Shnan

Shnan is a fictional river in the worldbuilding setting of Valara. It runs through the southern Valaran lowlands, extending roughly 72 kilometers from its sources in the Pirean Highlands to its mouth in the Gulf of Valara. The river passes through the Shnan Valley, where several settlements have historically developed along its banks.

The headwaters are at Mount Liris in the Pirean range, at about 1,420 meters above sea level. From there it flows southwest, with a moderate gradient and a canyon-like midsection known as the Vare Canyon. The basin covers about 520 square kilometers. The river receives tributaries such as the Nira and the Tesh and experiences seasonal peak discharge during spring snowmelt. In the lower reaches, irrigation channels and a small hydroelectric facility regulate flow.

Etymology and history: The name Shnan derives from the Shnan language, an archaic language of the setting. The river is attested in medieval Valaran manuscripts dating to about the 9th–10th centuries and figures in early trade-route descriptions and local folklore.

Ecology: Shnan supports riparian habitats with willow and alder groves and hosts fish such as the fictitious Shnan minnow and the common shad. The lower basin has relatively good water quality, with conservation measures including monitoring and habitat protection to curb erosion and maintain biodiversity.

Cultural significance and use: The river features in regional culture, hosting an annual harvest festival along the lower valley and appearing in poetry and music of Valaran storytellers. A pedestrian bridge across the lower gorge and a seasonal market near the riverbank attract visitors during the summer months.