ARLA RIVER

• Type: River
• Location: Habitual Belt, Eastern Equatorial Section, Asari Region

The Arla River is a vital waterway traversing the Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt on VOI-700 D. Stretching 1,800 kilometers, it serves as both an ecological artery and a cultural backbone for the Asari Region. From its crystal-clear origin in the Atrana Mountains to its mouth in Lake Arla, the Arla River nourishes forests, sustains agriculture, connects tribal and Exohuman settlements, and shapes the spiritual beliefs of the Native Honga Tribe.

Along the way, it merges with the Tijonara River at Lake Tijonara, creating a biodiverse deltaic system at the heart of Asari. Because the river flows through diverse regions rather than being located in one fixed landscape, its significance is tied to both its dynamic path and the interconnected cultures and ecosystems it touches.

• Source in the Atrana Mountains: The Arla River begins in a cluster of springs south of Morningstar in the northeastern Atrana Mountains. These springs are fed by subterranean reservoirs, providing a steady flow even in arid conditions. The headwaters are surrounded by high-altitude forests, rocky outcrops, and cascading streams.

• Highland Valleys and Forest Corridors: As it descends from the mountains, the river carves through lush temperate forests and winding valleys. This region is home to early tributaries, rare mosses, and riverbank settlements that follow ancient tribal paths.

• Central Agricultural Plains: The river continues into fertile plains that support extensive farming, especially around Hope, the largest Exohuman agricultural hub. Here, the Arla is channelled for irrigation, and its waters power grain mills operated by the Federal Food Plant.

• Confluence at Lake Tijonara: At Lake Tijonara, the Arla meets the Tijonara River. This confluence forms a vast wetland-delta system, rich in biodiversity and culturally significant to the Senti Tribe. Dense reed beds and tropical vegetation flourish in this region.

• Final Stretch to Lake Arla: After exiting the delta, the Arla flows southwest through semi-arid transitional terrain before reaching Lake Arla. The river’s final course supports migrating herds, sacred Honga sites, and unique microclimates created by the heat-driven atmospheric phenomena near the lake.

All knowledge about the river’s plant life stems from superficial Exohuman observations made during the early Beta Age. No further biological research has been permitted since the ending of the Great War and the signing of the Peace Treaty between the Exohumans and the Alliance of Native Tribes.

• Aquafera Reeds: Deep-rooted plants that stabilize banks and are harvested for traditional crafting.
• Alnar Moss: Bioluminescent moss found in shaded pools, prized for its soft glow and use in cultural rituals.
• Bubble Ferns: Floating plants that improve oxygenation and provide habitat for juvenile species.

Exohuman knowledge of the river’s fauna is limited to Beta Age field surveys. Many species are believed to remain undocumented due to the restrictions imposed by the Peace Treaty.

• Lumifish – Translucent, glowing fish that school beneath the floating vegetation.
• Ironjaw Minnow - Small, mineral-feeding fish native to the inflow zones of Lake Arla.
• Silverscale Glider – Sleek, surface-skimming fish species native to the faster-moving currents of the Arla River inflow into Lake Arla.

• Misttail Crab – Hardy, semi-aquatic crustacean found across multiple freshwater ecosystems in the Asari Region.
• Quorra Crabs: – Iridescent crustaceans that aerate the soil and dig riverbed burrows.

• Glowfrogs – Amphibians with glowing dorsal patterns, common in misty shallows.
• Shardbacks – Armored, spiked turtle-like reptiles that help manage aquatic vegetation.

• Skyweaver Eels – Agile, ribbon-like fish known for leaping to catch insects mid-air.

• Arr – Colossal bird of prey, renowned for its unparalleled speed, razor-sharp vision, and precision hunting tactics
• Bluestrike Heron – Apex avian predator, often seen stalking riverbanks.
• Flutterwing - Small, swift bird. Recognized for its vibrant blue and gold plumage.
• Hoo - Large, herbivorous mammal native to the Asari Region.
• Moar – – Massive, bear-like predator (up to 3m tall). Covered in dark fur with a semi-exoskeleton for defense.
• Nokari Mouse – Small, fur-insulated rodent.
• Odo – Massive, bison-like herbivore native to the Tijonara Steppe.

• Honga Tribe: For the Honga Tribe, the Arla River and Lake Arla are sacred symbols of life’s perpetual cycle. The Honga’s nomadic lifestyle, known as Shai Zaong or the Honga Cycle, revolves around their journey along the river’s banks. This cycle is divided into five spiritual seasons that guide the tribe’s rituals, migrations, and understanding of nature.

• Trando Tribe: The Trando Tribe is one of the oldest and most prominent communities in VOI-700 D’s Habitual Belt. Known for their adaptive lifestyle and ecological harmony, the Trando inhabit the forests near the river’s mouth, with their elevated settlement Trandon overlooking Lake Arla.

Since the Crash Landing of the exohuman spaceship Last Frontier in the Asari Region on Day Zero (March 24, 2625), Exohumans have established multiple settlements along the Arla River. The river played a key role in the Human Settlement Plan, providing water, food, and transportation for early Exohuman expansion.

Key settlements include:

• Morningstar: Located at the river’s mountain source near the Atrana range.
• Hope: Situated in the fertile central plains, Hope became the main agricultural hub of the Federal Confederation.
• Arla Town: A planned fishing and logistics hub on the eastern shore of Lake Arla, destroyed during the Great War.

After the Great War and the signing of the Peace Treaty, strict regulations were enforced:

• No Transport: Exohumans may not use the river to transport goods or people.
• No Fishing or Extraction: The river’s resources are reserved exclusively for the Native Tribes.

These rules are respected and monitored through joint oversight between the Alliance of Native Tribes and the Federal Confederation.

The Arla River flows through a diverse range of territories — from mountain forests to agricultural plains to the sacred shores of Lake Arla — making it an ideal setting for dynamic and layered adventures. Its spiritual significance to the Honga Tribe and its role in Exohuman settlement and agriculture offer fertile ground for stories rooted in diplomacy, cultural conflict, ecological mystery, or stealth missions.

In the Beta Age, the river was a lifeline for Exohuman expansion, and its shores are dotted with now-abandoned outposts, trading points, and old conflict zones. In the Gamma Age, these areas are strictly regulated under the Peace Treaty, and travel on or near the river is monitored by both Native patrols and the Federal Sheriff. Exceeding one’s jurisdiction along the Arla can lead to political fallout — or unexpected discoveries.

• “The River of Echoes” – An Exohuman expedition sent to install a covert water-sensor grid along the Arla River vanishes without a trace. Their last transmissions mention rhythmic sounds coming from deep within the river valleys — patterns eerily similar to Honga ceremonial chants. Players are hired to track the team, recover their data modules, and uncover whether the phenomenon is natural, tribal, or something far older.

• “Shai Zaong in Peril” – During the sacred Honga Cycle, a seasonal gathering site along the Arla River is discovered desecrated — ritual stones shattered, totems stolen, and sacred river reeds scorched. In response, the Native Supervisor tasks the players — operatives under the jurisdiction of the Federal Sheriff — with a discreet investigation. Initial evidence suggests the involvement of radical Individualist Party members, aiming to provoke conflict and undermine the Peace Treaty …

• Habitual Belt
• Desert Side
• Asari
• Lake Arla
• Honga Tribe

The three Mayor Rivers of Asari:

• Arla River
• Orlanda River
• Tijonara River