many of Yayge's mountains--including the largest of the entire planet--down to an enormous lake.
Due to its size, and sprawling nature, the Land-Splitter provides fresh water to many mekki, as well as valuable resources. Even early on in mekki civilization, the river formed an important point of connection between people, as those downstream relied on the continued good behavior of those upstream to live. A clan living up in the mountains, near the river's origin, could easily spell the death of hundreds of mekki by blocking or rerouting the river, robbing them of not only freshwater, but also an important source of food.
In more modern times, with the mekki reaching planet-wide connection, the Land-Splitter has become iconic. Its history as a point of connection, as well as its sheer size, has turned it into a symbol among their people. Many pieces of mekki art reference it, and several cultures which originated around it feature deities or other mythological figures whose markings resemble the massive and twisting rivers to which they owe their lives.
Geography
The Land-Splitter consists of three massive interconnected rivers, and countless smaller offshoots. Each of these rivers has their own name as well, naturally, but the total of them is known as the Land-Splitter. Its source rivers are almost all mountainous in nature, rooted either at the tops where they are fed by meltwater, or down at the foot of the mountain where they are fed by rain instead. These source rivers, many in number and ranged across most of Yayge's northern mountains, feed into increasingly large rivers, most of which combine into the lowlands until only two large rivers are left. These continue their course down south until they both feed into the same lake. Rather than meet downstream, they connect near their origins: they are fed by two separate rivers of meltwater which likely once connected, but which have bifurcated for reasons unknown.
This massive system of rivers sees much of Yayge, Erret's largest continent, and thus allows (relatively) easy access to many of its local beauty. From the tallest mountain of Erret to its many mountain ranges, lower mountainous terrain, and the lowlands themselves, all the way down to the enormous freshwater lake that graces Yayge, the Land-Splitter sees it all.
Ecosystem
Fed by both rain- and meltwater, the majority of the rivers which make up the Land-Splitter exist regardless of season. During dry seasons, meltwater makes up the majority of the water feeding into it, while rainwater replaces it during wetter seasons, and during the winter. Downstream, the sheer size of the rivers lessens the impact of sudden deluges of meltwater, but upstream flooding is common in spring.
As a major riversystem, the Land-Splitter is a vital source of freshwater to much of central Yayge. Many animals rely on it as a source of water, reliable even through the driest of seasons, and follow its course downstream to the massive freshwater lake it feeds into. Upstream, where the water moves more slowly, many plants grow on its borders and edges, and downstream the moisture which it seeps into the soil helps maintain the greenery as well. The riverbed itself, the soil the Land-Splitter burrows through, is home to countless plants as well, even where the streams are the harshest, or where they fall dry regularly; these plants help keep the soil together, helps stave off the endless erosion of streaming water so the Land-Splitter may remain in its course a little longer.
Ecosystem Cycles
Fed by both rain- and meltwater, the Land-Splitter's existence is fairly stable. During drier seasons, the temperatures tend to be hotter, and snow from the mountain melts, feeding the river. The rest of the year, the river consists primarily of rainwater, though its upper runners tend to fall dry as precipitation there consists primarily of snow. Snow, which will melt again come spring, returning to the river once more.
Its stability is the reason why so many living beings--animals and people alike--congregate around the Land-Splitter. No matter the season, no matter the temperatures or the dryness, the primary branches are large enough that they remain plentiful at all times. As such, it tends to act as a back-up plan for many animals--and some more nomadic peoples. Many which roam the plains or the forest will return to the Land-Splitter when other sources of water fall dry. As a result, fighting and predation increases during this time: for animals which live along the Land-Splitter at all times, much more prey becomes available. But for those who migrate to the Land-Splitter, used to roaming wide open spaces, suddenly find themselves competing for space, even if resources are plenty.
Fauna & Flora
Due to its sheer size, many sorts of animals and plants depend on the Land-Splitter, and plenty of them are found only in or around the river. From enormous Arctofelis cats, to otter-like Lutramimus cats; agile Coelodrominae birds and tough Stegoavini birds, countless flitting birds, seeking seeds, nuts, bugs, or even nectar, and even predatory birds. The waters bear shimmering scales as fish feed on algae, on plants rooted well-enough to withstand the pull of the water, and even on one another. Bugs flutter above the Land-Splitter, pollinating the many plants that grow in the waters and along the riverbanks, which in turn feed the herbivorous birds, or which fall in the water to feed the lower lands. Truly, life is so diverse that researchers are still discovering new species constantly, whose existence depends on the Land-Splitter to such extent that they are found nowhere else.
Natural Resources
The most obvious resource provided by the Land-Splitter is freshwater, essential to life. But, as a river, it has much more to offer. Countless animals live in and around it, providing food, bone, pelts, and leather. The bottom of the river, as well as its riverbeds, offer sand, gravel, and clay, and may also carry down mineral-rich material from the mountains where it originates. It also offers a (fairly) easy way of transport, both for people and for materials.
History
As a major river, the Land-Splitter has seen its fair share of history. Countless people and cultures have made their lives along it, using the Land-Splitter for resources, to mark borders, and to travel. Many of those have been lost to the tooth of time, wiped away by others, by sickness, by poor fortune... or merged with other groups.
Tourism
Though the Land-Splitter is highly beloved by mekki for its history and symbolism, it's not much of a tourist attraction. Not in the traditional manner, at least. Its role in history and ecology alike draws in plenty of researchers, historians and biologists and many others as well, but true tourists are rare. Part of this is preservation as well; almost all mekki cultures care deeply about nature, and special care is taken to ensure the Land-Splitter is not fouled or damaged by people. If this means restricting it for tourism... so be it. Because of this, and the Land-Splitter's sheer size, arrangements for visitors are generally made by local experts and contacts.
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