Theph river
The Theph river [θɛf] (Arithide Taphae [ta'fai]) is one of the most important rivers of Arophania, with three of the largest Arithide cities sited along its course: the old royal capital of Isphea on its delta, the historic and vibrant capital of Lazea at its confluence with the Nes river, and the southern economic centre of Aebea along its mid-course. As the Taphae-Nes river system it has the largest drainage basin on Arophania, and makes up one of the three Great Rivers of Arithia.
The English name is from the Dethric corruption.
Course
The Theph starts in the slopes of the south-central Alerryak, flowing first east then turning northwards at the edge of the Nimaean plain towards the Ordaryak, then flowing once again eastwards along it, before mering with the Nes river at and exiting to the north through the Calagian Pass as the Taphae-Nes, emptying into the Chisthian Sea in a triangular delta.
Importance
Agriculture & fishery
The Theph has been an important source of food fish for the Areth, and remain so today. More than 30 species of edible freshwater fish are known to live along its course, including the famous Besrian - a black catfish with white tail that can grow up to 1 metre in length and reach 80 kilograms. In recent times, however, concerns over water pollution in certain areas of the river as well as overfishing of certain species has put a damper on fishing, though in many rural areas recreational angling is still very common.
