Dungeons & Dragons Group The Hague 

Grand Grennalda

Capital: Deanardas
Population: 1,711,310 (humans 81%, half-orc 9%, gnomes 4%, halflings 2%, half-elves 3%, other 1%)
Government: Plutocracy (merchants’ council with elected grand master)
Imports: Mercenaries, gold, gems, jewelry, precious metals, iron, silver, clothing  
Exports: Timber, finished goods, food, wine, weapons, books, pottery, silk, spices,

 Life and Society:

Grand Grennalda is a nation created from chaos and unlawfulness. The Grennaldans take great pride in what they have achieved from nothing; they value their skill, determination and their achievements. Grand Grennalda is a proud nation, with people proud of their national identity and heritage. The nation and government promotes a global feeling of greatness children are brought up with these norms and values from a young age on. It is no coincidence that Grennalda is called Grand, the name was adopted long time ago to reflect Grennaldas self-perceived great position on Tilea.

People of Grennalda are generally proud and stubborn, sensitive to jokes, pranks and insults about their personal situation and identity. But Grennaldans are also known to enjoy life and work hard to achieve success. Many Grennaldans live in cities, since real live takes place not on the countryside but in the great architectural cities created by Grennaldan hands. Grennaldan cities are known for its architectural greatness, large stone buildings, with great columns, pillars, high ceilings and even the smaller house resembling a small keep. Most structures are decorated with ornate cravings and personal flags and heraldry. Grennaldan cities have many statues of important Grennaldan individuals. On every street, on every corner, wealthy merchants sell their goods, everything can be bought in Grennalda. Housing is expensive and those that cannot afford to live in cities, try to live in villages as close to a city as possible. While there are poor people in Grennalda, they are mostly kept out of the cities. The Krosar Crusaders often identify individuals who do not belong within the city walls and escort them outside, while often aiding those in real need.

 Elves and Orcs’ are two races not particularly liked in Grennalda. It is common to see half-orcs’ stroll through the Grennaldan cities, hiring themselves as mercenaries or guards. Elves are very rarely seen, as they hold a high degree of discomfort and anger towards the Grennaldans. In the end money and trade speak all languages and all races are welcome here as long as they have something to trade, or money to spend. Merchants’ law, exercised by the Krosar Crusaders, controls the nation. Slavery is forbidden by law in Grennalda, but many merchants use squeezing contracts with poor laborers. The poor are disliked and usually treated badly: as one’s failure in life is not the problem of others.

Within the Grennaldan society the deity Abadegan is considered holy above all others. Although most cities also have temples to other deities, the majority of Grennaldans pays respect to the god of merchants. The clergy and crusaders of Abadegan enjoy a position of extraordinary authority, comparable only with the power wielded by the merchants’ council ruling the nation.

Geographical Features:

Ashta Woods/Lake: This mythical wood was long time ago a part of Falfarren. But the local citizens named it after Ashta shortly after her ascendance to divinity. In the year 3 AC, after Daranthar was defeated by Saranthar, thousands fled the onslaught into the Falfarren woods. Unfortunately, the fleeing humans were turned by Falfarren forces, which were afraid for the Saranthar onslaught to continue into their lands. Ashta, the current leader and general of the Daranthar prayed to the gods and bagged for mercy. She and a final regiment of Daranthar warriors turned to defend the fleeing people. In a bloody battle the heroic Daranthars defeated the first attack of Saranthar. When the battle ended Ashta and her people fell to the ground in pain, they soon saw what happened: they all sprouted white powerful wings. Ashta ascended to divinity, worshipped by her people. The goddess Ashta destroyed the remaining attacking Sarathar armies, and found a new home for her people. Today a gargantuan statue of the winged goddess Ashta stands in the middle of the Ashtan woods.

Statue Ashta: This gargantuan statue was build by the Daranthar people as a tribute to their savior and the newly ascended goddess in the Ashtan Woods. The stature is rumored to grant to those that deserve it the ability to flee, by sprouting wings from their bodies. The statue is hidden in the Ashta woods.

Golden Way: The golden way starts in Westermar and ends in Terrene, however the truly golden route starts in Grennalda and walks through the Freelands into Kaladon. Various parts of the road are in great condition, as most governments take good care of the road. The Golden Way Master Merchants regular work to repair and improve the damaged parts of the way, they often charge a small donation for the use of the road.

Important Sites:

Deanardas (Metropolis: 73,100): Conventional; AL LN; 100,000 gp limit; Assets 612,991,000 gp; Population 73,100; Isolated (human 92%, half-orc 4%, aquatic-elf 3%, other 1%)

Authority Figures: High Krosar Deunoro Irnrakar (LN male human Cleric of Abadegan 12 / Fighter 2 – leader of the Krosar Crusaders and the most important servant  of Abadegan in Grennalda), Grand Lord Baecere Scur (LN male human Rogue 10 – the Grand Master of Grand Grennalda and owner of various businesses and enterprises)

Important Characters:LadySesana Veritas (NG female human Aristocrat 10 – leader of the Clothing Veritas Trademasters and a member of merchants’ council of Grand Grennalda), Veryacaenen Aeraval (N male aquatic elf Wizard 12 – leader of the aquatic elf community and overseer of the harbour)

Temples: Abadegan is the main deity of Deanardas. Most other deities are also represented and have a temple of some sorts in Deanardas.

Customs and Notorieties:

Important Organizations: Krosar Crusaders, Clothing Veritas Trademasters, Keepers of Steel Trading Periakos, Forgotten Finest Merchants, Golden Way Master Merchants, Crimson Requiem Trading Coster, Kindred Coven Trading Group, Hagger Wild Trading.

Description: Deanardas is one of the grandest if not the grandest cities in north-eastern part of Tilea.The merchants of Grennalda build Deanardas from scratch in the place where the forests of Falfarren used to be. Deanardas is made completely from white, red or light brown stones, with large buildings with high ceilings, broad paved streets and well kept gardens. The city authorities, merchants and rich investors own most of the city, renting buildings, rooms and apartments to anyone that can afford them. Because Grennaldan people are often wealthy, most can find some kind of space within the city. All people that cannot afford to life in one of Deanardas neighborhoods live outside the city in one of the villages surrounding the metropolis. Deanardas is at night very well lit with magical lighting and forms a beacon for arriving ships, caravans and other travelers. Probably the most remarkable aspect of Deanardas is the underwater area and the docks. When building Deanardas a colony of aquatic elves was discovered, most of them left afraid of the humans. Others stayed and made a living out of trading; today they are important for the city. Magically enchanted underwater tunnels have been made where people can walk and shop through the aquatic setting without getting wet. The occasional rich aquatic elf builds towers protruding from the waters into the sky above. These shinning crystal beacons give light at night and guide ships to the harbor.

Locals and Locations: Theater of Justice (Large open theater, where people can bring disputes before the Krosar Crusaders, the theater stands in the middle of the market place of Deanardas), The Halls of Coin (this enormous temple to Abadegan stands in the middle of Deanardas), Soldiers Saloon (Elite establishment for the rich with superb services, privacy and security – 1 gp entrance fee and only entrance allowed to sophisticated races), The Potion Tower (well known potion and scroll shop run by two dragons in human disguise: Chokedamp (male, young adult bronze dragon) and Ottwarslyndanox (male, young adult copper dragon).

Tarcessa (Metropolis: 56,403): Conventional; AL LN; 100,000 gp limit; Assets 206,000,000 gp; Population 56,403; Mixed (human 81%, half-orc 7%, halfling 5%, half-elf 4%, other 3%)

Authority Figures: High Priest Arkain Dunward (LN male human Cleric of Abadegan 16 – Highest Priest of Abadegan in Grand Grennalda)

Important Characters:Delexan Coven (CG male human Fighter 4 / Rogue 6 – head of the Coven merchant family), Myrkul Kindred (NG male human Abjurer 11 – head of the Kindred merchant family)

Temples: Abadegan, Halldor, Erichtus, Cyan, Samuel Goldenblade, Bane, Bearroscir, Solange, Eress, Quartus, Cyclynet and Virya.

Customs and Notorieties: Touching the coin on the Tin Gate and uttering a prayer to Abadegan when entering the city.

Important Organizations: Kindred Coven Trading Group, Krosar Crusaders, Golden Way Master Merchants, 100 Swords Trademasters

Description: In Tarcessa caravans come and go, the city is located on a major crossroads between Wyvernhorn, Deanardas, Kingdom of Longarn, and the Freelands. Therefore Tarcessa is known as the busiest city of Grand Grennalda, it has plenty of inns, taverns, saloons and other locals and a considerable proportion of the cities inhabitants are travelers and merchants passing by. Tarcessa’s merchant district is entirely dedicated to the city’s visitors; containing almost exclusively inns, taverns, shops and other establishments for travelers. The military institute for Krosar Crusaders, is also located in Tarcessa, every spring groups of young recruits, supervised by experienced tutors, train in the fields around the city or on Krosar training grounds. The Krosar Crusaders are taught in warfare, history, law and in faith of Abadegan, the recruits serve as the city guard and have no real Krosar authority yet. Regardless of its many visitors and the constant changing population, Tarcessa remains a relatively save city. The presence of a large number of Krosar Crusaders and of the military academy has contributed considerably to the law and order within the city. Tarcessa is constructed by Grennaldan hands, it has large buildings, broad streets and there are 5 large gates. The city’s largest gate, the tin gate, opens on the tin boulevard, which crosses through the city from east to west. The broad boulevard is extremely busy and expensive, large shops, and houses dot its flanks and only the best and most expensive merchants sell their goods along its flanks. The tin boulevard is always crowded with people, and some shops even remain open at night. The tin boulevard never sleeps.

Locals and Locations: Tin Gate (the south gate is the biggest gate to the city; it is widely believed that the large coin embroiled on the gate upon touch will bring the visitor luck and wealth),

Olgath (Large City: 21,700):

Deacarta (Large City: 26,190): Deacarta is not as grand and breathtaking as Deanardas, but nevertheless a wonderful city to visit. Deacarta is build in the typically extensive Grennaldan style, with broad streets, high ceilings and large buildings. Because the city is relatively less preoccupied with politics and constant pressure to trade and to make a profit it can focus on the social aspect of life. The city has many inns, taverns, bath-houses, sporting events, and a grand arena. To be popular here you really need to show where you are coming from. Golden armors, weapons embodied with gems and beautiful furs are worn every day by the rich. Deacarta is the place where the spend money is being shown by the rich in extensive luxuries, large houses, and unbelievable wealth.

Iamar (Small City: 13,810): Iamar frequently suffers dragon attacks from the Wyrm Plains or from the Ironpeaks. The city is known for its frequent trade with Wyvernhorn and Sarennaia and it functions as an also a resting point for caravans passing to those nations. Iamar has for years been ruled by a select group of traditional merchants and nobles. Comparable in beauty and construction to other typical Grennaldan cities, Iamar has relatively smaller buildings and houses which makes it possible for poorer people to live within the city walls. The to Solange dedicated Crimson Requiem Trading Coster controls trade in this area. In Iamar the Crimson Requiem Trading Coster has their headquarters and owns a large training complex that trains their caravan guards. Also located in Iamar are the headquarters of The Portal Masters, a secret good organizations working against the Summoners of Saranthar.

Uton (Large City: 24,109): This darkest city of Grennalda is not really comparable to the other large metropolises. The city clearly lacks grandeur and beauty. Uton has not been build by Grennaldans instead it existed for many years before the creation of the merchant state. Uton has therefore less of the typically Grennaldan building style, it has smaller streets, smaller and darker houses and fewer gardens and high arches. While not many buildings are build, those that stand have to be strong and sturdy. Uton is occasionally tormented by tremors; light or heavy earthquakes that shake the city. Arcane researchers and the Krosar Crusaders remain searching for the source of the tremors. The Krosar Crusaders have had trouble to control the crime in the city, and although trade flourishes, a focus still exists on trade in illegal and illicit products. Currently the city is occupied by hostile Saranthar forces, consisting out of orc’s from Marsenland and a small garrison of demons and trained human soldiers. Saranthar has occupied the city as a reaction on a trade disagreement with Grennalda, the Krosar Crusaders and all who had the means, have now left the city, and the remaining citizens live under the brutal rule of Saranthar. The current Saranthar General Jebrix (CE, male minotaur, Cleric 13 of Izalahz) is a cruel and powerful minotaur and champion of the Church of Blood, such as the clergy of Izalahz is called. Jebrix claims to have fiendish blood and together with his military leadership and martial and strategic skills it makes him a highly valued asset by the Order of the Summoners.

 Organizations and Institutions:

Krosar Crusaders: The Krosar Crusaders are the holy defenders of the ‘Merchants Law’ of Grand Grennalda. The Krosar defend the law and speak justice, their authority is unquestioned even by the most powerful merchants. The Krosar are fighter/clerics/tempests of Abadegan, they can be found in any city in the land. Krosar Crusaders are easily recognizable, always wearing red robes over their armor and a falchion at their side they are often mounted of war horses with heavy barding and red clothing.

Keepers of Steel Trading Periakos: This merchant organizations operates in all of Grennalda and focuses on the import, export and trading of steel, gems, iron and all other precious metals. The Keepers have a large base of operations in Deacarta and try to conquer the adamantine rich Rock Field in Marsenland.

Clothing Veritas Trademasters: Run by the Veritas noble house, these merchants are well known in most places for the clothing they make. Run by the kind and generous LadySesana Veritas (LN female human Aristocrat 10) a member of the Merchants’ Council of Grand Grennalda, this trading company has grown considerably the last few years. Recently the Clothing Veritas Trademasters has also engaged in trading to nations as far as Istr and even Durath.

Forgotten Finest Merchants: Set up by two magicians this trading company offers rare, strange and exotic goods everywhere in Grand Grennalda. Besides this core activity Forgotten Finest also trades in almost everything of high quality and high price. The Forgotten Finest is known to be the favorite merchant of the rich and the famous Grennaldans. The two brothers are also known to employ a cadre of trained and well paid wizards to guard their goods, storehouses and caravans.

Kindred Coven Trading Group: This young trading group set up bythe two entrepreneurs Delexan Coven (CG male human Fighter 4 / Rogue 6) and Myrkul Kindred (NG male human Abjurer 11) operates mainly from Tarcessa. Long time ago, the two friends have bought large amounts of real estate in the city of Tarcessa and build their empire from there. Currently the organization trades in everything they can make a profit on but especially in wine and horses they import from Longarn.

Hagger Wild Traders: This merchant group trades all kinds of ‘beings’ to their clients. They are specialized in catching all kind of wild animals but they can also acquire monsters and magical creatures. The Hagger Wild Traders have a league of experienced skinners, trappers, rangers and hunters working consistently on various jobs. The organization was set up by Olga Hagger (NG female human Aristocrat 3/ Ranger 6) a former adventurer and now a merchant and entrepreneur. Currently Olga is very involved in local politics and finances many projects to help the poor. Due to her frequently good hearted politics she often handles against the will of the city council. Olga is an older rather large woman with a good humor and an everlasting smile on her face. She is always accompanied by her bodyguard and trusted companion: Banas Oughrkin (NG male human Fighter 8).

Golden Way Master Merchants: This merchant group is specialized in trading goods with the Kaladon Empire. A much valued trading route going south is controlled and defended by the Golden Way Master Merchants. All other traders and merchants moving across the golden way south often have to pay small defense and quality fees at stations along the way. The organization is known to have a few dragonborn caravan masters in their service, those contacts fit well in negotiations with Kaladon merchants. The most remarkable is the small bodied blue dragonborn Jelar Nar (N male dragonborn Rogue 12). Jelar has worked himself up to a position of authority within the organization.

Crimson Requiem Trading Coster: This trading organization originates from Iamar and was set up by three former female adventurers. Although never taken seriously by their competition, in the last years the Crimson Requiem Trading Coster hasconsiderably gained in power, wealth and influence. Unfortunately the traditional nobles from Iamar never supported the organization and so far Crimson Requiem Trading Coster has not yet gained a spot on the merchants’ council of Grennalda.

100 Swords Trademasters: This merchant group was set up by Lord Sigiger Isker (LE male human Aristocrat 6 / Rogue 4) originates from the city of Olgath. Sigiger set up the trading company by acquiring the services of a large warband of Ogres’ and taking out the competition in the area, although no one has proof of this today. The 100 Swords Trademasters specializes in trading arms and armor but also arranges mercenaries, caravan guards and even more illicit goods.

Regional Facts and History:

Politics and Power:

The power in Grand Grennalda is wielded by two groups. Both groups powerful and influential keep each other in check. The first group, the merchants’ council is the official governing body of the nation. The six large cities of Grand Grennalda each have a representative on the council chosen from the local merchant lords. The council is overseen by a Grand Master, who has the deciding vote in tie’s and discussions. The merchants on the council are the most powerful, rich and influential in the nation. Being on the council usually makes them even more powerful. Regardless of their intentions the council cares for Grennalda, making it as powerful, impressive and influential as possible. Currently the merchants’ council has the following members: Grand Lord Baecere Scur (LN male human Rogue 10 – Deacarta), Lord Sigiger Isker (LE male human Aristocrat 6 / Rogue 4 – Olgath), Lady Sesana Veritas (NG female human Aristocrat 10 – Deanardas),

Next to the merchants’ council, the power is wielded by the Krosar Crusaders, the church of Abadegan. The Krosar Crusaders are the defenders of the ‘Merchants Law’ the law of Grennalda. The position of the Krosar Crusaders is undisputable in the nation, and even the most powerful merchants have to subdue to the Krosar law. Next to functioning as law makers and enforcers, the Krosar are also skilled fighters. Krosar Crusaders can be found in all Grennaldan cities.

Merchants Law: The law of Grand Grennalda as dictated by the Krosar Crusaders and the church of Abadegan is called the Merchants’ Law. In Grand Grennalda the governing power is divided from the ruling one. A merchants’ council rules the nations, while the Krosar Crusaders are the law and the watchful eye of Grennalda. The merchants’ law encompasses all laws, rules and regulation of the nation. This law classifies crimes as a certain loss of value with the focus being on trading and contracts. Visitors need to be careful with bidding, and offers, since those are binding unless otherwise stated in a contract. While the Merchant’s law dictates the way of live in Grennalda, the rules are actually similar to that of other good/neutral nations, but they are simply interpreted from another perspective in Grand Grennalda.