Chessenta

Chessenta takes its name from the first Grand Viceroy Iphram Chess when the region was a province of Unther Prior to the Spellplague, Chessenta was a country of individual city-states that were often at war with one another. The city of Cimbar was the theoretical capital of Chessenta as it was the definitive capital of Tchazzar's brief Chessentan Empire.

After Chessenta defeated Threskel in 1479 DR, Threskel became a vassal state.

Culture
While they appreciate culture and theatre, the culture of the Chessentans revolves around war and war heroes. Magic is distrusted by most Chessentans but when Tchazzar returned he legalized magic and enacted laws protecting mages.

Diplomatic Relations
Post-spellplague, Chessenta has extremely chilly relations with High Imaskar and the two countries often engage in naval raids. Chessenta has friendly relations with Akanûl but is on the verge of war with Tymanther.

History
Chessenta was founded in -1771 DR as a province of the first Untheric empire. In 929 DR the city states of Chessenta, led by the war hero Tchazzar, drove the armies of Unther to the Riders to the Sky mountains, freeing Chessenta from Untheric rule. In 1080 DR, Tchazzar disappeared while fighting Sahuagin and the people of Chessenta believed he had ascended to godhood. After Tchazzar's disappearance, the kingdom slowly broke apart into squabbling city states. Tchazzar returned in 1373 DR to reestablish his kingdom but disappeared again during the Spellplague in 1385 DR. In the decades after the Spellplague the war hero Ishual Karanok rose to rule Chessenta. In 1479 DR Tchazzar was rescued from the Shadowfell by the Brotherhood of the Griffon and is currently king of Chessenta once again. The Brotherhood of the Griffon along with Chessentan rebels lead by Shala, and the genasi, defeat Tchazzar and the great bone worm. Shala is reinstated as the war hero.

Religion
After the Spellplague, Amaunator gained many followers who saw him as the ancient Untherian god Hokatep returned to Faerûn. As Chessenta is a martial society, Tempus has many followers. Oghma has a large temple in Erebos and, since Kelemvor has almost no presence in the region, the temple of Waukeen has assumed responsibility for tending to the dead.

In addition to the common Faerunian religions there are several regional cults. The Cult of Tchazzar always had a large membership in Chessenta and with Tchazzar's return the cult has been reinvigorated and is currently building a huge temple in Luthcheq. The Cult of Entropy worships the primordial Entropy and a cult worships the archfey Sebakar, the Lord of Crocodiles.

Lakes

 * Bay of Chessenta: With the drop in the water level of the Sea of Fallen Stars this shallow bay has all but dried up.
 * Adder Swamp: When the Bay of Chessenta dried up the swamp all but disappeared.

Mountains

 * Riders to the Sky: A range of hills and mountains that is the domain of trolls and duergar.

Other

 * Maw of the God Swallower: This area of plagueland in south-central Chessenta continues to grow, swallowing everything in its path. In its center the primordial Entropy hangs over the landscape.

Cities

 * Cimbar (formerly): Now in ruins, this was the largest city and the spiritual capital of Chessenta in the pre-spellplague era.
 * Akanax: This large city is in essence a large military camp. Now in ruins.
 * Luthcheq: The City of Madness is ruled by Tchazzar. It was formerly ruled by the Karanok family, all of whom were members of the Cult of Entropy. As such, magic was shunned in the city.
 * Mordulkin: A city on the eastern side of the Bay of Chessenta. Ruled for a long time by the Jedea family and a haven for wizards.
 * Soolabax: A large town near the border with Threskel.
 * Erebos: Large city in the northweast. A temple of Tiamat stands near the sea.
 * Pandrik: Fortress city situated near the Adder Swap. It has a precarious treaty with Luthcheq.

Navy and seafaring
Chessentan vessels are named after sea creatures or sea-related myths.