Shem
From Conan Wiki
Shem is a country of the Hyborian Age that dwells between the nations of Koth and Stygia.
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[edit] Geography
Shem is primarily a land of deserts, though there are more fertile lands in the north and west. Shem is also home to some great mountain ranges, and even volcanoes. Shem shares borders with Stygia to the south, Argos to the west, and Koth to the north. The nation of Khoraja also occupies a stretch of mountain ranges in the northern part of Shem. To the east of Shem the borders are not clearly defined, for beyond the Mountains of Fire is the vast desert. This desert extends all the way to Turan, and is not really claimed by any power.
[edit] History and politics
Shem was once under the control of the Stygian empire. However, after the decline of Stygia's power, the nation was able to exert control over the region. Each city or tribe of Shemites is independant, often with their own laws and customs.
[edit] Population and culture
The people of Shem, often known as the Sons of Shem, are usually tribal in nature. Appearance: hook nose and curled blue-black beard. They are primarily nomadic, and travel in groups rather than constructing cities. In the deserts and plains of Shem, oases tend to be just as important as towns. However, as a major crossroads of landward trade, Shem does have a number of population centres to cater to merchants and caravans.
One of the most notable cities of Shem is Akbitana, southwest of Khoraja in the mountain ranges. This city's famous smiths use volcanic ore to create the finest steel and weeapons in all the Hyborian kingdoms.
The desert nomads of Shem have a very distinct notoriety among other peoples. They are known for their covetuousness and duplicity and being skilled liars and merciless killers. Shemites are highly skilled with bows, especially their composite Shemite bows with range of five hundred yards.
The Shemite religion is complex and developed(?), and they are very proud of their gods. Some of the Shemite gods include Ishtar, Anu, and Bel, god of thieves. The people of Shem seem to believe in the concept of genius loci, that is, the incarnation of a god in an object that bears their mark or resemblance. Many Shemites own or carry small statues of their gods with them.
In the more pastoral eastern parts of Shem, the Meadow Shemites are somewhat different from their desert-dwelling brethren. The Meadow Shemites, as they are called(?), are a much more peaceful people, little given to violence or adventure.
[edit] Stories set in Shem
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[edit] Characters from Shem
Belit, the pirate queen of the Black Coast, was origionally from Shem
