Forgotten Realms Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Forgotten Realms Wiki
Forgotten Realms Wiki
53,918
pages
in: Articles needing specific dates, Articles in need of citations, Locations,
and 12 more

Changes: Ched Nasad

Back to page
Edit
m (→‎Houses: added house)
m (Linked "cheese" export to its article.)
Tag: Visual edit
(48 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Cleanup}}
  
−
{{Nofootnotes}}
  
 
{{Location
  
{{Location
−
| image =
 +
| image = Northdark.png
−
| caption = Map of interior Ched Nasad.
 +
| caption = Map showing location. Click to enlarge.
−
| name = Ched Nasad
 +
| name = Ched Nasad
−
| size = Ruined Metropolis
 +
| size = Ruined metropolis
−
| aliases = City of Shimmering Webs <ref name="Diss-p77">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|77}}</ref>
 +
| aliases = City of Shimmering Webs <ref name="Diss-p77">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|77}}</ref> <br />City of Webs<ref name="Insurr-p36">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|36}}</ref>
  +
| demonym = Ched Nasadan<ref name="Condemn-p95">{{Cite book/Condemnation/Paperback|95}}</ref> <br> Nasadran<ref name="BGII:SoA">{{Cite game/Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn}}</ref>
−
| area = [[Middledark]], [[Northdark]]
 +
| area = [[Middledark]], [[Northdark]]
−
| ruler = [[House Nasadra]] (Council of the twelve highest-ranking noble houses)
  
−
| government = Council of drow houses, in truth the Jaezred Chaulssin are the rulers.
 +
| government = Council of twelve ruling houses <ref name="DDGttU-p49">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|49}}</ref>
  +
| rulertype =
−
| population1 = Less than 5,000 free drow, less than 2,000 slaves of various races
  
  +
| ruler3 = Ruling Council<ref name="M.CoI-106">{{Cite book/Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue|106}}</ref> fully controlled by Faathryll Teh'Kinrellz<ref name="FRCG-p233">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|233}}</ref><small>'''officially''' </small> (See Post-Spellplague)
⚫
| popyear1 = 1372
  
  ⚫
| ruleryear3 = 1479
⚫
| population2 = 7,500<ref name="FRCG-p233">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|233}}</ref>
  
  +
| ruler2 = [[Jaezred Chaulssin]] {{fact}}
⚫
| popyear2 = 1479
  
  +
| ruleryear2 = 1373
⚫
| races = '''Free''':<br/>{{percentage table|[[Drow]]|97.7|[[Human]]|1|[[Orc]]|1}}'''Slaves''':<br/>{{percentage table|[[Goblin]]|40|[[Grimlock]]|12|[[Kobold]]|10|[[Orc]]|9|[[Quaggoth]]|6|[[Bugbear]]|6|[[Human]]|4|[[Ogre]]|4|[[Svirfneblin]]|4|[[Minotaur]]|2}}{{percentage table|[[Troll]]|1|[[Gloaming]]|1|[[Tiefling]]|1}}
  
  +
| ruler1 = The Council (<small>'''Informally:''' </small>[[House Nasadra]])<ref name="DDGttU-p49"/>
−
| religion = [[Lolth]] (overwhelming), [[Selvetarm]], all other faiths are outlawed
  
  +
| ruleryear1 = 1372
⚫
| imports = Everything needed by the drow
  
  +
| population1 = 30,000 free drow, 70,000 "slaves" <ref name="DDGttU-p50">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|50}}</ref>
⚫
| exports = Body dyes and other augmentations, casks and pottery, finely-made armor and weapons, slaves, Netherese artifacts, rothé wool, meat, cheese, spells, textiles, and even water
  
  ⚫
| popyear1 = 1370
⚫
| alignment = {{Alignment grid|off|off|off|off|off|off|off|on|on}}
  
  +
| population2 = more than 3000 less than 4000<ref name="U-133">{{Cite book/Underdark|133}}</ref>
  +
| popyear2 = 1372
  +
| population3 = 7,500 <ref name="FRCG-p233"/>
  +
| popyear3 = 1479
  ⚫
| races = {{timescale}}<br/>'''Free''':<br/>{{percentage table|[[Drow]]|97.7|[[Human]]|1|[[Orc]]|1}}'''Slaves''':<br/>{{percentage table|[[Goblin]]|40|[[Grimlock]]|12|[[Kobold]]|10|[[Orc]]|9|[[Quaggoth]]|6|[[Bugbear]]|6|[[Human]]|4|[[Ogre]]|4|[[Svirfneblin]]|4|[[Minotaur]]|2}}{{percentage table|[[Troll]]|1|[[Gloaming]]|1|[[Tiefling]]|1}}<br/> {{fact}}
  ⚫
| religion = [[Lolth]]<ref name="FRCG-233">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|233}}</ref>
  ⚫
| imports = Everything needed by the drow
  ⚫
| exports = Body dyes and other augmentations, casks and pottery, finely armor and weapons, slaves, [[Netherese]] artifacts, [[rothe]] wool, meat, [[cheese]], spells, textiles, and water<ref name="DDGttU-p50">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|50}}</ref>
  ⚫
| alignment = {{Alignment grid|off|off|off|off|off|off|off|on|on}}
 
| usethe =
 
| usethe =
 
| useon =
 
| useon =
Line 26: Line 33:
 
| settlements =
 
| settlements =
 
}}
  
}}
  +
'''Ched Nasad''' ({{Pronounce|CHED|_|na|SAWD|refs=<ref name="Rulebook">{{Cite book/Tyrants of the Underdark Rulebook|17}}</ref>}}), or the ''City of Shimmering Webs'' or ''City of Webs'', was a [[drow]] city in the [[Middledark|Middle]] [[Northdark]] that was destroyed on [[Uktar 3]], [[1372 DR]].<ref name="DDGttU-p49">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|49}}</ref><ref name="TGHotR-p153">{{Cite book/The Grand History of the Realms|153}}</ref>
−
'''Ched Nasad''', or the ''City of Shimmering Webs'', was [[drow]] city in a great V-shaped cavern under the [[High Gap]] in the northern [[Graypeak Mountains]]. The grotto was nearly a mile high and a half mile wide at its largest. While the cavern roof was relatively flat, the grotto's walls were so steeply pitched that it made make it impossible for creatures other than spiders or lizards to stand upright.
  
   
  +
==Geography==
−
The drow of Ched Nasad had built their city atop slender filaments of magically calcified webbing that endlessly danced and flickered with the radiance of faerie fire. Over one hundred major layers of webwork once stretched across the cavern, and hundreds of other near-vertical webs provide access from one level to the next. Individual dwellings, which resembled great hollow cocoons, were constructed both above and below the layers of 'Lolth' induced webbing. Along the cavern walls, endless sheets of water drained down from the mountains above, nurturing a veritable jungle of molds, lichen, and fungi tended by the city Houses' slaves. The narrow cavern floor was reserved for small herds of deep rothé tended by goblin shepherds. It is located in the [[Northdark|Upper Northdark]].
 
  +
Ched Nasad was located in the [[Middledark|Middle]] [[Northdark]] beneath the [[High Gap]] in the northern [[Graypeak Mountains]].<ref name="DDGttU-p49" /> In the [[Underdark]], to the immediate west was the great [[Araumycos]] fungus. To the south were the remnants of the [[Graypeaks Hive]] of [[beholder]]s. To the east of the city were the [[phaerimm]]-held lands of ancient [[Netheril]]. To the far north was the dwarven [[Fardrimm]].<ref name="DDGttU-p53">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|53}}</ref>
  +
It was connected to the surface via tunnels through [[Ammarindar (kingdom)|Ammarindar]] to the north, which eventually led to [[orc]]-held caverns in the [[Nether Mountains]] and the [[Fardrimm]]. Access points along the way could be found through the [[Nameless Dungeon]], [[Hellgate Dell]], and the ruins of [[Myth Glaurach]].<ref name="DDGttU-p51">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|51}}</ref>
  +
[[Menzoberranzan]] was a journey of several tendays to the northeast on the other side of [[Araumycos]].<ref name="Insurr-p110">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|110}}</ref> The path through Ammarindar was the quickest journey between Menzoberranzan and Ched Nasad, but it was less traveled because of the danger that lurked there.<ref name="Insurr-p35">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|35}}</ref>
  +
A portal to the ruins of [[Hlaungadath]] in [[Anauroch]] was located in the [[Dangling Tower]]. It is through this portal that [[Quenthel Baenre]], [[Halisstra Melarn]], and their companions were able to escape the destruction of Ched Nasad in [[1372 DR]].<ref name="Insurr-p362">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|362}}</ref>
   
  +
==Structure==
−
With its destruction, and the huge debris field in this once pristine floors of Ched Nasad it will take many, many years to reclaim the floors. It will be far longer for the city to ever be rebuilt in some way, of its past glory, since in reality the worship of Lolth has ended there.{{fact}}
 
  +
===Pre-destruction===
−  
  +
The city was located in a large V-shaped cavern. The grotto was nearly a mile high and half a mile wide at the top (narrower at the bottom). The walls of the cavern were very steep.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
−
The city had different factions, or houses, all of which vied for power. It was under the indirect rule of [[House Nasadra]] which was governed by Matron Aunrae Nasadra, who succeeded her grandmother as Matron Mother in [[689 DR]]. Recently, there was a revolt in Ched Nasad, which resulted in the near-total annihilation of the city's core, leaving only its outer chambers intact.{{fact}}
 
  +
The city had magically controlled lighting.<ref name="Extinct-p22">{{Cite book/Extinction/Paperback|22}}</ref> The city structure was built of layers of petrified webs that were bathed in [[faerie fire]] that was usually purple, amber, green, and yellow.<ref name="Insurr-p85">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|85}}</ref> Hundreds of webs stretch across the cavern, with nearly vertical webs connecting layers; for ease, the city was generally split into eleven major horizontal levels.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" /> Dwellings on the webs resembled cocoons and were located on both the top sides and bottom sides of the layers.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" /><ref name="Insurr-p74">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|74}}</ref>
−  
  +
The higher the level in Ched Nasad, the richer and better its inhabitants were. Non-drow needed permission to visit the upper levels. However, in the lower levels, few drow were found on the streets.<ref name="Insurr-p75-78">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|75-78}}</ref> The business section of the city was located on the middle levels.<ref name="Insurr-p82">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|82}}</ref>
−
==Description==
  
  +
Water runoff along the cavern wall fostered farms of molds, lichen, and fungi. The cavern floor was used for the rearing of [[rothe|deep rothe]] tended by goblin slaves.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
−
Before Ched Nasad's destruction (1374 DR) during the ''[[War of the Spider Queen]]'', just under thirty thousand drow dwelled in the City of Shimmering Webs. That figure had declined slightly in recent centuries, due to the common in-fighting, politics, and intrigue of the drow. Approximately sixteen hundred drow were considered nobles, each of whom were a member of one of the many small, flexible noble houses. More than seventy thousand other inhabitants also lived in Ched Nasad, serving the drow citizenry as slaves. Commonly seen races once included dwarves, hobgoblins, orcs, quaggoths, svirfneblin, and thaaluud. No drow citizen of Ched Nasad were ever officially a 'slave,' but many were slaves in all but name. Only drow battle captives won from outside the city could be held openly as slaves. Upwards of two thousand visitors resided in Ched Nasad at any given time, including powerful creatures such as aboleth, deep dragons, grell, illithids, and fiends from the lower planes. Eye tyrants were the notable exceptions. The drow in the past had warred with the beholders of the Graypeaks Hive for centuries and did not tolerate their presence in the city.{{fact}}
  
  +
Multiple gates lead into the city. The Fracture Gate opened up into the lowest quarters of the city.<ref name="Insurr-p73">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|73}}</ref>
−  
  +
===Post-destruction===
−
The city is currently a ruined heap, with all of the central core, and those web structures that were connected to that core, having been firebombed by attacking dark dwarves. The calcified webs were weakened, shattered, broken apart. The web strands and what they held up fell to the bottom of the cavern. All that remains are parts of the ruined web strands that stayed connected to portions of the walls of the cavern.{{fact}}
 +
After its destruction, the city was a ruined heap, with all of the central core having been firebombed by the attacking duergar. The calcified webs were weakened and broken apart. The web strands and what they held up fell to the bottom of the cavern. All that remained were parts of the ruined web strands that stayed connected to portions of the walls of the cavern. It was expected to take many, many years to reclaim the floors and rebuild the city.{{fact}}
  +
The Jaezred Chaulssin quickly moved in to take charge of the rebuilding of the city. Within a few months, the bottom of the chasm had already began melding with the [[Shadow Fringe]] (part of the [[Plane of Shadow]]).<ref name="Res-p114">{{Cite book/Resurrection/Paperback|114}}</ref>
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
  +
===Founding===
−
Ched Nasad was founded by exiles from Menzoberranzan who sided with House Nasadra against House S'sril following the near destruction of Menzoberranzan by the wizards of House Thaeyalla. Afterward, House Baenre proposed a compromise that those under the rule of House Nasadra would found another city to the glory of the Spider Queen while those who sided with House S'sril would remain. Lolth herself appeared in avatar form and blessed the wisdom and forbearance of House Baenre. The Spider Queen then laid down the Way of Lolth, the basic laws under which both cities were to live, and decreed that the two cities must remain friendly to one another.{{fact}}
 +
Ched Nasad was founded in {{Yearlink|-3843}} by exiles from Menzoberranzan who had sided with [[House Nasadra]] against [[House S'sril]] after the city was nearly destroyed by [[House Thaeyalla]]. Afterward, House Baenre encouraged House Nasadra to found another city honoring [[Lolth]], the Spider Queen, while those who sided with House S'sril remained. An avatar of Lolth herself appeared and gave her blessing to this plan, decreeing that the two cities were to remain friendly with each other.<ref name="DDGttU-p53">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|53}}</ref>
−  
−
Although Ched Nasad is only several weeks away from Menzoberranzan, the Nasadran drow wandered for decades before founding their new city. Eventually an avatar of Lolth led House Nasadra and its followers to the grotto where Ched Nasad now lies. Before vanishing, the avatar wove a great web from one wall to the other that then burst into flame. When the fires died down, the web had been transformed into stone, shimmering with faerie fire. Since the city's founding in -3843 DR, the Nasadrans had continued to expand this handiwork. Shimmering webs now encompass the entire cavern. Ched Nasad flourished despite centuries of fighting with the dwarves of [[Ammarindar]], the beholders of the Graypeaks Hive, the [[phaerimm]] beneath [[Anauroch]], and the fiends of [[Hellgate Keep]].{{fact}}
+
The Nasadran drow wandered for decades before Lolth's avatar led them to the grotto where they were to found their new city. Before it left, the avatar wove a great web throughout the cavern which was turned into stone and lined with faerie fire.<ref name="DDGttU-p53" /> The city continued to expand with the help of [[guardian spiders]], which could be summoned from stone statuettes to repair the stone webs or create new ones.<ref name="Insurr-p307-308">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|307-308}}</ref>
  +
Ched Nasad flourished despite regular fighting with the [[dwarf|dwarves]] of [[Ammarindar]], the beholders of the [[Graypeaks Hive]], the [[phaerimm]] beneath [[Anauroch]], and the [[fiend]]s of [[Hellgate Keep]].<ref name="DDGttU-p53" />
−  
  +
In [[1233 DR]], a number of drow from [[House Mylyl]] left the city for the [[Far Forest]] to continue their magical experiments and ended up creating the [[chitine]] race.<ref name="TGHotR-p153" />
−
While the rule of the Spider Queen's clergy and the noble houses was absolute, both wizards and merchants wielded influence and were in large part responsible for the city's prosperity. Much of Ched Nasad's fortune prior to its destruction came directly from its proximity to the caverns beneath ancient [[Netheril]]. Strong enough to hold their own against the phaerimm armies, the Nasadran drow periodically raided the phaerimm lands known as the Buried Realms (see ''Environs of Ooltul'').{{fact}}
  
  +
===Destruction===
−  
  +
During the ''[[Silence of Lolth]]'' in [[1372 DR]] when Lolth did not communicate with her clergy or grant them spells, a plot by the [[Jaezred Chaulssin]] (inadvertently) led to the near-complete destruction of the city on [[Uktar]] 3.<ref name="Insurr">{{Cite book/Insurrection}}</ref><ref name="TGHotR-p153" />
−
Although more than half of all raiding bands never returned, the plunder recovered by those that did return was unmatched. For centuries, Nasadran drow traded remnants of Netheril's faded heritage. Merchant caravans plied regular subterranean trade routes beneath the northern and southern ends of the High Forest to trading partners in Menzoberranzan, [[Gracklstugh]], [[Ch'Chitl]], [[Eryndlyn]], and points beyond.{{fact}}
  
  +
The city was already in upheaval at this time, as mobs arose in the city due to people blaming the priestesses of Lolth for angering the Spider Queen and fearing invasion.<ref name="Insurr-p166">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|166}}</ref> Additionally, refugees had flooded the city; it was estimated that there were three times as many people in the city as there were normally, and many of them were starving.<ref name="Insurr-p74">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|74}}</ref>
−  
  +
However, the true trouble began when the [[matron mother]] of a minor merchant house, [[Ssipriina Zauvirr]] of [[House Zauvirr]], used [[Zammzt]] to hire the [[duergar]] mercenary band [[Clan Xornbane]] to aid her in destroying her rival, [[House Melarn (Ched Nasad)|House Melarn]]. What Ssipriina didn't know, however, was that Zammzt was in fact a prince of the [[Jaezred Chaulssin]] and his intention was to weaken the city so that his group could take over. He provided [[stonefire]] to the mercenaries and prematurely gave them word to attack. The stonefire destroyed House Melarn but also had a massively destructive effect on the city, causing the house and the layer of web on which it was build to fall into the chasm and destroy the levels underneath it.<ref name="Insurr" />
−
During the ''[[War of the Spider Queen]]'' the city was attacked and eventually destroyed by a large force of dark dwarf mercenaries, led by Captain Khorrl Xornbane. These duergar employed alchemical 'stonefire' bombs, which weakened and finally shattered the upper web strands, which collapsed onto and destroyed strands underneath them. Eventually the whole central core collapsed, taking with them all of the dwellings, buildings, roadways, and shops that had been built or connected to the web strands.{{fact}}
 
  +
In order to defend the city, the five of the most powerful matron mothers ([[Aunrae Nasadra]], [[Umrae D'Dgttu]], [[Nedylene Zinard]], [[Ulviirala Rilynt]], and [[ShiNeerune Hlaund]]) summoned a humongous black [[guardian spider]]. However, the guardian spider (and soon another guardian spider it summoned) was never in their telepathic control, due to the artifacts being divine artifacts and tied to the power of Lolth, and began raging through the city, further compounding the chaos.<ref name="Insurr-p247,276">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|247,276}}</ref>
−  
  +
Eventually, the entire city fell into the chasm in smoke and flames, marking the end of the great days of Ched Nasad.<ref name="Insurr" /> The [[Jaezred Chaulssin]] admitted that such utter destruction had not been their plan, but they were determined to take advantage of it.<ref name="Condemn-p121">{{Cite book/Condemnation/Paperback|121}}</ref>
−
What used to be Chad Nasad now lies in a gigantic debris field on the floor of the cavern. It will take many years to clean up this mess, and many more years to rebuild the destroyed city of Ched Nasad.{{fact}}
  
  +
===Post-destruction===
−  
  +
It was estimated that half of Ched Nasad perished in the fall and a third fled into the tunnels.<ref name="Condemn-p11">{{Cite book/Condemnation/Paperback|11}}</ref> There were about 6,000 (presumably drow) who survived the initial destruction of the city and remained there, but over the next few months, nearly half of those died of privation or to monsters or simply left the city. A dozen minor houses who located on the sides of the chasm and in side caverns survived, although their holdings were quickly ransacked and they were forced to live in camps on the edge of the hole that is the city. Gangs, many run by non-drow ex-slaves, cropped up in the area.<ref name="U-135-136">{{Cite book/Underdark|135-136}}</ref>
−
Following the [[Spellplague]] that ravaged the Realms Above, Ched Nasad is still nothing but a small settlement, populated by the descendants of the survivors of the city's destruction in 1374DR. There are a few noble houses that remained, reformed, and filled the void of power, but the government of this small settlement is 'run' by the [[Jaezred Chaulssin]], whose leader is known as the 'Revered Grandfather Mauzzkyl'. There are two joint leaders in the city, 'Patron Father Zammzt' and 'Patron Father Tomphael,' with assistance from other, lesser sect members. However, even under their leadership, the city has not recovered even a fraction of its glory a century after its fall.{{fact}}
 
  +
[[House Teh'Kinrelliz]] was one house that survived because its noble members were away on a chitine hunt. Because of its size, it quickly rose to a position of power, setting up tools for reclamation at the edge of the city's pit and capturing slaves to do the work for them.<ref name="U-135-136" />
−  
  +
[[Zesstra Aleanrahel]], a daughter of one of the ruling houses, survived the city's destruction and gathered a cult of more than 70 worshipers of [[Shar]] to enact revenge on her remaining enemies. Her zeal turned away many of the cultists, however.<ref name="U-135-136" />
−
The city has had to protect itself from multiple attacks by numerous Underdark forces that have heard of or were witness to its destruction. The city has also drawn attention from various other quarters. These years have also been very fluid, and the Jaezred Chaulssin are finding out that their hold on Ched Nasad is tenuous at best.{{fact}}
  
  +
Additionally, the evil [[blue dragon]] [[Krashos Morueme|Krashos]], disguised as a drow named "Quevven Jusztiirn," was living in the city at the time of its disaster. He survived, but lost some magical items he attempted to retrieve by capturing a fire genasi named [[Hurnoj Rikrekts]] to do his dirty work.<ref name="U" />
  +
At the end of the Silence of Lolth in [[1373 DR]], the Jaezred Chaulssin moved to control the ruins of Ched Nasad.<ref name="TGHotR-p153" /> Directed by Patron Father [[Mauzzkyl Jaezred|Mauzzkyl]], the [[Shadow Dragon|Shadow Wyrm]], overall progress moved slowly but the bottom of the chasm quickly began merging with the [[Plane of Shadow]].<ref name="Annih-p364">{{Cite book/Annihilation/Paperback|364}}</ref><ref name="Res-p114">{{Cite book/Resurrection/Paperback|114}}</ref>
  +
After their siege against [[Menzoberranzan]] failed, the Jaezred Chaulssin realized that they couldn't restore Ched Nasad on their own and left for [[Chaulssin]], and enforced to have influence in the city's power structure.<ref name="FRCG-p233">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|233}}</ref>
  +
===Post-Spellplague===
  +
Ched Nasad was officially ruled by a ruling council<ref name="M.CoI-106">{{Cite book/Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue|106}}</ref> of seven Houses with [[House Teh'Kinrellz]] as the leading House and its matron [[Faathryll Teh'Kinrellz]] in full control of it.<ref name="FRCG-p233">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|233}}</ref> The council was considered an abomination by the one in [[Menzoberranzan]], because House Teh'Kinrellz's male members held power that equaled and sometimes exceeded the one owned by the female [[cleric]]s of [[Lolth]]. These male [[drow]] were controlled by in turn by the [[Jaezred Chaulssin]].<ref name="M.CoI-106">{{Cite book/Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue|106}}</ref> The city in general had a close association with the [[assassin]]s' guild,<ref name="FRCG-p233" /> which maintained its major fosterage as nobility<ref name="M.CoI-71">{{Cite book/Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue|71}}</ref> under Patron Father [[Zammzt Everharn]].<ref "CoW-6">{{Cite web enhancement/City of Wyrmshadows|6}}</ref> While much of the city remained in ruins, the arrangement of power proved itself successful. The lower city was civilized enough to allow trade to be reestablished with Menzoberranzan. While ideological differences between the cities were a problem, there were also more tangible problems for this trade in the form of the [[beholder]]s of [[Graypeaks Hive]] and the [[tanarukk]]s from [[Ammarindar]].<ref name="M.CoI-106" />
  +
In [[1463 DR]], Menzoberranyr drow talking about the city said it had never been rebuilt.<ref name="CC-p5">{{Cite book/Charon's Claw/Hardcover|5}}</ref>
   
 
==Government==
  
==Government==
  +
===Pre-destruction===
−
The Council, composed of the matron mothers of the twelve highest-ranking noble houses, were the rulers of Ched Nasad before its destruction. That roster included Aunrae Nasadra of House Nasadra, Umrae D'Dgttu of House D'Dgttu, Drisinil Melarn of House Melarn, Shyntlara Auvryndar [a vampire of House Auvryndar], Inidil Mylyl of House Mylyl, Jyslin Aleanrahel of House Aleanrahel, Talabrina Claddath of House Claddath, Ulviirala Rilynt of House Rilynt'tar, Lirdnolu Maerret of House Maerret, Nedylene Zinard of House Zinard, Pellanistra Ousstyl of House Ousstyl, and ShriNeerune Hlaund of House Hlaund.{{fact}}
 
  +
The city was officially ruled by the Council, which was composed of the [[matron mother]]s of the first twelve houses of the city. In [[1370 DR]], those leaders were [[Aunrae Nasadra]], [[Umrae D'Dgttu]], [[Drisinil Melarn]], [[Shyntlara Auvryndar]], [[Inidil Mylyl]], [[Jyslin Aleanrahel]], [[Talabrina Claddath]], [[Ulviirala Rilynt]] ([[House Rilynt'tar]]), [[Lirdnolu Maerret]], [[Nedylene Zinard]], [[Pellanistra Ousstyl]], and [[ShriNeerune Hlaund]]. However, as the matron mother of the most powerful house in Ched Nasad, [[Aunrae Nasadra]] of [[House Nasadra]] (matron since [[689 DR]]) held the greatest power, said to be unmatched even by the scope of [[Yvonnel Baenre]] of [[House Baenre]] in [[Menzoberranzan]].<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
While the rule of the clergy and the noble houses was absolute, both wizards and merchants wielded great influence.<ref name="DDGttU-p53" />
  +
===Post-destruction===
  +
After the destruction of the city, the [[Jaezred Chaulssin]] took control of the city. They were a group of [[shadow dragon]]-blooded assassins that were determined to rid drow society of the worship of Lolth and the matriarchy.<ref name="TGHotR-p153" /> Because of the great destruction of the city, it would take many years for the Jaezred Chaulssin to reclaim even a fraction of its former glory, but they were determined to rebuild the city in their image.<ref name="Annih">{{Cite book/Annihilation}}</ref>
   
  +
==Inhabitants==
−
All of these leaders were either destroyed or scattered when Ched Nasad was shattered, and the Jaezred Chaulssin now rule the remnants.{{fact}}
 
  +
===Pre-destruction===
  +
Before Ched Nasad's destruction in [[1372 DR]],the city had a population of just under 30,000 drow. That figure had been declining somewhat for centuries due to the common in-fighting, politics, and intrigue of the drow. Approximately 1,600 drow were considered nobles, forming about 100 noble houses.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
An additional 70,000 inhabitants lived in the city, the majority of them slaves (although officially there were no slaves; only drow battle captives could be openly named slaves). Frequently seen races were [[dwarf|dwarves]], [[hobgoblin]]s, [[orc]]s, [[quaggoth]]s, [[svirfneblin]], and [[thaaluud]].<ref name="DDGttU-p50">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|50}}</ref> [[Bugbear]]s were also common.<ref name="Insurr-p94">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|94}}</ref>
  +
Typically, there were about 2,000 visitors residing in the city. These included [[aboleth]]s, [[deep dragon]]s, [[grell]], [[illithid]]s, and even [[fiend]]s.<ref name="DDGttU-p50" /> [[Duergar]] traders were particularly common.<ref name="Insurr-p94">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|94}}</ref> However, [[beholder]]s were not welcome in the city due to past wars with the [[Graypeaks Hive]].<ref name="DDGttU-p50" /> Surfacers were relatively rare due to general inaccessibility of the city.<ref name="DDGttU-p51" />
  +
===Post-destruction===
  +
There were about 6,000 (presumably drow) who survived the initial destruction of the city, but over the next few months, nearly half of those died of privation or monster or simply left the city. Gangs, many run by non-drow ex-slaves, cropped up in the area.<ref name="U">{{Cite book/Underdark|135-136}}</ref>
   
  +
==Culture==
−
The Jaezred Chaulssin are in reality a very long-lived, very formidable group of dragons that can transform into humanoid forms of their choosing. This group is against Lolth and all other sects, agendas, and alignments. They are a sect unto themselves, live in the shadows, and form a 'hidden' group that is secretively active in spreading their power, by any and all means. This group has a rigid, formal hierarchy, led only by males, which bodes ill for those that come into contact with them. They also do not treat failures as a positive thing, or as a valid option.{{fact}}
  
  +
===Education===
  +
There were a number of wizards' guilds and schools located in the city where aspiring mages could be trained, including the [[Disciples of Phelthong]], the [[Weavespinners Academy]], the [[Runemasters of the Dangling Tower]], and the [[Arcanist Conservatory]]. The schools are more or less independent, although a few are tied to noble houses. Rivalries between the schools not only exist but can also serve as proxies for interhouse warfare.<ref name="DDGttU-p51" />
  +
===Food and drink===
  +
Common staples of Ched Nasad were [[rothe]] meat and cheese, as well as the fungus cultivated on the walls of the cavern. The [[Glowing Goblet]] tavern has a specialty drink known as [[glowwine]], which is named for its faerie fire glow.<ref name="DDGttU-p49-51">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|49-51}}</ref>
  ⚫
==Trade==
  +
Ched Nasad produced a great variety of items. These included body dyes, pottery (from calcified webs), everdark ink (from deep dragon scales), fine armor and weapons, giant solifugids (used as guardians), molds (brown, chromatic, death, deep, gray, russet, sonic, and yellow), poisons, potions, [[riding lizards]], [[rothe]] wool, meat, cheese, spells, textiles, and water.<ref name="DDGttU-p50" />
  +
[[Netherese]] artifacts made up a significant part of Ched Nasad's fortune. Regular raids into the [[phaerimm]] lands (known as the [[Buried Realms]]) produced valuable plunder, even though more than half of all raiding bands never returned.<ref name="DDGttU-p53">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|53}}</ref>
  +
Foreign traders in Ched Nasad included [[duergar]], [[trog]]s, and [[kuo-toa]]. <ref name="Insurr-p88">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|88}}</ref> Merchants sold mushrooms, jewelry, potions, [[chitine]]s, and slugs, among other items<ref name="Insurr-p85-87">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|85-87}}</ref> Several trading guilds operated in Ched Nasad, including the [[White Spider Company]], [[Fellowship of the Seventh Scepter]], [[Company of the Flickering Flame]], and the [[Dragon's Hoard]] (destroyed in [[1361 DR]]). The Council did not allow lesser nobles to invest in a single company, instead pressuring them to invest in multiple companies.<ref name="DDGttU-p51">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|51}}</ref>
  +
Before its destruction, Ched Nasad provided fully half of Menzoberranzan's goods.<ref name="Insurr-p77">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|77}}</ref> Other trading partners included [[Gracklstugh]], [[Ch'Chitl]], and [[Eryndlyn]], [[Gualidurth]], and [[Underspires]].<ref name="DDGttU-p52-53">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|52-53}}</ref>
   
  +
==Defenses==
−
The Jaezred Chaulssin are now the real rulers of Ched Nasad, in their drow and other humanoid forms. With all other previous leaders killed or having fled the destruction, with very few survivors (under 5,000 drow, and around 2,000 slaves), it will be many, many years before Ched Nasad will be able to reclaim even a fraction of its former glory. But the new 'hidden' rulers are patient and have all the time in the world to build, and wait.{{fact}}
  
  +
Before its destruction, Ched Nasad had more than 12,000 drow soldiers and 6,000 slaves that were directed by noble houses, merchant companies, or mercenary bands. An additional 1,200 drow wizards and 15,000 priests lived in the city; all of them except the nobles were required to serve one month per year in the military.<ref name="DDGttU-p50" />
−  
  +
The ruling [[matron mother]]s could also summon [[guardian spiders]] to protect the city. Guardian spiders were huge black spiders that protected and repaired the city. They had originally been summoned by priestesses and wizards at the founding of the city of Ched Nasad to spin the city's webs, which were then turned to stone. They were Lolth's blessing. After they created the city's levels, they were transformed into crystal statues but could be brought to life by the matrons of Ched Nasad in times of great need. They could repair the city or defend it.<ref name="Insurr-p307-308">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|307-308}}</ref> Guardian spiders were also able to summon other guardian spiders.<ref name="Insurr-p297">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|297}}</ref>
⚫
==Trade==
  
−
Before its destuction, Ched Nasad provided fully half of Menzoberranzan's good.<ref name="Diss-p77"/>
  
   
 
==Locations of interest==
  
==Locations of interest==
−
Prior to destruction, the following buildings exited in Ched Nasad. (Note: Levels are numbered from top to bottom, with the lowest level being the eleventh level.)
 +
Prior to destruction, the following buildings exited in Ched Nasad. (Note: The major levels are numbered from top to bottom, with the lowest level being the eleventh level.)
−  
 
===Houses===
  
===Houses===
  +
{{See also|List of drow houses#Ched Nasad}}
⚫
* [[House Nasadra]], located on the first (top) level.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
  
  +
* '''[[House Nasadra]]''', located on the first (top) level.<ref name="Insurr-map">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|Map}}</ref> It had had high balconies from which one could view the city and its stone webs and castles.<ref name="Condemn-p2">{{Cite book/Condemnation/Paperback|2}}</ref>
⚫
* [[House Melarn]], located on the second level beneath House Nadadra.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
  
−
* [[House Aleandrahel]], hanging from the bottom of the second level near House Auvryndar.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
 +
* '''[[House Melarn (Ched Nasad)|House Melarn]]''', located on the second level.<ref name="Insurr-map" />
−
* [[House Auvryndar]], located on the second level near House Melarn.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
 +
* '''[[House Aleandrahel]]''', hanging from the bottom of the second level.<ref name="Insurr-map" />
−
* [[House Mylyl]].<ref name="Diss-p229">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|229}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[House Auvryndar (Ched Nasad)|House Auvryndar]]''', located on the second level.<ref name="Insurr-map" /><ref name="DDGttU-p49">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|49}}</ref>
−
* [[House Zinard]], a house that raised [[rothe]].<ref name="DotD-p192">{{Cite book/Daughter of the Drow/2003|192}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[House D'Dgttu]]'''.<ref name="Insurr-p173">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|173}}</ref>
−
* [[House Maerret]].<ref name="Insurr-p153">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|153}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[House Rilynt'tar]]'''.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
* '''[[House Claddath]]'''.<ref name="DDGttU-p49">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|49}}</ref>
−  
  +
* '''[[House Hlaund]]'''.<ref name="Insurr-p246">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|246}}</ref>
−
===Other establishments===
  
−
* [[The Dangling Tower]], a tower hanging from the roof of the cavern.<ref name="Insurr-map">{{Cite book/Insurrection|Map}}</ref>
+
* '''[[House Mylyl]]'''.<ref name="Diss-p229">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|229}}</ref>
−
* [[White Spider Company]], located on the fifth level.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
+
* '''[[House Ousstyl (Ched Nasad)|House Ousttyl]]<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />'''
  +
* '''[[House Zinard]]''', a house that raised [[rothe]].<ref name="DotD-p192">{{Cite book/Daughter of the Drow/2003|192}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Arcanist Conservatory]], hanging from the bottom of the sixth level.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
  
−
* The [[Glowing Goblet]], located on the ninth level.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
 +
* '''[[House Maerret]]'''.<ref name="Insurr-p153">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|153}}</ref>
−
* The [[Lizard's Kiss]], located on the tenth level.<ref name="Insurr-map"/>
 +
* '''[[House Zauvirr]]''', a minor merchant house.<ref name="Insurr-p246">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|246}}</ref>
  +
* '''[[House Teh'Kinrellz]]''', minor house which survived the destruction of Ched Nasad.<ref name="SotW-19">{{Cite book/Sacrifice of the Widow|19}}</ref><ref name="U" />
  +
* '''[[House Suun Wett]].<ref name="NotH-p155">{{Cite book/Night of the Hunter/Hardcover|155}}</ref>'''
  +
* '''[[House Khareese]].<ref name="NotH-p155" />'''
  +
===Guilds, etc.===
  +
* '''[[The Dangling Tower]]''', a tower hanging from the roof of the cavern and housing the [[Runemasters of the Dangling Tower]].<ref name="DDGttU-p49-51" />
  +
* '''[[Company of the Flickering Flame]]''', a merchant company located on the third level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
* '''[[Disciples of Phelthong]]''', located on the fourth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
* '''[[Fellowship of the Seventh Scepter]]''', a merchant company hanging from the bottom of the fourth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  ⚫
* '''[[White Spider Company]]''', a merchant company located on the fifth level.<ref name="Insurr-map" />
  +
* '''[[Weavespinners Academy]]''', a wizards' school hanging from the bottom of the fifth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" />
  +
* The '''[[Dragon's Hoard]]''', a merchant company destroyed in [[1361 DR]],<ref name="DotD">{{Cite book/Daughter of the Drow}}</ref> located on the sixth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49" /><ref name="DDGttU-p51" />
  ⚫
* '''[[Arcanist Conservatory]]''', a wizards' guild hanging from the bottom of the sixth level.<ref name="Insurr-map" />
  +
===Inns and taverns===
  ⚫
* '''The [[House Unnamed]]''', a fine inn located on the seventh level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49-51" />
  +
* '''The [[Glowing Goblet]]''', a good inn located on the ninth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49-51" />
  +
* '''The [[Lizard's Kiss]]''', a cheap inn located on the tenth level.<ref name="DDGttU-p49-51" />
  +
* '''The [[Flame and the Serpent]]''', an inn run by an orc and located out of the way.<ref name="Insurr-p82-83">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|82-83}}</ref>
  +
===Shops===
  +
* '''[[Garault's Spices]]''', a shop selling spell components.<ref name="Insurr-p141">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|141}}</ref>
   
 
==Notable inhabitants==
  
==Notable inhabitants==
  +
===Pre-destruction===
⚫
* [[Faeryl Zauvirr]], ambassador to Menzoberranzan from ca. [[1358 DR]] to [[1372 DR]].<ref name="Diss-p76">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|76}}</ref><ref name="Diss-p234">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|234}}</ref>
  
−
* [[Brindlor Zidorion]], [[deathsinger]] killed in [[1361 DR]].<ref name="WW-p84">{{Cite book/Windwalker/Hardcover|84}}</ref><ref name="WW-p322">{{Cite book/Windwalker/Hardcover|322}}</ref>
 +
* '''[[Rai-guy Bondalek]]''', formerly of [[House Teyachumet]], [[wizard]]/[[cleric]] lieutenant of [[Bregan D'aerthe]].<ref name="SotS">{{Cite book/Servant of the Shard}}</ref>
  +
* '''[[Brindlor Zidorion]]''', [[deathsinger]] killed in [[1361 DR]].<ref name="WW-p84">{{Cite book/Windwalker/Hardcover|84}}</ref><ref name="WW-p322">{{Cite book/Windwalker/Hardcover|322}}</ref>
  +
* '''[[Aunrae Nasadra]]''', matron mother of [[House Nasadra]] and uncrowned queen of Ched Nasad until its destruction.<ref name="Insurr-p172">{{Cite book/Insurrection/Paperback|172}}</ref>
  ⚫
* '''[[Faeryl Zauvirr]]''', ambassador to Menzoberranzan from ca. [[1358 DR]] to [[1372 DR]].<ref name="Diss-p76">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|76}}</ref><ref name="Diss-p234">{{Cite book/Dissolution/Paperback|234}}</ref>
  +
* '''[[Halisstra Melarn]]''', First Daughter of [[House Melarn (Ched Nasad)|House Melarn]] who survived the city's destruction and traveled on with [[Quenthel Baenre]].<ref name="Insurr" />
  +
* '''[[Q'arlynd Melarn]]''', a survivor of the city's destruction and later worshiper of [[Eilistraee]].<ref name="SotD">{{Cite book/Storm of the Dead/Paperback (2007)}}</ref>
  +
*'''[[Zesstra Aleanrahel]]''', a survivor of the city's destruction and leader of a [[Shar|Sharran]] cult.<ref name="U" />
  +
*'''[[Krashos Morueme|Krashos]]''', an evil [[blue dragon]] previously disguised as a drow named "Quevven Jusztiirn."<ref name="U" />
   
 
==Environs==
  
==Environs==
  +
* [[Ammarindar (kingdom)|Ammarindar]].<ref name="DDGttU-p53" />
−
The environs of Ched Nasad were largely unworked. The stores of metal left after the fall of Ammarindar obviated the need to dig for more. The surrounding Underdark does bear the scars of countless spell battles, however, for the drow of Ched Nasad waged wars against beholders, dwarves, fiends, and phaerimm, with only brief interludes of peace.{{fact}}
  
  +
* [[Araumycos]], the great fungus.<ref name="DDGttU-p54">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|54}}</ref>
  +
* [[Cavern of Cloven Heads]], ancient mines now occupied by [[Uthgardt]] barbarians.<ref name="DDGttU-p54" />
  +
* [[Realm of Stone and Shadow]], a network of caves claimed by the [[sapphire dragon]] [[Malaeragoth]], the Dragon Unseen.<ref name="DDGttU-p55">{{Cite book/Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark|55}}</ref>
  +
* [[Yathchol]], a cluster of [[chitine]] villages a day's walk away.<ref name="DDGttU-p55" />
  +
* [[Graypeaks Hive]], a large [[beholder]] nation located beneath [[Ammarindar]].<ref name="DDGttU-p55" />
   
  +
==Appendix==
−
Although the existence of Ched Nasad is still largely unknown in the Realms Above, its inhabitants are widely feared and hated throughout the Underdark of the North.{{fact}}
  
  +
===See Also===
−
 
  +
* [[Silence of Lolth]]
−
With the Jaezred Chaulssin, this city, if it ever gets truly rebuilt in their image, will be reviled and hated even more. However, with the heap of all that fell to the bottom of the caverns, the floors of what was Ched Nasad will take many years to dig through, move, and reclaim.{{fact}}
  
  +
* [[War of the Spider Queen]] (series)
   
−
==Appearances==
 +
===Appearances===
−
===Novels===
 +
; Novels :
  +
'''[[War of the Spider Queen]]'''
 
* ''[[Dissolution]]'' (mentioned)
  
* ''[[Dissolution]]'' (mentioned)
−
* ''[[Insurrection]]''
 +
* ''[[Insurrection]]'' (major)
  +
* ''[[Condemnation]]'' (minor)
  +
* ''[[Annihilation]]'' (minor)
  +
* ''[[Resurrection]]'' (minor)
   
  +
; Games :
−
==References==
  
  +
* ''[[Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (game)|Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn]]'' (mentioned)
⚫
{{refs}}
  
   
−
===Sources===
 +
===References===
  ⚫
{{Refs}}
−
* {{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|228-231}}
  
 
[[Category:City-states]]
  
[[Category:City-states]]
 
[[Category:Ruins]]
  
[[Category:Ruins]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Drow settlements]]
 
[[Category:Ruined settlements]]
  
[[Category:Ruined settlements]]
 
[[Category:Settlements]]
  
[[Category:Settlements]]
⚫
[[Category:Drow settlements]]
  
⚫
[[Category:Settlements in the Middledark]]
  
−
[[Category:Settlements in the Northdark]]
  
−
[[Category:Settlements in the Underdark]]
  
−
[[Category:Settlements in Faerûn]]
  
−
[[Category:Settlements on Toril]]
  
−
[[Category:Locations]]
  
 
[[Category:Drow locations]]
  
[[Category:Drow locations]]
 
[[Category:Locations in the Middledark]]
  
[[Category:Locations in the Middledark]]
Line 125: Line 191:
 
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
  
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
 
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
  
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Locations in the Shadow Fringe]]

Revision as of 14:24, 18 June 2020

Ched Nasad (pronounced: /ˈtʃɛd nɑːˈsɔːd/ CHED na-SAWD[11]), or the City of Shimmering Webs or City of Webs, was a drow city in the Middle Northdark that was destroyed on Uktar 3, 1372 DR.[5][12]

Geography

Ched Nasad was located in the Middle Northdark beneath the High Gap in the northern Graypeak Mountains.[5] In the Underdark, to the immediate west was the great Araumycos fungus. To the south were the remnants of the Graypeaks Hive of beholders. To the east of the city were the phaerimm-held lands of ancient Netheril. To the far north was the dwarven Fardrimm.[13] It was connected to the surface via tunnels through Ammarindar to the north, which eventually led to orc-held caverns in the Nether Mountains and the Fardrimm. Access points along the way could be found through the Nameless Dungeon, Hellgate Dell, and the ruins of Myth Glaurach.[14] Menzoberranzan was a journey of several tendays to the northeast on the other side of Araumycos.[15] The path through Ammarindar was the quickest journey between Menzoberranzan and Ched Nasad, but it was less traveled because of the danger that lurked there.[16] A portal to the ruins of Hlaungadath in Anauroch was located in the Dangling Tower. It is through this portal that Quenthel Baenre, Halisstra Melarn, and their companions were able to escape the destruction of Ched Nasad in 1372 DR.[17]

Structure

Pre-destruction

The city was located in a large V-shaped cavern. The grotto was nearly a mile high and half a mile wide at the top (narrower at the bottom). The walls of the cavern were very steep.[5] The city had magically controlled lighting.[18] The city structure was built of layers of petrified webs that were bathed in faerie fire that was usually purple, amber, green, and yellow.[19] Hundreds of webs stretch across the cavern, with nearly vertical webs connecting layers; for ease, the city was generally split into eleven major horizontal levels.[5] Dwellings on the webs resembled cocoons and were located on both the top sides and bottom sides of the layers.[5][20] The higher the level in Ched Nasad, the richer and better its inhabitants were. Non-drow needed permission to visit the upper levels. However, in the lower levels, few drow were found on the streets.[21] The business section of the city was located on the middle levels.[22] Water runoff along the cavern wall fostered farms of molds, lichen, and fungi. The cavern floor was used for the rearing of deep rothe tended by goblin slaves.[5] Multiple gates lead into the city. The Fracture Gate opened up into the lowest quarters of the city.[23]

Post-destruction

After its destruction, the city was a ruined heap, with all of the central core having been firebombed by the attacking duergar. The calcified webs were weakened and broken apart. The web strands and what they held up fell to the bottom of the cavern. All that remained were parts of the ruined web strands that stayed connected to portions of the walls of the cavern. It was expected to take many, many years to reclaim the floors and rebuild the city.[citation needed] The Jaezred Chaulssin quickly moved in to take charge of the rebuilding of the city. Within a few months, the bottom of the chasm had already began melding with the Shadow Fringe (part of the Plane of Shadow).[24]

History

Founding

Ched Nasad was founded in −3843 DR by exiles from Menzoberranzan who had sided with House Nasadra against House S'sril after the city was nearly destroyed by House Thaeyalla. Afterward, House Baenre encouraged House Nasadra to found another city honoring Lolth, the Spider Queen, while those who sided with House S'sril remained. An avatar of Lolth herself appeared and gave her blessing to this plan, decreeing that the two cities were to remain friendly with each other.[13] The Nasadran drow wandered for decades before Lolth's avatar led them to the grotto where they were to found their new city. Before it left, the avatar wove a great web throughout the cavern which was turned into stone and lined with faerie fire.[13] The city continued to expand with the help of guardian spiders, which could be summoned from stone statuettes to repair the stone webs or create new ones.[25] Ched Nasad flourished despite regular fighting with the dwarves of Ammarindar, the beholders of the Graypeaks Hive, the phaerimm beneath Anauroch, and the fiends of Hellgate Keep.[13] In 1233 DR, a number of drow from House Mylyl left the city for the Far Forest to continue their magical experiments and ended up creating the chitine race.[12]

Destruction

During the Silence of Lolth in 1372 DR when Lolth did not communicate with her clergy or grant them spells, a plot by the Jaezred Chaulssin (inadvertently) led to the near-complete destruction of the city on Uktar 3.[26][12] The city was already in upheaval at this time, as mobs arose in the city due to people blaming the priestesses of Lolth for angering the Spider Queen and fearing invasion.[27] Additionally, refugees had flooded the city; it was estimated that there were three times as many people in the city as there were normally, and many of them were starving.[20] However, the true trouble began when the matron mother of a minor merchant house, Ssipriina Zauvirr of House Zauvirr, used Zammzt to hire the duergar mercenary band Clan Xornbane to aid her in destroying her rival, House Melarn. What Ssipriina didn't know, however, was that Zammzt was in fact a prince of the Jaezred Chaulssin and his intention was to weaken the city so that his group could take over. He provided stonefire to the mercenaries and prematurely gave them word to attack. The stonefire destroyed House Melarn but also had a massively destructive effect on the city, causing the house and the layer of web on which it was build to fall into the chasm and destroy the levels underneath it.[26] In order to defend the city, the five of the most powerful matron mothers (Aunrae Nasadra, Umrae D'Dgttu, Nedylene Zinard, Ulviirala Rilynt, and ShiNeerune Hlaund) summoned a humongous black guardian spider. However, the guardian spider (and soon another guardian spider it summoned) was never in their telepathic control, due to the artifacts being divine artifacts and tied to the power of Lolth, and began raging through the city, further compounding the chaos.[28] Eventually, the entire city fell into the chasm in smoke and flames, marking the end of the great days of Ched Nasad.[26] The Jaezred Chaulssin admitted that such utter destruction had not been their plan, but they were determined to take advantage of it.[29]

Post-destruction

It was estimated that half of Ched Nasad perished in the fall and a third fled into the tunnels.[30] There were about 6,000 (presumably drow) who survived the initial destruction of the city and remained there, but over the next few months, nearly half of those died of privation or to monsters or simply left the city. A dozen minor houses who located on the sides of the chasm and in side caverns survived, although their holdings were quickly ransacked and they were forced to live in camps on the edge of the hole that is the city. Gangs, many run by non-drow ex-slaves, cropped up in the area.[31] House Teh'Kinrelliz was one house that survived because its noble members were away on a chitine hunt. Because of its size, it quickly rose to a position of power, setting up tools for reclamation at the edge of the city's pit and capturing slaves to do the work for them.[31] Zesstra Aleanrahel, a daughter of one of the ruling houses, survived the city's destruction and gathered a cult of more than 70 worshipers of Shar to enact revenge on her remaining enemies. Her zeal turned away many of the cultists, however.[31] Additionally, the evil blue dragon Krashos, disguised as a drow named "Quevven Jusztiirn," was living in the city at the time of its disaster. He survived, but lost some magical items he attempted to retrieve by capturing a fire genasi named Hurnoj Rikrekts to do his dirty work.[32] At the end of the Silence of Lolth in 1373 DR, the Jaezred Chaulssin moved to control the ruins of Ched Nasad.[12] Directed by Patron Father Mauzzkyl, the Shadow Wyrm, overall progress moved slowly but the bottom of the chasm quickly began merging with the Plane of Shadow.[33][24] After their siege against Menzoberranzan failed, the Jaezred Chaulssin realized that they couldn't restore Ched Nasad on their own and left for Chaulssin, and enforced to have influence in the city's power structure.[7]

Post-Spellplague

Ched Nasad was officially ruled by a ruling council[6] of seven Houses with House Teh'Kinrellz as the leading House and its matron Faathryll Teh'Kinrellz in full control of it.[7] The council was considered an abomination by the one in Menzoberranzan, because House Teh'Kinrellz's male members held power that equaled and sometimes exceeded the one owned by the female clerics of Lolth. These male drow were controlled by in turn by the Jaezred Chaulssin.[6] The city in general had a close association with the assassins' guild,[7] which maintained its major fosterage as nobility[34] under Patron Father Zammzt Everharn.[35] While much of the city remained in ruins, the arrangement of power proved itself successful. The lower city was civilized enough to allow trade to be reestablished with Menzoberranzan. While ideological differences between the cities were a problem, there were also more tangible problems for this trade in the form of the beholders of Graypeaks Hive and the tanarukks from Ammarindar.[6] In 1463 DR, Menzoberranyr drow talking about the city said it had never been rebuilt.[36]

Government

Pre-destruction

The city was officially ruled by the Council, which was composed of the matron mothers of the first twelve houses of the city. In 1370 DR, those leaders were Aunrae Nasadra, Umrae D'Dgttu, Drisinil Melarn, Shyntlara Auvryndar, Inidil Mylyl, Jyslin Aleanrahel, Talabrina Claddath, Ulviirala Rilynt (House Rilynt'tar), Lirdnolu Maerret, Nedylene Zinard, Pellanistra Ousstyl, and ShriNeerune Hlaund. However, as the matron mother of the most powerful house in Ched Nasad, Aunrae Nasadra of House Nasadra (matron since 689 DR) held the greatest power, said to be unmatched even by the scope of Yvonnel Baenre of House Baenre in Menzoberranzan.[5] While the rule of the clergy and the noble houses was absolute, both wizards and merchants wielded great influence.[13]

Post-destruction

After the destruction of the city, the Jaezred Chaulssin took control of the city. They were a group of shadow dragon-blooded assassins that were determined to rid drow society of the worship of Lolth and the matriarchy.[12] Because of the great destruction of the city, it would take many years for the Jaezred Chaulssin to reclaim even a fraction of its former glory, but they were determined to rebuild the city in their image.[37]

Inhabitants

Pre-destruction

Before Ched Nasad's destruction in 1372 DR,the city had a population of just under 30,000 drow. That figure had been declining somewhat for centuries due to the common in-fighting, politics, and intrigue of the drow. Approximately 1,600 drow were considered nobles, forming about 100 noble houses.[5] An additional 70,000 inhabitants lived in the city, the majority of them slaves (although officially there were no slaves; only drow battle captives could be openly named slaves). Frequently seen races were dwarves, hobgoblins, orcs, quaggoths, svirfneblin, and thaaluud.[8] Bugbears were also common.[38] Typically, there were about 2,000 visitors residing in the city. These included aboleths, deep dragons, grell, illithids, and even fiends.[8] Duergar traders were particularly common.[38] However, beholders were not welcome in the city due to past wars with the Graypeaks Hive.[8] Surfacers were relatively rare due to general inaccessibility of the city.[14]

Post-destruction

There were about 6,000 (presumably drow) who survived the initial destruction of the city, but over the next few months, nearly half of those died of privation or monster or simply left the city. Gangs, many run by non-drow ex-slaves, cropped up in the area.[32]

Culture

Education

There were a number of wizards' guilds and schools located in the city where aspiring mages could be trained, including the Disciples of Phelthong, the Weavespinners Academy, the Runemasters of the Dangling Tower, and the Arcanist Conservatory. The schools are more or less independent, although a few are tied to noble houses. Rivalries between the schools not only exist but can also serve as proxies for interhouse warfare.[14]

Food and drink

Common staples of Ched Nasad were rothe meat and cheese, as well as the fungus cultivated on the walls of the cavern. The Glowing Goblet tavern has a specialty drink known as glowwine, which is named for its faerie fire glow.[39]

Trade

Ched Nasad produced a great variety of items. These included body dyes, pottery (from calcified webs), everdark ink (from deep dragon scales), fine armor and weapons, giant solifugids (used as guardians), molds (brown, chromatic, death, deep, gray, russet, sonic, and yellow), poisons, potions, riding lizards, rothe wool, meat, cheese, spells, textiles, and water.[8] Netherese artifacts made up a significant part of Ched Nasad's fortune. Regular raids into the phaerimm lands (known as the Buried Realms) produced valuable plunder, even though more than half of all raiding bands never returned.[13] Foreign traders in Ched Nasad included duergar, trogs, and kuo-toa. [40] Merchants sold mushrooms, jewelry, potions, chitines, and slugs, among other items[41] Several trading guilds operated in Ched Nasad, including the White Spider Company, Fellowship of the Seventh Scepter, Company of the Flickering Flame, and the Dragon's Hoard (destroyed in 1361 DR). The Council did not allow lesser nobles to invest in a single company, instead pressuring them to invest in multiple companies.[14] Before its destruction, Ched Nasad provided fully half of Menzoberranzan's goods.[42] Other trading partners included Gracklstugh, Ch'Chitl, and Eryndlyn, Gualidurth, and Underspires.[43]

Defenses

Before its destruction, Ched Nasad had more than 12,000 drow soldiers and 6,000 slaves that were directed by noble houses, merchant companies, or mercenary bands. An additional 1,200 drow wizards and 15,000 priests lived in the city; all of them except the nobles were required to serve one month per year in the military.[8] The ruling matron mothers could also summon guardian spiders to protect the city. Guardian spiders were huge black spiders that protected and repaired the city. They had originally been summoned by priestesses and wizards at the founding of the city of Ched Nasad to spin the city's webs, which were then turned to stone. They were Lolth's blessing. After they created the city's levels, they were transformed into crystal statues but could be brought to life by the matrons of Ched Nasad in times of great need. They could repair the city or defend it.[25] Guardian spiders were also able to summon other guardian spiders.[44]

Locations of interest

Prior to destruction, the following buildings exited in Ched Nasad. (Note: The major levels are numbered from top to bottom, with the lowest level being the eleventh level.)

Houses

See also: List of drow houses#Ched Nasad

Guilds, etc.

  • The Dangling Tower, a tower hanging from the roof of the cavern and housing the Runemasters of the Dangling Tower.[39]
  • Company of the Flickering Flame, a merchant company located on the third level.[5]
  • Disciples of Phelthong, located on the fourth level.[5]
  • Fellowship of the Seventh Scepter, a merchant company hanging from the bottom of the fourth level.[5]
  • White Spider Company, a merchant company located on the fifth level.[45]
  • Weavespinners Academy, a wizards' school hanging from the bottom of the fifth level.[5]
  • The Dragon's Hoard, a merchant company destroyed in 1361 DR,[54] located on the sixth level.[5][14]
  • Arcanist Conservatory, a wizards' guild hanging from the bottom of the sixth level.[45]

Inns and taverns

  • The House Unnamed, a fine inn located on the seventh level.[39]
  • The Glowing Goblet, a good inn located on the ninth level.[39]
  • The Lizard's Kiss, a cheap inn located on the tenth level.[39]
  • The Flame and the Serpent, an inn run by an orc and located out of the way.[55]

Shops

  • Garault's Spices, a shop selling spell components.[56]

Notable inhabitants

Pre-destruction

Environs

Appendix

See Also

Appearances

Novels

War of the Spider Queen

Games
  • Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (mentioned)

References

  1. ↑ Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 77. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  2. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 36. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  3. ↑ Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 95. ISBN 0786932023.
  4. ↑ BioWare (September 2000). Designed by James Ohlen, Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Black Isle Studios.
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 49. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 106. ISBN 978-0786960361.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 233. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 50. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  9. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 133. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  10. ↑ Bruce R. Cordell, Ed Greenwood, Chris Sims (August 2008). Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. Edited by Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 233. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  11. ↑ Peter Lee, Rodney Thompson, Andrew Veen (2016). Tyrants of the Underdark Rulebook. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 17. ISBN 978-1-9408-2585-4.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Brian R. James, Ed Greenwood (September 2007). The Grand History of the Realms. Edited by Kim Mohan, Penny Williams. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 153. ISBN 978-0-7869-4731-7.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 53. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 51. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  15. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 110. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  16. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 35. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  17. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 362. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  18. ↑ Lisa Smedman (February 2005). Extinction. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 22. ISBN 0-7869-3596-0.
  19. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 85. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 74. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  21. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 75–78. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  22. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 82. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  23. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 73. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Paul S. Kemp (February 2006). Resurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 114. ISBN 0-7869-3981-8.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 307–308. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  27. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 166. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  28. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 247, 276. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  29. ↑ Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 121. ISBN 0786932023.
  30. ↑ Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11. ISBN 0786932023.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 135–136. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 Bruce R. Cordell, Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, Jeff Quick (October 2003). Underdark. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 135–136. ISBN 0-7869-3053-5.
  33. ↑ Philip Athans (August 2005). Annihilation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 364. ISBN 0-7869-3752-1.
  34. ↑ Brian R. James, Eric Menge (August 2012). Menzoberranzan: City of Intrigue. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 71. ISBN 978-0786960361.
  35. ↑ Eric L. Boyd (2007-04-25). Dragons of Faerûn, Part 3: City of Wyrmshadows (Zipped PDF). Web Enhancement for Dragons of Faerûn. Wizards of the Coast. p. 6. Archived from the original on 2016-11-01. Retrieved on 2009-10-07.
  36. ↑ R.A. Salvatore (August 2012). Charon's Claw. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 5. ISBN 0-7869-6223-2.
  37. ↑ Philip Athans (August 2005). Annihilation. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3752-1.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 94. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 49–51. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  40. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 88. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  41. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 85–87. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  42. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 77. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  43. ↑ Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 52–53. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  44. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 297. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. Map. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  46. ↑ Richard Baker (May 2003). Condemnation. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 2. ISBN 0786932023.
  47. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 173. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 246. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  49. ↑ Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 229. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  50. ↑ Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 192. ISBN 978-0786929290.
  51. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 153. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  52. ↑ Lisa Smedman (January 2007). Sacrifice of the Widow. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 19. ISBN 0-7869-4250-9.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 R.A. Salvatore (March 2014). Night of the Hunter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 155. ISBN 0-7869-6511-8.
  54. ↑ Elaine Cunningham (July 2003). Daughter of the Drow (Mass Market Paperback). (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0786929290.
  55. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 82–83. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  56. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 141. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  57. ↑ R.A. Salvatore (June 2005). Servant of the Shard. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-3950-8.
  58. ↑ Elaine Cunningham (April 2003). Windwalker (Hardcover). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 84. ISBN 0-7869-2968-5.
  59. ↑ Elaine Cunningham (April 2003). Windwalker (Hardcover). (Wizards of the Coast), p. 322. ISBN 0-7869-2968-5.
  60. ↑ Thomas M. Reid (December 2003). Insurrection. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 172. ISBN 0-7869-3033-0.
  61. ↑ Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 76. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  62. ↑ Richard Lee Byers (August 2003). Dissolution. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 234. ISBN 0-7869-2944-8.
  63. ↑ Lisa Smedman (September 2007). Storm of the Dead. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 978-0-7869-4701-0.
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 54. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 Eric L. Boyd (November 1999). Drizzt Do'Urden's Guide to the Underdark. Edited by Jeff Quick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 55. ISBN 0-7869-1509-9.
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms