Chinet

Chinet is an island in the Southeastern Region, south of Chalkós and north of the Telmun Islands. The population of Chinet is primarily of the Tigzirin ethnic group. According to their histories, their ancestors migrated from Dzarbah to Chinet around the same time the Naga conquered their homeland. The refugees had been blown far from their intended course by a great storm, and were lost and running out of supplies. Their leader, a man named Idir, made an impassioned plea for aid from whatever gods might be listening, and it was answered with a great roar as an island thrust itself steaming out of the ocean.

After making landfall, they found a land only barely cool enough to walk on created by the massive volcano that loomed over the island. At first, the Tigzirin believed that they would have to keep looking for a place better suited to sustaining life. But in only a few days, the island covered itself in lush greenery. And then the dogs came down the mountain.

They were massive black hounds made of smoke, ash, and obsidian, whose eyes glowed as red as lava. They were the emissaries of the volcano god, Kwayzo. He had answered their prayer and brought them a safe land, but there would be a price for his assistance - the refugees would become the servants of Kwayo and do his bidding, including providing the volcano with sacrifices on a regular basis. When the Tigzarin balked at this demand, Kwayzo's hounds burned their ships, stranding them on the island. Over the next two hundred years, the inhabitants of Chinet lived under the rule of Kwayzo and his hounds. They did many things to appease the volcano god, and paid heavily for their rescue. Whenever they dared to refuse a demand from the god, the hounds would punish them. Their bite would leave horrific burns that slowly killed their victim, cooking them from the inside with an infernal heat.

After two centuries of terror, the Tigzarin of Chinet finally found a means to free themselves from the tyranny of the evil Kwayzo. A new story arose among the people, of a goddess of rain and healing named Achin, who would be able to defeat and imprison the volcano god. They only spoke of her when they were far from the mountain, and held rites to summon the goddess in secret and out of sight of the volcano. It is unknown if they had somehow heard of the techniques of the Godcrafter's Guild, or if they invented them independently, but either way, they managed to manifest the goddess with the force of their belief. A gentle rain that soothed all ills announced her arrival, and the people danced for joy.

The battle between Achin and Kwayzo lasted for three days and three nights. The volcano rumbled and spat lava at the sky, but the rain fell still. The hounds who emerged from the mountain became calm and docile at Achin's touch, the fire leaving their eyes. In the end, Kwayzo was lulled into a deep sleep by the persistent rain, freeing the Tigzarin of his demands. He continues to sleep to this day.

In the centuries that have passed since then, the Tigzarin has prospered. They took in the dogs who had been gentled by Achin's touch, and the Chinet Hounds are the largest and most powerful dog breed found anywhere in the Great Ring. They are easily trained and intensely loyal, and many people have purchased one to be a guardian or a companion. The Tigzarin will only sell castrated male hounds to outsiders, so that they cannot be bred elsewhere.

The largest settlement on the island is named Anyazo. It is on the western coast of the island, and is best known for its large temple dedicated to Achin, which is considered one of the finest temples in the Great Ring.

Geography

The island is very mountainous, with numerous mountain chains. Deep valleys are located between the mountains, several of which house Tigzarin communities. The coastline is rugged and steep, with only a few good natural harbors. Lava tubes are common, creating caves all over the island.

Type

Island

Location under

Southeastern Region

Included Locations

• Adras Kwayzo
• Anyazo

Geographic Details

Location: Southeastern Region
Latitude: 28.18 degrees North
Longitude: 54.10 degrees East
Average Elevation: 922 ft
Highest Point: 12,188 ft (Adras Kwayzo)
Lowest Point: 0 ft
Area: 785.48 sq mi