Top Destinations in Kalderesh
City of the Sun
The most cosmopolitan and civilized city in Kalderesh, Camfor has been the nation’s capital for centuries. This beautiful, ancient port is bursting with gourmet food, friendly pubs and inns, quirky shops and expert tailors. Immerse yourself in history in the warren-like parts of the Old City, shop until you drop, and dine like an emperor on a peasant’s budget. Wind down the evening on the banks of the Camnevy, wandering along the waterfront while snacking on unique puddings delivered by singing minstrels and busking comedians.
Food!
Kalderesh is perhaps Tem’s greatest culinary secret. Chefs and cooks use just-picked herbs and the crispest of spices to prepare foods with incomparable texture in flavourful combinations. A Kalderani meal is about blending and balance: sour and sweet, crunchy and silky, fried and steamed, soup and salad. Exquisite local specialities will be found in each city and village, so you are spoiled for choice.
Jewel in the Crown
Dromfor is perhaps the easiest Kalderani city to fall in love with. Its situation on the coast is sublime, its complex cuisine is justifiably famous, and its royal residences, elegant temples, formidable walled defences and gateways, inspire awe. Much of this glory is due to the majesty of the presence of the Crown Prince and Princess of Kalderesh. Feed your soul on a diet of laughter, or profound thought, or a heady mix of both, by watching the Resplendent Colleagues perform, or witnessing the spectacular Lanya Gold on stage.
Horse heaven
Saddle up for the ride of a lifetime across the plains of Daern and through Prycastle Valley. This is the home range of the powerful, agile and strong-willed Daern Black, a unique breed of battle horses second to none. Prycastle and Eridale are Kalderesh’s hugely spectacular destinations for intrepid travellers, looking forward to the road trip of a lifetime. For the truly devoted horse aficionado, two other breeds are a must-see. The Larkmead is a hugely muscular and majestic animal, bred to haul the heaviest of loads for long distances. And the Dromfor, which is a fine breed of small but swift and elegant horse, much favoured by the upper class for their noble natures and impressive beauty.
The best views
What better way to see the world than from above, flying high, diving down and swooping low over the ground before climbing to a comfortable cruising height for the absolutely best views. Asafor is the focal point of aerial travel routes in Kalderesh, and offers all manner of sky travel, from the wildly exhilarating to the relaxing sedate pace of a carpet. If you’re really serious about flying, then you have to visit lofty Keserel and nearby Black Eagle Peak, the favourite breeding ground of hippogriffs. Visit the Sky Cavalry, and then take a flight into the mountains for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Cruising along
Nothing beats a thrilling ocean journey and a fabulous destination, and Kalderesh has the best of both. With its stunning combination of unique geology and sheltered, shimmering seas, the Shallows is one of Kalderesh’s top attractions. Along its 130 km stretch of beautiful coastline are hidden gems like Princess Coanix Island. Definitely book an overnight cruise and make time for your own special moments. For a more private experience, visit Federic’s Land, the largest island system in Kalderesh, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Tellinon. The many islands here are lapped by azure waters and edged with the kind of white-sand beaches that make sun seekers sink to their weak knees. After the boat cruise, disembark and slip into low gear, reaching for a seaside beverage, and toast a blood-orange sky as the Sun dips below the horizon. Or notch it up a gear and hike or go horse-riding to your heart’s content.
Built to impress
Kalderesh’s unique architecture has to be seen to be believed. The world’s tallest building, the Tower of the Moon, soars upwards an unimaginable 520 feet. This magnificent structure stands in Azerel and is part of the Grand Temple of Oohm. If such heights make you dizzy, then the most splendid building in Kalderesh, the Queen’s Palace in Camfor, will be more your speed. The uppermost floor of the Palace is home to the famous Seven Temples, the largest All-Gods in existence. And if your curiosity knows no bounds, then the 1 million items held in the Royal Museum of Nature and History in Dromfor will keep you enthralled.
Coffee time!
Coffee culture runs deep in Kalderesh. Virtually every neighbourhood in every town and village will have an establishment where locals go to de-stress, to hang out and socialise, or just to people-watch, while sipping umber coffee, usually served with a local twist. The absolute best coffee can be enjoyed in Edgemead where the umber trees are lovingly tended in the best conditions possible.
The Other Capital
Barforos may be the "Second City of Kalderesh" but is first in terms of wealth: it is the financial capital of the realm. Here, you can get agreeably lost in the centuries-old merchant quarter of the City of Brothers, a frantic commercial labyrinth where echoes of the past are filtered and framed by a modern worldly energy. Discover this haven’s culinary flavours and aromas at street level, enjoying iconic dishes as you browse from one stall to the next. Later at night, join the socialising throngs enjoying the delights of makeshift street-corner eateries and late-night market theatres. You’ll probably run into loud chanting supporters of the Barforos Braves, said to be the best and most-beloved football team in the realm. Don’t blame us if you find yourself painted head to toe in blue and white, the colours of the Braves, after a night out partying!
King of Diamonds
Laneder is a spectacular Royal City that is the home of princes and kings! The Sovereign Prince and Princess live here, as does the king of illusion and entertainment, the most fabulous and brilliant Dylan Diamond! Yes, Laneder is a splendid military city, and does have a vast gleaming marble temple to Oohm, and an almost uncountable number of theatres and performance spaces – but it is also the adrenaline centre of Kalderesh! If you have a mind, and want it blown, then Laneder is your first choice.
City of Storms
Torbeck will delight big-city devotees. You’ll be drawn into its thrilling vortex, hypnotised by the perpetual cries of market sellers and food vendors, rewarded with a wealth of history, delighted by delicious food from the world’s best chef and thrilled by the vibrant nightlife that sets the standard for Tem. The heat is always on, so loosen your collar and enjoy. For a change of pace, take in the peaceful beauty of Lake Tor out of which rises the magnificent castle Stormward, and stroll through the gardens and quiet spaces of the largest temple in Kalderesh, the Grand High Temple of Salaah.
Out of this world
Hemden Forest is the smallest druidic forest but it has the most to offer. The druids of the Circle of the Moon will invite you into their sacred world, and you may be able to visit with the Barbarians in their forest, or discuss matters of philosophy with the centaurs, or arm-wrestle with the resident Wood Giants. Hemden Forest has something for everyone!
The Lake City
Pai is the most glamorous city in Kalderesh. If you like beautiful people, splendid festivals and soaking in art and culture, there is only one destination in the kingdom: the beautiful city of Pai. Here you can experience the bedazzling artist Zoea Yards, the celebrated Lyam Lethers, the Poet Laureate Horayce Neeps, and the wildly popular Topaz Illuminants. No other city on Tem has more creative celebrities than Pai. And nowhere else do you find a festival that runs throughout the year! Each day is a festival day in Pai. If you are after a more contemplative experience, explore the intellectual heart of the city, the University of Pai and its many libraries, reading rooms, archives, and scriptoriums. Then relax on the shores of beautiful Lake Pai as the sun sets, reflecting on all you have learnt and absorbed.
Prinwork
A uniquely Kalderani custom is prinwork, the creation of intricate writing and decorative markings on timber and masonry. This was pioneered in Asafor, so you should definitely visit this forest treasure and take in their innovative designs. In Akarat you can see another innovation: amazing prinwork combined with carved statues against soaring cliffs, while in Aldbarrow they create prinwork on quality fired tiles which are then used for making stunning frescoes. A unique form of prinwork is practiced in Lorcastle, inspired and co-created by druids using special techniques. If prinwork is your thing, then Lorcastle is your destination of choice!
Party on!
Face it, sometimes it’s just about having a party. Then you want to make your way to Pai, where the world’s only perpetual festival is held. You can also catch up with the travelling Benthantium Project, which follows the Royal Road year-round, partying as it goes. In Camfor, the Festival of Kithrel features spectacular aerial demonstrations of horsemanship, unparalleled anywhere on Tem. And if you’re looking to score a real bargain, then the Esterhedge Market Festival – where everything is on sale for half-price – is your destination of choice. Bring lots of gold!
Alternate experiences
If you’re looking for something soul-changing and mind-altering, look no further than the wide range of adult beverages available in Kalderesh! For a start, there’s ales and beers from Akarat, Londesh, and Laneder. Then, there’s dapson wine from Savimasko, millweed from Millhaven, murwine from Deepsage, and nirkil wine from Northpond. If you’re a connoisseur, then enjoy the best white wines in Kalderesh from the Meggar Vineyards in the Big Valley. And if you don’t mind the risk of bending the rules, then Landdell’s rice honey wine is apparently a lot of fun. However, under no circumstances should you try the special fungus grown in Nomden, and certainly not the mungweed allegedly found in Barrowmarsh.
Saving the Best for Last
Regarded by some as the finest city in Kalderesh, Coth-Rom is a social melting pot with its major harbour, on the Royal Road, making it the confluence of influences from everywhere. Behind the impressive city walls you’ll find imposing palaces, gourmet food, uplifting temples, healing waters, and mysterious moving statues. Coth-Rom offers you the world in a single destination.