Beit Castan
 | This article is about a topic found primarily or only in the RPGA's Living Greyhawk campaign (2000-2008). While it is officially sanctioned and is frequently based on officially published material, it may be considered unofficial or non-canonical to the setting. |
| Beit Castan | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General information | |||||||||
| Realm: | Zeif, Deylik of Saganat | ||||||||
| Size: | Large city | ||||||||
| Government | |||||||||
| Authority: | Turhan Dey | ||||||||
| Government: | Elected monarchy | ||||||||
| Alignment: | Neutral | ||||||||
| Demographics | |||||||||
| Population: | 15,900 | ||||||||
| Races: |
| ||||||||
| Languages: | Baklunish dialects, Ancient Baklunish, Orcish | ||||||||
| Groups | |||||||||
| Religions: | Xan Yae, Geshtai, others typical to Zeif | ||||||||
| Organizations: | Dark Lash | ||||||||
Beit Castan is a city on the western coast of the Flanaess, on the shores of the Dramidj Ocean, specifically in Zeif.
History
Beit was absorbed by Zeif in 387 CY[1] shortly after the wizard Castanamir, who had been ruling there as the Last Amir[2], went off into self-imposed exile due to perceived unpopularity.
Geography
Beit Castan is both the southernmost and westernmost port in Zeif. It lies directly south of the Janasib Islands along the Bakhoury Coast. The harbour of Beit Castan is on the eastern coast of Salakesh Cove, a large bay proceeding from the Gulf of Ghayar.
Cityscape
The Temizle Nefes (a public bathhouse operated by followers of Geshtai)[1] is a popular location. The Church of Geshtai operates all the public bathhouses in Zeif, and they are commonplace. Bathhouses are a long-standing tradition in Baklunish lands—all classes and ages mingle there.
People
While Baklunish humans are obviously the overwhelming majority in Beit Castan, and all of Zeif, there is a significant population of orcish and half-orcish people comprising a tenth of the population in some areas. Otherwise, demihumans are exceedingly rare; halflings are most likely to be found, and dwarves and elves are almost unknown.[3]
Notable individuals[1]
- Turhan Dey ibnt Tayyib alBakhoura (N human f Rog 5/Shadowdancer 7); dey of Saganat; licensed privateer[note 1]
- Kimiya (human female Clr 5 of Geshtai)—proprietor of The Temizle Nefes
- Yeganeh (LN human female Clr 10/Contemplative 5 of Xan Yae)
- AliNaghi (LN human male Clr 12 of Zuoken)
Government
Beit Castan is a conventional city under the rule of the Sultan of Zeif and follows the rule of a dey for the sultan.
Economy
Resources
Due to being a large city with a surprisingly large population, Beit Castan has a generous amount of cash resources available. Merchants and other traders can offer a large amount of goods and services.[1]
Trade
The waters on the coast of Beit Castan are known for their pearl beds. Many noble and mercantile houses in the region to trade for these pearls which are the largest and most lustrous to be found.[1][2]
Beit Castan is a haven for smuggling. It may be due to the significant civil unrest present there after the Sultan absorbed Beit Castan into Zeif. A smuggling cartel known as the Dark LAsh maintains its headquarters in a small building adjoining the temple of Xan Yae on the docks.[1][2]
Currency
As a deylik (province; vassal state) of Zeif, the usual currency applies: magus (pp), efrit (gp), marid (ep), djinn (sp), dao (cp)[4]
Publication history
Beit Castan's name did not appear in GH lore until 2000 in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, and was not expanded until July 2001 in Living Greyhawk Journal #5. Both were written by Fred Weining.
LGG co-author Fred Weining expanded on it in The Rock of the West in Dragon #295, (Living Greyhawk Journal #5).
The Living Greyhawk region for Zeif produced more material based on that article in the Player's Guide to Zeif, and is the source of this material.[1][2]
References
Notes
- ↑ The ruler of Beit Castan is given the name "Turhan" in LGJ5. However, in the Player's Gudie to Zeif the name was given as ""Turfian". A Zeif Triad member stated in 2022 it was a transcription error and was likely caused by OCR error.
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f g Jake Robins; Warren Banks, Eugen Luk, Brent Jans (2007) Players Guide to Zeif v2.0 (PDF), Living Greyhawk Zeif Triad (RPGA), pp. 14−15
- ↑ a b c d "The Rock of the West". Living Greyhawk Journal #5 (Jul 2001, published March 2002), p.17. by Fred Weining
- ↑ Player's Guide to Zeif v2 (2007) (RPGA) , p.6-7.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.136.
Bibliography
- Weining, Fred. Living Greyhawk Journal #5. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, Jul 2001.
- Mona, Erik, ed. Living Greyhawk Journal #11. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, May 2002.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean Reynolds and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 11743.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beit Castan {Biet} | Settlement | Settlement, | Dragon magazine #295 | 94, 95 |
| Beit Castan {Biet} | Settlement | Settlement, | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 17 |
| Xan Yae, Temple of (Beit Castan) | Building | Temple, | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 18 |