“The Lord had given them the day and the Lord had
given them the strength. And the day and the strength had been dedicated to
labor, and the labor was its reward. Who was the labor for? What would be its
fruits? These were irrelevant and idle questions.”
― Anna Karenina
 |
| Purmill |
A frigid climate and brutal
regime combine to make Stonehold one of the harshest lands in all the Flanaess.
[…] The majority of Stoneholders live a seminomadic existence, moving to the
northern tundra in summer and migrating south in the autumn. The remaining
third or so of the population dwell in permanent settlements, mostly west of
the Frozen River. [LGG – 108, 109]
Frozen
River: A swift flow running mainly north from the Griff Mountains
through the lands of Stonefist to empty into White Fanged Bay. [WoGA
– 54]
This river
flows from headwaters in the Griffs to White Fanged Bay and freezes over during
the winter months along much of its length. It is rich in fish and krill.
[FtAA – 64]
One would think
little of Purmill and its low profile of rock walls and mossy thatch astride
the Frozen River upon first sight. Little distinguishes it from its environs,
the heath and heather, the bare outcrops camouflaged with lichen. It’s a grey
and gloomy place, shrouded by long shadows stretching out from the lofty
Griffs. But it is more than the sum of its thatch. It was once a seat of power,
lording over the windswept northeast, guarding against Tenh and what might flow
out of the mountains.
GRIFF MOUNTAINS
 |
| The Griff Mountains |
Few southerners believe the tales of the prince of the
Griff Mountains. How could such a kingdom exist when the Griffs are teeming
with horrors?
The Griffs contain more monsters, with ogres, various
types of troll, and ever-hungry griffons especially noteworthy. White puddings
are also a feature of the Griffs. There is reputed to be a great subterranean
orcish city, Garel Enkdal, within the Griffs [….] [FtAA – 58]
The rumours
persisted, though, about that fabled kingdom in the Griff mountains.
It is commonly held that the Flan peoples of eastern
Oerik were simple tribesmen before the events that led to the Suel and Oeridian
migrations. There remain to be explained certain ruins found in the Griff and
Corusk Mountains. The massive stone foundations, straight level roads, and flattened
or terraced areas of mountainside seem from the proportions of the rarely
preserved doorways to be intended for creatures of human size, and it seems
unlikely that elves or humanoids would have had the inclination to produce such
works. What is more, the occasional jade carvings and green ceramic figurines
found both at these sites and occasionally in rivers flowing out of the
mountains show a people of Flannish features and dress, and there remain in the
Duchy of Tenh and among the Coltens stories of a powerful mountain state of
Flannish race. Perhaps the dwarves of the region know more, but if so they show
the typical reticence of demi-human races concerning prehistoric events. [GA
– 97]
What might those kingdoms be? Sagas and legends refer to
them as Tostencha and Skrellingshald. Legends they remain, for few who’ve
ventured into the Corusks and Griffs have ever returned. What is true is that
they have never spoken of such kingdoms. Nor do the dour northerners speak of
them, either; but in the long winters, they tell their own tales of those dark
days of yore in halting whispers. Of Tostencha and Keraptis.
 |
| Keraptis |
Nearly 1300 years ago, in a time when the Flan tribes
still dominated eastern Oerik, the archwizard Keraptis rose to power in the
lands abutting the southern Rakers, and while most historians agree that the
mage’s kingdom encompassed what is now known as the Bone March, a few scholars
believe the territories that later became Ratik and the Pale were part of this
empire as well.
Yet, as is well documented in the little known Legend
of Keraptis, the archwizard was a cruel man, so brutal in fact that, near the
end of his reign, he demanded his tormented subjects turn over to him one-third
of their newborn children as part of their taxes. [Dragon #241 – 77]
With the announcement of yet another levy—one-third of
all newborn children—the people rose as one, ousting Keraptis and his personal
bodyguard of deranged gnomes. [RtWPM– 9]
Had the Coltens been a meek and craven people they might
never have risen up from Keraptis’ yoke. But they did. It is unlikely that
sedition began within cowed Tostencha. From where then? The foothills, likely,
where Keraptis’ grip was less firm. From Tenh. From the Colten hills.
The peasants did not take this atrocity lightly, and
under the leadership of the high priest Gethrun Shoiraine and his ranger
followers, the kingdom of the tyrant-mage was sundered. [Dragon #241 – 77]
[The] people rose as one, ousting Keraptis and his
personal bodyguard of deranged gnomes. [RtWPM – 3]
Why do they still only whisper the name Keraptis? Because
Keraptis had ruled over all he saw with unparalleled cruelty, cruelty they themselves
learned well, by necessity; but despite their fierce nature, they were ever
wary, fearing his return.
 |
| White Plume Mountain |
There, among other treasures of ancient sorcery, he
found the archetypal iceblade Frostrazor and an enigmatic statuette. Keraptis
used the figurine’s power to pronounce a heinous curse that laid waste to
distant Tostenhca, thus exacting his revenge at last. [RtWPM – 3,4]
Their fierceness
was tempered, though. The Old Faith was strong here, as were the Druids who
guided the people through the harsh winters, protecting the firs and the heath
from without, and from the seasonal incursions and feints that inevitably
flowed down from the heights that loomed over them.
WORLD OF GREYHAWK® campaign (Flanaess only): Beory and
Obad-Hai, the latter also known as “The
Shalm,” are the major gods of the druids
here. [Dragon #209 – 11]
Arctic druid: WG: Thillonrian Peninsula (on which lies
the Griff, and Corusk Mountains).
Forest druid (cold): WG: forests along Thillonrian
Peninsula (Hraak). [Dragon #209 –
13]
Mountain druid: WG: Corusk-Griff-Rakers chain [Dragon #209 – 14]
c.
430 CY
So
it remained for millennia. The Coltens were an isolated nation, a forgotten
people. And they might have remained as much if not for one man: Vlek
Col Vlekzed.
 |
| Vlek Col Vlekzed |
Was Vlekzed a
Rover? Of course not. What sane man would look to conquer the frozen north when
the opulence of Tenh lay within his grasp?
The forces of
Tenh, which had never been strong in the region, were unable to dislodge him. [LGG
– 113]
Vlek returned
home to the land of his weening when he was cast out by the Rovers. For it was
there, he knew, that he could forge a weapon for revenge.
Stonefist,
then Vlek Col Vlekzed, founded his chiefdom in approximately 430 CY. […] [Folio
– 16]
The banished son
had returned.
This infamous
warrior was a menace throughout the region for several years, finally choosing
to build a settlement on the border of the Coltens Feodality. The Cohens were
still vassals of the duke of Tenh, though their atamans had great latitude in
determining their own affairs. [LGG – 113]
And he meant to
have his revenge on them for having banished him.
The Coltens
were very uneasy with his presence in their land, but Vlek promised a truce and
offered to negotiate with their leaders. [LGG – 109]
Vlek also knew
that he might not live long if he did not cut off the Coltens’ head before it
had time to plan, and to act.
 |
| The Coltens |
These
negotiators and their escorting force were slaughtered, the remainder of the
Cohens host routed by surprise and ferocity, and Vlek settled down to rule over
the whole territory. As Vlek's infamy spread, malcontents from many nations
came to his standard, despite his new name of Stonefist (implying both a
terrible foeman and an inflexible ruler). [WoGG – 36]
It was from here that Vlek forged his
weapon.
Not all shared his vision, though.
The Coltens folk had no place in this hierarchy, and
many fled to the Hraak Forest, or beyond the Big Seal Bay and the northern
thrust of the Corusks to dwell in the Taival Tundra, in the land of the Ice
Barbarians). [LGG
– 109]
Thus it was that the Hold of Stonefist was
born, and the seat of power shifted from Purmill to Vlekstaad.
 |
| "Rite of Battle Fitness." |
The harshness
of the rule and the severe tests placed upon those desiring to do so have
combined with the unfavorable climate of the Hold of Stonefist to keep it from
becoming a serious threat to its neighbors. [Dragon #57 – 13]
500s – 570s CY
The Hold might never have been a serious
threat, but they harried the Rovers and Tenh, the Bandits and the Rhizians;
indeed, they ventured as far as the fleetness of their fleet and the Icy Sea
allowed, unto the shores of Blackmoor and those of the Nomads.
The armies of
Stonehold are comprised of "Fists", war bands of about 250 fighters,
of either infantry or cavalry. The bulk of heavy infantry is drawn from the
settlements, while the tundra and forest dwellers provide most of the light
infantry and cavalry. [LGG – 109]
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. [LGG
– 54]
Let it be understood that the Fists and the
Coltens were not the same.
The Coltens,
despite generations of servitude to the invaders, have slowly emerged as a
competing form of leadership, offering their method of election of the most
popular warrior as an alternative to the Rite of Battle Fitness. So many
aspiring leaders were slain in the often-useless raids of the latter method
that its proponents have grown scarce. [Dragon #57 – 14]
The Coltens saw that just as the Rite of
Battle Fitness was meant to hone the blade of Stonehold it also weakened it.
And as it weakened, the Coltens began to rise up.
The Hold was
then divided between those who followed the laws laid down by Vlek Col Vlekzed,
and those who claimed that Stonefist’s methods are no longer appropriate and
the Coltens Feodality should be restored. The nomads and settlers west and
around the Frozen River championed the ways of Stonefist. The population around
Kelten and the Hraak Forest wished to establish new forms of leadership. [Dragon
#57 – 13]
577 CY
Sevvord
Redbeard’s defence against the barbarians was hampered by this sedition, which
led to the Barbarians making greater gains than anticipated. Left alone the
Barbarians would surely sack Purmill and then Bastra and Vlekstaad, each in
turn.
When Ratik and the Fruztii made peace, the subsequent
battles for the Kelten Pass brought several telling defeats to “fists” led by
the descendant warband leaders. [Dragon
#57 – 13,14]
And with his
attention turned to the east, Purmill lay vulnerable to Tenh.
[B]oth southern passes to the rich state of Tenh and the
lands of the Fruztii were closed to all but a major effort. A major effort was
impossible because of the near-revolt of the eastern (mainly
Coltens-descendant) bands under Ataman Dyerg Keda […] and supported by over a
dozen chieftains and subchiefs. [Dragon #57 – 13]
Seuvord Redbeard, being both tough and intelligent,
refused to be drawn into a civil war, for then the surrounding enemies of the
Hold would surely take the opportunity offered and destroy the remnants of the
state. [Dragon #57 – 13]
Though Sevvord
might not be engaged in a civil war, he had need that the strength of Purmill
be applied to keep this Dyerg Keda in check while he regained Kelten
from the Rhizians. With his Fists so far east, the Hold was open to the razing
of the Rovers.
The Rovers of the Barrens were undoubtedly gaining in
numbers once again, so no easy raiding prospects existed to the west. [Dragon #57 – 13]
Stretched as thinly as he was, it was only a matter of
time until Tenh came to call.
 |
| Duke Ehyeh II of Tenh |
Strong action by the Duchy
of Tenh in the Rockegg Pass was successful due to the division amongst the
peoples of the Hold. “Fist” units — warbands consisting of five “fingers” of
some 25 fighters each, plus a “palm” of about 75 to 150 —counter-attacking the
Tennese fought without quarter and did considerable harm. But their attacks were
too disorganized and their numbers too few to cause the Ducal army real
concern. Of the two dozen warbands which responded to the Tennese action, over
half were killed to a man. Only the arrival of over 2,000 light cavalry and
about half that number of light infantry from northern tundra of the Hold
prevented the Tennese from moving into the interior and taking Purmill. The
Ducal troops under Marshal laba numbered 500 cavalry and 5,000 foot. [Dragon #57 – 13]
The Duke was himself killed in fighting against the
Holders, whose units of “fists” resisted with great ferocity the closing of the
pass. Despite the death of their leader, the Tennese (now under Marshal laba)
finished what their liege had willed, thus effectively securing the Duchy on
two sides. [Dragon # 56 – 21]
What kept his Ataman’s loyal, Sevvord wondered? Fear?
Certainly. That was well and good; but Sevvord knew that if he and his were to
keep hold of the Hold he would require more than mere fear. He required legacy.
And sovereignty.
As Seuvord also wished his own line to retain the
Mastership of the Hold as a hereditary right, he called a great council at
Purmill, with safe conduct for all who attended.
Many observers were surprised that all of the
principal leaders of the Hold took part in the convocation, but those aware of
the cleverness of Seuvord knew that he was certainly responsible for the
showing. What was put forth at the council by Seuvord Redbeard was that the
Hold must adapt to the changes taking place and the new alliances against its
people. He asked the assembled leaders to grant him the hereditary title of
Rhelt; he asked that Atamen also be made hereditary leaders, and also that the
chief men of each area be given the right to elect the warband leaders. The
Rite of Battle Fitness was not to be done away with, however. Instead, it would
qualify warriors for service in the standing army to be formed immediately,
with those of exceptional capabilities to be made leaders, companions of the
Rhelt, or even war chiefs whose right it would be to expand the realm through
conquest and occupation.
There was considerable dissension, particularly from
the direct descendants of Stonefist, but enough of them, as well as of the
nomadic chieftains, agreed to Seuvord’s proposal to sway the entire assembly.
[Dragon #57 – 13,14]
578 CY
The old Duke of Tenh dead, the new duke
desired security from his most hated enemy, the Hold of Stonefist.
At a
convocation in Nevond Nevend during Neefest, 578, Ehyeh III was crowned Duke,
and the Tennese celebrated greatly. The old Duke’s son was more warlike than
his doughty father, and his early training as a fighter on the frontiers made
Ehyeh III particularly anxious to secure all avenues against invasion.
[Dragon # 56 – 21]
 |
| Rhelt Seuvord I of Stonehold / Sevvord |
In CY 578, shortly after Tenh had coronated its new
Duke, the Master of the Hold became Rhelt Seuvord I of Stonehold. [Dragon
#57 – 14]
The Hold of
Stonefist was also renamed. Now openly calling itself Stonehold, this
quasi-kingdom is composed of four Atamanships: Vlekstaad (west), Pumull
(south), Kelten (east), and Bastro (north). Four Great Chieftains were named,
each equal to an Ataman (Reindeer, White Bear, Walrus, and Forest [Hraak]
People). Stonehold has become a force that is greatly feared by all in this
region. [TAB
– 23]
Several
of his cousins took ill from a mysterious flux shortly after the coronation,
and about a dozen others were reported fleeing into the Griff Mountains with a
small band of loyal followers. [Dragon #57 – 14]
582 CY
He had need to. His spies informed him that Tenh was
treating with his other enemies, the Rhyzians and Ratik. What he did not know
was that they were trespassing upon his sparsely populated realm.
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]
It was a dangerous trek, transporting weapons to Kelten,
so close to Purmill, still a Fist stronghold. Those that did were jumpy, sure
every rustle of branch and snap of a twig was the harbinger of death. But the
way must be kept open, and “safe.” Or as safe as it could be….
[A] man dressed in green, loose-fitting clothing jumps
up from the bushes. He screams meaningless words of caution and death at them,
and then he runs away to the south, in the general direction of the Griff
Mountains. [WGS2 – 15]
He is a forward scout for Ratik [….] He was sent to
scout out the best possible paths to attack the Hold of Stonefist and the Frost
Barbarians. After Ratik conquers the North Province, they plan to lay claim to
the whole eastern section of the continent. [WGS2 – 15]
584
CY
The
War passed by Purmill 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.
 |
| The Fists Return |
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]
589 CY
 |
| Purmill |
Resources: […] silver, gems (I)
Population:
55,000 [Stonehold]—Human 96% (FS), Orc 2%, Dwarf 1%, Other 1%
Languages: Flan dialects, Common, Cold
Tongue Alignments: CE*, CN, N
Religions: Erythnul*, Syrul, Beltar,
Beory, Obad-Hai [LGG
– 108]
It appears that Sevvord’s war will rage so long as there
are Barbarians within striking distance.
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]
That will be for some time to come….
[The Schnai’s] alliance with Ratik is less cemented
than that of the Cruskii, but Ingemar seems amenable to continued cooperation
after the events of the Wars. He also has great hatred for the Stonefisters,
and wishes to mount a joint expedition with the other barbarian races through
the Griff Mountains to lay waste to Kelten. Time will tell if this comes to
fruition. [FtAA – 37]
Calbut is busy, with weapons and equipment brought in
from the Bandit Lands passing north. In return, the Fists trade platinum and
food for it. The priests and mages of Iuz also keep a careful watch on their
allies. Sevvord Redbeard himself sometimes visits from Vlekstaad or Purmill,
and occasionally the city walls ring with cheers as captured Frost barbarians
are dragged in chains into Calbut. However, there are often more dangerous
visitations. Hill giants and ogres still storm Calbut's walls with rocks from
time to time and flights of griffons attack men and riders outside the city,
but Iuz's mages are usually equal to such threats. [WGR5 – 69]
Two former allies, Iuz and the Fists of Stonehold, are
now at each other's throat. The Fists occupy a strong defensive position in the
cities of Nevond Nevnend and Calbut across the Zumkend River, guarding Rockegg
Pass through the Griffs against all other groups in Tenh. [LGG – 112]
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:
The Hold of Stonefist, by Ken Frank, from WGS2 Howl from the North, 1991
Sources:
1015 World of Greyhawk Boxed
Set, 1983
1068 Greyhawk Wars Boxed Set, 1991
1064 From the Ashes Boxed
Set, 1992
2023 Greyhawk Adventures
Hardback, 1988
9025 World of Greyhawk
Folio, 1980
9317 WGS1, The Five Shall be
One, 1991
9337 WGS2, Howl from the
North, 1991
11434 Return to White Plume Mountain, 1999
11743 Living Greyhawk
Gazetteer, 2000
Living Greyhawk Journal, #3
Dragon Magazine 55,56,57,209
241
Greyhawkania, Jason Zavoda
The map of Anna B. Meyer
Nice write up as always David.
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