Commerce on the High Seas, Part 2

 

“What do ye do when ye see a whale, men?”

“Sing out for him!” was the impulsive rejoinder from a score of clubbed voices.

“Good!” cried Ahab, with a wild approval in his tones; observing the hearty animation into which his unexpected question had so magnetically thrown them.

“And what do ye next, men?”

“Lower away, and after him!”

“And what tune is it ye pull to, men?”

“A dead whale or a stove boat!”

― Herman Melville, Moby-Dick or, the Whale

A Salt of the Seas

I’m still reading old Dragon magazines. There’s a fair bit I gloss over, but every now and again something catches my interest, some treaties on history, or some early exploration of immerging PC classes.

What I’m looking for is what might be considered useful. There was a lot left up to the imagination in those days, and much left out of those core books of yore; so, what was published in Dragon magazine might be considered (what new gamers would call) Unearthed Arcana—before these was a sourcebook of the same name.

As I noted in an earlier post, there was little said about trade, even if that phrase has been bandied around often throughout the ages and editions; so, it’s always a pleasant surprise when someone actually tackles that orphan child.

What can be said about trade on the high seas?

“Trade has all the fascination of gambling without its moral guilt.”

― Walter Scott, Rob Roy 

If that earlier post tackled potential profitability of trade, it decidedly neglected to mention what those profitable cargos might be. The article was published pre-setting, so it was anyone’s guess what those cargos might be. I imagine DMs took inspiration from the golden age of piracy, when merchants and man-o’ wars, and pirate vessels played cat and mouse with one another.

The below example certainly seems to take inspiration from that “golden age.” 

Except from SHIP’S CARGO by James Endersby and John Carroll, Dragon #12, Feb. 1978.

Small merchant ships can hold up to twelve units of cargo, while large merchant ships can hold up to thirty units. Roll a six-sided die for each kind of treasure possible; each roll of a one means that there are from one to six units of that particular type of cargo on board. If the total number of units of cargo is greater than the capacity of the ship, neglect the least valuable cargo.

Value per Unit
Cargo	Gold pieces	Comments
Spice	1000
Silk	1000
Precious Stones	1000	Amber, flint, jade, marble, emeralds, etc.
Jewelry	1000	This is primitive and low-grade stuff, not the jewelry used in normal D&D campaigns
Ivory	300
Precious Wood	300	Only 1-4 units; ebony, teak, balsa, etc.
Tea	350
Cotton	250
Cloth	250
Livestock	250	Camels, falcons, peacocks, monkeys, ocelots, Arabian horses, etc.
Fruits and Vegetables	100	Spoilage may occur, especially over long voyages
Foreign Slaves	Variable	20-60 people

Also, roll for treasure — type A.

There is also a 15% chance that a few passengers are aboard ship. These passengers can be merchants, adventurers, or noblemen. 

Port of Call

The next logical step would be to think on where these cargos might come from. Setting boxed sets are the idea resource for this sort of “speculation.” Speculation need not enter the picture at all, should you have one at your perusal. Seeing that 5e has not issued many such resources, DMs are going to have to be creative about what comes from where, much as they had to do in the time of “way before.”

Thankfully, we have the Folio, and the Gold Box, not to mention the Living Greyhawk Gazatteer. The Folio listed “Resources” for each of the nations; the Gold Box went one step further, adding a map detailing the nations with symbols. The Living Greyhawk Journal took these one step further, expounding upon the initial resources.

A Fistful of Gems

RESOURCES (Major known items produced in sufficient abundance to export.

Gem classifications are:

I Base value 10 GP

II Base value 50 GP

III Base value 100-500 GP

IV Base value 1000+ GP

[Folio – 3]

For a further breakdown of gems of each category, the 1e DMG has fairly exhaustive list. 

What follows is a list the nations of the Flanaess, including what I expect most captains would know about each port of call: languages spoken (the common tongue is Bakluni in the west, Keoish in the Sheldomar valley, and Aerdy elsewhere, to say nothing about Suloise wherever the Brotherhood reigns supreme), common national temperament [alignments] (key to potential trust), their currency, and their allies and enemies (for obvious reasons, I should think). Keep in mind that these resources are the MAJOR export, and not the only source of trade of these nations. I have added to these on very rare occasion, as I saw fit.

The points detailing each are taken from those sources noted above.

Almor

ALMOR, PRELACY of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, copper

Principal port: Chathold, on the Fairwind (Relmor) Bay

AMEDIO JUNGLE, The

Resources: foodstuffs, rare woods, spices, ivory, platinum, gems (III, IV), slaves

Alignment: LE, CE, N, CN

Languages: Amedi, Beastman, Dakon, Kech, Olman, Ancient Suloise, Common (along coast)

Principal port: Sasserine, on Jeklea Bay

Rookroost

BANDIT KINGDOMS, The

Resources: silver (mines in rift area)

Coinage: Various currencies produced by each fiefdom or stolen from sovereign nations

Languages: Common, Orc, Halfling

Alignments: CN, CE, NE, N, LE, CG

Allies: None

Principal port: Alhaster, on the Nyr Dyv

Bissel

BISSEL, MARCH of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, gold, gems (I)

Coinage: (Modified Keoland) griffon (pp), lion (gp), eagle (ep), stag (sp), roc (cp)

Languages: Common, Baklunish dialects, Dwarven

Alignments: LG, LN, N, NG

Allies: Gran March, Keoland, Veluna, Knights of the Watch, dwarves of the eastern Barrier Peaks, many mercenaries and adventuring bands; allies divided over many issues

Enemies: Ket, Iuz

Principal port: landlocked, vis Verbobonc

Blackmoor

BLACKMOOR

Resources: walrus ivory, copper, gems (II)

Coinage: Currently none; old coins found in many ruins (standard types in odd shapes)

Languages: Common, Flan, Orc, Halfling, Elven, Gnome

Alignments: LN, LE, NE, CE

Allies: None

Enemies: Iuz, Wolf Nomads (sometimes)

Principal port: Mosshold, and Tonnsborg, on Blackmoor Bay. Few calls, if any.

Bone March

BONE MARCH, The

Resources: silver, gems (I, II)

Coinage: [Aerdy standard] orb (pp), ivid (gp), noble (ep), penny (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Orc, Halfling, Gnome, Elven (plus Goblin, Gnoll, etc.)

Alignments: LE, LN, N, CE

Allies: North Kingdom

Enemies: Nyrond, Ratik, Frost/Ice/Snow Barbarians

Principal port: Johnsport, on Grendep Bay

Bright Lands

BRIGHT LANDS, The

Resources: Unknown

Coinage: Currently none, but may be produced in near future

Languages: Flan (native tribesmen), Ancient Suloise (native tribesmen), Baklunish dialects (Paynims) Alignments: NE, CN, N, CE

Allies: Nomads of the Bright Desert

Enemies: Greyhawk, Duchy of Urnst, Circle of Eight, tribesmen of Abbor-Alz

Principal port: Zarak, on Woolly Bay; few, if any calls

Celene

CELENE, (Kingdom Of)

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, silver, fine wine and spirits

Coinage: Moonveil (pp) suncrown (gp), starcloak (ep), bellflower (sp), oakleaf (cp)

Languages: Elven, Common, Sylvan, Gnome, Halfling

Alignments: CG, NG, LN, N, LG

Allies: Duchy of Ulek (minor), Knights of Luna

Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz. However, Celene has politically isolated itself from surrounding states.

Principal port: via Fax, on the Woolly Bay

Dyvers

DYVERS (Free and Independent City)

Resources: shipbuilding supplies, foodstuffs (fish, meat, cheeses, local ales), clothing

Coinage: [Modified Furyondy] citadel (pp), wheat-sheaf (gp), galley (ep), wagon (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Rhopan, Gnome, Halfling

Alignments: N, LG, NG, LN, CN

Allies: Furyondy, Veluna, Verbobonc, Greyhawk (weak)

Enemies: Iuz, Pomarj, orcs of the Gnarley Forest

Principal port: itself, on the Nyr Dyv

Ekbir

EKBIR, CALIPHATE of

Resources: Foodstuffs (plus fish), cloth, wood, shipbuilding supplies

Languages: Baklunish (Ancient and dialects), Common

Coinage: Star (pp) cup (gp), galley (ep), charger (sp), sentry (cp)

Alignments: LG, NG, LN, N

Allies: Tusmit (sometimes), Zeif (sometimes)

Enemies: Zeif (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes), Tiger Nomads (sometimes), Ket (sometimes), Knights of the Watch

Principal port: City of Ekbir, on the Dramidj Sea

Fruztii

FROST BARBARIANS (Kingdom of Fruztii)

Resources: Foodstuffs (plus fish), furs, silver, gold, iron, timber, shipbuilding supplies, whale products

Coinage: Kronar (gp), haf-kronar (ep), linnwurm (sp), thrall (cp)

Languages: Cold Tongue, Common

Alignments: CN, N

Allies: Ratik, dwarf and gnome clans in Griff and Corusk Mountains

Enemies: Iuz, Stonehold, North Kingdom, Bone March, Sea Barons, Ice/Snow Barbarians (sometimes)

Principal port: Krakenheim, on Grendep Bay

Furyondy

FURYONDY, KINGDOM of

Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, gold, wines, fish, shipbuilding supplies

Coinage: [Furyondy standard] paladin (pp), wheat-sheaf (gp), knight (ep), sheridan (sp), common

Languages: Common, Velondi (far west), Elven, Halfling

Alignments: LG, NG, LN

Allies: Veluna, Shield Lands, Highfolk, Ulek States, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Knights of the Hart

Enemies: Iuz, Scarlet Brotherhood, Rhennee (distrusted), Horned Society

Principal port: Willip, on the Nyr Dyv

Geoff

GEOFF, GRAND DUCHY of

Resources: (Formerly) cloth, copper, silver, gold, timber, gems (I)

Coinage: [Modified Keoland] griffon (pp), lion (gp), eagle (ep), hawk (sp), owl (cp)

Languages: Common, Flan, Keolandish, Elven, Halfling (plus Orc, Goblin, etc.)

Alignments: NG, LG, CG, N, LN, CN, CE (law formerly LN)

Allies: Sterich, Keoland, Gran March, Bissel

Enemies: Valley of the Mage (distrusted), nonhumans and giants in Crystalmists

Principal port: landlocked, via Gradsul

Gran March

GRAN MARCH, The

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, copper, gems (III)

Coinage: [Modified Keoland] griffon (pp), lion (gp), eagle (ep), white owl (sp), heron (cp)

Languages: Common, Keolandish, Elven, Dwarven

Alignments: LN, LG, N

Allies: Keoland, Sterich, Bissel, Ulek states.

Enemies: Ket, nonhumans in Geoff and Crystalmists

Principal port: landlocked, via Verbobonc

Great Kingdom

GREAT KINGDOM, The (Kingdom of Aerdy)

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, copper, silver, gold, gems (IV)

Principal port: Rel Astra

Free City of Greyhawk

GREYHAWK, (Free) CITY of

Resources: silver, electrum, gold, platinum, gems (I-IV), river and road trade nexus

Coinage: Plate (pp), orb (gp), lucky (ep), noble (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Rhopan, Gnome, Halfling

Alignments: N, all others

Allies: Duchy of Urnst, Furyondy, Nyrond, County of Urnst, Veluna, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Shield Lands Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz, Bright Lands, Scarlet Brotherhood, various evil cults (Iuz, Vecna, Wastri, Nerull, etc.), Horned Society

Principal port: itself, via the Nyr Dyv, and via Hardy, on the Woolly Bay

Highfolk

HIGHFOLK, (Independent Town Of)

Resources: Gold, rare woods, gems (I), livestock (sheep, goats), vegetables, wild game, timber

Coinage: Solar (gp), great lunar (ep), small lunar (sp), wheat (cp)

Languages: Elven, Common, Sylvan

Alignments: CG, NG

Allies: Furyondy, Veluna, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Duchy of Ulek, Knights of the High Forest

Enemies: Iuz, independent Vesve nonhumans and monsters

Principal port: landlocked; via Crockport in Furyondy, on Whyestil Lake

HEPMONALAND

Resources: iron, bronze, copper, gold, silver, gems (I-IV), cloth, foodstuffs, spices, rare woods, lumber, slaves, ivory

Coinage: Unknown

Languages: Etlani, Olman, Rasol, Tlaman, Touv, Xolasa, Ancient Suloise, Common (along coast)

Alignments: LE, N, CN, Any

Principal port: Turazo, and Turashar; Anatal on south east coast (Tuov lands)

The Horned Society

HORNED SOCIETY, The

Resources: None known

Coinage: None known

Alignment: LE

Allies: none

Principal port: landlocked; few, if any calls

The Cruski

ICE BARBARIANS (Kingdom of Cruski)

Resources: Furs, copper, gems (I), whale products, rare wood (sablewood, not exported)

Coinage: Kronar (gp), haf-kronar (ep), linnwurm (sp), thrall (cp)

Languages: Cold Tongue, Common, Dwarven

Alignments: CN, N

Allies: Snow Barbarians (sometimes)

Enemies: Sea Barons, Stonehold, North Kingdom, Scarlet Brotherhood, Frost/Snow Barbarians (sometimes), Ratik (sometimes)

Principal port: Glot, on Solnor Sea

Idee

IDEE (County of), Member of the Iron League

Resources: foodstuffs, copper, gold

Principal port: Naerie City, on the Azure Sea

Irongate

IRONGATE (Free City of), Member of the Iron League

Resources: gems (II, III), iron ore

Coinage: Dragoneye (gp), starry (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Dwarven, Ferral (military command language)

Alignments: LN, LG, NG

Allies: Onnwal (rebels only), Sunndi, Nyrond, folk of the Headlands

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood (including Scant in Onnwal), Ahlissa (distrusted)

Principal port: itself, on the Azure Sea

Iuz

IUZ (Land of)

Resources: Furs, electrum, silver, foodstuffs; resources scarce, not exported

Coinage: Gold skull (gp), bright skull (ep), serpent (sp), common (ep), dullbone (bronze piece, 10 bzp = 1 ep), flat (iron piece, 10 ip = 1 bzp). Old coinage is often used (at reduced value) from the old Shield Lands, Horned Society, and various Bandit Kingdoms, with stolen coinage from Furyondy, Tenh, the County of Urnst, Wolf Nomads, etc. Some orc and hobgoblin tribes also mint their own crude and varied coinage, usually of silver, copper, or iron.

Languages: Orc, Common, Goblin, Halfling

Alignments: CE, NE, LE, CN

Allies: None

Principal port: Dorakaa; few, if any calls

Keoland

KEOLAND, KINGDOM of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, gold, gems (III)

Coinage: [Keoland standard] griffon (pp), lion (gp), eagle (ep), hawk (sp), sparrow (cp)

Languages: Common, Keolandish, Elven, Gnome, Halfling

Alignments: LG, NG, N, LN, CG

Allies: Gran March, Sterich, the Ulek states, Geoff (exiles), Bissel Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz, Scarlet Brotherhood, nonhumans and giants in Crystalmists and elsewhere, Sea Princes (all factions), Celene (greatly disliked), Valley of the Mage (distrusted)

Principal port: Gradsul, on the Azure Sea

Ket

KET

Resources: silver, copper, gems (I, IV)

Coinage: Bastion (pp), greatshield (gp), wagon (ep), lance (sp), helm (cp)

Languages: Common, Ancient Baklunish

Alignments: LN, N, LE, CN

Allies: Paynims (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes)

Enemies: Bissel, Veluna, Gran March, Furyondy, Knights of the Watch, Iuz (sometimes), Zeif (sometimes), Ekbir (minor)

Principal port: landlocked, via Verbobonc

The Lordship of the Isles

LORDSHIP OF THE ISLES (Principality) Member of the Iron League

Resources: rare woods, spices, shipbuilding supplies, whale products

Coinage: Great anchor (pp), sunship (gp), dolphin (ep), trident (sp), shelly (cp)

Languages: Common, Ancient Suloise, Elven, Halfling

Alignments: N, CN, NE, LE, CE

Allies: Scarlet Brotherhood

Enemies: Sea Barons, Iron League, Lendore Isles (distrusted), Ahlissa (distrusted)

Principal port: Sulward, on the Oljatt Sea

See of Medegia

MEDEGIA, SEE of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth

Principal port: Pontylever, on the Aerdy Sea

The North Kingdom

NORTH PROVINCE (The) (Great Kingdom of Northern Aerdy)

Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, electrum, whale oil; resources are not exported

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] dragon (pp), crown (gp), noble (ep), penny (sp), common (cp), wheel (iron piece, 20 ip = 1 cp)

Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Orc

Alignments: LE, NE, N, CE, LN

Allies: Bone March (weak)

Enemies: Ahlissa, Nyrond, Ratik, Frost/Ice/Snow Barbarians, Scarlet Brotherhood

Principal port: Bellport in the north, on Grendep Gay, and via Winetha to the south, on the Solnor Sea

Nyrond

NYROND, KINGDOM of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, copper, silver, gems (I, ll)

Coinage: Sterling (pp), noble (gp), shinepiece (ep), shield (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Nyrondese, Old Oeridian, Elven, Halfling

Alignments: LG, LN, NG, CG, N

Allies: Duchy of Urnst, County of Urnst, Greyhawk, Onnwal (rebels), Irongate, Sunndi, the Pale (barely)

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood, North Kingdom, Iuz, many evil cults attempting to destabilize kingdom, Ahlissa (gravely distrusted)

Principal port: Oldred, on Relmor Bay

OLMAN ISLANDS

(See Scarlet Brotherhood, and Amedio Jungle)

Principal port: Narisban, on the Azure Sea

Onnwal

ONNWAL (Free State of), Member of the Iron League

Resources: Platinum, gems (III, includes pearls)

Coinage: Sea eagle (pp), gull (gp), wader (ep), goose (sp), duck (cp)

Languages: Common, Dwarven, Gnome

Alignments: LE, NE (SB rulers in Scant); LG, LN, N, CG, CN (Scant citizens, "Free Onnwal" rebels)

Allies: [of Brotherhood rulers] Scarlet Brotherhood, Lordship of the Isles, elements in the Pomarj; [of rebels] Irongate, Sunndi, Nyrond, Duchy of Urnst, Greyhawk

Enemies: [of Brotherhood rulers] dwarves and gnomes of the Headlands, Irongate, Sunndi, Nyrond, Duchy of Urnst, Greyhawk, County of Urnst; [of rebels] Scarlet Brotherhood, Lordship of the Isles, Pomarj. Ahlissa is regarded as an enemy by both sides.

Principal port: Scant, later Longbridge, on the Azure Sea

Theocracy of the Pale

PALE, THEOCRACY of the

Resources: foodstuffs, copper, gems (IV)

Coinage: Bright (pp), gold glory (gp), silver sun (ep), silver moon (sp), basic (cp)

Languages: Common, Flan

Alignments: LN, LG, LE

Allies: Many Pholtan churches across the Flanaess,certain Tenh nobles who converted to Pholtus and aim to rule Tenh as a subject state of the Pale

Enemies: Iuz, Stonehold, all orcs, goblinoids, and giants; all other states and peoples of the Flanaess are regarded as pagans or heretics, minor enemies of the Pale by default; wizards are suspect by default as they often worship other gods; all religions with criminal or evil aspects are especially hostile.

Principal port: landlocked; via Radigast City

Perrenland

PERRENLAND, (Concatenated Canton of)

Resources: Copper, foodstuffs (fish, dairy), mercenaries

Coinage: Grossmark (pp), mark (gp), hafmark (ep), kleinmark (sp), pfennig (cp)

Languages: Common, Flan (in Yatils), Oeridian dialects, Dwarven

Alignments: LN, N, LG

Allies: None, only trading partners

Enemies: Knights of the Hart, Tiger Nomads, Iuz (distrusted); disliked greatly by Furyondy, Veluna, Highfolk, and others because of "neutral" stance toward Iuz

Principal port: landlocked

The Paynims

PLAINS OF THE PAYNIMS (Tribes of)

Resources: Horses, livestock, hides and furs, medicinal herbs, mercenaries Coinage: None; barter used exclusively except by nomads near towns and cities

Languages: Baklunish (Ancient and various dialects), Common

Alignments: CN, N, all others sparsely represented

Allies: Other Baklunish states (occasionally)

Enemies: Other Baklunish states (occasionally), Knights of the Watch, Ull

Principal port: landlocked, via Zeiff

The Pomarj

POMARJ (The)

Resources: silver, electrum, gold, gems (I, II)

Coinage: Various official and unofficial currencies, some out of date, manufactured by most cities, towns, and major nonhuman tribes

Languages: Orc, Common, Goblin

Alignments: CE, NE, LE

Allies: Scarlet Brotherhood (rumored but unproven)

Enemies: Greyhawk, Ulek states (especially the Principality), Keoland, Celene (taking no offensive actions), Duchy of Urnst, Onnwal (rebels), Irongate

Principal port: Highport, on the Woolly Bay

Ratik

RATIK, BARONY of

Resources: shipbuilding supplies, furs, gold, gems (IV), timber, whale products

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] orb (pp), crown (gp), scepter (ep), penny (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Dwarven, Cold Tongue

Alignments: N, NG, CN, CG

Allies: Frost Barbarians, dwarves and gnomes of the Flinty Hills and Rakers, Nyrond, Knurl (see Bone March)

Enemies: Bone March, North Kingdom, nonhumans in Rakers, the Pale (minor), Snow Barbarians (sometimes), Ice Barbarians

Principal port: Marner, on Grendep Bay

Rel Astra

REL ASTRA (City of), and the Solnor Compact

Resources: Shipbuilding supplies, fish, timber Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] victory (pp), newgold (gp), halfgold (ep), penny (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Lendorian (human refugees), Halfling

Alignments: N, NE, CN, LE, LN, CE

Allies: Ountsy and Roland (Free Cities of the Solnor Compact), Sea Barons

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood, Ahlissa (distrusted), North Kingdom (distrusted), Lordship of the Isles (distrusted)

Principal port: itself, on the Solnor Sea

Rovers of the Barrens

ROVERS OF THE BARRENS

Resources: Furs and hides, horn, gold nuggets, horses

Coinage: None; barter used exclusively

Languages: Flan (several dialects), Common, Orc, Goblin, Halfling, Gnome

Alignments: CN, CE, N

Allies: Sylvan elves of the Fellreev, centaurs of Fellreev and Barrens, Wolf Nomads

Enemies: Iuz (including conquered Bandit Kingdoms), Stonehold

Principal port: landlocked

The Scarlet Brotherhood

SCARLET BROTHERHOOD, The (The Kingdom of Shar)

Resources: Rare woods, fruits, spices, gold, gems (I, III, IV)Co

inage: UnknownLanguages: 

Ancient Suloise, Common

Alignments: LE, NE, CE

Allies: Lordship of the Isles (puppet state), certain followers of Suloise gods supporting the Scarlet Brotherhood (Syrul, Pyremius, etc.)

Principal port: Kro Terlep, on the Azure Sea

The Sea Barons

SEA BARONS, The

Resources: Seafaring technology and knowledge, shipbuilding supplies, whale products

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] orb (pp), gold baron (gp), noble (ep), penny (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common

Alignments: CN, CE, NE, N

Allies: Rel Astra, Ountsy, Roland

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood, Lordship of the Isles, Frost/Ice/Snow Barbarians, Lendore Isles (distrusted)

Principal port: Asperdi, on the Solnor Sea

The Sea Princes

SEA PRINCES, HOLD of the

Resources: (preconquest) Foodstuffs, slaves; (postconquest) the same, though no exports of note

Coinage: Old coinage used but greatly devalued: highlord (pp), gold admiral (gp), bright ship (ep), silver (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Olman, Amedi, Keolandish, Halfling

Alignments: CN, CE, N, NE, LE

Allies: None

Enemies: Native peoples of the Amedio Jungle, Keoland, Yeomanry (minor)Pri

Principal port: varied, otherwise Monmurg, on the Azure Sea

The Shield Lands

SHIELD LANDS, The

Resources: Livestock and foodstuffs in northern occupied lands, not exported; few resources in free lands

Coinage: Currently none, but a mint is being prepared; old coinage is used when found: knight (gp), axeman (ep), shield (sp), sheaf (cp)L

anguages: Common, Halfling, Elven

Alignments: LG, LN, CG

Allies: Furyondy, Veluna, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Greyhawk, Duchy of Urnst, County of Urnst, Highfolk, church of Heironeous

Enemies: Iuz, all remaining forces of the Hierarchs of the Horned Society, all remaining forces of the Bandit Kingdoms; disliked greatly by Knights of the Hart

Principal port: Admundfort, and Axeport, on the Nyr Dyv

The Schnai

SNOW BARBARIANS (Kingdom of Schnai)

Resources: copper, gems (I, II), whale products

Coinage: Kronar (gp), haf-kronar (ep), linnwurm (sp), thrall (cp)

Languages: Cold Tongue, Common, Dwarven, Halfling

Alignments: CN, N, CE, CGAllies: Frost/Ice 

Barbarians (sometimes), Ratik (sometimes)

Enemies: Iuz, nonhumans and giants in the Corusk Mountains, North Kingdom, Sea Barons, Bone March, Stonehold, Frost/Ice Barbarians (sometimes), Ratik (sometimes)

Principal port: Soull, on Grendep Bay

Ahlissa

SOUTH PROVINCE (The) (Kingdom of Ahlissa)

Resources: Foodstuffs, livestock, cloth, silver, copper, gold, iron products, timber, herbs, fine ale and beer, historical and magical knowledge

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] nightingale (pp), crown (gp), noble (ep), penny (sp), common (cp)Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Orc, Halfling, Elven

Alignments: N, NE, LE, LN, CE, CN, LG

Allies: None

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood, North Kingdom, Iuz. Ahlissa is gravely distrusted by everyone else, particularly by all areas formerly a part of or adjacent to the old Great Kingdom. The Rhennee hate Ahlissa and do not travel there.

Principal port: Prymp, on Relmor Bay

The Spindrift Islands

SPINDRIFT ISLES, The (Lendore Isles)

Resources: Unknown

Coinage: Unknown

Languages: Lendorian Elven, Elven, Common, Lendorian (humans only)

Alignments: CG, NG, N, CN

Allies: None officially, though the church of Sehanine and the People of the Testing fully support it

Enemies: Lendore exiles, some groups in Sunndi, Scarlet Brotherhood (minor); distrusted by other neighboring states

Principal port: Restenford, on Lendore Isle, on the Solnor Sea

Sterich

STERICH (Earldom Of)

Resources: silver, electrum, gold, gems (II, Ill)

Coinage: [Keoland standard) griffon (pp), lion (gp), eagle (ep), hawk (sp), sparrow (cp)

Languages: Common, Flan, Dwarven, Keolandish, HalflingAlign

ments: LG, NG, LN

Allies: Keoland, Gran March, Ulek states, Bissel, Yeomanry

Enemies: Nonhumans and giants of the Cryslalmists, Iuz, Pomarj

Principal port: landlocked, via Gradsul

The Hold of Stonefist

STONEFIST, HOLD of (Stonehold)

Resources: Furs, walrus and mammoth ivory, silver, gems (I)

Coinage: Giftring (gp), halefist (sp), grimfist (cp); much looted coinage from Tenh is currently used here

Languages: Flan dialects, Common, Cold Tongue

Alignments: CE, CN, N

Allies: None

Enemies: Iuz, Frost/Ice/Snow Barbarians, the Pale, orcs in Griffs

Principal port: Vlekstaad, few if any calls

Sunndi

SUNNDI (County of), Member of the Iron League

Resources: electrum, platinum, gems (II, IV)

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] new plate (pp), new crown (gp), noble (ep), silver (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Old Oeridian, Elven, Dwarven, Gnome, Halfling

Alignments: NG, CG, N

Allies: Irongate, Onnwal (rebels), Nyrond

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood, Lordship of the Isles, Ahlissa (distrusted), amphibious nonhumans of the Vast Swamp

Principal port: landlocked, via Ahlissa, Dullstrand on the Solnor Sea, or Naerie City on the Azure Sea

Duchy of Tenh

TENH, DUCHY of

Resources: Foodstuffs, platinum (resources not currently developed or exported because of warfare) Coinage: Magnus (pp), ducat (gp), marcher (ep), circle (sp), common (cp) [currently no new coins minted; old coins found in ruins are used]

Languages: Common, Flan, Orc, Goblin, Dwarven

Alignments: LN, N, NG

Allies: [of government in exile] County of Urnst (weak), Nyrond (weak)

Enemies: [of government in exile] Iuz (including Bandit Kingdoms), Stonehold, trolls from the Troll Fens, the Pale

Principal port: landlocked, via Radigast City

The Tiger Nomads

TIGER NOMADS (Chakyik)

Resources: Furs and hides, silver, gems (I)

Coinage: None; barter used exclusively except in cities and towns, where foreign currency is sometimes used

Languages: Ordai, Ancient Baklunish, Common

Alignments: CN, CE, N

Allies: None, but some possible in the future (see later)

Enemies: Wolf Nomads (sometimes), Perrenland (sometimes), Ekbir (sometimes)

Principal port: Hissardarmir, on the Dramidj Sea

Tusmit

TUSMIT

Resources: foodstuffs, silver, gold

Coinage: Minaret (pp), fountain (gp), fez (ep), hookah (sp), token (cp)

Languages: Common, Ancient Baklunish, Dwarven, Halfling

Alignments: LN, N, LG

Allies: Zeif, Ket (sometimes)

Enemies: Ekbir (sometimes), Ket (sometimes), Paynims (sometimes), Knights of the Watch

Principal port: landlocked, via Ekbir or Ket

The County of Ukek

ULEK, COUNTY of

Resources: foodstuffs, copper, silver, gems (I, II)

Coinage: Goldsun (gp), mirrorpool (ep), silvermoon (sp), coppercask (cp)

Languages: Common, Gnome, Keolandish, Halfling

Alignments: N, LN, CN, LG, CG

Allies: Ulek states, Keoland, Gran March, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Greyhawk, Knights of Luna, Celene (in theory), Knights of the Watch (weak), druidic circles (particularly in the Sheldomar Valley)

Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz

Principal port: landlocked, via Gradsul and Jurnre 

Duchy of Ulek

ULEK, DUCHY of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, electrum, gold, silver, gems (I, II)

Coinage: Moonveil (pp) suncrown (gp), shootingstar (ep), bellflower (sp), oakleaf (cp)L

anguages: Common, Elven, Keolandish, Sylvan

Alignments: CG, NG, N, CN

Allies: Ulek states, Keoland, Gran March, Sterich, Geoff (exiles), Verbobonc, Kron Hills, Highfolk, Veluna, Furyondy, Dyvers, Greyhawk, Duchy of Urnst, Knights of Luna, Celene (greatly strained), Knights of the Watch

Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz

Principal port: landlocked, via Gradsul and Niole Dra

Principality of Ulek

ULEK, PRINCIPALITY of

Resources: foodstuffs, silver, gems (II, IV)

Coinage: High crown (pp), forge (gp), anvil (ep), hammer (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Dwarven, Keolandish, Halfling, GnomeA

lignments: LG, LN, N

Allies: Ulek states, Keoland, Gran March, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Greyhawk, Knights of Luna, Knights of the Watch (weak), Celene (in theory, now hated for isolationism)

Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz, Scarlet Brotherhood

Principal port: Gryrax, on the Azure Sea 

Ull

ULL

Resources: Silver, gems (II), road trade nexus (Kester) through lower Ulsprue

Coinage: Okka (sp), kurush (cp)

Languages: Ulagha, Ancient Baklunish, CommonAlignments: CN, CE, N

Allies: None

Enemies: Paynims, hill tribesmen; Ull is generally hostile to all outsiders

Principal port: landlocked, via Ket 

County of Urnst

URNST, COUNTY of

Resources: foodstuffs, cloth, gold

Coinage: [Modified Nyrond] sterling (pp), noble (gp), bright (ep), castle (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Halfling, Rhopan, Elven

Alignments: LG, NG, N

Allies: Duchy of Urnst, Greyhawk, Nyrond, Flinty Hills, Furyondy, Tenh (exiled noble family and refugees)

Enemies: Iuz (particularly Bandit Kingdoms realm), Bone March, the Pale (distrusted)

Principal port: Radigast City, on the Nyr Dyv

Duchy of Urnst

URNST, DUCHY of

Resources: foodstuffs, silver, electrum, gold, platinum, gems (I-IV)

Coinage: [Modified Aerdy] sterling duke (pp), gold duke (gp), bright (ep), shield (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Halfling, Elven

Alignments: LG, NG, N

Allies: County of Urnst, Greyhawk (distrusted), Nyrond (distrusted), Furyondy

Enemies: Iuz, Bright Lands, Rhennee

Principal port: Leukish, on the Nyr Dyv

Valley of the Mage

VALLEY OF THE MAGE

Resources: Unknown

Coinage: Unknown

Languages: Unknown, but Common is likely; racial languages supposed (Elven and Gnome for certain)

Alignments: Unknown

Allies: None

Enemies: Geoff exiles, Bissel, Gran March, Knights of the Watch, Keoland (minor), Sterich (minor), Circle of Eight, nearly all other elves across the Flanaess (see later)

Principal port: landlocked; no calls

Veluna

VELUNA, ARCHCLERICY of

Resources: foodstuffs, copper, silver, gold

Coinage: Brilliant (pp), crook (gp), staff (ep), tower (sp), hand (cp)

Languages: Common, Velondi, Flan, Elven, Halfling, Gnome

Alignments: LG, NG, LN

Allies: Furyondy, Highfolk, Bissel, Verbobonc, Kron Hills, Ulek states, Shield Lands, Gran March (strained over control of Bissel), Dyvers (weak), all branches of the church of Rao across the Flanaess, Celene (distrusted), Knights of the Hart, Knights of Luna

Enemies: Iuz, Ket, Pomarj (minor), Knights of the Watch (distrusted), Valley of the Mage (distrusted), Perrenland (distrusted)

Principal port: landlocked, via Dyvers

Verbobonc

VERBOBONC (Viscounty and Town of)

Resources: copper, gems (I-IV), timber

Coinage: [Modified Furyondy] leaf (pp), wheatsheaf (gp), knight (ep), spire (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common

Alignments: LG, N, LN

Allies: Veluna, Furyondy (distrusted), Knights of the Hart (distrusted), Kron Hills gnomes (distrusted, technically in rebellion at present), Dyvers

Enemies: Iuz, Pomarj, assorted evil cults (particularly Iuz, Vecna, Tsuggtmoy, Elemental Evil)

Principal port: itself, via Nyr Dyv

Yeomanry

YEOMANRY. The

Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, silver, gems (II)

Coinage: Freegold (gp), halfgold (ep), silver (sp), common (cp)

Languages: Common, Keolandish, Halfling, Elven

Alignments: LG, LN, CG, NG

Allies: Keoland (weak), Sterich (weak), Knights of the Watch (weak)

Enemies: Scarlet Brotherhood; many giants and nonhumans in Hellfurnaces, Crystalmists, Jotens, Tors, and Hool Marshes; Iuz

Principle port: landlocked, via Gradsul

Zeif

ZEIF, Sultanate of

Resources: Foodstuffs, gems (III), horses, livestock

Coinage: Magus (pp), efrit (gp), marid (ep), djinn (sp), dao (cp)

Languages: Common, Ancient Baklunish, Baklunish dialects, Halfling, Orc

Alignments: LN, N

Allies: Tusmit (sometimes), Paynims (sometimes)

Enemies: Ekbir (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes), Ket (sometimes), Paynims (sometimes), Knights of the Watch

Principal port: Zeir-I-Zeif

A Light Upon the Sea

“To reach a port we must set sail –
Sail, not tie at anchor
Sail, not drift.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt 

 

 

One must always give credit where credit is due. This History is made possible primarily by the Imaginings of Gary Gygax and his Old Guard, Lenard Lakofka among them, and the new old guards, Carl Sargant, James Ward, Roger E. Moore. And Erik Mona, Gary Holian, Sean Reynolds, Frederick Weining. The list is interminable.

Thanks to Steven Wilson for his GREYCHRONDEX and to Keith Horsfield for his “Chronological History of Eastern Oerik.” Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.

The Art:

Smoke-Break by ashleycope

Port by eriktaberman

Jewels by gerezon

Heraldry, from the Greyhawk Folio, 1980, art also by Anna B. Meyer, and Bryan Blumklotz

Lighthouse by yanadhyana

Sources:

1015 World of Greyhawk Boxed Set, 1983

1064 From the Ashes Boxed Set, 1992

2011A Dungeon Masters Guide, 1st Ed., 1979

9025 World of Greyhawk Folio, 1980

11374 The Scarlet Brotherhood, 1999

11743 Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, 2000

Ivid the Undying, 1998

Dragon Magazine #12

The map of Anna B. Meyer