The world is a mighty Y-shaped rift valley bound by deserts. And in this valley, where the Astor-ka and Draal-ka rivers merge to form the great Yea-ka river, is the land of Montierra. The fertile plains of Montierra are bisected by the river east-to-west. To the north lies a mountain wall, beyond which is a great desert. A similar mountain wall and desert lies to the south.
At the head of the confluence, known as Devil’s Fork, stands Rokan Castle. Built generations ago by the sly merchant Lem Rokan. Rokan modified reed boats, giving them an iron skin. This made them stronger and more robust, which in turn allowed him to trade more and further than his rivals.
The land is largely peaceful, the population of humans and dragonborn live in a fully integrated society. Most are either at the base of Rokan Castle, or on the adjacent shores; the more prominent North Bay, and the lesser Coate Bay.
The country (or city-state) of Montierra is ruled by The Guild of Merchants, an alliance of a dozen or more merchant houses (some with their own merchant navy). However, responsible for the day-to-day running of Montierra are four town councils: the Council of Rokan Castle, the Council of Rokan Harbour, the Council of North Bay, and the Council of Coate Bay.
The merchant houses and the councils all take advice and guidance from, and use the services of, the Priesthood of Wakshe. The Priesthood is composed of a number of orders … including the Doctrine of the Faithful, the Keepers of the A’chim, and the Seekers of the Past.
Another local political group is the Union of Rivermen (a trade union for sailors).
Local farming produces rice, goat meat, goat milk, some fish (shad), and reeds for construction. There are almost no trees and wood, any wood, is highly prized. Trade along the river is common and brisk. Dates, better fish (koi, catfish, prawns), lentils, cooking oils, and finished goods from downriver, spices (cumin, celery seeds, black onion seeds, fennel, ginger, and mustard) and coal from upriver.
Montierra’s neighbours are the country of Veehv Waoy to the east, the country of Padilla to the west, and the country of Ressetle (aka the Kingdom of the Five Cities) to the southwest.