Mezro is a legendary holy city in Chult, whose history and fate are central to understanding the region’s conflicts and the adventure’s antagonist.
History and Significance
Mezro was a powerful Chultan city protected by immortal defenders called the barae — champions granted god-given powers. The city stood as a bastion of civilization and faith in Chult for centuries, ruled by various royal dynasties and devoted to the god Ubtao.
The War with Ras Nsi
Over a century ago, Mezro became the target of conquest by Ras Nsi, a human paladin who had once been sworn to protect the city. After betraying his oaths and being banished, Ras Nsi raised an undead army consisting of zombie Chultans and ghoul cannibals to conquer Mezro. The warlord was defeated and banished again, largely thanks to heroes including Artus Cimber. During this conflict, Artus fell in love with Alisanda, one of the barae.
The False Destruction
Mezro appears to have been destroyed during the Spellplague, leaving only ruins behind. The Flaming Fist has already plundered these ruins extensively. However, the city’s destruction is an illusion. In truth, the barae used their divine magic to transport the entire city to a paradise — a magically constructed demiplane — leaving empty ruins as a decoy. This secret is closely guarded; only a few know the truth, including Artus Cimber and the guardian naga Saja N’baza.
Current Status
The city remains in its demiplane sanctuary, its return uncertain. Saja N’baza reveals through her visions that Mezro will not return as long as Ras Nsi lives, giving those who wish to see the city restored powerful motivation to end the yuan-ti warlord. Alisanda, now wed to Artus, promised him she would return when the city was no longer in peril, leaving Artus to wait immortally (sustained by the Ring of Winter) for his beloved’s return.
Location and Access
The ruins of Mezro lie inland, accessible via Kitcher’s Inlet and the River Olung on Chult’s eastern coast. The city is located east of the Laughing Gorge. Artus visits the ruins periodically to check for signs of change, when he’s not searching for Orolunga to consult with Saja N’baza about how to reach or summon the displaced city.
Political Claims
Baldur’s Gate, through the Flaming Fist, claims all territory east of the Mistcliff and north of Kitcher’s Inlet. Now that Mezro’s ruins are “picked clean,” the Flaming Fist seeks to extend its territorial claims southward to Refuge Bay.
Relationship to the Adventure
The fate of Mezro directly ties into Ras Nsi’s current plots in Omu. His transformation into a yuan-ti malison and alliance with Dendar’s followers represent his continued opposition to everything Mezro stood for. The city’s eventual return depends on the heroes defeating Ras Nsi, making Mezro’s restoration a potential long-term consequence of the adventure’s success.