Asri River (/a:sri/)
Its waters considered by many to be the lifeblood of Aeriscan civilization, the Asri River flows northwards from a source yet undiscovered by Human civilization that is believed to originate somewhere in the mountainous jungles of central Aerisca to discharge into the Central Sea. It is the longest river known on the surface of Tel. In addition to serving as a major source of irrigation and drinking water for Khemia and Nesh, it facilitates riverine trade routes all throughout eastern Aerisca.
Known as the Ja'ra River in the Khemian tongue, the more common name comes from the Rexan name for the waterway, which is derived from the Khemite goddess of the river, Asris.
Ecosystem Cycles
Since the desertification of Aerisca Borealis in the aftermath of the Djeti-Myrmex Wars of the Third Age, the life-giving waters of the Asr have been central to the civilizations that have inhabited its banks; so much so, that they have based their calendars around the river's annual cycle of flooding and recession. The primary example are the Khemites, who divide their year into three seasons that last four months each based on the rise and fall over the waters of the Asr. The first season is known as Proyit in Khemian or Dona in Common Rexan, both meaning "gift," which refers to the fertile soil that is left behind along its banks after the Asri floods. On the Rexan calendar, Proyit runs from Eionus to Naeius.
Shomaw is the second season, which known as Mésse in Common. Both terms mean "harvest" as this is when the Khemites harvest the grain they had planted along the riverbanks during Proyit. Shomaw is the hottest time of the year in Khemia, and it runs from Maius to Cireus on the Rexan calendar.
The Khemian term for the third season is Bi'khet, also known as Inundatione in Common. This is the season of inundation, where the banks of the Asri overflow with water. Running from Esperarius to Eionus on the Rexan calendar, for the Khemites, Bi'khet is a rather somber time, as the flooding of the Asri brings both physical and spiritual danger. Not only do crocodiles and hippopotami travel closer to Khemite villages, but it is believed that malevolent spirits that are normally confined to the riverbed are able to venture forth onto the riverbank to waylay unsuspecting individuals and possess them.
Localized Phenomena
During the season of Bi'khet, not only do the waters of the Asri overflow, but the land around it emanates a spiritually corrupting force. While the exact cause of this corruption is currently unknown, many sages believe it to be the leftover result of an eldritch alchemical weapon created by the Apophian Djeti Empire at some point during their millennia-long war with the Myrmex invaders from the stars beyond. All that is currently known about this phenomenon is that some sort of malodorous, yet invisible, corruption emanates from the riverbanks at this time, which is carried by the desert winds to nearby settlements. Those unfortunate enough to come into contact with this infected wind eventually transform into mindless and ravenous ghuls.
For thousands of years, the Khemian monarchy has sponsored the annual rituals performed by the Metdjenite priests in an attempt to keep these demonic forces at bay. During the entireity of Bi'khet, the Metdjenites gather at the riverbanks at dawn to burn sweet-smelling incense and chant sacred hymns. Likewise, the Ouranic Church and the followers of al-Tariqa also engage in prayer, sacrifice, and reflection at this time in an effort to gird themselves against spiritual pollution.
Fauna & Flora
Surrounded by arid desert on either side, the Asri River is nevertheless bountiful with life. Date palms, thistle, chamomile, black poppy, and various sedges and reeds can be found growing naturally along the riverbank. In addition, the Khemites and Neshites cultivate various crops in the fertile black soil during the season of Proyit. Water lilies and other aquatic plants grow in or on the surface of the river.
As for fauna, many herds of water buffalo and camel can be found within short distance of the Asri's banks. Whereas, crocodiles, hippopotami, softshell turtles, and river perch can be found within its waters. During Bi'khet, the muddy floods attract pestilent swarms of bloodsucking flies, zulcham, and striges.
Natural Resources
