![[Chlimbia.png|400]] **Paraelemental Lord, Prince of Magma Creatures** **Alignment:** Evil **Home Plane:** Paraelemental Plane of Magma **Realm:** Caldera **Also Known As:** Chilimba, the Searing Emperor, First General of the Cauldron, Master of All Mephits ### Overview Chlimbia, also known as Chilimba, is a powerful and exceptionally cruel elemental ruler who claims dominion over the Paraelemental Plane of Magma. Styling himself the Searing Emperor, the First General of the Cauldron, and the Master of All Mephits, he exercises considerable authority over the magma mephits that inhabit the molten realm. Although he claims the rank of archomental and bears the title Prince of Magma Creatures, his true nature is a matter of considerable dispute among planar scholars. Unlike Imix, Ogrémoch, Olhydra, and Yan-C-Bin, whose extraordinary elemental power places them among the recognised Princes of Elemental Evil, Chlimbia appears to have arisen from the lesser elemental creatures of his own plane. His ancestry is unmistakably connected to magma mephits, although some accounts suggest that he may be a hybrid possessing both mephit and paraelemental heritage. Whatever his precise origins, Chlimbia has acquired sufficient power and influence to establish himself as the dominant individual among the magma mephits. Chlimbia is notorious for his cruelty, paranoia, and extraordinary interest in the infliction of suffering. He maintains his position through fear and intimidation, surrounding himself with formidable defences and taking extreme precautions against anyone who might threaten his authority. His reputation for viciousness extends beyond the Paraelemental Plane of Magma, making even experienced planar travellers reluctant to approach his stronghold. Ancient accounts also connect Chlimbia to the great war between Law and Chaos, during which he fought alongside the forces of Law before participating in the murder of Bristia Pel, the Princess of Good Fire Creatures. His involvement in that betrayal established him as an enemy of the benevolent archomentals and contributed to the division of their alliance with the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. Despite his considerable influence, Chlimbia's claim to supremacy remains greater than his proven authority. The magma mephits recognise him as their leader, but many other creatures of the plane remain independent or openly hostile toward his followers. His position is therefore sustained less by universal elemental sovereignty than by the strength of his mephit subjects and the considerable danger posed by his own cruelty. ### Domain and Influence Chlimbia resides within the Paraelemental Plane of Magma, an immense realm formed where the Elemental Planes of Earth and Fire converge. The plane consists of vast oceans of molten rock, hardened volcanic crust, rivers of flowing lava, and an atmosphere contaminated by poisonous gases. Its surface continually shifts as cooling rock hardens before being broken apart and consumed again by the seething magma beneath it. Toward the Elemental Plane of Fire, the molten landscape becomes increasingly violent, with eruptions and fountains of superheated material rising above the surface. Closer to the Elemental Plane of Earth, the substance becomes more solid, and great formations of stone emerge from the lava. These regions are exceptionally dangerous to travellers who lack protection against both extreme heat and the poisonous atmosphere. Chlimbia's seat of power is Caldera, a formidable fortress constructed from basalt and carved in the likeness of an enormous red dragon. The structure is protected by numerous physical and magical defences, reflecting both its master's considerable power and his obsessive fear of attack. The fortress serves as the centre of Chlimbia's authority over the magma mephits. His position within Caldera allows him to maintain a heavily defended residence while commanding creatures that possess considerable influence throughout the surrounding plane. The magma mephits are among the most numerous and aggressive inhabitants of the realm. Their great numbers allow them to dominate much of the surrounding territory, despite frequent conflicts with fire mephits and other elemental beings. They are notoriously vicious creatures who often resort to violence when confronted by outsiders or rival elemental peoples. Magma paraelementals also inhabit the plane in considerable numbers. Unlike the magma mephits, these creatures do not possess a universally recognised ruler and generally prefer to avoid confrontation with the dominant mephit populations. When the two groups encounter one another, violence frequently follows. The magmen form another significant population within the plane. These creatures maintain numerous communities and frequently negotiate with elemental beings, but they possess little affection for mephits. Their settlements remain distinct from Chlimbia's authority, demonstrating that his claim to govern the entire plane is not accepted by all its inhabitants. The Paraelemental Plane of Magma also attracts visitors from neighbouring elemental realms. Efreet and dao occasionally travel there to trade, taking advantage of territory that lies between their respective elemental domains. The dao may arrive aboard vessels constructed from obsidian, while the efreet possess considerable influence through their connections to the Elemental Plane of Fire. Although Chlimbia claims supremacy over the entire realm, he is not its only powerful inhabitant. The fire giant Korland Redblaze commands a formidable mercenary company known as the Flaming Axe, while other independent settlements and strongholds maintain their own affairs. Chlimbia's authority is therefore most firmly established among the magma mephits rather than every creature dwelling within the molten plane. ### Symbols and Icons No widely established personal symbol is known for Chlimbia. His authority is instead recognised through his titles and his association with the magma mephits. The title Searing Emperor identifies his claim to rulership, while the First General of the Cauldron and Master of All Mephits proclaim his military authority and supposed supremacy over mephitkind. His fortress, Caldera, is itself one of his most distinctive representations. Its enormous red dragon shape provides an unmistakable indication of the power and menace associated with its master. Although symbols representing fire, magma, and volcanic destruction are known throughout the elemental planes, none can be reliably identified as Chlimbia's exclusive personal emblem. ### Followers and Servants Chlimbia's principal followers are the magma mephits of the Paraelemental Plane of Magma. These creatures form the most influential population within his sphere of authority and provide the foundation upon which his claim to rulership rests. Magma mephits are exceptionally vicious beings composed of elemental earth and fire. They possess aggressive temperaments and are frequently involved in conflicts with other mephits, particularly those associated with elemental fire. Their considerable numbers give them an advantage over many of their enemies, allowing them to maintain dominance over extensive regions of the plane. Chlimbia's position as their leader makes him one of the most powerful individuals within the paraelemental realm. His influence does not depend upon the allegiance of every inhabitant, but upon the strength and numbers of the mephits who acknowledge his authority. His title Master of All Mephits suggests a claim extending beyond magma mephits alone. However, no general submission of the other mephit varieties has been established. Fire mephits continue to oppose their magma-dwelling relatives, and other mephit populations maintain their own interests throughout the Inner Planes. Magma paraelementals and magmen inhabit the same realm, but their presence should not be mistaken for proof that they serve Chlimbia. The paraelementals generally seek to avoid the ruling mephits, while magmen possess little affection for them and maintain their own communities. Chlimbia's following is therefore best understood as a powerful concentration of magma mephits whose collective strength allows him to exercise considerable influence. The extent of any mortal worship directed toward Chlimbia remains uncertain. Although he claims an exalted position among elemental beings, no established universal priesthood, religious hierarchy, or organised system of temples has been reliably associated with him. His authority is principally political and coercive, sustained through fear and the strength of his followers rather than a documented system of divine worship. ### Powers and Abilities Chlimbia possesses extraordinary strength for a being of mephit ancestry. His position as the most powerful individual among the magma mephits demonstrates that he has attained abilities far exceeding those ordinarily associated with lesser elemental creatures. The precise extent of his supernatural powers remains poorly understood. Unlike the principal archomentals, whose magical abilities have been observed and described in considerable detail, Chlimbia is known chiefly through accounts of his dominion, his cruelty, and the formidable defences surrounding his fortress. - **Magma Mephit Heritage:** Chlimbia possesses an undeniable connection to magma mephits. His nature is associated with the elemental combination of Earth and Fire, although the possibility that he possesses additional paraelemental ancestry has not been conclusively established. - **Exceptional Elemental Power:** Chlimbia is considerably more powerful than ordinary magma mephits. His strength has enabled him to claim rulership over their populations and maintain his position against other dangerous inhabitants of the Plane of Magma. - **Authority Over Magma Mephits:** His most clearly established power is his command over the dominant mephit population. Their collective strength makes him a formidable ruler even without unquestioned control over other elemental creatures. - **Mastery of Cruelty and Torture:** Chlimbia possesses an extraordinary reputation for inflicting pain and suffering. Ancient accounts claim that he studied the methods of torture under a powerful pit fiend and became so accomplished that he eventually taught his supposed instructor new techniques. - **Magical Defences:** Caldera is protected by powerful magical wards and numerous conventional fortifications. These safeguards demonstrate Chlimbia's access to considerable defensive resources, although the precise workings of every enchantment remain unknown. - **Control Through Intimidation:** Chlimbia maintains authority through fear and extreme punishment. His reputation for cruelty discourages challenges to his position and makes even peaceful contact with his court dangerous. The exact nature of Chlimbia's personal combat magic, his resistance to particular elemental forces, and his capacity to summon or transform other creatures remain uncertain. His acknowledged strength is substantial, but his claim to possess the full powers of a true archomental has never been conclusively established. ### Treatment of Followers and Visitors Chlimbia is a cruel and deeply suspicious ruler who has little concern for the welfare of those subject to his authority. His reputation is founded upon ruthless behaviour and an extraordinary interest in the suffering of others. His relationship with the magma mephits is characterised by domination rather than benevolent leadership. Their own aggressive and vicious nature makes them particularly suitable followers for a ruler who relies upon intimidation and violence. Chlimbia is also intensely paranoid. His fortress is heavily fortified, and he treats unexpected arrivals as potential threats. Even visitors who possess legitimate reasons to seek an audience may be killed before they can explain their intentions. This hostility is especially evident in the treatment of travellers arriving through a particular portal connecting the Outlands to Caldera. The passage delivers visitors directly into his stronghold, where Chlimbia frequently orders their immediate execution. Those who survive long enough to address him must provide a convincing explanation for their presence before his suspicion turns into violence. His conduct has made the portal notorious among planar travellers familiar with its destination. Chlimbia's reputation for torture further discourages visitors from placing themselves within his power. Accounts concerning his supposed apprenticeship to a pit fiend suggest that his cruelty is not merely an expression of anger but an activity he has studied with considerable interest. The enormous defences surrounding Caldera reveal the extent of his distrust. Rather than relying entirely upon the loyalty of his followers, Chlimbia maintains numerous safeguards against intrusion or betrayal. His treatment of lesser creatures is therefore consistent with his broader temperament. He expects obedience, suspects hidden threats, and responds to perceived challenges with cruelty. ### Myths and Legends Chlimbia's history is closely connected to the ancient conflicts of the elemental powers and the disputed origins of the lesser archomentals. Although his reign over the magma mephits is well established, several important aspects of his past remain uncertain. - **The Origins of Chlimbia:** Chlimbia's precise ancestry is unknown. He claims the position of an archomental, but his connection to magma mephits is unmistakable. Some planar scholars believe that he is an unusually powerful mephit, while others suspect that he possesses mixed heritage comparable to that of a paraelemental genasi. Neither explanation has been conclusively established. - **The Rise of the Searing Emperor:** Chlimbia emerged as the leader of the magma mephits, whose great numbers made them the dominant population within the Paraelemental Plane of Magma. His rise allowed him to claim the title Searing Emperor and present himself as the supreme ruler of the entire plane, although many other inhabitants never submitted to his authority. - **The First General of the Cauldron:** Among Chlimbia's preferred titles is First General of the Cauldron. The title reflects his claim to military authority over magma-dwelling creatures. His position among the ancient forces involved in the war between Law and Chaos provides evidence of his participation in conflicts far beyond the boundaries of his own realm. - **The War Between Law and Chaos:** During the ancient conflict between the Wind Dukes of Aaqa and the Queen of Chaos, Chlimbia initially supported the forces of Law. His allegiance placed him alongside several benevolent elemental princes who had likewise joined the Wind Dukes in opposition to Chaos. - **The Betrayal of Bristia Pel:** Chlimbia and Ehkahk, the Prince of Smoke Creatures, betrayed the benevolent archomentals during the ancient war. Together, they ambushed and killed Bristia Pel, the Princess of Good Fire Creatures. Her death was a devastating loss to the elemental powers of Good and contributed to the disintegration of their alliance with the forces of Law. - **The Defection of Ben-Hadar:** Following the murder of Bristia Pel, Ben-Hadar, the Prince of Good Water Creatures, became disillusioned with the cause he had supported. Outraged by the betrayal committed by elemental beings fighting alongside Law, he abandoned the Wind Dukes and joined the forces of Chaos for the remainder of the war. - **The Apprenticeship to a Pit Fiend:** One of the most disturbing accounts concerning Chlimbia claims that he studied torture under a particularly cruel pit fiend. According to the tale, Chlimbia eventually surpassed his instructor, devising methods of inflicting suffering that even the fiend had not previously considered. The identity of the supposed instructor and the truth of the apprenticeship remain uncertain. - **The Construction of Caldera:** Chlimbia established his stronghold within a massive basalt fortress carved in the shape of a red dragon. The structure was furnished with numerous physical and magical defences, reflecting the extreme suspicion with which he regards potential enemies. Caldera has become one of the most recognisable strongholds within the Paraelemental Plane of Magma. - **The Disputed Archomental:** Chlimbia's claim to the title Prince of Magma Creatures remains controversial. Although his authority over magma mephits is considerable, he lacks the established standing of the greater elemental princes. His uncertain ancestry and comparatively limited dominion have led many planar scholars to question whether he should be counted as a true archomental. ### Encounters with Chlimbia's Influence Chlimbia's influence is encountered primarily within the Paraelemental Plane of Magma, where magma mephits dominate large areas and the Searing Emperor maintains his heavily defended stronghold. - **The Fortress of Caldera:** Chlimbia's principal residence is a colossal basalt fortress carved in the likeness of a red dragon. Its numerous magical and physical defences make it exceptionally dangerous to approach, particularly because its ruler is notoriously suspicious of outsiders. - **The Magma Mephits:** The most common servants associated with Chlimbia are the aggressive magma mephits. Their enormous numbers allow them to overwhelm many of their rivals, and their hostility toward other elemental creatures creates continual conflict throughout the plane. - **The Conflict with Fire Mephits:** Magma mephits maintain an enduring hostility toward their fire-dwelling relatives. The two groups frequently engage in violent encounters, and the presence of large magma mephit populations makes the surrounding territory particularly dangerous. - **The Magma Paraelementals:** Magma paraelementals inhabit the plane alongside the mephits but generally avoid their dominant populations. When the two encounter one another, hostilities frequently erupt, demonstrating the limits of Chlimbia's claimed authority. - **The Communities of Magmen:** Numerous communities of magmen exist throughout the plane. These creatures sometimes negotiate with elemental beings but possess little affection for mephits. Their independent existence illustrates that Chlimbia has not brought every inhabitant of the plane under his command. - **The Portal from the Outlands:** A small basalt portal situated within an isolated region of the Outlands provides passage directly into Caldera. A simple glass lens serves as its key. The passage is one-way and is too narrow for particularly large creatures. Travellers who use it risk immediate execution upon emerging within Chlimbia's fortress. - **The Trading Expeditions of the Dao and Efreet:** Members of these powerful genie peoples sometimes travel into the Paraelemental Plane of Magma to conduct trade. Their presence reflects the plane's position between Earth and Fire, although neither people is universally subject to Chlimbia's rule. - **The Ancient Betrayal:** Chlimbia's participation in the murder of Bristia Pel remains part of the history of the elemental princes. His association with Ehkahk and the consequences of their treachery continue to distinguish him from rulers whose ambitions remain confined to their native planes. ### Conclusion Chlimbia is a powerful and malevolent ruler of the Paraelemental Plane of Magma, whose authority rests upon his command of the aggressive magma mephits. Styling himself the Searing Emperor, the First General of the Cauldron, and the Master of All Mephits, he claims a position among the great archomentals despite considerable uncertainty surrounding his ancestry and the true extent of his power. His rule is characterised by cruelty, paranoia, and an obsessive concern for his own security. From Caldera, his enormous basalt fortress carved in the likeness of a red dragon, he maintains influence over the dominant mephit populations while numerous other inhabitants of the plane remain outside his authority. Chlimbia's participation in the ancient war between Law and Chaos, particularly his betrayal and murder of Bristia Pel alongside Ehkahk, established his place within the history of the elemental powers. His reputation for torture and his ruthless treatment of visitors further distinguish him from other rulers of the Inner Planes. Although his claim to true archomental status remains disputed, Chlimbia possesses sufficient power to make him one of the most dangerous individuals within the Paraelemental Plane of Magma. His authority is neither universal nor unquestioned, but his command over the magma mephits and the formidable defences of Caldera ensure that his influence remains considerable.