Lake Argos

At 220 miles east to west, and 100 miles north to south, Lake Argos is for all practical purposes an inland sea, with depths greater than 1,000 ft. Formed by tectonic rifts, the freshwater basin is fed by hundreds of inlets from the Ironhulls, Ulgoth Foothills, and Great Plains, as well as the mighty Fennorn and Siltwater rivers. Fish such as sturgeon, perch, and pike are in large supply and form an important part of the Midlanders’ diets.

Facing west, the waters are largely indistinguishable from a coastal ocean; waves stretch to the horizon, strong winds gust at shifting headings, and sea birds wheel overhead. Facing north or east, the Ironhull ranges or Ulgoth foothills loom large. The lack of salt is noticeable to those familiar with true oceans; the air smells fresher and swimming is easier on the eyes.

Morning fog is common, obscuring the cities until cleared by morning sun or breeze. When the weather turns dangerous, blustery squalls and large waves threaten to capsize small vessels or thrust larger ships onto treacherous reefs. Once every decade, a great storm blows through with hurricane winds and fifteen meter waves, forcing vessels to harbor or risk sunken graves.