Calimshan

**Calimshan** is a nation which covers the southern corner of West Faerûn, including the Calim Desert and the Spider Swamp and sits west of the Border Kingdoms, separated by the Lake of Steam and the Sea of Fallen Stars.

An ancient nation, Calimshan's capital is the sprawling port-city of Calimport, known as the City of Glory and home to the Syl-Pasha (emperor) and the many powerful wealthy nobles called pashas. Other major cities include Memnon and the coastal city of Schamedar.

## History

Calishite historians will extoll, at length, a history stretching back nine thousand years, making Calimshan the oldest human nation in Faerûn. Although the recorded history of the region is indeed as old, it is questionable for modern Calimshan to claim to be the same nation as those ancient lands, instead of merely their successor. Modern Calimshan was founded in 450 DR.

In 1489 DR an archaelogical investigation in the East uncovered an altar to the deceased goddess Tierra close to the Alimir Mountains. The surviving archaeologists claimed that their deceased companion and a group of adventurers made contact with a vestige of the goddess' spirit and had her restore their lives after they were killed by bandits, however it was not possible to verify such claims.

## Climate

From the deserts to western shores to the swamps in the east and plains in between, Calimshan provides for a range of environments.

## Government

The government of Calimshan is composed of a hierarchical government. The largest of these governments is located in Calimport the capital. Each city models its system after the imperfect system of the capital city. At the head of each hierarchy is a Pasha. The Syl-Pasha is the supreme ruler who lives in the grand palace in Calimport and he never receives an audience, not even for a deity.

## Trade

This like the other nations in the Land of Intrigue, is built heavily on trade and the culture is as dependent on trade as any other nation.

Calimshan is a major exporter of armour, books, gems, jewellery, leather goods, mercenaries, minor magic items, pearls, pottery, rare herbs, rope, ships, silk, spices, weapons, and wine. The main imports are food, slaves, and magic.

## Society

As with the rest of Faerûn, this is a heavily human country. Calishite is the name given to an inhabitant of Calimshan. The term "Calimite" is a severe insult. "Calishites" is also used to describe the human ethnicity that appears as though they come from Calimshan.

The pervading view of the average Calishite is they are the rightful rulers of all the land south and west of the Sea of Fallen Stars. They have a tendency to look on the northern cultures as being short lived barbarian cultures barely being worthy of notice. This however does not stop them with trading with these nations and they are trading rivals with Waterdeep.

Calimshan is home to the Guild Arcane.

### Social Status

Status is measured not in wealth in and of itself but in the ability to live comfortably in that wealth. As such they look down upon those who lived off the charity of others and those that adventure.

In addition to the desire for the status and wealth on the surface, a strong drive for strength in the underworld of trade is also present. A tradition of lying, cheating, backstabbing, blackmail, and respect for the host makes the dealings of this underworld a local fair. Women are not seen as equals except in the underworld trade.