Ralveran Lore: The City of Devar

Greetings explorers,

I've collected a healthy pile of notes in my exploration of Ralvera, and decided it was nigh time that I started sharing what I've learned with that that are hungry for new sights and sounds. Thus, in this first installment of lore from the world of Ralvera, I will begin where many journeys start—the grand city of Devar, where I call home.

The Greatest City on the Greatest River

We cannot talk about Devar without talking about the river from which it gets its life and its name—the Devaros. The mightiest river in Ralvera begins its journey in the South Verdant, from Lake Nawai high in the Azrak Mountains. It is the only river that has the fortitude and luck to flow across the entire Ralveran Desert. Most other rivers—such as the Escera and the Murkshrine—meander too close to the Scorch Vents and evaporate to mud. Not the Devaros, whose waters are strong enough to push past three different Scorch Vents as it flows to the North Verdant.

Because the Devaros River is the only body of water to connect the North and South Verdants, it is the preferred means of travel between the two. It is not without dangers, of course. Raiding tribes of raptors, Vent beast attacks, and stretches of boiling river are not uncommon, if not fully expected. However, there is one particular obstacle that is absolutely unavoidable, and that is the Devaros Falls. A stunning, precipitous waterfall that drops nearly two hundred feet, unpassable by any vessel of oar and sail. Out of pure necessity, this is where the city of Devar sprang from the sand.

The city of Devar, built on the sandstone arch that spans the Devaros River. Art by John Spencer

Humble Beginnings

Devar started as merely tents in the sand, nestled along a worn hiking trail that wound from the top of the falls to the bottom. Travelers needed help dragging their boats down the desert banks, as well as safe place to sleep. A trading post grew, built from lumber salvaged from wrecked ships. As the city grew, so did the mechanisms of which to lift ships over the falls. Chains were bolted to the underside of the great sandstone arch that spanned the river, ropes were swung down hundreds of feet to dangle in the waters of Darkmist Pool, and stout posts were driven into the silty riverbed. Docks grew from each shoreline until they inadvertently became bridges. Trade blossomed as goods from the desert and both Verdants met in one place. Coin was flowing, and with it came power and growth. The city of Devar was born.

The Boroughs of Devar

When you visit Devar, to peddle your wares or meet with grand merchants, you'll need to know your way about. Fear not, as I will tell you right now where to go if you wish to make coin, lose coin, or worse.

Silt Row

The majority of Devar is built not on the banks of the river, but atop it. This is Silt Row, a wooden amalgamation of floating platforms, bridges, and stilt-raised homes. Canals wind their way through the borough, brimming with boat traffic. The very heart of the city is Silt Row Market, a massive center for trade where you can find nearly anything you desire from the farthest corners of Ralvera. My advice for Silt Row—stay away from the waterfall's edge.

Archtown

The gargantuan sandstone arch that towers over the Devaros Falls is not just a natural wonder, it is also the seat of power for some of the most influential merchants and nobles in Ralvera. If you are lucky enough to be invited to one of the gardened mansions or affluent villas that nestle atop the rock, I hold nothing but envy toward you.

The Locks

Clinging to the underside of Devar's iconic arch is a web of scaffolding, swaying robe bridges, and dangling chains known as the Locks. This system of pulleys and hooks are how ships are lifted up and over the Devaros Falls. If you are looking for work, there is good coin to be made here, but be wary—becoming a Lockworker is not for the faint of heart, or for those with a fear of heights.

Darkmist

Far below the bustling city, in the shadow of the waterfall and the arch, you will find Darkmist. Drenched in endless fog from the crashing waters, the plank hovels and rock-carved dwellings are cloaked in near endless darkness, ranging from afternoon shade at its brightest to pitch void in the dead of night. Many find shelter in the caves that twist through the stone behind the waterfall’s curtain, but don’t venture too deep. It is but one edge of the vast Ralveran Caverns, where even I dare to tread. The lanterns are always lit down here to keep you from losing your way, even though you may very well lose your head.

The Outer Sands

There are only a few buildings scattered around the outskirts of Devar, bordering the dunes of the true desert. Only the destitute and the outcasts survive here, making daily trips to Silt Row Market for water, and to try and sell whatever game and relics they’ve scrounged from the surrounding sands. Migrating dunes often swallow buildings whole, one cascade of sand at a time. However, if you need a place to sleep, free from the prying eyes of the Merchatzi, the infamous inn of the Hangman’s Swing may be just the place to rest your head.

The People of Devar

You will find everything and everyone in Devar, from pickpockets to Citadel heirs. Even the Oaken Legion pass through on occasion, although their stays are brief and unannounced as the raptors have qualms with their presence. Many merchant guilds have their headquarters here, such as the Devar Consortium, the Men of the Wind, and the River Runners. Their Merchatzi keep the city safe (at least Archtown and Silt Row) from wandering Vent beasts and roaming bandits. The swords of Devar protect those who seek to trade, and bristle at anyone who may disrupt the flow of coin. Gold is the true ruler of Devar, the merchant masters ruling by its decree. As long as you have coin to spend, you will be welcome.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned as I scrape together more to share from my travels.

See you in Devar and farther,

Jack