The City of Westcrown

The City of Westcrown

Westcrown (N Metropolis, 2nd largest in Avistan)
Population: 604,213
Demographics: (racial) 87% human*, 9% halfling, 4% other
                             (class) 3% have class levels, 18,126 in total
Authority Figures: 
Governor Cecaelia Jeggare
Mayor Marcus Adronicus
Lady of Blades Selene Wolfstongue
*= Most humans are ethnic Chelish

Of all of the cities of the Inner Sea region of Golarion, only Absalom is larger than Westcrown and once upon a time, the two cities were nearly the same size. Though it is by far Cheliax's largest city (Egorian, the capital, has less than half of the population), it is also one that has been victim to a steady decline since the death of Aroden and the Thrune Ascendancy. Westcrown has increasingly become a hub of discontent, with relatively minor and disfavored noble houses retreating to the slowly-decaying megalopolis to achieve success in a place where the Thrunes never really extended their control fully. 

If real resistence to the Thrune Imperium were ever to arise within Cheliax, it would likely be here, where the promise of Aroden, who had chosen Westcrown as his city, has never been forgotten and where the Thrunes have never truly won the obedience of the restive populace. 

Prominent Locations in Westcrown: 

Ascension Square: It is here, in the grand central market of Westcrown, that Aroden first came to live amongst the Chelaxians and direct the Even-Tongued Crusade which saw nearly bloodless conquests of Andoran, Nidal, Isger, Molthune and Galt. There is still a grand temple of Aroden that seems oddly resistant to the effects of neglect, as well as a gigantic and sprawling marketplace that is larger than the entire city of Argadava. All manner of goods and services may be purchased here, and there are even dealers in magical items present in Ascension Square. 

The Winter Palace: Legally, Westcrown is still a co-capital of the Empire of Cheliax and the Empress should be residing in the Winter Palace for half of the year. However, that is most decidedly not the case, as Abrogail II in particular has made her hatred of the city perfectly clear- a sentiment that is returned by many of the citizens of Westcrown. From time to time, however, she is forced to come to Westcrown on official business though more commonly the Winter Palace is used to house favored nobles of the realm as needed. It is also said to contain a tiny hellgate within its basement, where Thrune sorcerers can summon diabolic servants as needed. 

The Necropolis: Irreverent wags would say that the entire city of Westcrown is a graveyard for the relics of the Cheliaxian past, but the actual cemetary is staggering enough and is believed to inter the remains of over one million Wiscrani. Necromancers are a perpetual worry and a small detachment of Hellknights, supported by Asmodean Inquisitors regularly patrol the Necropolis, obtensibly to keep them out altogether, but many believe that it is merely to control the vile sorcerers, rather than obliterate them. 

The Sewers: The sewers of Westcrown run through the entire city and for the most part, are well-maintained, keeping the filth on Westcrown's streets to a relative minimum. They are  also, however, a perfect breeding ground for all manner of vermin as well as hiding places for criminals, runaway slaves and evil cults. There are rumours of a small portal to the Darklands underneath the Sewers of Westcrown. 

The Docks: Westcrown may be in many ways a declining city, but it still has a gigantic and bustling port and handles about half of all of Cheliax's foreign trade. Also in the Docks is the titanic Arsenal, the facility where the Dominator is slowly but surely being built, the all-steel dreadnought with eight magically-enhanced 15-inch cannon, with firepower sufficient to destroy entire cities. 

The Elven Quarter: Tucked deep into Westcrown, the relatively small Elven quarter, with a population of about 5,000 elves is mostly notable for also being the location of the Westcrown Academy of Magic, which is perhaps the most prestigious institution of magical learning in all of Avistan. It is at this institution that Amalas once studied underneath the legendary elven wizard Decius. 

The Golden City: The Golden City is sarcastically named, for it is a colossal walled slum, with the greatest population density in all of the Inner Sea area. Some 70,000 people live in this relatively tiny space, which for all intents and purposes functions seperately from the rest of Westcrown. Wiscrani authorities only enter the Golden City in force, and the Council of Thieves has an iron grip over this area of the city. It is in this hell on Earth that Cassidy was born and learned his trade as a rogue.

Recap:

The Governor of Isger Province, Marcellus Thrune, has directed the party to investigate and eliminate the monstrous presence keeping the Tregare Ironworks from being reopened, obliquely referring to important schematics within the mill that had to be preserved at all costs. The party successfully entered the compound, slaying several goblins, a minotaur and finally the supposed leader of the occupying force, a fiendish half-troll known as Jolun. Through treasure liberated from Jolun, the party was able to call up a glabrezu demon, which gave them some important insight, which combined with their observations, make it brutally clear that Cheliax has learned the secret of manufacturing cannon. 

With the schematics in hand, it is time for the party to return to make their report with Governor Thrune ... and figure out what to do with the knowledge gained from the infiltration of the Ironworks. 

Ascension Day: 

Precisely one week from today, on the first of Arodus, Abrogail II, Empress of Cheliax will reach the age of majority and no longer need the services of her regent and primary advisor, General Gorthoklek , rumoured to in fact be an ancient and powerful devil. To mark her eighteenth birthday, elaborate celebrations are to be held throughout her vast domain, with great festivals occuring in all of the cities to mark the momentous occasion. As the Governor of Isger Province and a kinsman of the young Empress, Marcellus Thrune is expected to join the lead of the other governors of the Empire and throw a lavish festival, inevitably making the delicate political situation even more strained. 

The Vontalot:

To make things even more tense in the city, Imperial negotiators are meeting with emissaries of the Vontalot, a mysterious race of dragon-men, to secure their continued mercenary service in the imperial military. The Vontalot emissaries can be found in the currently-empty estate of Lady Aspell Senara, who is currently out of the country and serving in the Mendev Crusade. It is said that the Vontalot, while staunchly neutral in most political affairs of men, are somewhat concerned about the rapidly waxing power of Cheliax. Their independence has historically rested on their location between Cheliax and Andoran, and the elimination of balance might hinder their own interests ... 

Trouble in the Boneyard:

There have been a series of high-profile grave robberies and a pair of murders in Argadava's cemetary, named after the goddess Pharasma's Boneyard, and it is rumoured that there is a necromancer operating within the should-be hallowed ground. Families of the desecrated deceased nobles in question are willing to offer a large sum for anyone who is able to end these troubles.  

The City of Argadava

The City of Argadava

Argadava (LN large city)
Population: 37,600
Demographics: (racial) 83% human*, 11% halfling, 6% other
                             (class) 4% have class levels, 1504 individuals total
Authority Figures: 
Governor Marcellus Thrune (prince-governor of Isger)
Mayor Celene Arodis (mayor of Argadava)
Master of Blades Adom Krupt (commander of the Hellknights in Isger)
*= Most humans are ethnic Chelish

Argadava was the largest city, though not the capital of the troubled realm of Isger, located on the border between that land and Cheliax. However, as of last year, Cheliax has conquered the entirely of Isger and Argadava is now a Chelish city. Significantly larger and wealthier than the city of Elidir, Cheliax has made it into the capital for Isger Province and a showpiece for the order and stability that the Empire of Cheliax creates in all of its vast domains. Though on the surface, Argadava is seeing good times, there are dark signs of encroaching diabolic influence in Argadava. 


Prominent locations in the City of Argadava: 

Antonine Fortress: Established originally some centuries ago by the famed Chelaxian general Antonius Varrus, it has been refurbished into a formidable fortress over the centuries and currently serves as the headquarters of Chelaxian forces in Isger, housing about fifty Hellknights as well as about 1,000 Chelaxian regulars at any one time. 

Boneyard:  The city's graveyard has traditionally been a relatively safe harbour, though there are dark rumours that at night, undead horrors have arisen in the city- said by some to be a consequence of the diabolical darkness that has fallen upon Argadava. Gamaliel Phocas, a cleric of Pharasma has allegedly been seeking adventurers to rid the Boneyard of its miasmic presence of undead. 


Celene's Estate: The Mayor of Argadava is a direct elected representative of the people and Celene seems to take that responsibility seriously, doing her best to mitigate the draconian laws and cruel hearts of Argadava's Chelish overlords. She is always trying to solve problems in the city through creative means, rather than resort to asking Krupt or Thrune to use what would assuredly be cruel and bloody methods. 

The Crystal Ball: The Crystal Ball is a local fortune teller who also provides spell components and a few basic potions and scrolls for sale. It’s proprietor, Marius Encartan is known to be somewhat distrustful of the new regime but has resolved to keep quiet. He is a 3^rd level wizard, but all of his prepared spells are geared towards the manufacture of potions and the identification of magical items.  

Items for Sale:

Antidote: (50 gp each, 4 in stock) Removes one poison.

Potions of +2 Attribute: (1 of each attribute available, last for 2d4 rounds, 250 gp each) Grant a bonus of +2 to all rolls related to attribute of choice.

Potions of Cure Light Wounds: (5 available, 100 gp each) Cure 1d8+1 hit points damage

Spell Components: (good for 10 spells, 50 gp each) A mixture of spell components for any spells that require material components not of a special value.

Dead Dog Tavern: The Dead Dog Tavern is a somewhat infamous tavern and flophouse that caters towards criminals, adventurers and other socially dubious individuals. It is known for serving rotgut aquavit (distilled grain liquor) at cheap prices and for having postings for various unsavory jobs. Vlassik, a 6th-level halfling rogue, occupies a secret meeting room and is the head of the thieves' guild in Argadava. If you gain access to Vlassik's secret room, he is known to sell poisons, alchemical fire and other useful items.


Marcellus' Estate: The grandest estate in Argadava has now been occupied by Marcellus Thrune, the governor of Isger and the kinsman of Cheliax's Empress, Abrogail Thrune. He appears obsessed with order and stability at all prices and there are persistent rumours that he has bonded a powerful devil to do his will in the city.

Market Square:  Located in the midst of the city, Market Square is a well-known hodgepodge of all manner of shops, taverns and other establishments, selling everything imaginable, from fine textiles and spices to slaves and weaponry. 

Nori's Hammers N' Helmets: Nori Blackhelm is a dwarven blacksmith of some repute and his store stocks a wide variety of weapons and armour. Available for commission at a premium price (usually 10x listed price) are masterwork weapons which inflict +1 damage upon a successful hit. 

Temple of Abadar: The established and long-favored faith of the city of Argadava, the Church of Abadar has lost many adherents with the Chelaxian conquest of Isger but has remained probably the largest faith in Argadava. Keeper of the Key Horatio Alger has adapted well to the new regime, emphasizing the lawfulness of the Church of Abadar and has gone a long way towards reducing the flow of followers to the faith of Asmodeus. An Andoran by birth, he is well-aware that the eye of Cheliax is on him.

Temple of Iomedae: Once a popular faith in the city of Argadava, most of the faithful of Iomedae have either left the city or turned towards other religions. Father Iseph, the sole remaining Priest of Iomedae in the city is actually a fighter/cleric (6/3 levels) and is unsure as to whether he should continue in Argadava or head north to fight the demonic forces of the Worldwound.


Temple of Asmodeus: Established shortly after the Thrune Ascension, the Church of Asmodeus has found their membership swelling as citizens of Argadava have been flooding into the diabolic faith, hoping to curry political favor with Chelaxian authorities or spiritual favor with the Prince of Darkness. The newly installed Arch-Heathen of Isger Province, Asmodia Trellis, is an ambitious woman who has also been dabbling in sorcery. Animal sacrifices as well as voluntary blood offerings are made in the Temple frequently, though, at least as far as anyone knows, no true human sacrifice has been made.

Tomb of Varrus: Located outside of the city, about a day's travel away, the Tomb of Varrus was recently entered into by a group of adventurers and treasures removed from it. These treasures have been moved to Egorian in Cheliax, though some mysteries about the Tomb remain ... 


Tragare Ironworks: The largest manufactory in Isger, the Tragare Ironworks, located just outside of the city proper, is one of the Inner Sea's largest steel mills, turning out huge quantities of high-quality steel which make their way into Chelish weapons and armour. Approximately 3,000 people are employed in the Ironworks, and its owner, Adrianus Tragare is the wealthiest and one of the most powerful individuals in town. There are rumours that the Ironworks have been having trouble with goblins in recent weeks. 


And many more ...

The Tiefling

The Tiefling:

Description: Tieflings vary widely in appearance, depending on their particular forefathers, but most tieflings in Cheliax possess infernal characteristics such as red skin, glowing yellow eyes or visible horns. Some tieflings have appearances that are close enough to the human norm that they may pass for human with careful disguises, others cannot.

Personality: While it is difficult to generalize about any particular race, it is fair to say that Tieflings are marked by a well-earned hesistation to trust others and by deep cynicism towards society in general. They additionally must also deal with the dark temptations of their heritage- some tieflings find it easy to resist the dark calling and others find it irresistable. Infernal tieflings tend to be marked by a desire to "game the system" and by a startling knowledge of the loopholes and exceptions that might protect them lest they run into trouble with the law.

Racial Affinities: Tieflings do not have any particular racial affinities, as they are virtually equally shunned by all races as tainted by fiend blood. They are most commonly found, however, in human cities and learn how to live in a world dominated by their human cousins.

Environment: Tieflings can exist anywhere, but are mostly found in cities, where they sometimes form closely-knit communities and networks for mutual protection. In Egorian and Westcrown, there is a walled ghetto where tieflings who lack protection from a powerful house are forced to live in poverty and misery.

Racial Traits and Affinities:

Darkvision: Tieflings possess flawless vision in total darkness to 60 feet, but require a round to adapt between regular sight and darkvision. 

Infernal Resistances: Devil-spawned Tieflings (the norm in Cheliax) possess damage resistance of 5 against fire and a +2 bonus to saving throws against poison and mind-affecting magic. 

Infernal Magic: Tieflings are capable of casting any two 0-level spells and any one of the following spells once per day each, at a caster level equal to their character level: burning hands, cause fear, change self or darkness.

Languages: Common, Infernal

Size: Medium

Movement: 30 feet

Typical Classes: Assassin, Rogue

Attribute Modifier: +1 Constitution, +1 to any attribute other than Constitution or Charisma, -2 Charisma

Common Monsters of Cheliax (WiP)

Common Monsters of Cheliax (WiP)

Devils: While Cheliax is heavily under the influence of diabolical power, actual devils are not especially common on the ground in Cheliax and mostly live in disguise in the cities. Should an adventurer encounter the wrath of a devil, however, they are extremely powerful foes with a natural immunity to fire and poison. Typically, either magical or silver weapons are required to harm them. 

There are many types of devil, from the quivering wretches known as lemures to the almighty pit fiends who command entire Infernal legions, but all are extremely dangerous foes that should never be underestimated. Worst of all, devils are as cunning as they are powerful and often surround themselves with powerful allies.

Dragons: Dragons are not precisely common in the world, but it is not unheard of for Chelish villages to be spontaneously attacked by a powerful dragon and their hungry young. Old or Ancient Dragons are extremely rare in the world, but smaller (but still formidable) Young Dragons and tiny, voracious Dragonlings are often encountered by adventurers.

Goblin: Goblins are not as common in Cheliax as they are in some other parts of Golarion, such as Varisia, but several small Goblin tribes have taken up residence, especially in recently-annexed Isger. Goblins often try to avoid those whom they perceive as being powerful, but are very crafty and are skilled with making traps and using fire to their advantage.

Giantfolk: There are several types of giant folk, though the most common ones in Cheliax are brutish ogres and hill giants, though there are a handful of stone giants in the mountain ranges that provide several of Cheliax's borders

Hobgoblin: The militaristic, well-organized Hobgoblins are the most common monstrous race in Cheliax and are a constant menace in Isger, with sizeable warbands of Hobgoblins being a major danger to Chelish plans to the region. These Hobgoblins favor the use of a combination of pole weapons and bows, with archers hiding behind a protective wall of pikes. Hobgoblin commanders are formidable warriors indeed, and many of them have training equivalent to that of PC Fighters. Hobgoblins abhor arcane magic, but have their own shamans, who cast a combination of clerical and druidic spells.

Undead: There are many practicioners of foul magic in Cheliax and it is not uncommon to encounter various forms of the undead around cemeteries and sites of massacre. Most undead creatures are mindless, such as skeletons or zombies, but others, such as vampires or liches are clever and dangerous opponents with powerful magical abilities.

Wildlife: While not exactly monsters per se, there are some extremely dangerous animals in the wilder parts of Cheliax that adventurers should be aware of. While wolves and bears are to be expected, it may surprise some that there are still some lions in southern Avistan. The waters are infested with sharks, there are giant spiders in the darker forests and there are many species of venomous snake.

House Rules (General)

House Rules (General):

0-level spells:  0-level spells are not expended when they are cast, and can be cast effectively, an unlimited number of times.

Attribute Advancement: At levels 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20, characters gain +1 to place in any of their prime attributes.

Automatic Success/Failure: A roll of a natural 20 on any roll is a success as long as it is even slightly conceivable. For example, one could not succeed in jumping across a 100-ft canyon, but one could potentially resist the charm spell of a 20th-level wizard or avoid a powerful trap. A roll of a natural 1 on any roll is an automatic failure.

Critical Hit/Fumble:  In combat, a roll of a natural 20 is a critical hit as long as the natural 20 was not required to hit the target. This roll inflicts maximum potential damage and occasions another roll to see if an injury is inflicted on the enemy. A critical fumble in an attack roll is an automatic failure and a d10 roll must be made to see if the weapon is dropped or breaks. Ordinary monsters are incapable of making critical hits- but "elite" and high-level ones can. 

First Aid: Anyone can make a Wisdom check to attempt first aid upon themselves once per day, if they are successful, they heal 1d4+1 hit points of damage. Clerics, Rangers and Druids make the same check, but if succcessful, they can cure 1d6+Wis modifier damage, and they can do this 1 + Wis modifier times per day. 

Injuries: Whenever a character loses 50% of their hit points in combat or suffers a critical hit from an enemy, they must make a d10 roll to see if they have incurred an additional injury. When brought to 0 hit points, they sustain another injury. Injuries can be healed with cure spells, but then those spells will not heal any hit point damage. Injuries require two weeks of healing time to disappear on their own. If the same Injury is sustained more than once, it becomes a Serious Injury, which requires four weeks healing time to recover.

Non-Prime Skills: All classes gain a +3 bonus for any class skills that are not covered by a prime, as opposed to the +6 bonus they would get for any skills covered by a prime attribute. 


Racial Skills: All races add half of their character level as a bonus with abilities such as an elf's ability to move silently or a half-orc's ability to track by scent.

Fumble Dice: 
1: Weapon is broken and is useless. 
2-3: Weapon is damaged and all further attacks are made at a -2 penalty until it is repaired. 
4-5: Weapon is dropped. A standard action must be spent recovering it. 
6-10: No effect. 

Injury Dice: 
1: Concussion. Suffer -2 penalty to Dexterity, Intelligence and Wisdom. 
Major Injury: Unconsciousness

2: Bleeding Wound: Suffer 1 hp loss per turn for 1d8 rounds. 
Major Injury: Suffer 2 hp loss per turn for 1d12 rounds. 

3: Injured Arm: Suffer -2 penalty to attack rolls using that arm, cannot hold shield in arm. 
Major Injury: Arm is completely useless. 

4: Injured Leg: Movement speed reduced by 10.
Major Injury: Unable to walk. 

5: Unsightly Wound: Suffer -2 penalty to Charisma. 
Major Injury: Suffer -4 penalty to Charisma.

6: Chest Injury: Suffer -2 penalty to all rolls. 
Major Injury: Suffer -2 penalty, can only move or take an action, not both.

7:  Internal Bleeding: Suffer -2 penalty to Constitution. 
Major Injury: Suffer -4 penalty to Constitution. 

8-10: No injury suffered. 

House Rules (Player Classes)

House Rules (Player Classes)

Assassin: A successful Case Target gives the Assassin a +1 bonus to attack rolls against that opponent. The Assassin's bonus to saves against poison increases at 6th, 9th and at 12th level, they become immune to poison.  Assassins can use their Dexterity bonus to modify their Initiative rolls.

Barbarian: The Barbarian's Whirlwind Attack ability can be used on opponents of any hit dice.  

Bard: Bards can speak Cant (as per Rogues and Assassins) and are entitled to take one of the skill-based abilities of another class, such as Pick Pockets or Traps. 


Cleric: Clerics of particular deities gain special bonuses related to their faith. If you choose a Cleric character, the CK and you will sort out the details. Typically, it takes the form of a special ability or a few static bonuses, and access to additional spells. 

Druid: Druids gain the Animal Empathy ability, which allows them to make Wisdom checks to adjust the attitudes of an animal, much as another character would make a Charisma check to modify the attitudes of a person. Druids are allowed to use cold iron weapons if they can access them.

Fighter: At any time, a Fighter can choose to ignore their inherent 1st level +1 bonus to attack rolls in favor of inflicting +1 additional damage or gaining +1 AC. At 5th level, they can take a -2 penalty to attack rolls to gain +2 to damage or AC.

Illusionist: At 3rd level, the Illusionist gains the ability to use the Mind Trick ability, which grants them a +4 bonus to Charisma checks when dealing with one individual for a number of minutes equal to their level. They can use this ability 1 + Intelligence modifier times per day. 


Knight: Knights have the ability to issue a Combat Challenge, forcing an opponent to make a Charisma save or be compelled to fight the Knight in single combat. They can use this ability once per combat encounter. Knights receive a 50% bonus to starting gold.

Monk: The Monk's AC is modified by Constitution as well as Dexterity. 

Paladin:  The Paladin's smite evil ability targets a specific opponent, and all attacks against that specific opponent inflict smite damage until that enemy is killed. The smite evil ability can be used for ranged attacks as well as melee ones.

Ranger: Rangers gain the Animal Empathy ability, which allows them to make a Wisdom check to attempt to adjust the attitude of an animal much as other classes would make a Charisma check to adjust attitudes of humanoids. If desired, instead of getting their Combat Marauder bonuses against giants and humanoids, they can choose one other type of monster, such as extraplanars, undead, dragons or a demihuman race to gain the attack bonus to.

Rogue: A Rogue's Decipher Script ability can be used to cast arcane spells and use magical items at the -10 penalty as set in the PHB. At 2nd level, Rogues gain a +1 bonus to AC provided they use class-appropriate armour, and at 6th level, they gain the Evasion ability, allowing them to avoid all damage from blast weapons if they make their save. Rogues can use their Dexterity bonus to modify their Initiative rolls.

Wizard: The Wizard can use an Intelligence check to attempt reading or identifying magical items, with the spells read magic and identify simply guaranteeing success. Wizards with 10 Intelligence have a 50% chance of learning new spells from scrolls, which is modified by 5% per point of Intelligence, so that a Wizard of 14 Intelligence has a 70% chance of learning spells from scrolls. This chance of success does not go above 95%. 

House Rules (Character Generation)

House Rules (Character Generation)

Race and Class Selection: All races and classes detailed in the C&C PHB are allowed, as is the Tiefling character race which this blog will elucidate.  


Attribute Generation: Roll 4d6, drop the lowest dice and arrange as desired. Or alternatively use the following array 16, 15, 13, 12, 10, 8.


Attribute Modifiers: Attribute modifiers have been changed to the following:


Dwarf: +1 Con, +1 Wis, -1 Dex

Elf: +1 Dex, +1 Int, -1 Con
Gnome: +1 Con, +1 Int, -1 Str

Half-Elf: Elven or human attribute modifier depending on lineage 
Half-Orc: +1 Str, +1 Con, -2 Cha
Halfling: +1 Dex, +1 Wis, -1 Str

Human: +1 to any one attribute
Hit Points: Maximum hit points at first level.Roll second level as normal. Characters with d6 hit dice ignore rolls of 1, characters with d8 hit dice ignore rolls of 1-2, d10 ignore 1-3, and d12 ignore 1-4. Hit Points after 10th level add Constitution modifier to set progression.

Starting Gold: Maximum gold for 1st level, plus 5 gold per +1 of Charisma or Wisdom modifier.

Equipment Selection: Generally speaking, anything on the standard list is available in a cosmopolitan country like Cheliax.  Characters, being third level, can make one of their weapons a +1 magical weapon and will also gain one other minor magical item of the CK's choice.


Spell Selection: Wizards and Illusionists begin with access to a number of 0 and 1st-level spells equal to the number of spells they can cast, with the gratis addition of Read Magic. These characters can freely choose the spells they have learned. Clerics and Druids have access to all of their spells. The base list of C&C spells can be supplemented with additional spells from AD&D materials in the CK's possession. 


Special Ability and Traits: Each character will gain an special ability that is unique to that character, based somewhat on character concept. This special ability will be chosen by the CK. 
 

The Church of Asmodeus and Diabolism

The Church of Asmodeus and Diabolism:

The Church of Asmodeus is perhaps the most powerful force in Chelaxian society and the organized clergy of the Lord of Hell possesses vast wealth and power, rivalled only by the Chelaxian state machinery headed by the House of Thrune. While most Chelaxians are not in fact worshippers of Asmodeus, all citizens are expected to pay lip service to the faith and pay one-tenth of their income as a tithe to the Church as part of their heavy burden of taxes. 




While the Church of Asmodeus sets forth the many virtues of its deity forth, it also realizes that many citizens who would otherwise be drawn to its principles are somewhat turned off by the thought of explicitly worshipping a deity so widely, if unfortunately, in their view, considered evil. Thus, the Church of Asmodeus has fostered the development of the philosophy of diabolism, which purports to revere Hell less as an object of worship than as the ultimate model for human society- that the strong are to rule the weak, that might makes right and the ultimate goal and good of society is to encourage the elite in their creativity and wisdom to guide all of society into a better era. The atrocities of Hell are viewed as necessary evils at worst and by many, as a positive good- for the flame of suffering tempers the steel of the strong even as it crushes the weak. 

The Church of Asmodeus is a worldwide organization but its headquarters is in the Chelaxian capital of Egorian, where the Black Cathedral towers above the rest of the skyline, including even the Royal Palace itself. The Black Cathedral, built entirely of a rare form of black marble with red streaks, is one of the grandest and most imposing buildings in all of Golarion and its design has been widely mimicked, though its specifically infernal details are often changed. 

Along with its vast wealth and political power, the Church of Asmodeus also controls a small but highly efficient and powerful private army, the Hellknights, which are as zealously sworn to serve the interests of the Church and its uncompromising values of inequity and brutal law as paladins of Iomedae are to serve their goddess. Chosen from the elite ranks of the Chelish military, they are often found fighting side by side with their secular counterparts but are always mindful of their higher, or rather, lower, calling. 




The Church of Asmodeus does not typically engage in large-scale organized pogroms against other faiths so long as its supremacy in Cheliax is accepted. Those faiths that challenge the social order in Cheliax, however, are ruthlessly suppressed with the connivance of secular authorities and the Hellknights. 

Player Classes in Cheliax

Player Classes in Cheliax: 

Assassin: A Chelaxian subject might tell you that there is no place for assassins in Chelish society and find the very insinuation insulting, and yet there is ample work for men and women skilled in the art of murder for hire. Assassins are used to keeping a low profile and quickly learn where to find guilds or noble patrons who can protect them, particularly from the attentions of zealous young Hellknights. 

Barbarian:  The boundless rage and crudity of most barbarians is deeply unappealing to Chelaxians and barbarians will generally be socially shunned, though their awe-inspiring might is occasionally a valued asset, particularly when a Chelish noble might desire to frighten potential foes as much as simply destroy them. Barbarians are treated as exotic, sometimes valuable but dangerous creatures- little better than animals and never as reliable subjects.

Bard: There is probably not a country in the world so addicted to the arts and entertainment as the Chelaxians are and bards can become heroes and celebrities of a sort in Cheliax and if they are also capable of spying and fighting? All the better. Bards are respected, even loved, but rarely trusted by the Chelish. Chelish bards usually use song and dance rather than oratory or musical instruments- the Chelish aesthetic about music favoring the human voice above all other instruments.


Cleric: Clerics of Asmodeus have a status of automatic respect and entitlement that few in Chelaxian society can hope to match- but what often surprises foreigners raised on terrifying stories of diabolic Cheliax is that virtually every faith is represented in Cheliax. Followers and clergy of other faiths are expected to pay at least lip service to the cult of Asmodeus but are allowed to carry on their faiths provided they do not disrupt social order. Deities and faiths with a lawful bent are particularly accepted and even welcome- in general, a lawful good deity is more accepted than a chaotic evil one. 


Druid: Druids are not common in Cheliax and are generally treated with suspicion in the great cities of Egorian and Westcrown, but the country folk often revere anyone with demonstrated power over nature, even if they often deeply misinterpret the purpose and philosophy of the druid. Like clerics, Druids who are lawful in their bent are more welcome than those who embrace the inherent chaos of nature.

Fighter:  Little can be said about "fighters" as a whole, except that a talented man at arms is always a valuable commodity in the bloody games of the Chelish nobility and can rise to high station in the Chelaxian military. Those fighters who are disciplined will be, as a rule, more accepted than those who are not and previous military experience is usually regarded highly. 

Illusionist: The mysterious skills of the illusionist are well-suited to the cloak-and-dagger schemes of the Chelish nobility but their magic tends to be distrusted in comparison to the disciplined, arcane study of wizards. Illusionists are largely used to remaining quiet, however and will find themselves with no shortage of work in Cheliax.  

Knight:  Any warrior with the skill to inspire and lead and the social status allowing them to be equipped as a knight is a valued individual in Chelaxian society, able to find a place as a leader of a noble's retainers or a position of command in the Chelish armies. Many nobles are knights themselves and often favor those who adopt the unique ruthless chivalry common to Cheliax.



Monk:  The martial discipline that monks apply to their unique trade is deeply impressive to the Chelaxian mind and the practice of unarmed combat has become more popular in Cheliax as of late. There are a number of important orders of fighting monks in Cheliax, with the most prominent of them being the Sisters of the Golden Erinyes, who supply the personal bodyguard of Queen Abrogail herself.


Paladin: One would imagine that paladins would not be welcome in Chelix, infested with devils as it is- and yet, many paladins find that their efforts are welcome, provided they are directed towards targets that are congenial to state interests. It also helps that the most popular deity of paladins, Iomedae, was of Chelish descent herself and even as oppressed and devil-infested as Cheliax undoubtedly is, it is regarded as a sin to summarily dismiss such a glorious part of Chelish history. 


Ranger: Rangers are valued for their practical skills in Cheliax and are often pressed into service to act as scouts and commandoes for the Chelaxian military. As a whole, the Chelaxians have little love for wilderness itself and those rangers who stringently defend the natural world might find themselves at odds with the Chelish authorities. Untamed nature, like untamed people, is considered dangerous to the Chelish mind and those who would defend desolation are regarded as almost traitorous.

Rogue: While thieves cannot expect kind treatment in Chelaxian courts, the fact is that stealth and guile are skills in exceedingly high demand in Cheliax and that crime is rampant in the great cities- no matter how much the Chelaxian authorities like to claim the existence of perfect order in their streets. The reputation of a rogue depends on their skills but also on who they work for- who is willing to protect them from the authorities if necessary.

Wizard: Of all classes, perhaps none is so widely admired and simultaneously feared as that of wizards. Wizards are imagined, rightly or wrongly as being inherently disciplined and rigid in their study and methods- traits highly agreeable to the Chelish mind. Any wizard of talent and power will find themselves able to command a very high price indeed for their services. The Chelaxian court is rumoured to have three dozen powerful wizards in their direct employ and over a hundred full-fledged wizards teach at the Chelaxian Academy of the Magical Arts in Westcrown.

Player Races in Cheliax

Player Races in Cheliax: 

Human: Humans make up the overwhelming majority of Cheliax's population and Chelish officials tend to be somewhat prejudiced in favor of humans, though as racism is frowned upon by ancient Chelish law, such prejudices are usually expressed subtly rather than openly. Humans of all ethnicities live in Cheliax, though the vast majority of them are ethnic Chelish. The ethnic Chelish are usually fair of skin, but possess dark hair and either green or amber eyes. Any prejudices towards other human ethnicities are based entirely on perceptions of how "civilized" an ethnic group is, rather than outward determinants, with "civilized" peoples such as Taldans and Keleshites facing little difficulty in Chelaxian society while the traditionally nomadic Varisians and Kellids might face considerable snobbery from ethnic Chelish.

Dwarves: Dwarves are not common in Cheliax, and most of those that do dwell in Cheliax are traders, emissaries and merchants from other lands, living in the major Chelish cities such as Westcrown and the capital Egorian. They are typically regarded as somewhat boorish and dour by Chelaxians but are also highly respected for their crafting and martial skills. It is perhaps accurately said that a Chelaxian welcomes the presence of one Dwarf, but would disdain the presence of many of them.

Elves:  The Elves, who often evidence a mercurial nature, often exhibit a philosophy which is deeply in contrast to the Chelish reliance on complete law and order. All the same, the ancient wisdom and magical insights of Elves are recognized and Elven wizards are highly sought after by powerful Chelish nobles. There are very few elves in Egorian, but several thousand living in Westcrown, where they are prominent in the Chelaxian Academy of Magical Arts.

Half-Elf:  Half-Elves are simultaneously somewhat disdained and highly desired- very few half-elves are any less than highly attractive and are much in demand as lovers by the jaded, decadent Chelaxian nobility. Their natural attractiveness and charisma also puts them in good stead for careers in the wildly varied world of Chelaxian theatre. It is all too often assumed that a half-elf encountered randomly is some sort of actor or courtesan and their aspirations in other fields are often derided. While they are accepted well enough in a narrow range of trades, half-elven Chelaxians must daily deal with the stereotypes forced upon them.

Half-Orc: Half-Orcs often come from barbarous lands and are also deeply ugly to the average human taste- and the Chelish are obsessive about the trappings of civilization and beauty. Still, their natural strength and ferocity is much appreciated by those looking for a strong sword arm and half-orcs can often find a profitable career as hired muscle for one of the Chelaxian noble houses. The average Chelaxian will likely assume a half-orc they meet on the street is a violent ruffian and avoid them studiously. The authorities often discriminate against half-orcs, as they are seen as inherently violent.

Halfling:  The Halflings are the second most common humanoid race in Cheliax and the ones with the lowest status- the majority of halflings in Cheliax are slaves and most of those that are not slaves were slaves a generation or two again. The widespread disdain of non-Chelish individuals often becomes open when halflings are involved- they are widely seen as weak both in body and will and not worth the respect that is extended, grudgingly, to powerful races like the elves or dwarves. About ten percent of the population of Cheliax are halflings, with four-fifths of them being slaves to various Chelish noble families.

Gnome:  Gnomes are little-known by most Chelaxians, despite one of the largest gnomish settlements in the entire world being located in Chelaxian territory. Gnomes are frequently mistaken for elven children or for halflings, and many gnomes face themselves having to carry proof that they are indeed gnomish- for the gnomes are respected as craftsmen and illusionists to a degree that halflings simply are not.

Tiefling: One might imagine that in an empire controlled by diabolic interests, that tieflings might be honoured or even exalted above humans. The reality is quite the opposite- the Chelaxian position is that the forces of Hell serve Chelaxian interests, not the other way around and tieflings are disdained as visible proof that not all Chelish are capable of resisting diabolic influence. They are uniquely common in Cheliax, however, and many of them are hardened by their experiences of discrimination and hatred, either to hatred Chelaxian society or into an almost masochistic desire to succeed within it.

The Tomb of Varrus (Recap)

The Relics of Varrus and the Chelish Ascension: 

In the fall of the year, 4709, a band of adventurers operating near the disputed city of Argadav in Isger were commissioned by a mysterious organization to investigate the tomb of Varrus, an early pregenitor of the Chelaxian ruling house and retrieve various relics from within. Once there, they discovered signs of recent diabolic activity and finally were forced to battle with the monstrously bloated soul-shell of Varrus himself. Emerging triumphant and with Varrus' relics intact, they emerged from the tomb, straight into the arm of a company of Chelaxian Hellknights. 

Fortunately for our heroes, the Hellknights were contented with the delivery of the relics and allowed the party to leave unmolested and in possession of what goods they had removed from the tomb other than Varrus's relics. It turned out that the relics were more valuable than they had previously been told- the items were only moderately valuable magical weapons to most but possessed powerful magic linked directly to the bloodline of House Thrune, the ruling dynasty of Imperial Cheliax. While the adventurers wintered in Argadav, no doubt in preparation to dispersal and return to their respective homelands, the relics were delivered to Egorian and presented in grand style to Queen Abrogail III. 

 No one could have predicted the reaction of the Chelish ruler to the recovery of the relics. It appears that they were taken as a divine sign that the long decline of Cheliax had come to an end. Whatever the truth of Abrogail's possession of the relics of Varrus, it is clear that they either triggered or contributed to a signal change in Chelaxian policy. The troubled client states of Isger and Korvosa were annexed to Cheliax and Chelish armies turned against their long-time allies in Nidal, forcing the Umbral Court to take sanctuary in Uskwood. 


For a band of would-be adventurers wintering in Argadava, these events were of little immediate import, though Argadava was in Isger and Chelaxian forces occupied that city as well. Unless they specifically sought trouble with the new regime however, the adventurers that returned the relics of Varrus were left alone, until agents of the Chelaxian Queen arrived in the city, intent on delivering a note of thanks from the Chelish Queen herself and an invitation to the capital of Egorian to a heroes' reception. 


Refusing the hospitality of the ruler of Avistan's most powerful nation would be foolhardy indeed, but what could the Queen of Cheliax want with a motley band of adventurers? 

 How much value do heroes have in an empire of the damned?