muelo

Muelo is a fictional river in the Valorian setting, used in novels and world-building materials. It runs from the northern highlands to the Lanto Gulf, forming the central waterway of the Muelo Basin. The river's name appears in local place names, historical records, and cultural traditions within the Valorian canon.

Muelo spans about 78 kilometers. The upper course is fast and narrow, while the lower stretch broadens into a braided channel and an estuary near Nyrha. Its main tributaries are the Saron and Tmil, which contribute to a temperate freshwater ecosystem sustained by the basin's floodplains and wetlands.

Historically, the Muelo Valley supported early settlements thanks to fertile soils and forest resources. The river provided irrigation, timber, and water power for mills. In modern planning, there have been proposals for a hydroelectric facility, but these plans are contested for ecological and cultural reasons.

Ecology includes willow and alder along the banks, with species such as the Muelo carp inhabiting the river. Beavers and otters are present, and migratory birds frequent the estuary. The basin's wetlands sustain amphibians and a diverse invertebrate community.

Cultural significance is evident in folklore and local toponyms. The Muelo bend is associated with harvest rituals, and many towns derive names from Muelo or its tributaries. In contemporary media, the river is used as a setting for stories of exploration, community, and change.