River Qes (pronounced KESS) is a major river in Dalbanu. Together with River Qaro, these twin rivers are the primary geographical distinguishing features of the region, critical not only in an ecological sense but also culturally and historically. Control of the rivers lies with the dragon-lords of Dalbanu, each of whom lay claim to certain stretches of the water and their banks.
Both rivers begin in the east, fed by rainfall and melting snowpack from the mountains of the Zakros, joined by smaller tributaries as they flow west. For most of their courses, both rivers are quite wide and flow languidly across the landscape, turning into an expansive marshland near the coast. River Qes is the southern of the two rivers, following a meandering path through plains and forests before reaching the Chaska Sea. Many smaller tributaries join the river on its route.
The lands surrounding the river are highly productive, and many cities have grown up along its banks.