Hlondeth

Hlondeth or the City of Serpents was an ancient and powerful independent city-state at the end of the Vilhon Reach. The city had a longtime association with serpents, and was ruled by the Extaminos family, with mixed blood that was not quite human.

Description
Hlondeth was a well-run, organized, and efficient walled city-state. Hlondeth was known for its distinctive architecture. The wide use of beautiful, emerald-hued stone from nearby quarries and the city's tall, graceful arches and coils gave the city a unique appearance. At night the city was illuminated by magical light, remnants of sorcery that was used to shape the structures, some referred to it as "blessings of Shevron," and natural sources. After dark, the view of the city was reflected off the waters of the Vilhon Reach. The city also eschewed stairs in favor of ramps and poles to be better used by the yuan-ti. Hlondeth's architecture was reminiscent of snake burrows, graceful round towers with round doorways. The city had a functioning sewer system and numerous omnipresent fountains.

The ruling power sat in the governing quarter of Hlondeth, where the governor's palace was located before it was burned down in 527 DR. The same quarter housed villas, palaces, and homes of the city's nobility, including the green-marble stronghold of House Extaminos.

Geography
Hlondeth was built in the Churning Bay of the Vilhon Reach, its northern shore, opposite of Sespech. The bottom of the bay held many sunken ships and many undiscovered treasures. Mount Ugruth was located in close proximity to the city and often threatened it with volcanic rumblings. The city-state's territory included radius around Hlondeth. The territory included about a dozen small villages and numerous vineyards.

Flora & Fauna
Ssvaklors were rare draconic creatures that could be found in the atreas teeming with yuan-ti. Hlondeth was not an exeption. Dmetrio Extaminos was attempting to create ssvaklors using a set of black dragon eggs in the In the late 14 century DR, to great disdain of the Cult of Tiamat. In the late 14 century DR, strange creatures started appearing in the cities of Hlondeth and Waterdeep - these beings were spectral panthers. Several grisly deaths of wizards who tapped into the Shadow Weave alerted the sages of spectral panthers' existence. Under the rule of House Extaminos various serpentine creatures served the yuan-ti masters and guarded the city's catacombs. These creatures included histachii servitors and ophidians. As of late-14 century DR, flying snakes imorted from the Mhair Jungles became quite popoular and wide-spread pets among the locals.

Government
In 1373 DR the matriarch of the Extaminos family was Dediana Extaminos who had a snake's tail instead of legs. She ruled over the city with a light hand. Her mate was First Consort Ssibalentanamas, a spirit naga cleric of Sseth, who was also known as First Keeper of the Sacred Eggs, his main task was guarding the yuan-ti brood chambers. Dediana's heir was prince and ambassador to Sespech, Dmetrio Extaminos, who has been connected for a few years with Glisena Foesmasher, eldest daughter of Baron Thuragar of Sespech.

Trade
Hlondeth was a very prosperous city and active in trade and commerce with its neighbors, being one of the busiest ports in the Vilhon Reach. It transported goods into the lower half of nearby Turmish. It traded actively with the tribes and city-states of the Shining Plains to the west. Hlondeth was always eager to recruit adventurers to serve as caravan guards and was known for its extensive patrols.

Hlondeth's relationship with Sespech was very tense for quite a while, for Dmetrio Extaminos, son of Dediana Extaminos, was in love with the baron's eldest daughter; however, his courting attempts remained unsuccessful. Hlondeth was known to rarely participate in the Southsands Games, training maneuvers between Turmish and Chondath. But the city profited from hosting the competitions via tourism that attracted tens of thousands of visitors from across the Realms.

Under the control of the yuan-ti, Hlondeth established a hidden portal that connected the City of Serpents with a temple to a yuan-ti snake god in the Black Jungles of Tashalar.

Culture
The people of Hlondeth valued trade, ritualized combat, and nature. Magic-users were treated with suspicion in Hlondeth, and the city's kobold population was kept in an enslaved state. Hlondeth welcomed visitors of most races with open arms, and the city itself was considered a pleasant place. Its yuan-ti inhabitants did not discriminate or mistreat humans.

Hlondethar were well-versed in languages such as Common, bullywug, firenewt, lizardfolk, troglodyte, or yuan-ti. Possibly due to unnatural infuelce of serpentine magics over the city of Hlondeth, its inhabitants felt irrational fear of birds of prey and giant birds, and felt trange uneasiness around harmless avians such as crows, sparrows, pigeons, doves, and seagulls.

Following the strengthened presence of the yuan-ti in Hlondeth, serpent folk learned to sway the city's human inhabitants. Over time they used psionics to make humans pliable and receptive of yuan-ti control.

Wizards of Hlondeth imitated the architecture of their city in the colors of the garments they preferred. Silk robes of bright reds, deep greens, and azure were the dominant colors. Popular jewelry among spellcasters and regular folk was made of gold and included necklaces, torcs, snake-like chain links, and bracelets. Magical and enchanted jewelry was greatly valued above all else.

Cuisine
Many Hlondethar taverns catered to the tastes of its yuan-ti population. Ale was served with a small raw speckled egg floating in the drink, a treat for serpentine creatures. Somewhat gruesomely, a Hlondethar dish popular among visitors was black adder stew.

Defenses
Hlondethar warriors prided themselves in their immaculate appearance. They kept their gear repaired and polished, their blades were always freshly-sharpened, and their clothes were clean and pristine. Hlondethar warriors often wore green cloaks, tunics, and tabards - the main color of their city. Their armor, shields, and helmets were inlaid with small pieces of green marble (or emeralds among the rich). Shields were often decorated with various snake motifs, with the image of two coiled snakes being the most prevalent one. The warriors' green cloaks were pinned with golden brooches of the same intertwined circular snake shape. Another common decoration was a single golden and aquamarine snake-shaped earing in the left ear.

Arcane Hlondethar spellcasters were often described as cold and calculating. Extended contact with yuan-ti magics affected wizards who hailed from the city-state. They were blessed with the affinity for psionics and most learned cause fear, darkness, polymorph other, suggestion, and charm person spells at an early stage of their studyies.

History
Founded in the, Hlondeth was established as an important port at the end of the Turmway, a long road that ran through Turmish, connecting Hlondeth with Alaghôn.

The saw the construction of the trade route known as the Pikemen's Folly that connected the newly-built city of Ormath with Hlondeth. This led to a population surge in Hlondeth, eclipsing Alaghôn. In the Alaghôn gained a new mayor in Dempster Turmish, following a short but bloody civil war and by, Alaghôn claimed all the lowlands that bordered Hlondeth.

Later in 145 DR, the city came into open conflict with the mercenary armies of Dempster Turmish, who besieged Hlondeth. At the time, Hlondeth was ruled by a human warlord named Gestin who was a capable military leader. Gestin's knowledge of the territory and strategy made him confident in the invaders' failure unless they gained control of the Churning Bay in the waters of the Vilhon Reach. Gestin committed to not losing a single life to the useless conflict. Under the warlord's command, the city was able to outlast this siege with the help of the pirates of the Vilhon Reach. Gestin offered the pirate captains a safe harbor within the city in exchange for aid against the Turmite army and supply runs for Hlondeth. The promise of safe harbor brought 60 vessels to the city-state's aid. The pirate fleet clashed with the Turmite freet in the Farshore Strait between the Island of Ilighôn and the Aphrunn Mountains and won. Gestin's alliance ensured the fleet of Hlondeth remained undamaged by the naval battles using the pirates as cannon fodder. Dempster Turmish's decision not to bring siege machines was a mistake, and the siege lasted for over a month, ending in the Turmish army returning to Alaghôn.

After the war, Gestin's political power grew along with Hlondeth's legal and pirate smuggling trade. During that period of growth, House Extaminos made a fortune by quarrying unique emerald-hued marble from the Orsraun Mountains. The nobility of House Extaminos started positioning themselves to gain political power for themselves, but Gestin's popularity and success stifled it. In the, Lord Dempster helmed another attack on Hlondeth but was beaten by the city's mighty walls and the spells of Riliton Mandleweave. Additional aid came from an adventuring company known as the Company of the Howling Harpoon who flanked Alaghôn's army, destroying its supplies and siege machinery. By the, Alaghôn amassed fleet big enough to attack Hlondeth yet again; however, the peace was achieved with Dempster's death in his sleep. Florentine Dempster, the new leader of Alaghôn, immediately eased hostilities and called a new attack off.

The hundred-year period following the conflict was known as Calmwaters, a period in which trade and civilization flourished in the Vilhon Reach. The eruption of Mount Urguth near Hlondeth brought an end to this period in the. According to historians, the eruption blackened the skies above Hlondeth for several months, entwining days and nights. This event also ended the more than century-long rule of Gestin's family. Several powerful churches that supported the warlord's rule became displeased and sought a new ruler. House Extaminos saw the opportunity. Meanwhile, Illistine of Chondath used the cover of volcanic darkness to secretly move its mercenary troops and navy into Hlondeth seizing power within the city.

In the, Laviar Illistine of Chondath used Hlondeth to assemble an army to lead it against the Kingdom of Turmish. This was the worst kept secret, and Alaghôn amassed their own troops. After the clash, both nations entered the Stalemate and armies retreated unable to win nor lose.

To everyone's surprise, in the spring of the, an army of kobolds under the banner of the Tattered Cloth Legion, commanded by the drow queen Nathglaryst of Undraeth, attacked the city. The kobold legion invaded the city's sewer system at dusk, murdering over 1,000 unsuspecting inhabitants of Hlondeth. The attackers torched the governor's palace and the entirety of the city quarter that housed Hlondeth's rich and powerful. Many of the city's residents took refuge in the family compound of green-marble-built House Extaminos, the only stronghold within the city that withstood the fires. Lord Shevron Extaminos had a strange affinity with snakes since his childhood and the family palace housed over a thousand serpents - Lord Extaminos's pets. At the end of the first week of the kobold siege, Shevron Extaminos spent hours praying to Ilmater, asking for aid and divine guidance. When he opened his eyes, he realized that his entire collection of serpents gathered around, ready for Lord Shevron to command. Inspired by his pets, Shevron Extaminos charged into battle, leading a slithering army of snakes against kobolds, with the mercenaries of House Extaminos following suit. That night the governing quarter of Hlondeth was taken from the invaders, with Lord Shevron Extaminos perishing in battle. Several days later, Hlondeth was free once again. After the siege was over, it was revealed that the drow queen Nathglaryst claimed the Hlondeth's treasury during the war and disappeared with it never to be seen again.

The kobold siege embittered Hlondeth against their Hondathan masters due to lack of help in the time of need. This led to several attempts for Hlondeth to gain independence that eventually was claimed in the, when members of House Extaminos orchestrated a rebellion against Chondath. It was at this time that the House re-consecrated in the name of Sseth in his guise as Varae, a change which was met with middling acceptance from the populace. The brought new secured trade routes between the Shining Plains and Hlondeth.

The Chondathan civil war, later named the Rotting War, lasted from 900 to 902 DR. During that time, Hlondeth withstood several attacks by Chondathan forces, but eventually, the war led to splintering of Chondat into independent city-states. The Cult of the Dragon establised a cell in, around, and beneath the city of Hlondeth in the, attracted by crime, smuggling, and black markets. In the, Lord Saros took leadership of Turmish and established solid trade relations with its old enemies in Hlondeth.

By the, House Extaminos at last siezed control of the city after defeating a competitor noble family and the death of its heirless, Wariton Minlow. House Extaminos led Hlondeth and its scions slowly started mixing their blood with yuan-ti. The last day of the was celebrated by another eruption of Mount Ugruth. Hlondeth felt the tremors of the explosion; however, the damage was minimal, with the ashes covering city streets and darkening its skies. Hlondeth remembered its history well and was ready for attempts of stealth to take over. However, Chondath was too busy dealing with its own problems and weakened by the Rotting War to attempt another takeover.

An Ilmatari holy item, The Tome of Torment surfaced in Hlondeth in the after Kortolt Rushtyn of the Tanarspear Hill was murdered by brigands. The bandits attempted to sell the holy book in Hlondeth but were slain by enraged citizens. The book was given to the Graycloak's Wolves, a local adventuring company to be transported to the House of the Harmed in Aralent.

In the, Mount Ugruth came to life once again. A series of earthquakes rumbled for several months before dying down. These earthquakes opened up a naturally-formed tunnel that descended deep into the earth. House Extaminos thought the cavern to be the pathway into the Underdark used by the drow invaders of 527 DR. The ruling family-sponsored five adventuring companies, an army of ophidians, and a party of yuan-ti to enter Underdark through the new tunnel, but none returned. Dediana Extaminos sought more brave adventurers willing to scout the tunnel in search of drow or kobold activity.

By the, the Cult of the Dragon usurped the majority of Hlondeth's black market and slavery operations. Dmetrio Extaminos, the city's pureblood yuan-ti heir, was the leader of the cult's cell, other pureblood members held key positions within the city, along with some human adventurers, wealthy merchants, a variety of tradesmen and half-orc mercenaries. Dmetrio Extaminos used his cult to undermine his mother's rule in Hlondeth and to increase his influence. During that time, Dmetrio's cultists used a copy of the Tome of the Dragon to create ur-histachii in the catacombs under the city. In response, Mavanna Blackspine of the Sisterhood of the Silver Fire sought adventurers of Chondath and Sespech to recover a copy of Sammaster's grimoire. The information about the ur-histachii was leaked by Medusanna Mhairdaul, a High Priestess of the Cathedral of Emerald Scales who was attempting to weaken the Extaminos rule in her favor.

By the late-14 century DR, House Extaminos was successful in creating a breeding program that eventually birthed extaminaars, snake-blooded humanoids that were used across Faerûn as agents of Extamins and the yuan-ti. They operated in secrecy and often created lairs in cities' sewers, plotting to increase the influence of House Extaminos, finding targets of breeding experiments and objects for grafting.

In the, the Serpent Sibyl, an avatar of Sseth during the Time of Troubles, appeared in the Scaled Halls of Varae, deep in the catacombs underneath Hlondeth. The avatar took over the ancient temple and gathered a cult that quickly amassed numbers that were sure to threaten the power of House Extaminos. Sibyl's cult found allies in the Plague-Mother's Children, human Talonite worshipers, and the Serpent's Secession, a human anti-yuan-ti resistance band led by Gonthril Astinar.

On Kythorn 23, the, a plague known as Pox burned through the human inhabitants of Hlondeth.

Rumors & Legends

 * Following the war between Hlondeth and Alaghôn, several rumors emerged claiming that the vessel named The Starcross was carrying gold to fill the treasury of Hlondeth when Turmish claimed the city. Her ship sank during the naval battle against pirate allies of Hlondeth. Many individuals tried to locate the wreck and the fabled treasure, but no one was successful.
 * The sewers of Hlondeth hid a long-lost temple of Varae. The temple was believed to hold arcane tablets created by ancient sarrukh creator race.

Landmarks

 * Great Aviary of Extaminos, claimed to be the most wondrous building in the city. It was completed in 1368 DR.

Inns & Taverns

 * Mortal Coil, a tavern located in a cavernouus warehouse basement on Hlondeth's waterfront.
 * Slithering Serpent Inn, a popular establishment among visitoers, notable for its black adder stew.

Temples & Shrines

 * Cathedral of Emerald Scales, the building of central importance in Hlondeth that stood behind the Amphisbaena Gate. This cathedral served first as family dwellings for the Extaminos family, then as a shrine of Ilmater, and finally as a cathedral of Sseth in his guise as Varae. It took 130 years to build, and was surrounded by a wall shaped like a two headed serpent.
 * Temple of Helm, a major place of wirhip for the devotees of Helm.
 * Temple of Silvanus, a major temple of Silvanus.
 * Scaled Halls of Varae, an ancient tempte to Varae deep in the catacombs underneath Hlondeth, built in –255 DR.
 * The city held several shrines, including places of worhip of Eldath and Lliira.

Notable Organizations

 * Cult of the Dragon, maintained an active cell in the city of Hlondeth in the late 14 century DR.
 * Extaminaar, were snake-blooded rogues and infiltrators of House Extaminos who spread their activities of subtefuge acros many of the cities of Faerûn.
 * Graycloak's Wolves, an adventuring company active circa 1343 DR.
 * Knights of the Forked Tongue, an elite mercenary order of crusiders of Sseth.
 * Order of the Grand Snakemaster, a Set-worshiping sect of elder serpents represented by a large viper Hasszol of Hlondeth.
 * Serpent's Secession was a revolutionary clandestine group that sought to remove yuan-ti opression. In the late-14 century DR, the rebels were led by Gonthril Astinar.

Notable Individuals

 * Armand bois Gilbert, the leader of Hlondethar mercenaries that aided Hlath in 1358 DR.
 * Medusanna Mhairdaul, also known as the Emerald Boa of the Vilhon, the leader of the Council of Elder Serpents, and the High Priestess at the Cathedral of Emerald Scales in the late 14 century DR.
 * Orblin, the Sage of Hlondeth in the late 14 century DR.
 * Semorav of the Cobra's Hood, a repersentative of the Coiled Cabal in the late 14 century DR.

Appearances

 * Adventures
 * Swords of the Iron Legion
 * Novels
 * The Shadow Stone &bull; Crucible: The Trial of Cyric the Mad &bull; Venom's Taste &bull; Vanity's Brood
 * The Nether Scroll &bull; The Emerald Scepter &bull; Viper's Kiss
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * Foreign Affairs
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * Foreign Affairs
 * Foreign Affairs