“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed
the injury.”
― Meditations
 |
| Lolgoff Bearhear |
Sometimes called
Bearhair because of the thick pelt circumnavigating is height and girth,
Lolgoff bears little more mention in sourcebooks than does his predecessor, Old
King Cralstag. He is referred to within the World of Greyhawk Boxed Set and the
From the Ashes Boxed Set, but only as the ruler of the Kingdom of Cruski, no
more; no history, no deeds, nothing whatsoever. He fares better in the Living
Greyhawk Gazetteer, but only in regard to Cralstag’s murder. That’s not much. In
his defence, little is said of most of Greyhawk’s dramatis personae within any
sourcebook. It behoves us, then, as the worldbuilders of our own Greyhawks, to
flesh them out. Who then is Lolgoff Bearhear? Some might even suggest that he IS
the titular head of the Rhizian Suelii. The Schnai would disagree.
Nevertheless, he IS Cruski.
Though they have always been the least numerous of the
Suel barbarians, their royal lineage is the oldest. [LGG – 54]
Strong. Regal.
Arrogant. As are all the Cruski. And in that regard, we must understand Cruski
to understand Bearhear.
Long before Lolgoff would sit upon his throne in the Great
Hall of Glot as Fasstal of all the Suelii, strangers calling themselves
kin came to call.
316 CY
By 5831 CY SD, relations were established with the
Suel tribes of Schnai, Fruztii and Cruskii in the northern lands. [SB – 4]
 |
| Travelers from the south... |
Travelers from the south came to call at the courts of the barbarian Suel. Calling themselves the Brothers of the Scarlet Sign, they claimed to be kin of the Fruztii, Schnai, and Cruski. By blood, perhaps they were kin, though distantly—but, in spirit, they were the same devious manipulators who claimed to rule the ancestors of the northern Suel. They came with tales of the lost glory of the Suel race and its ruined empire. They told how the Cruski were descended from an Imperial House, the noble and loyal servant of the last Suel emperor. [LGG – 55]
The people of the Thillonrian peninsula had adapted
their original culture for their cold new homes, and the representatives of the
Kingdom of Shar (actually Brotherhood members) took some getting used to. [SB – 4]
320 CY – 570’s CY
But the Kingdom of Shar brought gifts that were
seductive. Such gifts were seen with suspicion, at first. But time, need, and
greed eroded their suspicion. What’s more, there appeared no end to these
gifts.
The southerners’ gifts of exotic woods and fine
weapons eventually won over the barbarian kings. [SB – 4]
The gifts, though freely given, came at a cost, it would
seem.
Culturally primitive by Brotherhood standards, the
northern barbarians were beautiful examples of unpolluted Suel bloodlines, and
many specimens were lured to Shar as “emissaries,” with the intent of improving
the southern Suel stock. [SB – 4]
540 CY
One should never
believe in the myth of the Suelii. The Suelii are the Rhizians, and the
Rhizians are independent peoples. They trust in kin, their jarls, and their
thanes; but not distant kin. They raid one another; and sometimes, when their
longships are asea, those distant kin are perfidious, at best. The Schnai
invaded the Ursula Highlands at just such a time, forever sowing distrust
between these close “Suelii kin.”
The Schnai also made war on the Ice Barbarians,
wresting the Ustula region from them and holding it for several decades. They
never conquered the Ice Barbarians as they did the Frost Barbarians, however,
for the Cruski are nearly as able seafarers as the Schnai. [LGG – 105]
It was from this vantage that the Schnai demanded tribute
from their Suelii kin, the Cruski, tribute that could not be denied lest they
lose Glot.
Old King Cralstag’s nephew Lolgoff Olafsenn is born.
[Conjecture.]
[H]is birth city [is] Jotsplat. [Dungeon #133 – 39]
Old King Cralstag is without an heir. [Conjecture. If he
did, his nephew would not have been crowned, assuming the throne is hereditary.
Norse cultures were, so I assume the Rhizians were.]
540 – 560 CY
 |
| Young Lolgoff |
He took to the axe and hammer with ease, all noted. As
expected. But so too tactics, and an understanding of how words were weapons in
Cralstag’s hall.
He watched. He listened. Olaf, his father, was pleased.
His jarldom would wax while others’ waned under Lolgoff’s sway, he believed. He
said as much to his brother, his liege, Cralstag. And Cralstag considered the
boy closely, as he had no heir.
Lolgoff would not prove his father wrong. Cralstag took
note of that, as well.
560 CY
Lolgoff took the name Bearhear when he took the seat of
his father’s hall.
Why Bearhear? Because he seemed to know all, to hear all,
and to prepare for come what may. To say nothing of his great strength: equal,
they say, to any bear’s.
A few made light of his chosen name. Bearhair, they said,
for was he not as hairy?
c. 570s CY
 |
| Lolgoff led his ships south... |
The Cruski
joined with their cousins on many of these raids, taking special joy in
fighting their particular rivals, the Sea Barons of Aerdy.
This was the
life of the barbarian Suel for hundreds of years, through victories and losses.
Their freedom was undiminished, but it was subtly threatened several decades
ago. [LGG – 55]
When Lolgoff
returned from that season’s raiding, he discovered that the emissaries of the
Kingdom of Shar had returned. They called themselves the Order of the Scarlet
Sign.
Old King Cralstag admitted his suspicions of these
southern kin to Lolgoff. I don’t trust them, he said. Their words are
as silk, he said. His father didn’t trust them, Cralstag said, nor his
father before him.
573 CY
The emissaries of the Scarlet Brotherhood, as always,
offered many gifts and whispered many promises.
Travelers from the south came to call at the courts of
the barbarian Suel. Calling themselves the Brothers of the Scarlet Sign, they
claimed to be kin of the Fruztii, Schnai, and Cruski. By blood, perhaps they
were kin, though distantly—but, in spirit, they were the same devious
manipulators who claimed to rule the ancestors of the northern Suel. They came with
tales of the lost glory of the Suel race and its ruined empire. They told how
the Cruski were descended from an Imperial House, the noble and loyal servant
of the last Suel emperor. [LGG – 55]
They offered passage to any of their brethren who wished
to accompany them south. They bowed. They pledged promises that never seemed to
resolve. And they feigned servility. Tet, all their whispers sounded like
orders to Cralstag’s ears.
 |
| Old King Cralstag |
Old King Cralstag was 73.
The Brotherhood were cunning and stealthy. But Lolgoff
had taken heed of his uncle’s suspicions. And though he was not able to prevent
Cralstag’s death, he was quick to call those responsible to task.
The king's nephew, Lolgoff, knew the old king's
judgment and the manner of his death. When the Brothers were brought before
him, they spoke words of praise and honor for the dead king, and they smiled.
Lolgoff smiled too, as he cut them apart with the old king's sword, for he
honored Cralstag in deeds, not words. As king and fasstal, Lolgoff pronounced
his judgment: The Brothers of the Scarlet Sign should receive only death in the
kingdom of Cruski. [LGG – 55]
Thus, Lolgoff Bearhear came to his uncle’s throne.
His Most Ferocious Majesty, Lolgoff Bearhear, the King
of Cruski; Fasstal of all the Suelii [WoGA – 26]
Cruski, Kingdom of (Ice Barbarians): Lolgoff Bearhair,
F 14 [WoGG – 17]
(CN male human Bbn15) [LGG – 54]
Lolgoff was 33.
He
had been weaned on the false premise of Schnai supremacy, of their supposed
suzerainty and their demand for tribute. On their deceit, and their perfidious
promises of Cruski self-determination under the threat of reprisals should they
not do as they were told. Lolgoff desired that his people be free of them.
More
importantly, Lolgoff had seen the duplicity and treachery of those distant kin
of Shar, firsthand.
He
has rid his kingdom of the latter. He vowed that he would be rid of the former.
Could
he? Does he have the means? He may. He might. Should he apply the strength of
his people to the task.
Population:
60,000
Demi-humans: Few
Humanoids: Likely in mountains
Resources: furs, copper, gems (I)
[WoGA
– 26]
 |
| Scattered Along His Coasts |
Corusk Mountains: It is thought that this
range possesses little in the way of valuable ores or gems. [WoGA – 52]
Solnor
Ocean: Kraken, Walruses [FtAR#11]
Icy Sea: Whales of all sorts frequent
these waters, said to be the domain of a mighty leviathan lord. Ice Barbarians
take their ships into these waters to hunt whales and collect walrus ivory and
seal furs on the surrounding coasts. [LGG – 148,149]
Icy
Sea: Killer Wales, Walruses [FtAR#11]
Big Seal Bay: Natives camp in the forest
and hunt seal in the summer months. [WGG 3e – 26]
Sable Wood: This evergreen forest is
within the realm of the King of the Ice Barbarians. Its most interesting
feature is the particular fir tree whose wood turns a deep lustrous black when
harvested in the dead of winter and rubbed with hot oils. The barbarians prize
this material greatly, and they will not export it. [WoGA – 59]
It
comes to no surprise, then, that he should raid south, joining his perfidious
allies, season after season. There were other enemies abroad, and Lolgoff, in
sooth, knew he could trust the Schnai insofar as they were as eager as any of
the Suelii to clash with them, more so than they wished to with other Rhizians.
Trust in their swords, Cralstag had
said, but not their words. Lolgoff knew he could trust in Calstag’s
wisdom, in that regard.
The Ice Barbarians inhabit the bleak
shores of the Thillonrian Peninsula's north and east coasts. They will raid
their cousins to the south, the Snow and Frost barbarians, or raid with them
into Ratik or the more tempting Great Kingdom. In high summer they often find
fighting by rounding the coasts of the Hold of Stonefist, and the Cruskii have
both hatred and respect for the dour inhabitants of that land. Their most
despised enemy, however, is the Sea Barons, whose ships they attack on sight,
and whose isles they often attack and plunder - usually at a price. Of late
these raiders have joined with Frost and Snow barbarians in order to counter
the growing strength of the coastal defenders of the Great Kingdom and the Sea
Barons. [WoGA
– 26]
576
CY
 |
| Orvung |
The Cruski have turned their back on us, their southern kin, the Brotherhood whispered into Orvung’s ear. They blame us for Cralstag’s passing, they said.
Are
you,
Orvung asked himself? No matter, he decided, thinking such queries might lead
to his own passing. We ought not to set our Cruski kin adrift, he agreed, and
thus he considered a way that might keep them close.
The Snow Barbarians are the strongest and
most numerous of the northern peoples. Several decades ago they captured the
west coast below Glot and have managed to hold it since. [WoGA – 35]
He considered their desire to regain the
Ustula Highlands. Lolgoff was young and inexperienced; Orvung knew he could
wrest the Highlands back from him if he should desire to.
Orvung was not the only one concerned with
how the Cruski’s longships might be engaged. Talks began; and one wonders what
might have actually been on the table….
It is rumored that the Baron of Ratik has
sent messages to the King of the Schnai proposing four-way cooperation to take
the Hold of Stonefist and the Bone March. Supposedly this proposal offers Glot
and Krakenheim as possible gains for the Schnai, while the Fruztii and Cruski
would divide the Hold, part of Timberway would be returned to the Frost
Barbarians, and Ratik would rule Bone March. The reaction to these proposals
can not be guessed, but the Schnai are undoubtedly keeping an eye on the joint
Fruztii-Ratik ventures of late. [WoGA – 35]
Whatever
was agreed upon, Glot remained Lolgoff’s seat of power. The Ustula Highlands
were soon to be returned to Cruski control.
577 CY
 |
| Sailing South |
Their raiding served them well. A great many
slaves were taken from southern shores. And much silver and gold were gathered
from southern ports.
The attention of the Cruski was directed
wholly to the south, where choice plunder could be gained during the summer
raiding season. [Dragon
#57 – 14]
Events amongst the Schnai were quite
similar to those of their cousins to the north, in that they generally raided
southwards and carried heaps of goods back to towns of their realm. [Dragon #57 – 14]
During the season of 577, much minor
activity took place along the coast of North Province and off the northern end
of the Island of Asperdi. Some raiders were met and actions were fought; some
slipped through, some turned elsewhere. [Dragon #63 – 16]
The
Schnai were not as lucky as the Cruski, though.
Reportedly a squadron of seven Schnai
longships were set upon whilst sinking the hulks of two provincial merchants,
the vessels Marntig and Solos. Guided by the smoke and flames, a flotilla of
Baronial warships surprised the barbarians. Three of the Schnai were rammed and
sunk. In hand-to-hand action, the flagship of the barbarians’ fleet was
captured, but the three remaining longships escaped after jettisoning all of
their captured cargo. [Dragon
#63 – 16]
 |
| The Schnai limped home. |
After a particularly successful venture
in 577, the Cruski and Schnai sat down together to bargain on a division of the
spoils. In the end, the Schnai agreed to give up the land south of Glot along
the east coast. The Snow Barbarians gained more gold and silver, while the
Cruski regained their southern harbors. [Dragon #57 – 14]
Unsettled conditions in the Great Kingdom
made for rich loot; coupled with the payment made by the Cruski for the return
of Ustula, the men of the region were pleased indeed with their wealth in
currency, goods, and slaves (thralls). [Dragon #57 – 14]
Mutual cooperation between the Schnai and
Fruztii, and the Schnai and Cruskii as well, was at a high level, and the raids
from the Hold of Stonefist at a very low level. [Dragon #57 – 14]
578 CY
Not only did the
Cruski sail south with the Schnai, they harassed the Stonehold coast as they
had not done in many a season.
This made the
raids into North Province and the Isles of the Sea Barons all the easier next
year, and most of the able-bodied men were away on those journeys when the
warbands of Stonefist (now Stonehold) rode into the tundra which the King of
Cruski claimed. The few wandering tribes of Coltens there welcomed the
invaders, while surviving Cruskii headed east as quickly as possible. The
returning warriors were enraged at the boldness of the invasion [.] [Dragon
#57 – 14]
579 CY
And continued to
the next year, as well.
CY 579 is
likely to be particularly good for the Snow Barbarians, for with their northern
neighbors looking elsewhere, and the Frost Barbarians busy with Ratik, the
choicest areas for raiding will be left to the Schnai. [Dragon
#57 – 14]
[I]t is likely
that the attention of the Cruskii will be trained on a war with the
Stoneholders in 579. Some 50 ship captains are already pledged to sail, and
more are expected. [Dragon #57 – 14]
c. 580 CY
Lexnol had
been working on a treaty with the Schnai to shore up his position against Bone
March and its allies in North Kingdom [….] [LGG – 89]
The Scarlet Brotherhood was not pleased by
this development. They had always been pleased that the old king had
always viewed the Ratikians with distrust, as his forefathers had before him.
The Ratikians were scions of the Great Kingdom, Orvung had always growled, and
whatever the fate of its mother country, its true allegiance would always lay
with it.
No longer. Orvung
began treating with Ratik, potentially undermining Shar’s influence on the
peninsula. The old man had to go. They panned for potential gold, and
discovered Ingemar Hartensen waiting in the wings. He is old, Shar
whispered in Ingemar’s ears. Ancient, they said. Past his time,
they said.
He’ll die
soon, Ingemar had said.
Not soon
enough, Shar coaxed.
 |
| Ingemar Hartensen |
[Orvung is king
of the Schnai as of 576 CY, as noted in the Greyhawk Boxed Set, and Ingemar
Hartensen is king in 584 CY, as noted in the From the Ashes Boxed Set.
References in the Living Greyhawk Gazetter hint that the Fruztii and Cruski
thrones are passed down through the ruling family, and I would assume the
Schnai no different. No mention was made of Ingemar’s ancestry, so I took the
liberty to add a little drama to the succession.]
Few rejoiced at
the old king’s passing. Fewer still protested. Even fewer too measures
afterwards. To no avail. Few mourned their passing, either.
581 CY
Lolgoff was stretched thin, raiding both north
and south; but he deemed it worth the risk. He needed gold should Ingemar prove
even more untrustworthy than Orvung had been shown to be; and he wished to
strike a crippling blow upon Stonehold while able. For Sevvord Redbeard would
surely extract revenge upon his northern jarldoms when he could, just as surely
as the Schnai would prove as untrustworthy as they inevitably would. It was
only a matter of time. And Lolgoff knew that he had better be ready, for none
would come to his aid, in either event.
The Ice
Barbarians are unsteady allies of the other barbarians, raiding where and when
they please. [WGS2 – 6]
Territorial
disputes with Stonehold that predated the wars were finally brought to a head
three years ago, when a combined host of Cruski and Schnai entered the eastern
hold. They were unable to capture the town of Kelten, but the Cruski reinforced
their control of the Taival Tundra. [LGG – 55]
The Snow
Barbarians have concentrated on attacks on Great Kingdom and Sea Baron
shipping, although some of the Schnai have been seen “assisting” the Frost
Barbarians in Stonefist. [WGS1 – 4]
The other
joint operation of these states has been against the Hold of Stonefist. Fruztii
forces have now secured the pass south of the Hraak forest and control the land
for some 20 miles around. [WGS1 – 4]
The Ice
Barbarians have supported the Fruztii to some extent by making naval raids
along the northern coast of Stonefist. [WGS1 – 4]
582 CY
Indeed, Lolgoff exercised his strength upon
the Icy and Solnor seas as never before.
The Snow
Barbarians, or Schnai, are the most powerful and populous group, dominating
Grendep Bay and the northern Solnor Ocean with their longships. Their marauding
armies, with those of the Ice Barbarians, have also made themselves into a
major force in the land. [WGS1 – 4]
The Ice
Barbarians have supported the Fruztii to some extent by making naval raids
along the northern coast of Stonefist. [WGS1 – 4]
The Barbarians
are not without allies.
Duke Ehyeh has
become noticeably more friendly to the Frost Barbarians of late. As the actions
of Ratik and the Frost Barbarians stir up the Bone March, this causes trouble
for the Great Kingdom and for the Theocracy of the Pale. Both states have
hostile attitudes toward the Duchy. In view of this, Ehyeh discreetly allows
Frost Barbarian emissaries across his lands to organize shipments of weapons
from the Bandit Kingdoms.
From here,
weapons make their way up the Zumker River to Calbut and then through dangerous
foothill territory at the very edge of the Griff Mountains to the pass at
Kelten. The trade is discreet, but everyone knows about it. [WGS1
– 6]
One wonders what Lolgoff and his jarls
agreed to, for their warriors were seen further inland than they had ever
ventured, surprisingly so. Who would expect a native of Glot in the Bandit
Kingdoms? Moreso, who would ever have expected that a shield maiden from the
furthest corner of the Flanaess might overflow with sylvan ancestry?
SABRALA
STARBREAKER
 |
| Sabrala Starbreaker |
Sabrala
becomes almost possessed when she sings, recites, or plays the music dearest to
her. She almost seems to become figures in the legends, to assume their mantles
and sorrows, and her performance is breathtaking. The more powerful the legend,
the deeper Sabrala becomes immersed in it and the more inspired she becomes.
Sabrala’s
taken name, Starbreaker, comes from an old [Cruski] expression relating to the
exhalation of breath in bitterly cold air. The breath frosts at once and tiny
snowflakes fall to the ground appearing like the breaking of stars. The King
once compared Sabrala’s ballad voice to the gentleness of breath falling to the
ground, and in honor of his compliment she adopted the name she now carries.
Sabrala
travels as she will through the world, freespirited and dreaming, wishing only
to learn more of legend, song, magic, and timelessness. Other-worldly and
strange, she is nonetheless not gullible or foolish. When it is necessary, a
bard must sing for her supper and Sabrala knows how to use her charms and wit. [WGS1
– 33]
Elves has never been known to inhabit
Cruski’s cold shores, so one wonders where this girl’s parentage might have
come from. Then again, little is known about the Corusks, is there?
The barbarians
invaded the Hold of Stonefist, which allied with them after Iuz ensorcelled
Sevvord Redbeard, the Master of the Hold. The combined host then smashed
through the Griffs and into the duchy of Tenh, which was swiftly overwhelmed. [LGG
– 15]
But not for long.
[T]he Schnai, [were]
drawn in by the false Vatun that briefly deceived them all. When it was
revealed that this was a deception of Iuz the Old, the Suel barbarians withdrew
from the alliance created between their nations and the Stonehold. [LGG
– 106]
The barbarian
alliance soon crumbled, but the damage was done; Tenh and Stonefist belonged to
the Old One. [LGG – 15]
584 CY
Ruler: His
Ferocious Majesty, Lolgoff Bearhear, King of Cruski; Faastal of all the Suelii
Capital: Glot
(pop. 5,000) [FtAA – 28]
Population 60,000 [FtAR#3]
Has this unexpected increase in their
Flanaess presence taken its toll on Glot’s population? On Cruski’s? One can only expect this would be so; but the
Cruski have never been forthcoming on how many of their kin dwell upon their
coasts.
 |
| The Ice Barbarians |
Their most
despised enemies, however, are the Sea Barons, with whom they fight an endless
series of sea skirmishes. In recent years, the Cruskii have been more reliable
allies with the other barbarians and most of their marauding has been directed
toward the North Province.
Like other
barbarians, the Cruskii are proud, strong, fierce folk with a determined sense
of personal honor despite their chaotic and willful natures. Their Jarls are
proudly independent of the King, who exercises his authority only when he must.
The Cruskii appreciate bards as all barbarians do, and they also have a
superstitious half-reverence for the nomadic druids among them, whom they
believe to be chosen by the Powers and/or reincarnations of special souls. [FtAA
– 28]
The Snow
Barbarians are the strongest and most numerous of the northern Suel peoples.
They claim suzerainty over all the barbarian peoples, especially the Cruskii,
and are rather patronizing toward them. However, they have allied with their
fellows against the Great Kingdom for many decades and have been known to make
occasional forays against the Sea Barons.
Their alliance
with Ratik is less cemented than that of the Cruskii, but Ingemar seems
amenable to continued cooperation after the events of the Wars. [FtAA
– 37]
Cavalry is not
unknown on the western tundra, but few tundra-dwellers are Ice Barbarians, most
having Flan ancestry and being related to the Coltens of Stonehold. They do not
serve as warriors for the Cruski, instead paying tribute to their Suel
overlords to be left alone. [LGG – 154]
The War passed by Kelten and the Tundra
after Vatun’s “return.” With most of the Fists away, the Barbarians held Kelten
with ease. But try as they might Purmill eluded them. Indeed, the remainder of
the Hold held them at bay.
And so it remained. Peace had come to the
furthest north. If raiding and assassinations and sedition can be called Peace.
Until Iuz, distracted, delirious with the
Death he had unleashed, lost hold of the Stonefist.
 |
| Sevvord Redbeard |
War had returned
to the Hold.
And held dominion
as it had not for years.
Kelten and
Purmill are more important in the affairs of Stonehold, especially in light of
the ongoing warfare with the Suel barbarians. [LGG –
110]
Revenge is
widely sought against the northern barbarians for the burning of Vlekstaad, but
Iuz's forces are hated even more. Conspiracies are suspected between Iuz and
several war band leaders to gain control of Stonehold. Murders of war band
leaders (by their fellows) are on the rise. [LGG – 110]
Since the
Greyhawk Wars, the Cruski have heard little from the Scarlet Brotherhood,
though they are rumored to be present among the Fruztii. Territorial disputes
with Stonehold that predated the wars were finally brought to a head three
years ago, when a combined host of Cruski and Schnai entered the eastern hold.
They were unable to capture the town of Kelten, but the Cruski reinforced their
control of the Taival Tundra. [LGG – 55]
590 CY
His Most
Ferocious Majesty, Lolgoff Bearhear, the King of Cruski, Fasstal of all the
Suelii
(CN male human
Bbn15) [LGG – 54]
The king of Cruski
holds the title "Fasstal of all the Suelii," indicating his
preeminence among the nobles of the Suel race and giving him the right to
pronounce judgment on any of them. Politically, this has little real
importance, for he has no power to enforce his judgments. However, it is said
by some that the god Vatun granted this authority to the fasstal of the Suelii;
if Vatun awoke, the full authority of the office would return to the fasstal,
and a new barbarian empire would emerge under his leadership. [LGG
– 54]
Since the
Greyhawk Wars, the Cruski have heard little from the Scarlet Brotherhood,
though they are rumored to be present among the Fruztii. Territorial disputes
with Stonehold that predated the wars were finally brought to a head three
years ago, when a combined host of Cruski and Schnai entered the eastern hold.
They were unable to capture the town of Kelten, but the Cruski reinforced their
control of the Taival Tundra. [LGG – 55]
591
CY
 |
| Lolgoff |
Population: 158,800—Human 96% (S), Dwarf
2% (mountain 65%, hill 35%), Halfling 1% (stout), Other 1% [LGG – 54]
Glot
and Cruski have prospered of late. They have ventured out into the world as
never before. And yet, no one seems to know much about these tight-lipped
people.
Stonehold accuses the Ice Barbarians of
attacking Vlekstaad. [LGG
– 55]
There are secret parlays between the Snow
and Ice Barbarians for raids against the Sea Barons and possibly the Lordship
of the Isles. [LGG
– 55]
Except for one thing:
Royal hatred of the Scarlet Brotherhood
grows, as does distrust of the Frost Barbarians. [LGG – 55]
There
are rumours of Brotherhood in Djekul, after all.
Nobles from Ratik have great influence at
court but are not always trusted. Scarlet Brotherhood agents are well received
but bring strange news and promises. Merchants from the Lordship of the Isles
have a growing presence, offering unusually generous trade deals that make some
jarls suspicious. Hundgred's court is growing isolated from other northern
barbarian nations. [LGG – 45]
“There will be killing till the score is
paid.”
― The Odyssey
One
must always give credit where credit is due. This piece 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.
Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his
compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.
The
Art:
5 Swords, by Ken Frank, from WGS2 Howl from the North, 1991
Sources:
1015 World of Greyhawk Boxed Set, 1983
1064 From the Ashes Boxed Set, 1992
9317 WGS1 Five Shall Be One, 1991
9337 WGS2 Howl from the North, 1991
9577 The Adventure Begins, 1998
9578 Player’s Guide to Greyhawk, 1998
11374 The Scarlet Brotherhood, 1999
11742 Gazetteer, 2000
11743 Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, 2000
Living Greyhawk Journal, #1
Dragon Magazine 57,63
Dungeon Magazine #133
Greyhawkania, Jason Zavoda
The map of Anna B. Meyer
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