¶ Notes
¶ Cheliax: The Infernal Empire
¶ Overview
Cheliax, once a dominant human empire, is now a land ruled by diabolism and infernal pacts. It was historically a province of Taldor before declaring its independence under Aspex the Even-Tongued. The nation is currently governed by the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, which came to power through a pact with the denizens of Hell during a brutal civil war. The nation is characterized by its strict bureaucracy, harsh laws, and a societal structure deeply intertwined with the worship of Asmodeus.
¶ Geography and Major Cities
Cheliax is divided into several regions, each with its own administrative and geographic significance:
- Egorian: The capital city, known as the "City of Thorns," is the center of Cheliax's political and religious power. It is home to the Imperial Palace and the Cathedral of Asmodeus.
- Westcrown: Formerly the capital, now known for its underworld activities and rebellious spirit. It has been a site of significant unrest and resistance against House Thrune.
- Ostenso: A major naval base and port city, Ostenso is crucial for Cheliax's maritime activities and trade. It houses the First Imperial Naval War Academy and the headquarters of the Aspis Consortium.
¶ Government and Politics
Cheliax is a bureaucratic autocracy under the rule of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune. The government is heavily bureaucratic, with a strict hierarchy of noble titles modeled after the nine layers of Hell. The nobility is divided into archduchies, duchies, counties, and baronies, each governed by a complex system of hereditary and appointed positions.
¶ Society and Culture
Cheliax's society is marked by its rigid class structure, with a significant divide between the nobility and commoners. The worship of Asmodeus is the state religion, and while other deities are tolerated, their followers are closely monitored. Public life in Cheliax is dominated by displays of power, fear, and loyalty to the Thrune dynasty.
¶ History
- Independence and Expansion: Cheliax declared its independence from Taldor under Aspex the Even-Tongued, who annexed Andoran, Galt, and Isger. This period, known as the Even-Tongued Conquest, established Cheliax as a major power in the Inner Sea region.
- The Everwar: Under Emperor Haliad III, Cheliax attempted to expand further through military campaigns known as the Everwar, targeting regions like Molthune, Nidal, and Varisia.
- Civil War and Thrune Ascendancy: The death of Aroden, god of humanity, led to a civil war, during which House Thrune seized control through diabolic pacts. This period saw the establishment of diabolism as the state religion and the consolidation of Thrune power.
¶ Economy
Cheliax has a strong and diverse economy, bolstered by its strategic location and extensive trade networks. Key economic activities include maritime trade, the slave market, and the production of luxury goods like fine wine and opera. Ostenso serves as a major trade hub, facilitating commerce with various nations across the Inner Sea region.
¶ Foreign Relations
Cheliax maintains complex relationships with its neighbors:
- Isger: A subordinate state with limited autonomy, heavily influenced by Cheliax's policies and interests
- Nidal: An ally with a shared interest in dark magic and diabolism, though Nidal remains a sovereign state with its own agenda.
- Ravounel: Recently declared independence from Cheliax, but remains economically and diplomatically tied to its former ruler.
¶ Key Figures
- Queen Abrogail II: The current ruler of Cheliax, known for her ruthless governance and infernal pacts.
- Duxotar Harbry Keveldian: Military commander responsible for the defense of Ostenso.
- Harbormaster Lothera Cothos: Oversees the docks and maritime operations in Ostenso.
- Admiral Rania Laroung: Commandant of the First Imperial Naval War Academy in Ostenso.
- Lord-Mayor Idressia Henderthane: Administrative head of Ostenso.
¶ Conclusion
Cheliax is a nation of contrasts, blending high refinement and brutal authoritarianism. It remains a powerful entity in the Inner Sea region, its influence extending through complex political, economic, and military strategies. Despite internal and external challenges, Cheliax under House Thrune continues to wield significant power, shaped by its infernal alliances and strict societal structure.
¶ Tables
¶ Locations
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Whisperwood | The Haunted Forest of Cheliax |
¶ Cities
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Brastlewark | The largest gnome settlement in the Inner Sea region |
| Egorian | Capital City of Cheliax: The City of Thorns |
| Ostenso | Home port of the Chelish Navy |
¶ People
| Name | Status | Faction | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Count Frogula | alive | Snax's agent. Cheliax's most hated nepo baby | |
| Marcellus And Cordelia Vulpin | alive | Count Frogula's parents. Lord and Lady of House Vulpin |