Yula

The Yula River is one of the major tributaries of the Kalpa.

Etymology

The name presumably originates in the Andarian language, most likely from a root *yulhu (cf. Kal. eal, Hay. yozh) ‘rock’, then meaning ‘rocky river’.

Course

The Yula rises from the Lamparkaminna half a day’s journeys east from Uri Téris. Passing the city on its course westward, it turns north upon the Mountains of Dermon, forming the marshyYula Valley as it follows the ridge of the Oshalic Cliff northward. Conjoining with the Kalpa at the Oshalic Stairs, it forms the famed Oshal Falls.

History

The only major body of water in the northern Parka Valley, the upper Yula is of great significance from the earliest days of human settlement in the region. Andarian shepherds gather on its banks and erect their first forts and cities in its vicinity, and the fertile upper course of the river gives the area the name of the ‘Green Mountains’ (Mountains of Dôr). The Geranians of Dôr are the last to give up resistance against the incoming Kattasians, and remain true to their customs even after they have fallen under the rule of Parka. The Kattasian capital of the area, Moryeni, the later Uri Téris, is built on the Yula’s northern bank, guarding the road to Katna in the Mountains of Morya.

The lower Yula Valley, conversely, is known inaccessible and haunted by beasts and chimeras from the mythologies of its surrounding nations. Seeing potential for fertile farmland, Térlánin I has a dam built in the gorge in L.R. 565, but after only three months, a landslide destroys large parts of the incomplete construction, and, worn down by illness and wildlife attacks, the responsible contingent of the Sixth Imperial Army is forced to abandon the site not long after.