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{{Working|[[User:Zeromaru X|Zero X]] ([[User talk:Zeromaru X|talk]])|23:23, August 2, 2019 (UTC)}}
 
{{Location
 
{{Location
  +
| image = File:Chessenta - 1480 DR - Mike Schaley.jpg
|title =
 
|image = [[File:Chessenta_-_1480_DR_-_Mike_Schaley.jpg|250px|Chessenta in 1480 DR]]
+
| caption = Chessenta in [[1480 DR]]
|caption =
+
| name = Chessenta
|name = Chessenta
+
| alt spelling =
|size =
+
| aliases =
  +
| type = Confederation
|capital = [[Cimbar]](formerly),<br /> post-[[spellplague]] [[Luthcheq]]
 
  +
| region = [[East Faerûn]], [[Old Empires]]
|area =
 
|ruler = [[Tchazzar]]
+
| size =
 
| elevation =
|government = Absolute Monarchy
 
  +
| depth =
|population = 3,386,880
 
  +
| capital = [[Luthcheq]] (as of [[1480 DR]]) <br />{{former}}[[Cimbar]] (before [[1117 DR]])
|races = {{Percentage table|[[Humans]]|82|[[Halflings]]|6|[[Half-orcs]]|4|[[Lizardfolk]]|2|Others|1}}
 
  +
| largest city =
|religions = [[Anhur]], [[Azuth]], [[Hoar]], [[Amanautor]], [[Red Knight]], [[Tchazzar]], [[Waukeen]]
 
  +
| georefs = <ref name="FRCS-p182">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|182}}</ref><ref name="FRCG-p100">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|100}}</ref>
|imports = Cheese, glass, horses, magic weapons, mercenaries, perfume, pork, slaves
 
  +
| demonym = Chessentan
|exports = Art, cows, gold, grapes, olive oil, quality iron, silver, slaves, statues, weapons, wine
 
 
| population = 3,386,880 (as of [[1372 DR]])
|alignment = {{Alignment grid|off|off|on|on|on|off|off|off|off}}
 
 
| races = {{Percentage table|[[Humans]]|82|[[Halflings]]|6|[[Half-orcs]]|4|[[Lizardfolk]]|2|Others|1}} (as of [[1372 DR]])<br>Plus, a notable minority of [[dragonborn]] and [[genasi]] (as of 1480 DR)
|source = [[Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|FRCS]]
 
  +
| languages = [[Chessentan language|Chessentan]]
|page = 182
 
 
| religion = [[Amaunator]], [[Anhur]], [[Hoar|Assuran]], [[Azuth]], [[Bast]], [[Entropy]], [[Lathander]], [[Oghma]], [[Red Knight]], [[Tchazzar]], [[Tempus]], [[Sebakar]], [[Waukeen]]
 
| alignment = {{Alignment grid|off|off|on|on|on|off|off|off|off}}
  +
| socrefs = <ref name="FRCS-p182"/><ref name="FRPG-p86">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Player's Guide|86}}</ref><ref name="DG178-p69-70">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta|69-70}}</ref><ref name="FRCS-p85">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|85}}</ref>
 
| imports = Cheese, glass, horses, magic weapons, mercenaries, perfume, pork, slaves
 
| exports = Art, cows, gold, grapes, olive oil, quality iron, silver, [[slave]]s, statues, weapons, wine
  +
| currency = {{Currency table|1 [[bebolt]]|1 "bolt"|4 [[authokh]]|20 [[gold]] "drakes"|200 [[silver]] "talents"|1000 [[bronze]] "bits"}}
  +
| comrefs = <ref name="FRCS-p182"/><ref name="DG178-p69">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta|69}}</ref>
  +
| government = Varies by city (usually [[wikipedia:Military|Military]] [[wikipedia:Dictatorship|dictatorship]], [[wikipedia:Theocracy|theocracy]], and/or [[wikipedia:Monarchy|monarchy]])
  +
| rulertype = War Hero
  +
| ruler =
  +
| head of state =
  +
| leader1 =
  +
| head of government =
  +
| leader2 =
  +
| executive =
  +
| legislature =
  +
| judiciary =
  +
| allegiances =
  +
| govrefs = <ref name="FRCS-p182"/>
  +
| established = [[929 DR]]
  +
| start event =
  +
| start date =
  +
| event1 = Second Chessentan Schism
  +
| date1 = c. [[1487 DR]]
  +
| event2 = Reunification of Chessenta
  +
| date2 = [[1395 DR]]
  +
| event3 = Chessentan Schism
  +
| date3 = [[1117 DR]]
  +
| event4 =
  +
| date4 =
  +
| disestablished =
  +
| end event =
  +
| end date =
  +
| predecessor =
  +
| successor =
  +
| reckoning = DR
  +
| population1 =
  +
| popyear1 =
  +
| population2 =
  +
| popyear2 =
  +
| population3 =
  +
| popyear3 =
  +
| population4 =
  +
| popyear4 =
  +
| population5 =
  +
| popyear5 =
  +
| poptable =
  +
| ruler1 = [[Tchazzar]]
  +
| ruleryear1 = 1117
  +
| ruler2 = [[Ishual Karanok]]
  +
| ruleryear2 = 1395
  +
| ruler3 = [[Shala Karanok]]
  +
| ruleryear3 = 1479
  +
| ruler4 =
  +
| ruleryear4 =
  +
| ruler5 =
  +
| ruleryear5 =
  +
| rulertable =
  +
| histrefs = <ref name="DG178-p74-75">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta|74-75}}</ref><ref name="SoFS-p6">{{Cite book/Sea of Fallen Stars|6}}</ref> <ref name="FRCS-p184"/><ref name="OEp5-6">{{Cite book/Old Empires|5-6}}</ref> <ref name="SCAG-p11">{{Cite book/Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide|11}}</ref>
  +
| usethe = yes
  +
| useon =
  +
| inhabitants = yes
  +
| locations = yes
  +
| organizations = yes
  +
| settlements = yes
  +
| roads = yes
  +
| mountains = yes
  +
| bodies of water = yes
  +
| forests = yes
  +
| events = yes
  +
| food and drink = yes
  +
| items = yes
 
}}
 
}}
'''Chessenta''' takes its name from the first Grand Viceroy Iphram Chess when the region was a province of [[Unther]] <ref name="Dun178">[[Brian R. James]]. "Chessenta" ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' #178. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2010.</ref> 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<ref name="FRCS-p182">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|182}}</ref> as it was the definitive capital of [[Tchazzar|Tchazzar's]] brief Chessentan Empire.<ref name="FRCS-p183">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|183}}</ref>
 
   
  +
'''Chessenta''' was a confederation of city-states bound by common culture and mutual defense, but for most of its history wasn’t truly a unified nation and the Chessentan cities were often at war with one another. Chessenta was one of the so-called [[Old Empires]] of [[Faerûn]].<ref name="FRCS-p182"/><ref name="SCAG-p11"/>
After Chessenta defeated [[Threskel]] in [[1479 DR]], Threskel became a vassal state.
 
   
 
==Culture==
 
==Culture==
  +
The Chessentans were a passionate people, always living to the fullest and never doing things half-way. Seen by outsiders as a drunken and riotous people, Chessentans had a well-earned reputation as fierce warriors and cunning tacticians. While they appreciated the fine arts and theatre, the culture of the Chessentans revolved around war and war heroes.<ref name="FRCS-p182"/><ref name="DG178-p69"/> This dedication to war suits the Chessentans well, for their nation has prospered through the conflicts between their rival cities. The title of War Hero was one of the greatest honors a person could earn, and usually any particular battle only had one person worthy of such a title.<ref name="FRCS-p183">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|183}}</ref>
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]].<ref name="Whisper of Venom">{{Cite book/Whisper of Venom}}</ref>
 
   
  +
Few nations in all Faerûn were as erudite in philosophy, astronomy, poetry, and history as Chessenta. Theatres and libraries were commonplace, and even in smaller cities such poetry and philosopy were practiced in public squares. Chessentans also loved sports and their athletic competitions were popular events, particularly wrestling, and almost every citizen had some skill at fighting. <ref name="DG178-p69"/> Chessenta’s sizable middle class controlled the country’s economy, with a government that encouraged prosperity for all, so tax revenues were high. <ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
==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]].<ref name="Whisper of Venom">{{Cite book/Whisper of Venom}}</ref>
 
  +
Despite such progressiveness, Chessentans practiced slavery, <ref name="FRCS-p183"/> and most of their slaves were [[elves]], <ref name="DG178-p69"/> although this practice was less widespread than in the nations of the Old Empires, and a slave-owner could grant a slave freedom at any time.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/> In the 15th century DR, Chessentans also developed a deep-seated mistrust of all things [[arcane]], because of their enmity with [[High Imaskar]].<ref name="FRPG-p86"/>
  +
  +
Although all Chessentans had these traits in common, each city also boasted its own customs and heroes, worshiped its own gladiatorial champions, and competed with the other cities with great zeal. <ref name="SCAG-p11"/>
   
 
==History==
 
==History==
  +
Chessenta was founded in {{Yearlink|-1771}} as an autonomous province of the first [[Unther]]ic empire. It was named after their first Grand Viceroy, [[Iphram Chess]]. His first official proclamation was the cleansing of all indigenous species, notably the [[Turami]] peoples of the [[Akanûl|Akana]] and the [[Batoi]] [[halfling]]s along the [[Adder River]].<ref name="DG178-p69"/> Over the next several centuries, [[Gilgeam]] the Tyran sent the Chessentan legions in decisive campaigns against eastern [[Jhaamdath]] and the [[fey]] of the [[Methwood]].<ref name="DG178-p70">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta|70}}</ref>
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 squabling 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.<ref name="Dun178">[[Brian R. James]]. "Chessenta" ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' #178. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2010.</ref>
 
 
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.<ref name="DG178-p70"/> During Tchazzar's brief Chessentan Empire, the city of [[Cimbar]] was the capital of Chessenta.<ref name="FRCS-p182"/><ref name="FRCS-p183"/> In [[1018 DR]], Tchazzar disappeared while fighting [[sahuagin]] and the people of Chessenta believed he had ascended to [[god]]hood. After Tchazzar's disappearance, the kingdom slowly broke apart into squabbling city states, around [[1117 DR]].<ref name="DG178-p70"/><ref name="OEp5-6"/> Tchazzar returned in [[1373 DR]] to reestablish his kingdom but disappeared again following the chaos of the [[Spellplague]] in [[1385 DR]].<ref name="DG178-p70"/>
  +
  +
In the decades after the Spellplague the war hero [[Ishual Karanok]] rose to rule Chessenta. Under his guidance, Chessenta was unified as a single nation again. During the rule of the [[House Karanok|Karanok]] dinasty, during the 15th century DR, the capital of Chessenta was the city of [[Luthcheq]] In [[1479 DR]], his descendand, [[Shala Karanok]], was the ruler of Chessenta<ref name="FRCG-p100"/> when Tchazzar was rescued from the [[Shadowfell]] by the [[Brotherhood of the Griffon]], as part of the plans of the [[dragon]] player's of [[Capnolithyl|Brimstone]]'s [[xorvintaal]], and became ruler of Chessenta once again.<ref name="Whisper of Venom">{{Cite book/Whisper of Venom}}</ref>
  +
  +
Under Tchazzar's guidance, Chessenta was finally able to conquer [[Threskel]], making it a vassal state. However, Tchazzar slowly descended to madness and tried to destroy Luthcheq, and was eventually defeated by the Shala's loyalists, the Brotherhood of the Griffon, the army of [[Akanûl]] and a group of knights from [[Tymanther]] at the [[Battle of Luthcheq]]. After the battle, Shala was reinstated as the war hero.<ref name="TSB">{{Cite book/The Spectral Blaze}}</ref>
  +
  +
Following the chaos of the [[Second Sundering]], Chessenta once again broke apart into squabbling city states.<ref name="SCAG-p11"/>
   
 
==Religion==
 
==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.<ref name="Dun178">[[Brian R. James]]. "Chessenta" ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' #178. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2010.</ref>
+
After the Spellplague, [[Amaunator]] gained many followers who saw him as the ancient Untherian god [[Hokatep]] returned to [[Faerûn]]. As Chessenta was a martial society, [[Tempus]] had many followers. [[Oghma]] had a large temple in [[Erebos]] and, since [[Kelemvor]] had almost no presence in the region, the temple of [[Waukeen]] assumed responsibility for tending to the dead.<ref name="D178-Chessenta">{{Cite dungeon/178/Backdrop: Chessenta}}</ref>
   
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.<ref name="Whisper of Venom">{{Cite book/Whisper of Venom}}</ref> The Cult of [[Entropy]] worships the [[primordial]] [[Entropy]] and a cult worships the archfey [[Sebakar]], the Lord of Crocodiles.<ref name="Dun178">[[Brian R. James]]. "Chessenta" ''[[Dungeon (magazine)|Dungeon]]'' #178. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2010.</ref>
+
In addition to the common Faerûnian religions there were several regional cults. The [[Cult of Tchazzar]] always had a large membership in Chessenta and with Tchazzar's return the cult was been reinvigorated and was building a huge temple in Luthcheq in 1479 DR.<ref name="Whisper of Venom"/> The Cult of [[Entropy]] worshiped the [[primordial]] [[Entropy]] and a cult worshiped the archfey [[Sebakar]], the Lord of Crocodiles.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
   
 
==Major geographical features==
 
==Major geographical features==
 
===Lakes===
 
===Lakes===
 
;[[Bay of Chessenta]]: With the drop in the water level of the [[Sea of Fallen Stars]] this shallow bay all but dried up.
;[[The Akanamere]]: A lake rich in fish and [[lizardfolk]] now in [[Akanûl]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
 
;[[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.
 
;[[Adder Swamp]]: When the Bay of Chessenta dried up the swamp all but disappeared.
   
 
===Mountains===
 
===Mountains===
;[[Akanapeaks]]: The tallest mountain range in Chessenta. It is the known home to the [[Flaming Spike]] [[orc]] tribe.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/> This range is now part of Akanûl.
+
;[[Riders to the Sky]]: A range of hills and mountains that was the domain of [[troll]]s and [[duergar]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
  +
;[[Riders to the Sky]]: A range of hills and mountains that is the domain of [[troll]]s and [[duergar]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
 
  +
===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.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
   
 
==Notable locations==
 
==Notable locations==
===Cities===
+
===Cities and Towns===
  +
;[[Akanax]]: This large city was in essence a large military camp.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/> Now in ruins.{{fact}}
 
;[[Cimbar]] (formerly): Now in ruins, this was the largest city and the spiritual capital of Chessenta in the pre-spellplague era.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
 
;[[Cimbar]] (formerly): Now in ruins, this was the largest city and the spiritual capital of Chessenta in the pre-spellplague era.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
;[[Akanûl|Airspur]] (formerly): An influential trading port that is home to a large population of [[genasi]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
+
;[[Erebos]]: Large city in the northwest. A temple of Tiamat stood near the sea.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
;[[Akanax]]: This large city is in essence a large military camp.<ref name="FRCS-p183"/>
+
;[[Heptios]]: A former city-state of 9,000 now under the dominion of Chessenta.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
;[[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]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/> As such, magic was shunned in the city.<ref name="FRCS-p184">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|184}}</ref>
+
;[[Luthcheq]]: The City of Madness was ruled by [[Tchazzar]]. It was formerly ruled by the Karanok family, all of whom were members of the [[Cult of Entropy]].<ref name="FRCS-p183"/> As such, magic was shunned in the city.<ref name="FRCS-p184">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|184}}</ref>
 
;[[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.<ref name="OE-p55">{{Cite book/Old Empires|55}}</ref>
 
;[[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.<ref name="OE-p55">{{Cite book/Old Empires|55}}</ref>
  +
;[[Pandrik]]: Fortress city of 6,500 souls situated near the Adder Swap. It had a precarious treaty with Luthcheq.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
 
;[[Soolabax]]: A large town near the border with Threskel.<ref name="The Captive Flame">{{Cite book/The Captive Flame}}</ref>
 
;[[Soolabax]]: A large town near the border with Threskel.<ref name="The Captive Flame">{{Cite book/The Captive Flame}}</ref>
  +
;[[Toreus]]: Grew significantly after the Spellplague to become Chessenta's third largest city with a population of 17,000.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
  +
;[[Tulach]]: Situation just east of the [[Maerwatch]]. Despite its small size (population of 1,100), Tulach had it's own monarch.<ref name="D178-Chessenta" />
   
 
==Navy and seafaring==
 
==Navy and seafaring==
Chessentan vessels are named after sea creatures or sea-related myths.<ref name="SoFS-p15">{{Cite book/Sea of Fallen Stars|15}}</ref>
+
Chessentan vessels were named after sea creatures or sea-related myths.<ref name="SoFS-p15">{{Cite book/Sea of Fallen Stars|15}}</ref>
  +
==Appendix==
 
 
===Further reading===
==References==
 
{{refs}}
 
 
==Further reading==
 
 
<small>
 
<small>
 
*{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|100-101}}
 
*{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide|100-101}}
Line 68: Line 152:
 
* {{Cite web/More Old Empires and Sembia}}
 
* {{Cite web/More Old Empires and Sembia}}
 
</small>
 
</small>
 
===References===
 
{{refs}}
 
[[Category:Countries]]
 
[[Category:Countries]]
  +
[[Category:Monarchies]]
 
[[Category:Exports art]]
 
[[Category:Exports art]]
 
[[Category:Exports cows]]
 
[[Category:Exports cows]]
Line 86: Line 173:
 
[[Category:Imports pork]]
 
[[Category:Imports pork]]
 
[[Category:Imports slaves]]
 
[[Category:Imports slaves]]
  +
[[Category:Locations in the Old Empires]]
 
[[Category:Locations in East Faerûn]]
 
[[Category:Locations in East Faerûn]]
[[Category:Locations in the Old Kingdoms]]
+
[[Category:Locations in Faerûn]]
[[Category:Monarchies]]
+
[[Category:Locations on Toril]]
  +
[[Category:Locations]]

Revision as of 22:14, 23 January 2020


Chessenta was a confederation of city-states bound by common culture and mutual defense, but for most of its history wasn’t truly a unified nation and the Chessentan cities were often at war with one another. Chessenta was one of the so-called Old Empires of Faerûn.[1][11]

Culture

The Chessentans were a passionate people, always living to the fullest and never doing things half-way. Seen by outsiders as a drunken and riotous people, Chessentans had a well-earned reputation as fierce warriors and cunning tacticians. While they appreciated the fine arts and theatre, the culture of the Chessentans revolved around war and war heroes.[1][6] This dedication to war suits the Chessentans well, for their nation has prospered through the conflicts between their rival cities. The title of War Hero was one of the greatest honors a person could earn, and usually any particular battle only had one person worthy of such a title.[12]

Few nations in all Faerûn were as erudite in philosophy, astronomy, poetry, and history as Chessenta. Theatres and libraries were commonplace, and even in smaller cities such poetry and philosopy were practiced in public squares. Chessentans also loved sports and their athletic competitions were popular events, particularly wrestling, and almost every citizen had some skill at fighting. [6] Chessenta’s sizable middle class controlled the country’s economy, with a government that encouraged prosperity for all, so tax revenues were high. [12]

Despite such progressiveness, Chessentans practiced slavery, [12] and most of their slaves were elves, [6] although this practice was less widespread than in the nations of the Old Empires, and a slave-owner could grant a slave freedom at any time.[12] In the 15th century DR, Chessentans also developed a deep-seated mistrust of all things arcane, because of their enmity with High Imaskar.[3]

Although all Chessentans had these traits in common, each city also boasted its own customs and heroes, worshiped its own gladiatorial champions, and competed with the other cities with great zeal. [11]

History

Chessenta was founded in −1771 DR as an autonomous province of the first Untheric empire. It was named after their first Grand Viceroy, Iphram Chess. His first official proclamation was the cleansing of all indigenous species, notably the Turami peoples of the Akana and the Batoi halflings along the Adder River.[6] Over the next several centuries, Gilgeam the Tyran sent the Chessentan legions in decisive campaigns against eastern Jhaamdath and the fey of the Methwood.[13]

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.[13] During Tchazzar's brief Chessentan Empire, the city of Cimbar was the capital of Chessenta.[1][12] In 1018 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, around 1117 DR.[13][10] Tchazzar returned in 1373 DR to reestablish his kingdom but disappeared again following the chaos of the Spellplague in 1385 DR.[13]

In the decades after the Spellplague the war hero Ishual Karanok rose to rule Chessenta. Under his guidance, Chessenta was unified as a single nation again. During the rule of the Karanok dinasty, during the 15th century DR, the capital of Chessenta was the city of Luthcheq In 1479 DR, his descendand, Shala Karanok, was the ruler of Chessenta[2] when Tchazzar was rescued from the Shadowfell by the Brotherhood of the Griffon, as part of the plans of the dragon player's of Brimstone's xorvintaal, and became ruler of Chessenta once again.[14]

Under Tchazzar's guidance, Chessenta was finally able to conquer Threskel, making it a vassal state. However, Tchazzar slowly descended to madness and tried to destroy Luthcheq, and was eventually defeated by the Shala's loyalists, the Brotherhood of the Griffon, the army of Akanûl and a group of knights from Tymanther at the Battle of Luthcheq. After the battle, Shala was reinstated as the war hero.[15]

Following the chaos of the Second Sundering, Chessenta once again broke apart into squabbling city states.[11]

Religion

After the Spellplague, Amaunator gained many followers who saw him as the ancient Untherian god Hokatep returned to Faerûn. As Chessenta was a martial society, Tempus had many followers. Oghma had a large temple in Erebos and, since Kelemvor had almost no presence in the region, the temple of Waukeen assumed responsibility for tending to the dead.[16]

In addition to the common Faerûnian religions there were several regional cults. The Cult of Tchazzar always had a large membership in Chessenta and with Tchazzar's return the cult was been reinvigorated and was building a huge temple in Luthcheq in 1479 DR.[14] The Cult of Entropy worshiped the primordial Entropy and a cult worshiped the archfey Sebakar, the Lord of Crocodiles.[16]

Major geographical features

Lakes

Bay of Chessenta
With the drop in the water level of the Sea of Fallen Stars this shallow bay 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 was the domain of trolls and duergar.[12]

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.[16]

Notable locations

Cities and Towns

Akanax
This large city was in essence a large military camp.[12] Now in ruins.[citation needed]
Cimbar (formerly)
Now in ruins, this was the largest city and the spiritual capital of Chessenta in the pre-spellplague era.[12]
Erebos
Large city in the northwest. A temple of Tiamat stood near the sea.[16]
Heptios
A former city-state of 9,000 now under the dominion of Chessenta.[16]
Luthcheq
The City of Madness was ruled by Tchazzar. It was formerly ruled by the Karanok family, all of whom were members of the Cult of Entropy.[12] As such, magic was shunned in the city.[9]
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.[17]
Pandrik
Fortress city of 6,500 souls situated near the Adder Swap. It had a precarious treaty with Luthcheq.[16]
Soolabax
A large town near the border with Threskel.[18]
Toreus
Grew significantly after the Spellplague to become Chessenta's third largest city with a population of 17,000.[16]
Tulach
Situation just east of the Maerwatch. Despite its small size (population of 1,100), Tulach had it's own monarch.[16]

Navy and seafaring

Chessentan vessels were named after sea creatures or sea-related myths.[19]

Appendix

Further reading

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 182. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  2. 2.0 2.1 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. 100. ISBN 978-0-7869-4924-3.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Rob Heinsoo, Logan Bonner, Robert J. Schwalb (September 2008). Forgotten Realms Player's Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 86. ISBN 978-0-7869-4929-8.
  4. Brian R. James (May 2010). “Backdrop: Chessenta”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #178 (Wizards of the Coast) (178)., pp. 69–70.
  5. Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 85. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Brian R. James (May 2010). “Backdrop: Chessenta”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #178 (Wizards of the Coast) (178)., p. 69.
  7. Brian R. James (May 2010). “Backdrop: Chessenta”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #178 (Wizards of the Coast) (178)., pp. 74–75.
  8. Steven E. Schend (1999). Sea of Fallen Stars. (TSR, Inc), p. 6. ISBN 0-7869-1393-2.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 184. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Scott Bennie (February 1990). Old Empires. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 5–6. ISBN 978-0880388214.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Steve Kenson, et al. (November 2015). Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide. Edited by Kim Mohan. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7869-6580-9.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 183. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Brian R. James (May 2010). “Backdrop: Chessenta”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #178 (Wizards of the Coast) (178)., p. 70.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Richard Lee Byers (2010). Whisper of Venom. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0786955619.
  15. Richard Lee Byers (June 7th, 2011). The Spectral Blaze. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0786957980.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 Brian R. James (May 2010). “Backdrop: Chessenta”. In Chris Youngs ed. Dungeon #178 (Wizards of the Coast) (178)., pp. 68–77.
  17. Scott Bennie (February 1990). Old Empires. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.), p. 55. ISBN 978-0880388214.
  18. Richard Lee Byers (May 2010). The Captive Flame. (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0786953969.
  19. Steven E. Schend (1999). Sea of Fallen Stars. (TSR, Inc), p. 15. ISBN 0-7869-1393-2.