Chult is a massive, untamed tropical peninsula that serves as the primary setting for this adventure. The land is characterized by dense jungles, sluggish rivers, plateaus, impassable mountains, and active volcanoes, all ringed by coastal mountain ranges that shield the interior from the sea.
Geography and Climate
The peninsula is protected by natural barriers: mountains to the west, south, and east create a wall between the interior jungle and the coastal waters. The safest entry points lie along the northern Bay of Chult and eastern coast near Refuge Bay. The interior grows increasingly hostile the farther one travels from the coast, with punishing heat, humidity, and dangerous terrain. The Land of Ash and Smoke—a volcanic wasteland traced with lava streams—is typically 20-40 degrees hotter than the rest of Chult and receives minimal rainfall.
Rivers like the Soshenstar, Tiryki, Olung, and Tath flow through the jungle, though they’re so sluggish that determining upstream from downstream can be difficult. They only pick up speed when thundering through steep gorges.
Inhabitants and Threats
Native Peoples
Chultans are the indigenous human population with dark skin, black hair, and rich culture. Once ruled by dynasties of kings and queens, they now live primarily in Port Nyanzaru under the governance of merchant princes. Most Chultans fled the jungle due to monsters and undead, taking refuge behind the city walls. They dress in light, colorful clothing and trade in gold, gemstones, spices, herbs, ivory, and other jungle commodities.
Other inhabitants include:
- Aarakocra tribes living atop mountains and plateaus, who defend the land against evil and sometimes aid lost explorers
- Batiri goblins organized in tribal queendoms, known for their cruelty and oversized war masks
- Dwarves (including albino dwarves), survivors of volcanic destruction of their underground strongholds
- Pterafolk (“Terror Folk”) who raid from high lairs
- Tabaxi minstrels and hunters
- Yuan-ti who have claimed the ruins of Omu after being driven from their ancient city Hisari
- Weretigers, grungs (frog folk), and other suspected inhabitants in remote areas
Major Hazards
The jungle is overrun with undead (skeletons, zombies, ghouls) following Ras Nsi’s failed conquest attempt. Carnivorous dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles, bloodsucking insects carrying diseases, and hostile creatures make travel extremely dangerous.
Recent arrivals include a crew of frost giants searching for the Ring of Winter, and Red Wizards of Thay hunting the Soulmonger under Valindra Shadowmantle’s command.
Environmental Challenges
Dehydration is a constant threat. Characters must drink at least 2 gallons of fresh water daily or risk exhaustion. River and ground water must be boiled before drinking, though rain catchers can collect safe rainwater.
Diseases like blue mist fever, shivering sickness, and throat leeches plague travelers. The oppressive heat, humidity, and frequent rainfall create brutal conditions for explorers.
History and Mythology
Chult was once protected by the greater god Ubtao, but over a century ago he abandoned the land in anger over his worshipers’ endless warring. Dinosaurs are still revered as Ubtao’s sacred children by many Chultans. With Ubtao gone, Chultans turned to foreign deities including Waukeen (trade), Gond (craft), Savras (divination), Sune (love), and Tymora (fortune).
The peninsula contains numerous ruined cities including Omu (the Forbidden City), Mezro (seemingly destroyed by the Spellplague but actually displaced to a demiplane), and various other lost locations. These ruins attract treasure hunters, explorers, and those seeking to plunder Chult’s vast natural resources.
Strategic Importance
Port Nyanzaru is the only major settlement and serves as a bastion of civilization. The city is a mercantile power that trades Chult’s riches with nations along the Sword Coast. Foreign powers including the Lords’ Alliance, Zhentarim, Emerald Enclave, Harpers, Order of the Gauntlet, and others all have agents operating in the city or jungle.
Fort Beluarian serves as a Flaming Fist garrison flying Baldur’s Gate’s flag, representing the Lords’ Alliance’s military presence. Other outposts like Camp Righteous (overrun) and Camp Vengeance (struggling) represent failed attempts to establish footholds deeper in the jungle.
The peninsula’s wealth—timber, spices, medicines, iron, gemstones, ivory, and other resources—makes it highly valuable, but the overwhelming dangers mean few dare venture far beyond coastal settlements.