stephem

Stephem is a town and municipality in the northern highlands of Norland, a fictional sovereign state. It lies in the Stephem hills along the Echo River, about 60 kilometers north of Leran City. The landscape features terraced agriculture, mixed forests, and several smithies. The climate is temperate, with cool winters and warm summers.

Stephem's history stretches back to the 12th century, and the town is named after the legendary founder Stephem, a local chieftain. It grew as a market stop on regional trade routes and developed around a medieval monastery. In the 19th century it became part of the Alderwood District.

The local economy centers on agriculture—apricots, barley, and dairy—along with small-scale manufacturing and crafts. Tourism supports inns and guiding services, drawing visitors to valley views and seasonal festivals. Stephem is connected by a regional rail line to Leran City and by roads to nearby towns; a small hydroelectric plant on the Echo River provides limited power.

Stephem is governed by a mayor and a 12-member town council. It is part of the Alderwood District and participates in Norland's regional elections; municipal services are organized through the district capital in Alderwood.

As of 2020, the population was about 7,600. The community is predominantly Norlandic-speaking, with a minority using the Alder dialect. The town maintains a library, a cultural center, a primary and a secondary school, and a weekly market. Notable features include the Stephem Market Square and the stone parish church.

Notable people include Rinah Vost, an 18th-century cartographer associated with regional mapmaking.