Cheliax

Imperial Cheliax dominated Avistan for more than 600 years after  Chelish  King  Aspex  the  Even-Tongued  broke  from Taldor,  diplomatically  absorbed  Andoran,  and  conquered both Isger and Galt. These events launched a centuries-long tradition of expansion and glory, propelling Cheliax to the height of human civilization. The nation soon dominated  and  subsumed  many  native  peoples  and  cultures,  so  that many regions had a ruling elite or caste of Chelish origin, or with a strong Chelish heritage and blood ties running back to the empire. The empire continued to expand, and with the expected return of Aroden, patron god of Cheliax, none of the Chelish people had any doubt that it would eventually attain the power (and riches) of ancient Azlant.

Then the inexplicable occurred. Instead of returning, Aroden  died,  and  a  part  of  Cheliax  died  with  him. With the emperor stripped of his divine mandate, certain powerful noble houses rose up, plunging the imperial heartland into civil war. Anarchy and  war  plagued  Cheliax  for  more  than  30 years,  until  House  Thrune  and  its  allies took and held the throne. Queen Abrogail I,  Infernal  Majestrix  of  Cheliax,  placed among her armies bound devils from the depths  of  Hell.  She  quelled  dissent  in the empire’s heartland and in so doing gained  her  new  regime  a  measure  of respect  and  legitimacy.  Few  among  the gods-fearing citizens of Cheliax approved of the diabolists’ fearsome methods, but wherever  they  installed  themselves, the  opportunistic  savagery  of  the last  generation  soon  ceased,  and  a dark peace embraced the kingdom. 

However, it's a peace that came with a price.  Those houses who do not also worship Asmodeus find themselves out of favor and maybe even exiled or worse.  And nothing sums up the contradiction of Cheliax more than the Hellknights.  The Hellknights have become the premiere fighting force in Cheliax.  They are considered the elite and usually have unquestioned authority in most matters across Cheliax.  There are those among the Hellknights that want to help their fellow citizens and to keep the peace and order that has been achieved.  There are just as many who see the Hellkinghts as a way to gain power and keep it for themselves.  Many times, it's tough to tell who to trust until it's too late.  And all that has done is further isolate Chelaxans from helping each other, possibly when they need it the most.  

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