Shilku is an abandoned coastal village on the southwestern coast of Chult, destroyed and buried by a volcanic eruption. The settlement’s silent streets lie beneath layers of ash, and its harbor is choked with cooled lava flows.
Current State
The village is devoid of human habitation but far from lifeless. Heat-loving creatures now inhabit the ruins, including mephits, firenewts, and salamanders. These creatures prowl the ashen alleys and tunnel into cellars that were sealed by volcanic stone during the eruption.
The nearby volcano remains active, continuously erupting and sending lava flows into Shilku Bay. Red-hot stones and burning ash periodically rain down from the sky, making the eastern shore near the village extremely dangerous for ships.
Strategic Importance
Liara Portyr of Fort Beluarian considers Shilku a potential site for excavation and treasure recovery, similar to the now “cleared out” Mezro. Her patrons in Baldur’s Gate pressure her to begin exploring and excavating the buried village for entombed treasures. However, such an operation would require establishing a new fort somewhere on the southwestern coast, a project for which she currently lacks both personnel and funding.
Adventure Hooks
Shilku Reconnaissance: Liara Portyr may hire adventurers to sail to Shilku Bay and conduct a week-long reconnaissance of the destroyed village, then report their findings back to Fort Beluarian. Characters who accept this mission receive paid food and passage plus a free charter of exploration. Successful completion grants them free meals and guest rooms at Fort Beluarian on future visits, plus one potion or scroll from the fort’s stores.
Shilku Bay
The bay itself is poisonous due to sulfurous water from ongoing volcanic activity. Most sea life in the bay is dead, and the surrounding shore is barren. While safe landing spots exist along the western shore, the eastern shore near Shilku poses significant hazards to sailing vessels from falling volcanic debris and drifting burning ash.