Saniset River

The Saniset River traverses much of Hazlan and cuts across the Pommel of southern Nova Vaasa. Its tributaries are the Genspejle ("Mirror River") and the Felgmøsge ("Mistmoss River"). The source of the Genspejle is the eastern flanks of the Balinoks of south-east Barovia, from which its waters head east into Nova Vaasa, then bend south-east into Hazlan. The source of the Felgmøsge is the Mists that form Hazlan's southern border, from which its waters head straight north. Summer melt waters from Terestrãu ("Mount Sawtooth") in south-eastern Barovia feed the lake adjacent to Immol that is the source of the Saniset itself. The Saniset flows down from Immol, east by southeast across the Ensommark ("Lonely Plain"), within sight on either side of Toyalis and the estate of Hazlik, to Sly-Var where it is joined from the north by the Genspejle.The Saniset then holds true to its east by southeast course as it is eventually joined by the Felgmøsge from the south, passes just to the north of the Skyggeskov ("Shadowwood") as it crosses the border into Nova Vaasa, and flows gently to the sea. Whereas the Sydligdnar and the Ivlis River are each given a canyon, none is mentioned for the Saniset. A gently sloped river valley that grows quite wide by the time that it has reached the sea may be assumed then. The river's outlet is a fair distance north of Arbora, but a greater distance south of the outlet of the Ivlis River.

The upper reaches of the Saniset are unnavigable, even on a small raft, given its swiftness, rapids, rocks, and gravel bars. It is navigable from the Nocturnal Sea to Sly-Var. Craft are very likely smaller than small ships however. Otherwise chuul, when they rear their ugly selves, wouldn't be able to make a mess of transport on the river. The toll charged by the Nova Vaasan authorities hardly facilitates trade either. Upriver navigation, across much of the Ensommark, would make sense, although perhaps in smaller craft as the water is split between two rivers. Still the Saniset would likely be sufficiently deep to prohibit fording. A ferry at Sly-Var would join the town to the south shore.

The Iron Road crosses the Saniset a third of the way to Sly-Var from Toyalis, remaining on the north side of the river beyond that. The point of crossing would be the transfer point between water and land for goods moving to and from Toyalis. It would also be the point where Hazlik crosses the river when commuting between Toyalis and his private estate Veneficus. A ferry, albeit a large one that can handle wagons, would be preferable from the standpoint of river traffic, but Hazlik is not a patient man. Then again, perhaps he doesn't travel by mundane means over much. Still, a wide and soaring arched bridge of stone from the wizard who build Ramulai in a day would be a nice touch. A mundane bridge thrown across the river for Hazlik's convenience, the river traffic be damned, might fit better with the Red Wizard's priorities and character. And a mere ferry at the most important river crossing in Hazlan just seems out of place. Perhaps a drawbridge would be a suitable compromise.

The Vaere Bange Road crosses the Saniset near the Nocturnal Sea. A ferry would make sense.

The Saniset is a critical source of water for crops, humans, domestic animals, and wild animals. In Hazlan there should be a solid band of farmland for water intense crops stretching back from the banks of the river from the beginning of the Ensommark ("Lonely Plain") to the Nova Vaasan frontier, a band broken only by a few private estates and fear of chuul in the immediate vicinity of the Felgmøsge ("Mistmoss River"). Beyond Hazlan there would be a solid band of farmland in the river valley all the way to the sea, with the farms being taxed by the Chekivs, for in Nova Vaasa the Saniset belongs to the Pommel Duchy of the Chekiv family.

References

Ravenloft Third Edition - pp112,133
Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume I - p44,46,57
Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume V - p14

Data from the Ravenloft Catalogue

		Ravenloft Third Edition Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume I Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume V
		Ravenloft Third Edition - pp112,133 Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume I - p44,46,57 Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume V - p14
		Ravenloft Third Edition - inside back cover Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume I- p44 Ravenloft Gazetteer Volume V - p12