riverthat

Riverthat is a river on the fictional continent of Novera. It flows through the northern Valorian Highlands and into the Gulf of Lyria. The river is about 140 kilometers long and drains a basin of roughly 2,100 square kilometers. Its headwaters form from spring-fed streams at about 900 meters elevation. The course runs southeast, passing the towns of Rivergate and Brightford before reaching the estuary near Dunsmere, where tidal influence begins. Major tributaries include the Little River from the west and the North Brook from the north.

The name Riverthat appears in regional chronicles dating to the 12th century. The origin of the toponym is uncertain; some scholars suggest it describes a prominent bend or ford along the early route.

The surrounding corridor comprises mixed deciduous woodland with willow and alder along the banks. The river hosts brown trout, European eel, and other freshwater species, while its riparian zones support kingfishers, herons, and small mammals. The estuary provides habitat for migratory birds and juvenile fish.

Historically, Riverthat supported mills at Rivergate; today it is used for irrigation and limited hydroelectric generation downstream. Several conservation measures aim to protect water quality and habitats, including bank stabilization projects and invasive plant control. Agriculture and development pressures remain the primary threats to the system.