Shem River
A major northern tributary of the Kald River, marking the approximate northern boundary of settled Kaldor.
Course
The Shem rises in the Sorkin Mountains foothills and flows west through Nephshire (Tonallan Hundred) past Gardiren, then southwest into Meselyneshire (along the northern edge of Myaman Hundred), joining the Kald River at Tashal. The river is 400 feet wide and 8-10 feet deep at the Gardiren crossing. Timber and charcoal are floated downstream to Gardiren and beyond. North of the Shem lies Taelda territory.
Crossings
- Medrik Bridge at Gardiren — the only crossing of the Shem north of Heru. The current (4th) bridge was built 606 TR in stone and wood. The first bridge was built by Medrik II in 278 TR. A River Gate toll is levied; the guards are known to pocket excess above listed rates.
- Heru Bridge — a stone bridge (replacing an earlier wooden one when Caer Olokand was built in 384 TR). The Bridge Gate was erected 607 TR. The only crossing of the Shem south of Gardiren.
- Balasa Bridge at Tashal — crosses the Shem at the Balasa Gate district, the western entry to the city.
Settlements
- Gardiren — seat of the Earl of Neph, overlooks the Shem from the southern bank (Tonallan Hundred, Nephshire). The ostler breeds warhorses on leased acres across the Shem on the northern bank. Salmon fishing is important; a Fish Fair is held during salmon season. A bonfire wheel is rolled into the Shem during the Silver Fair.
- Heru — a keep on a large rock outcropping overlooking the bridge (Endrunel Hundred, Semethshire). River wharves serve the talbar trade.
- Tashal — at the confluence with the Kald River. Talbars trade on the Kald and Shem to Jedes, Kiban, Heru, Gardiren, and Olokand.
River Aril
A minor tributary near Gardiren; the Earl hosts revels along the Aril at Teverl Manor.
Confluences
- Aril River joins near Gardiren
- Joins the Kald River at Tashal
See Also
Kald River, Gardiren, Heru, Tashal, Nephshire, Meselyneshire