Principality of Grennig
Overview
Renowned for commerce and entertainment, the wharves and casinos of the city for which the nation is named are famous throughout Tarien. Situated on a peninsula in the northwest corner of the Sea of Storms and directly on the Trans-Rheuthengage Highway it is very much a nation at the crossroads of the west. A freedom loving people, Grennig is the home of many historical firsts including the first human monarchy to pass the crown to both male and female heirs as well as the first to allow non-human citizens.
Structure
Grennig is a Principality, ruled by currently by Trahern , the Rainbow Princess. Her many-great grandfather, Kalidor the Brave, led the Grennig rebels in their long fight for freedom from the Eldorian Empire. After his death, it was his wish that someday his daughter, Colleen, would govern the state. She did indeed succeed him and the tradition of passing the crown to the eldest child – be they prince or princess – perpetuated.
Trahern appoints Barons to rule over various regions of Grennig. Barons are responsible for administering the law in their jurisdiction. Typically, they appoint judges and chief constables. The Shore Patrol administers the law in Grennig City. Due to the size of the city and the chaos often found their, minor offenses often go unpunished, while punishment for more severe crimes is harsh and unforgiving. In smaller towns, the local folk often take the law into their own hands, hanging horse thieves and stoning murders before they are brought before a judge.
Culture
Grennig is a state of freedoms. Few things beyond murder and theft are against the law. While this leads to what many outsiders consider immoral activity and rampant lawlessness, the fear of outside rule prevents the government from passing any stricter laws. As a result, the citizens of Grennig watch their own backs and tolerate almost any person or activity. The Citizenship act of 472 AC ensured that any sentient being, regardless of race or creed, could gain citizenship in Grennig. At this time, few other than local humans have taken advantage of this act.
Taxes in Grennig are high, especially in the gambling industry. The gold generated from these taxes funds the military and a progressive public works program. The government of Grennig pays artists to beautify the city of Grennig as well as the Principality’s smaller communities. The government also supports public soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless. Often, these destitute souls are offered positions working as street sweepers, city painters, or construction workers in the public works program.
The Grennig Coast
History
Grennig’s history dates back well before her founding as immigrants from other lands arrived almost four hundred years before her independence. Originally, merchants from Galencia , desperate to trade with distant Eldoria, funneled all of their trade through the docks of Mennith. While Mennithites welcomed the income that this trade provided, the Church banned all trade with foreigners only eight months after it began. The ban hit without notice. Trading ships were evicted from the harbor and forced to anchor downriver with little explanation. Galencian merchants queued at the city gates, laden with ores, wool, and manufactured metal goods. When it became apparent that their requests to enter the city would be denied, they panicked. Many had bankrupted overnight, their entire fortunes trapped in wagons as valuable product, but had no gold. After two merchants fell, pin cushioned with crossbow bolts after attempting to climb the city walls at night, the remaining merchants banded together, and struck out west. With foodstuffs running low, they contacted their Eldorian trading partners anchored downriver, and headed south by southwest to find a harbor.
After two months of hardship, watching the white Eldorian sails follow their slow progress west, they came to a strange peninsula where the coast curved south. The peninsula formed two perfect harbors, both fully sheltered from the sea’s white caps winds. Within a few years they had built a set of docks, a warehouse, and began to construct their own ships. Trade between Galencian and Eldoria resumed, funneling through the rapidly growing peninsula outpost. Soon, more traffic left Geran and traveled through the Rheuthengage Mountains, across the steppes, and to the burgeoning dock-town than did along the route to New Solarin. The flowering trade created a new class of wealthy merchants who employed laborers and even a few magi to build the city and fort at its outskirts. A small hunting band formed to protect the town from wildlife in the Rheuthen Basin. Led by Marcel Grenague, Galencians began to refer to the town as his. After mangling his name with their language, the peninsula became known as Grennig.
Galencia and Eldorian diplomats met at a small fortification just outside of town, known as Fort Grennig to discuss political ownership of the town and ways to augment trade. After weeks of deliberation, the two sides hammered out an agreement where Eldoria would provide Legionairres and construction laborers in exchange for political sovereignty over the area. Galencia would retrain free trade privileges and extra-territorial rights over Fort Grennig, which the Eldorians would build into a castle as a sign of good faith. With the signing of the agreement, officially known as the Grennig Proclamation, the city began to expand even more rapidly. Lands around the peninsula quickly became farms as far as two days ride from the city. Small towns such Panteryme, Rivermeet, and Jobar (now known as Kalidor sprung up in the countryside. Eventually, locals began to seek their own ores and established mines in the mountains to the northeast. By 204 AC, the border with Mennith was defined as the eastern edge of the Rheuthen River, with Grennig claiming the river’s delta. Fort Parna, in Rivermeet was built to defend these newly defined borders.
Mennith officially closed her borders to all foreigners and the Eldorian Legionnaires stationed in Grennig began preparations for war. Soon, over 10,000 Legionnaires amassed at Fort Parna. By early winter of the following year, Mennith City had fallen and the theocracy was forced underground. Life began to return to normal in Grennig and with added trade through Mennith, the economy boomed. Seeing the potential for even more trade, Eldoria began to negotiate with Galencia and the Soulmeliti Forests to build a road that would connect Drythe and New Solarin. The Trans-Rheuthengage Highway took over forty years and a million gold crowns to build. In 288 AC, however, Eldoria demonstrated its first use by lighting signal fires every ten miles along the road. It is said that the light raced from Karradone to New Solarin in less than thirty minutes.
With the Highway and her harbors, Grennig continued to expand. The economic boom hit a major setback when the docks along the west harbor caught on fire, destroying over 100,000 gold crowns in perishable and textile goods. The economy recovered and the west harbor area was rebuilt. Trade continued, but all kept a watchful eye on Mennith, as rebellion simmered in the east. By the Fifth Century, Eldoria dedicated five full legions to keeping the peace in Mennith. Most of the reinforcements had come from Grennig’s garrisons. With their military presence in the city weak, freedom fighters struck, attacking Fort Parna and Panteryme in the same night.
Rebel forces continued to battle a depleted Eldorian Legionnaires until reinforcements arrived from Drythe and Phelandria in the fall. The rebels hid in the mountains to train and increase their numbers. Despite a few skirmishes, little was heard from the rebels for almost twenty years. Kalidor the Brave arrived in late 448 AC. The third son of a wealthy merchant, he had headed west years earlier to explore a caravan route across the Narmouth Desert. His journeys took him past Yaty and into Zennon, the land of the horse lord. Here he learned the art of directing light cavalry and mounted archers to decimate an army four times its own size. With a copy of General Zantak's Horseshoes and Sabres in hand, he took charge of rebels and began to teach them guerrilla tactics.
Kalidor struck first at Fort Parna. His tactics drew the Legionnaires out from behind their walls, picked them off, unit by unit until the fort fell in 452 AC. He continued his hit and run tactics and eliminated a whole legion over the next twelve years. With the help of the Pre-Ordained, he banded with an Elynthi recon patrol and marched on Grennig City itself. After three years of siege, Eldoria could no longer fund its war on Grennig, Mennith, and Merdekal. Reluctantly, Emperor Jethrick d'Uthar XII declares Grennig a sovereign nation. Kalidor is crowned prince.
Kalidor’s first actions were to declare neutrality in the war between Eldoria and Merdenkal. Next, he decreed that any sentient being, regardless of race, could gain citizenship in Grennig. After establishing the Grennig trade commission, Kalidor’s government began to charge all nations and import and export tax. With his coffers overflowing, Kalidor began social reform. Kalidor appeases the public with gambling reform in by creating the Grennig Gaming Commission. As a thoroughfare for travelers from throughout Tarien, the Principality earns almost as much coin through gambling and luxury taxes as it does through tariffs.
Kalidor’s final act, on his deathbed, was to sign a treaty with the Elanthai Council that allowed a small delegation of Elynthi to serve as military advisors to the Principality. Kalidor’s daughter, Colleen, honored the treaty and welcomed Kal Moshin Shal'Madogin to what was now known as Castle Kalidor. Grennig instantly became the only city in the west to export Blacksteel, and by the end of the century, the Madogin family owned the most lucrative trade between Grennig and Karradone to themselves.
A quiet century passed as Grenig gained its footing on the international scene. As the hysteria against magic built at the beginning of the Seventh Century, some thought that Grennig’s history of tolerance would make it a safe haven for the sorcerers and wizards alike. While it is true that very few public executions were held in the Principality, the did follow suit with their neighbors and finally ban magic.
After the furor to start of the Seventh Century, history has settled Grennig into a slow trot. A few minor events, such as the Mercenary Guild’s rise, a famous explorer, and a horrible massacre at one its casinos, have grace the past century’s stage. Nothing monumental enough, of course, to interfere with trade or taverns, making it just the way Grennig likes it.
Demography and Population
With the ability for any race to gain citizenship and the general laissez-faire attitude towards and individuals past, Grennig has become a melting pot of Tarien. Humans still make up the bulk of the population, though in the city itself many come from far flung nations. Khadra – either due to the wanderlust of their youth or in the dire event that they have become clanless – are not an uncommon sight. Similarly a great number of Soulmeliti settled in city during the occupation the Soulmeliti Forest and have remained, preferring instead the openness of the Grennig people to their highly structured homelands. Nerrid too frequent the city and town of Calkara as they are both major hubs for information and provide seemingly endless entertainment. Even Orks can be seen on occasion, generally working as bouncers at the various taverns and pubs along the wharf. Elynthi and Flind , however, the races that truly began Grennig’s open citizenship policies, are still rarely seen.
Territories
Grennig sits on the edge of the Sea of Storms. Her warm current and cool ocean breezes make for a temperate climate. During Spring and Fall, these same breezes bring a light, warm rain. Warm seawaters provide coral playgrounds for dolphins, small whales, and sharks. The coast itself is green, filled with cedars and other evergreen treats. As the most populated part of Grennig, it has the least wildlife. Other parts of the Principality remain mostly dry, except for the thunderstorms come suddenly to the interior from the Sea. They fire raindrops from clouds unmercifully, but they are brief. These rains feed the elephant grass and sparse trees of the Rhuethen Basin, once home to herds of bison but now dominated by cattle. Further inland, the Basin give way to the Rheuthengage Mountains, starting first as foothills before rising to dizzying, unpopulated heights. The air cools as the elevation rises in the north. Mountain goats, cougars, deer, and bear live among their forested slopes.
Sunset Over the Grennig River
Military
Proportionally, Grennig maintains a larger standing army than most nations. The war of freedom looms in the minds of its citizens, and most young men volunteer for at least one three-year tour of duty. The heaviest concentration of troops is found along the Principality’s borders, stationed in one of many forts. Border skirmishes, either with Mennith to the east, goblin raiders to the north, or bands of marauding giants to the west are not infrequent. Grennig has a small navy that patrols the Sea of Storms around its ports in Kalidor, Calkara, and the city of Grennig itself. The Principality’s ships seek out and battle pirate ships terrorize their waters.
Religion
The Principality allows religions of all sorts. Many citizens follow Anderi. The church of light has lost influence, however, as it reminds many of old Eldorian regime. Kayla is popular in the Grennig City. The Grand Casino to Kayla, Lady of Luck, the center of her faith, is open at all hours of the night for those make their lives or spend their pastimes gambling at the city’s many casinos. Chetria remains popular with the farmers as does Jendredi to the sailors. The city even boasts a small temple of Nosferian, although few other than visiting Elynthi visit it. The temple of Fahrom in Grennig city is also open any time of day or night, as the city serves as a stopover point for travelers to all lands. Arimathica has a large, ornate temple in the city, and the populace holds great respect for the Goddess of Health. After all, the fortunes of a man may swing many times in a single evening, often leaving him with nothing of value but his Health.
Foreign Relations
As a fledgling nation, Kalidor and his daughter, Colleen worked hard to maintain excellent relations with other nations. They instituted has military and economic relations with Eldoria, Galencia, and the Elanthai Council that still stand today. This last relationship strains further relationships with other nations. Kalidor however, believed that since the Elynthi aided them during their struggle for independence, maintaining a treaty with this sometimes dark state was not only appropriate, but also advantageous. As a result of the treaty, a Elynthi Samurai spends ten years in Grennig, serving as a military advisor in Fort Parna. After his tour expires, another takes his place. Grennig’s troops stationed at Fort Parna are among the most disciplined and highly trained in the region as a result of this relationship. Due to its proximity to Mennith, this force serves a deterrent to Mennithite zealots who seek to convert the blasphemous citizens of Grennig who live in Rivermeet and other small communities along the border.
Agriculture & Industry
The fertile plains of Grennig along the coast of the Sea of Storms provide some of the best cropland in Tarien. Wheat, barley, corn, and other grains are staple crops. Tobacco, cotton, and tubers also grow in large quantities. Further inland, the Rhuethen Basin allows for large herds of cattle and horses to graze and increase in size. Beef prices remain low in Grennig, when compared to the inflated prices of other products in the Principality. Horses from the Principality are high in quality, although not as high as Zennonaize or the Dharjasan bred steeds. The price of horses more than anything else, however, reflects the inflation of the area. The mountains along the northern and northwestern borders of the Principality have large deposits of copper, iron, and tin. Most ore remains within the Principality once mined, as it is not plentiful enough for profitable export. The sea provides many citizens of Grennig with their livelihood as well. Fish, shrimp, and crab provide many people with the staples of their diet.
A Grennig Farm
Trade & Transport
Although Grennig boasts an exceptional natural environment for agriculture, it does not fuel the economy. Travelers, gambling, and trade are the staples for the livelihoods of Grennig’s people. This statement holds truest in Grennig City, where casinos, taverns, and inns practically out-number the shops of local artisans. Prices in Grennig, especially in the city, soar as a result. Services of all kinds, from personal guards to couriers and from gardeners to courtiers may be purchased. The heavy taxes on gambling profits, rooms at an inn, and food service are designed to siphon gold from travelers and tourists. Goods of all sorts change hands in Grennig city, Rivermeet, Calkara, and other stops along the Trans-Rhuethengage Highway. As a result of the high emphasis place on the service industry, artisans and their products have become rare commodities. Leather and metal goods have risen steadily in cost, and now exceed even the highest prices in Karradone. The exception to this rule is foreign specialty goods. Khadric made weapons and tools, Soulmeliti silks and instruments, and even Elynthi blacksteel are still more expensive than locally made products, but are found in higher quantities and at lower prices in Grennig than in any other Eldorian Sea town, with the exception of perhaps Katspütch.
The economy’s focus on the service industry leads to an inherent instability. The fortunes of the Principality, and the value of gold within its borders, swing from extreme to extreme, sometimes daily. People who live here have learned to purchase in large quantities when prices drop, which often pushes prices skyward rapidly. Hoarding and price gouging among merchants and peasants alike are common. Travelers to Grennig usually suffer the brunt of the economy, and any that do not speak the local dialect are guaranteed to pay for goods and services at a higher premium. Once fallen, a man has little to do but accept his new position, or move.
With our new freedom, we shall exercise the right to determine our own friends. We shall remain friends with Eldoria, a friendship that their generosity ensures will grow. We shall also remain friends with Merdenkal, as history has proven them loyal. And if our two friends shall fight, then we shall work to make peace between them.
Maps
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The Principality of Grennig
Nightlife
“Three aces for the Lady and she’s a winner!” A low groan meandered around the table. Marissa du Mathay, the Duchess of Drythe, had won again. “Lucky night for her grace.” The dealer’s voice bubbled through the thin mouth on his stretched face. “Another round, Ladies and Gentleman?” He breathed sharply. The Duchess had won well over two thousand crowns, enough for his family to live in comfort for a lifetime. Big Al l would have his neck if he did not win some of the gold back for the house. Never before had he seen such a streak of luck. Neither had the crowd. Gathered around the luxury table in the Captain’s lounge of Al's & Al's Inn , the most exclusive spot for night life in Grennig, many shoveled their remaining gold into purses, stared at the Duchess’s pile, and left for the bar.
“I suppose,” the Duchess’s voice reminded him of velvet, “that I could play one last game. All or nothing, then?” The crowd inhaled sharply. Even at Al’s and Al’s, where gamblers lost family fortunes and won them back in a night, they had never seen a display such as this. The dealer merely nodded, knocked the cards, and began to shuffle.
The crowd around the table swayed as spectators jockeyed for position. He could see Little Al’s neck and head, a full foot above the crowd, staring at the game intently. Well, the dealer supposed, a little extra protection for the Duchess could not hurt. The crowd suddenly parted, and a gentleman, adorned in crushed black velvet and white silk, glided behind the Duchess. With a flourish, he bowed, and slid his arm around her waist. “My dear,” the Duke kissed her softly on the hand. The crowd cheered.
With a flick of his wrist, the dealer distributed the cards. The Duchess, a mere amateur riding a streak, beamed. The dealer remained stone faced, despite the fact that the nine he held represented his high card. She took one, while he took two. Possibly, he could pull a flush.
A roar erupted from below, followed by a splash. “Murder!” someone cried. The throng turned into a melee as men and women stampeded to the window. The body of women, dressed as a lady of the night, floated in the water three stories below. Gasps escaped lips.
The dealer looked at his cards, a king high. The Duchess frowned, her audience distracted. “There he is!” someone screamed, as a shadow skulked past the blue and red light of the Al’s and Al’s billboard. “Get him!” Men in the crowd drew their rapier’s. Most headed for the stairs while a few leapt through the open window, a few landing deftly on the dock below. The room nearly empty, except for the Little Al and the women, the dealer threw in his cards. The Duchess crinkled her brow, and laid her hand on the table: nine high. The dealer drew a quick breath, suppressed a smile, and swept up the gold.
“Kayla seems to have turned her cheek, my Lady.”
“I lost my the crowd, “she shrugged. “Çe la vie. It was only gold.” Turning on one heel, she marched across the bar, arm in arm with the Duke, the gurgle of a dying man echoing up from the streets.
Founding Date
458 AC
Type
Geopolitical, Principality
Capital
Training Level
Trained
Veterancy Level
Trained
Demonym
Grennigers
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Economic System
Market economy
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Magic in Grennig
Like the rest of the Human world, magic is strictly forbidden in magic. Grennig, however, has long been a tolerant nation, being the first to allow both Flind and Elynthi to gain citizenship, and act that benefitted the Principality both politically and economically. In short, it was practical and frankly, as most in Grennig ad few strong opinions on the matter, cost them nothing. This prevailing attitude persists today in regards to the magical arts.
Punishment for breaking the ban is, therefore, much less than in other Human lands. Practicing the art might draw raised eyebrows, a fine, or even a short stint in the dungeon. It would take an act of magic involving violence or that broke another law – such as evading the tariffs at the port or cheating at gambling – to bring a stiffer penalty. Even in these cases, its likely the magistrate would simply add a fine or dungeon term to the existing penalty.
Some even claim that the great gambling houses, like Al’s and Al’s, hire young sorcerers to monitor its patrons for illicit magical use. This practical, blind-eye approach to magic has led to further rumors that somewhere in the city lies a circle of magi that take in young wizards and sorcerers, helping them both hide and grow their art.
Entertainments for All
Grennig has a reputation across Tarien for catering to humanities baser desires. Some claim that this is a natural offshoot of the inborn desire for freedom that all Grennigers seem to display. Others say that these very industries lead to their depraved lack of natural law amongst the populace. Shrewd scholars note that as the busiest port in the Sea of Storms, these businesses simply make good economic sense. Regardless of their source, Grennig comes by its moniker as the city of vice honestly.
While brothels and taverns certainly litter the city, chief amongst the vices in Grennig is gambling. Casinos – from the foulest back alley dice operations to the grand marble pillared establishments frequented by ships captains and visiting nobles seem to be everywhere. Unlike other cities, where gambling falls under the watchful eye of the Brotherhood of Thieves, Grennig maintains an independent organization – the Grennig Gaming Commission. This group, supported by the Prince, licenses each establishment, ensures taxes are collected, and that play is fair – even if the house always wins in the end.
Every kind of good passes through Grennig, legal and illegal. Many are sold here but others pack up into merchant caravans to make a long journey west to Gratcha or north to Geyla and beyond. Those goods furthest from the law make the shorter – yet more difficult journey east to Katspütch. Our job, men and women, is not to pass judgment on the legality of each crate. It is to ensure that Prince collects his tariff.