Shem, the Gateway to the South, is revealed in all its debauchery and luxury in this sourcebook for the Conan RPG.

The people of the meadowlands in their zikkurats and the nomad clans of the eastern deserts are studied in detail which focuses on all sorts of aspects of Shem and its peoples.

Shem is an intriguing land of trade caravans and raiders, of elite warriors and shrewd merchants, and has been the setting for many a Conan tale.

In this book you can find out what being a Shemite means and explore the divided cultures.

Learn of the mighty asshuri and the military might of this fantastic Hyborian Age land, a land whose sons are highly sought as skilled mercenaries. Explore the zikkurats of the gods and walk through the streets of Akbitana.

Although the lack of an overall map of the country is disappointing the sourcebook has plenty to interest gamers and provides lots of valuable information if you want your adventurers to head that way.

The vast country is a crossroads between east and west and a melting pot of cultures and religions.

"... western meadowlands which stretch to the distant ocean, and in which rise the cities of the town-dwellers, and the eastern deserts, where the lean nomads hold sway: there is incessant warfare between the dwellers of the cities and the dwellers of the desert." Robert E Howard, A With Shall Be Born.

The section entitled Life in Shem details the clothing styles of the hook-nosed people, honour and allegiance, occupations, property, all aspects of the all-important topic of trade, social organisation and much else besides.

There are also sections on: Shemite sub-races; the military and warfare styles; medicine and health; religion; sorcery; governance; and a large gazetteer of the vast and ancient land.

A chapter on skills, feats and manoeuvres reveals unique Shemite traditions such as living in the saddle, intimidation and unbalancing attacks.

Foes and fiends tackles such fearsome beings as the Gorgon - the thing from beyond in L Sprague de Camp and Lin Carter's Black Tears - and various non-playing characters are featured in the sourcebook, including Conan as a Zuagir chieftan, Olgerd Vladislav and Mazdak, king of Asgalun, Shem's most important seaport.

All in all, author Vincent Darlage has done another good job with this 96-page book and there should be more than enough material for games masters and players to get their teeth into for many a session.