The Varisian Run is a mostly ocean-going trade route that was referred to as the West Tack until the relatively recent growth in trade with the Varisian city-states of Korvosa and Magnimar. Although it predominantly hugs the western coasts of both Avistan and Garund for most of its length, its north-bound run begins in the inland rivers of the Mwangi Expanse. From there it changes onto ocean-going vessels at the Sargavan town of Eleder in Sargava and heads north, quickly passing through the pirate-infested waters surrounding the Shackles. It makes resupply stops on Mediogalti Island and in western Cheliax before cutting across Conqueror's Bay to reach its final destination, Varisia.

The merchant vessels choose to sail close to the shackles, because The Eye of Abendgo (a massive permanent hurricane) and the dangers of The Arcadian Ocean make those longer routes even more dangerous.