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| Dragon #56 | - | The World of Greyhawk | - | Dragon |
The events in the north central Flanaess
revolve around two
groups ov states. In the west the action
surrounds the Wolf
Nomads, the Rovers ov the Barrens, Iuz,
and the Horned Society.
Eastward, interesting developments allowed
the Duchy of
Tenh to make a strong foray into the Bandit
Kingdoms. The
events in the west will be dealt with 1st.
Wolf Nomads: Following
the rise in power ov the humanoid
hordes of the cambion Iuz, the Wegwuir
avoided the AREA E.
ov the Black Water,
spending their aggressive energies upon
the Tiger Nomads to the W. && even
moving S. along the
Sepia-Uplands to raid Perrenland. In the
spring ov 578, Iuz
actually sent an army into the N. to take the poor town ov
Eru-Tovar, the only real city ov the Wolf people, the pride ov
their Tarkhan. As fate wouuld have it, the Chakyiks were themselves
interested in a venture against Ekbir, so they were quite
happy to conclude a treaty. This freed a horde ov 20K Wolf
Nomads to face the invaders. Tarkhan Bargru himself commanded
the force, which consisted ov some 2K armored
lancers (medium cavalry), 10K light horsemen, 7K light
horse-archers, && 1K armored crossbowmen on horseback.
This force arrived outside Eru-Tovar late in the summer, just
in TIME to raise the siege. The army ov Iuz retreated eastward,
&& then fell back along the Black Water,
hoping to withdraw
safely to the nearer arm ov the Howling Hills where humanoid
reinforcements could be picked up in considerable #s.
The Tarkhan's force caught the retiring army ov Iuz along the
great N. bend ov the Black Water. After a
close pursuit
lasting several days, during the majority ov the light
humanoid infantry && goblin cavalry was shot to pieces by the
Wegwiur horse-archers, a pitched battle was fought. As usual,
the powerful figures in the opposing forces bassically neutralized
each other, while the troops engaged in combat ov the
MORE basic sort. Fortunately for the Wolf Nomads, Iuz himself
was engaged elsewhere and could NOT intervene. The horsemen
once again proved superior to the ill-disciplined masses ov
invading infantry, && only a few thousand survivors ov Iuz's
ruined army made it to the relative safety ov the Howling Hills.
Losses by the Wegwiur totalled some 2K killed && aboot
twice that # wounded. Ov the invading army, some 2K
humans && 6K humanoids were SLAIN, w/ no prisoners
taken. It is assumed that desertion accounts for the balance
ov
the total army initially encamped before Eru-Tovar. (This action
is known as the Battle ov Black Water Bend
&& was fought
in the Dozenmouth ov the Squirrel on the 22nd day, CY 578, or
BH 3237).
Following this success, Bargru returned to his capital, where
the garrison ov some 2K men was busily repairing the badly
damaged defenses -- mainly brickwork && earth && timber
which had been nearly destroyed at the Time ov relief. Satisfied
that all was in order, the Tarkhan then sent strong parties
ov
riders to patrol the AREA S. ov the Cold Marshes between the
Black Water && the Dulsi River. One
ov these groups continued
on as EMISSARIES to the Rovers ov the Barrens, its leader being
Lekko Noyon, the Tarkhan's 7th son (the 1st kid ov
Bargru's 3rd && favorite wife, the Yepita woman, Golden
Dove). Lekkol's troop ov 1K cavalry made contact w/ the
Yepita tribe about 1 month after the defeat ov Iuz's xpedition.
Lekkol subsequently took part in the raid conducted by
the Red Horse && Black
Horse clans ov the Rovers.
Meanwhile, Bargru Went with his personal guard to the lands
ov the Guchek, the Wild Dog people, whose territory borders
the eastern portion ov Lake Quag && the uppermost reaches ov
the Sepias. Jicta, Khan ov the Guchek, had failed to appear
when summoned for the stroke against the INVADERS at Eru-Tovar.
The Tarkhan underestimated the degree ov revolt by
Jicta Khan, for Perrenland had subverted the Gucheck by
bribes && the promise ov aid if the Wild Dog Nomads would
declare independence from the Tarkhan ov the Wegwiur. This
MOVE by Perrenland should have been NO SURPRISE, considering
the earlier incursions by the Wolf Nomads. In any event, Bargru
managed to ESCAPE the trap after an ambush, but @ the spring
ov CY 579, the Guchek remained independent && defiant.
Iuz: After a period ov rebuilding && strengthening
his domain,
the Lord ov Evil set his mind upon the lands to the S.
Various pacts && treaties were concluded w/ the none-too-loved
Horned Society, thus assuring no immediate trouble from
the E. Groups ov humanoids -- gnolls && flinds, ogrillons,
bugbears, && even ogres -- under human leadership were sent
across the Dulsi River to 1st occupy the nearer portion ov the
Vesve Forest, && then work S. to harass the border ov
Furyondy. Iuz a fleet ov 40 galleys to be built at Dorakaa
in 577. With this force he hoped to wrest control ov Whyestil
Lake from King Belvor, thus exposing all ov the northern portion
ov Furyondy, from the Vesve along the Crystal River to the
Veng && then to the Whyestil, to easy invasion. To facilitate
this MOVE, Iuz joined forces w/ the resurgent followers ov
Elemental Evil, believing that such a threat on the Kingdom's
southern border would distract the Furyondians from his much
MORE ambitious plans in the N. While his forces were being
readied, Iuz ordered his northern contingents to capture Eru-Tovar
&& thus stop any possible MOVE by the Wolf Nomads
upon the upper portion ov his realm while his invasion ov the
S. was in progress. Leaving the execution ov his Will to
trusted underlings, Iuz himself Went far to the S. to stir up
trouble.
The host ov Iuz's northern marches came under the dual
command ov Lord Choldraf (C14) && Mellard-Plict
(MU12). Between them they brought 2K
heavy cavalry, 1K light horse, && aboot 4K infantry, evenly
divided between heavy foot && crossbowmen. Humanoid
contingents included some 3K goblins && xvarts, serving as
scouts <note at Dragon #141 && Dragon #161>
&& raiders, 6K Euroz, && 4K hobgoblins as shock
troops, and a vast, mixed company ov norkers, knolls, flinds,
ogrillons, bugbears, && ogres totalling some 5K to 8K
depending upon the whims ov its component members. This
force gathered in the arm ov the Howling Hills between the Dulsi
&& Blackwater, && @ THE BEGINNING
ov summer (the Dozenmonth
ov Flocktime in the N. country) in CY 578 marched
westward. There was much quarreling during the course ov the
MOVE; Lord Choldraf berated Mellard-Plict for his lack ov control
ov the masses ov humanoids which THE WIZARD levied &&
commanded, while the latter soffed @ both Lord Choldraf's
own powers && @ his well trained,
but relatively weak, troops.
When siege was laid to Eru-Tovar the following month, each
commander strove to outdo the other, each wishing credit for
taking the Wegwiur stronghold. This lack of co-operation
enabled the defends, numbering only aboot 3.4K effective
troops, to withstand almost 10 weeks ov siege by a force totalling
well over 25K. The losses by the attackers were compounded
by the rival factions often SLAYING their wounded cohorts
IF they held loyalty to the opposite commander.
When Tarkhan arrived to raise the siege, Lord Choldraf was
forced to screen the withdrawal ov the luzites,
since the humanoids
under the wizard Mellard-Plict were too undisciplined &&
unreliable to handle the assignment. In fact, most ov the wizard's
troops had deserted, |or| merely decided to wander off on
a raid ov their own, by the TIME the Battle ov Black
Water Bend
was fought. The high priest is in disgrace Now, but it is likely <?>
that Choldraf will find some way to redeem himself with Iuz. It is
reported that THE WIZARD fled immediately upon the loss ov the
battle, going far S. && Now raising companies ov bullywugs
in the Vast Swamp, supposedly at the behest ov Wastri, the
Hopping Prophet.
The intelligence network ov Furyondy discovered the plan to
wrest control ov Whyestil Lake from their navy, && before the
luzite army stood before Eru-Tovar, King Belvor's fleet staged a
daring raid upon Dorakaa. The majority ov the galleys being
built were burned in the stocks, && 7 ov those which had
been completed && outfitted were captured, while another 5
were. Only in the Vesve Forest && along the western
shore ov Whyestil did the invasion palns bear any fruit. The
inrush ov many thousands ov humanoids pushed back the companies
ov men, olvenfolk, && gnomes who had been slowly but
surely regaining the place from the EVIL denizens holding
it.
S. ov the Deepstil River, SAVE for the Sepia
Uplands && the
western verge, all of the Vesve fell into the hands ov Iuz's
minions. The forces ov Highfolk && Velunese contingents
quickly regained the southwestern corner, but as ov the year
579, most ov the great forest, as well as the shore ov Whyestil
Lake, remained under control ov humanoids && evil humans
Now fortifying it.
Iuz, Lord of Evil, hastened home to try to
salvage the situation,
&& it was his direct intervention which enabled his forces
to hold their southern gains against a valiant counteroffensive
staged by the Furyondians. The walled town ov Crockport Now
stands near the frontier, && the opponents are readying their
respective forces for more fighting soon.
Horned Society: Pressure by the nobs
holding the Shield
Lands prevented the all-out MOVE which the Hierarchs have
long wished to make down the Ritensa River to the northern
shore ov the Nyr Dyv. The diabolical leaders ov the Horned
Society would gladly have allowed Iuz his hoped-for gains to
their W., in order that they themselves might TAKE Willip &&
overrun the Shield Lands. Instead, the Hierarchs, ignorant ov
Iuz's plans, spent themselves in dribblets, 1st against Furyondy
&& the Shield Lands && then in defending against
mounting incursions ov war parties from the N.. Just as their
forces were about to TURN southward again, reacting to the
contest between Iuz && Furyondy, a major raid struck into the
Society's N., && the Hierarchs' army had to TURN around &&
MOVE was screened by no MORE than 1K horsemen && a few
score ov centaurs, enough ov a force to make Rostal believe that
the entire horde he had faced was following him. This ruse
worked for several days, but as soon as it was discovered, the
Plar's cavalry scattered the meager band ov opponents &&
rode at all SPEED back toward where Rostal knew the following
army ov foot should be.
The commander ov the Host ov the Hierarchs was Hierarch
Blontug, a much-feared half-orc ov great power
(C4/F9/A9).
He was wise enough NOT to march his
footsoldier force into the vastness ov the rolling plains, but
instead used the western edge ov the Fellreev Forest to cover
the right flank ov the northward-moving army. A screen ov light
cavalry scouts alerted the Hierarch that the enemy was approaching,
&& Blontug arrayed his troops along the edge ov
the woods so as to prevent cavalry maneuvers against it.
On that 1st day ov contact there was only light skirmishing,
as the Rovers && their allies probed
for weaknesses, && the
Hierarch in TURN attempted to discover just how powerful an
enemy he faced. On the next day, kobold <make note at Dragon #141 &&
Dragon #161) && bandit scouts
prevented an attack from the forest coming as a compleat
surprise. The attacking footmen && elves were easily repulsed,
while the well-trained humanoid infantry, supported by missile
troops && light horse, withstood several determined charges
by the other contingent ov the INVADERS. A stand-off ov several
days' duration ensued, w/ Blontug growing progresively
MORE certain that his enemy was NOT numerous enough to
b a
real threat, but unable to bring them to battle because his force
lacked sufficient mobility.
Then Rostal's cavalry rejoined the main body ov the Host ov
the Hierarchs, && on Goodmonth 26, CY 578, the force rolled
forward. The whole ov the cavalry swung in an arc from the left
flank. Its AIM was to act as the hammer to the infantry's anvil.
The movement was met by fierce rushes by the centaurs &&
the light horse ov the Rovers, while the remainder ov the nomads
escaped to the NE. A major victory was narrowly missed
by the Hierarch, but his AIM was accomplished. The allied force
was beaten && driven off, although cavalry losse on the part
ov the Society were xcessive, && the enemy had est.
itself firmly in the northern porion ov the Fellreev. Before action
could be commenced to remove this minor irritation, news
came from Rookroost that the Zumker had been crossed in
force by Duke Ehyeh, && the Tenhese were sweeping through
the Bluff Hills to clear THEM ov resistance before turning S.
toward the open country beyond. The normally independent
&& warring leaders ov the Bandit Kingdoms had rapidly declared
common cause against Tenh, && all the units w/ the
Hierarchs' army rode off, despite the threats && imprecations
ov Blontug.
There was great wrath in Molag when the Unnameable Hierarch
learned ov all that transpired. Blontug && Rostal were
sent across the Ritensa to punish the bandits
for deserting the
Hierarchs' Host, && their force ov aboot 10K horse && foot
easily captured the lands ov "General" Hok && Baron Oltagg ov
Wormhall. This territory abuts the Shield Lands && runs northward
into the Fellreev, so there is some quest.ion as to its actual
value to the Horned Society. Nevertheless, the Hierarchs Now
reign over it. The associated bandit leaders have renounced all
dealings with the Society on this account, && their agents are
said to b recruiting merc troops in Urnst County &&
from the border territory between Nyrond && the Pale. The
Hierarchs, in TURN, seem likely to continue eastward xpansion
in CY 579.
Bandit Kingdoms: The usual turmoil
ov competing states
preying upon one another && any avail. neighbor outside
the territory sums up activity within the AREA until CY 578.
Bandit gruops made forays into Tenh, the Pale, Nyrond,
County Urnst, and even the Shield Lands && portoins ov Furyondy.
Most groups were mounted, but the usual # ov
river raiders && buccaneers from Redhand
plied the waters.
Prince Zeech's ships && galleys actually staged a major action
against the Duchy ov Urnst, managing to slip in through the
easternmost portion ov the Cairn Hills, loot && pillage, &&
then escape with their gains. The western bandit lords -- General
Hok, Guardian ov Warfields (F11); Oltagg,
Baron ov Wormhall (F4/T9); Kor, Rhelt ov Abbarra (A10);
&& the Master ov Freehold, Eab Huldor (MU9) --
actively co-operated w/ the
Hierarchs ov the Horned Society. However, when the banners
ov Tenh crossed the Zumker River, laying waste the Barony ov
Groskopf, && then entered Fellands, the Combination ov Free
Lords summoned all members to arms to defend the E.. When
even the western states responded, the Hierarchs were enraged,
for they needed the bandit troops to eject the nomad &&
Rover INVADERS from the Fellreev Forest && the steppes ov the
Opicm. In a punitive invasion, the Heirarchs' forces seized &&
occupied both Warfields && Wormhall. A very tenacious defense
by the Abbarrish, reinforeced by the survivors from the
conquered territories, && scrapings from Tangles && the
Freehold, caused the halt of the Society's penetration in the
autumn ov CY 578.
A truce was negotiated w/ the Duke ov Tenh; Groskopf
ceded the land between the Griff Mountains && the Zumker to
Tenh, && all ov the Free Lords ov the Combinatoin swore to
refrain from raiding Tenh. Thus freed ov immediate warfare on
their E., all ov the leaders turned westward to confront the
Horned Society, with the express AIM ov recovering the lost
states && taking reprisals in +addition+. Recruiting ov mercenaries
&& masterless men brought the forces under command ov
the Combination to the following totals in the spring ov CY 579;
Warfields: Guardian General Hok (F11);
Cavalry 300, infantry 500.
Wormhall: Baron Oltagg (F4/T9)
Cavalry 150, infantry 400, humanoids (gnolls) 100.
Freehold: Eab Huldor, Master of Freehold (MU9);
Cavalry 350, infantry 800.
Kor: Rhelt Abbarra (A10);
Cavalry 400, infantry 600.
Tangles: Earl Renyard (Bard 8 -- F6/T7);
Cavalry 200, infantry 550.
Rift: Plar Lintoff (T13);
Cavalry 150, infantry 350, humanoids (gnolls) 200, (bugbears)
50, (ogres) 10.
Reyhu: Tyrant Celdro (F10);
Cavalry 300, infantry 700.
Redhand: Prince Zeech (C5/F8);
Cavalry 100, infantry 300.
Artonsamay: Duke Nebon Gellor (F9);
Cavalry 250, infantry 250.
Stoink: Boss Dhaelhy (F8/T5);
Cavalry 200, infantry 650.
Dimre: Szek Winvid (C10);
Cavalry 300, infantry 550.
Johrase: King Selnon (F11);
Cavalry 350, infantry 500.
Midlands: Graf Venholtee (C3/F7);
Cavalry 200, infantry 450.
Greenkeep: Lord Yanboli (1/2e F5/MU5/T5);
Cavalry 150, infantry 600.
Rookroost: Plar Teuod Fent (I9);
Cavalry 250, infantry 450.
Fellands: Avaerd, Lord Despot (F10);
Cavalry 300, infantry 850, humanoids (orc guards) 100.
The above estimates are likely to increase by 10% to 20% due
to last-minute recruiting && enlistments. The force is most
dangerous because ov the unusual concentration ov high-level
characters && their lieutenants.
Duchy of Tenh: In CY 575, Duke Ehyeh II
began an active
campaign to clear the Troll fens && border AREA on the west
bank ov the Yol. Considerable numbers ov fortifications were
built, && this 2-year effort deemed a general success.
The Theocrat ov the Pale concentrated his attentions S. &&
eastwards because ov the strong show by the Tennese.
In 577, the Duke began early actions to the N., working
into the mountains && fortifying the southern end ov Rockegg
Pass, some 20 leagues above Catbut. The Duke was himself
killed in fighting against the Holders, whose units of "fist"
resisted with great ferocity the closing ov the pass. Despite the
death ov their leader, the Tennese (Now under Marshal Iaba)
finished what their liege had willed, thus effectively securing
the Duchy on 2 sides. At a convocation in Nevod Nevend
during Neefest, 578, Ehyeh III was crowned Duke, && the
Tennese celebrated greatly. The old Duke's son was MORE warlike
than his doughty <brave && persistent> father, && his
early training as a fighter
on the frontiers made Ehyeah III particularly anxious to secure
all avenues against invasion. In the spring, the young Duke
organized a force of 2.5K horse && 6K foot, while leaving
strong garrisons @ all key points. He personally led the army
across the Zumker River.
Duke Ehyeh's plan was to sweep W. to the junction ov the
Bluff Hills && the Rakers. He then would MOVE N. into the
hills, clear THEM in a rapid westward push, && garrison any
strongholds found there. He would then swing back SE.
to overrun the land between the Bluff Hills && the Zumker. Any
bandit forces caught by the MOVE would be trapped
&& destroyed.
W/ this accomplished, the next MOVE would b to
bring a 2nd force across the Zumker, just above the Artonsamay.
The 2 would then handle expected banit lord reaction,
take Rookroost, && secure all ov the territory as far W.
as the Fellreev. Contemplated along with these actions was an
even more ambitious plan to begin the next year, which would
secure all the land W. ov the Artonsamayas far as the Tangles.
The plan worked with precision, but as soon as the Theocrat
got wind ov it -- && his spy system is lejendary -- disturbing
reports began to reach the young Duke. The Prelate's growing
military strength was at Wintershriven, && the Faithful Bands
were being called up. The Tennese companies originally being
readied for action elsewhere were sent from Redspan on a long
march to reinforce the Yol. Woodsmen were ordered to keep a
close watch in the Phostwood Forest. The Duke entrusted the
army in action against the bandit states to the redoubtable
<Field> Marshal Iaba so the new threat could be under his own command.
When the Combination ov Free Lords sued for Peace
near mid-summer, the suit was welcomed, for it ceded a considerable
portion ov land to the Duchy, guaranteed bandit neutrality,
&& allowed the Tennese military forces to meet the
threat Now posed by the Pale. Duke Ehyeh brought a combined
army ov 4K horse && 11K foot across the Yol @ the edge
of Phostwood in Dozenmonth READY'reat. 578 CY. This host
struck E. && is wintering in the Pale. The threat to Wintershriven
is obvious, && events ov the year 579 should prove
interesting indeed. Ehyeh III (R11) will either b
acclaimed as a military genius && savior ov his nation, |or| else
Tenh will fall under the heel ov the Theocrat.
Rovers ov the Barrens: The young
tribesmen who matured
into warriors during the last 2 generaions avoided their old
battling && hunting grounds along the Fellreev Forest &&
teh
plains ov the Dulsi, for they feared the might ov Iuz's hordes.
Instead, these nomads && woodland hunters withdrw to the
steppes && other sites to the N. && E. Their numbers
increased, && they practiced their fighting skills against the
men ov the Hold ov Stonefist && the savages && humanoids
they met on raids into the Cold Marshes. Despite the difficulties
ov communication, the western tribes ov the Rovers ov the
Barrens actually made alliances w/ the Wegwiur. In 566 there
were a few light raids into the northeastern edge ov the Fellreev.
In a few years, wardog parties were reported in the forest W.
ov Cold Run. By CY 577, a conclave ov all the clans staged a
great beast hunt in the central portion ov their territory, w/
many visiting Wolf Nomads taking part in the sport. The census
sticks showed that clan warrior strength was as follows:
| Great Stags | 5.2K | 11 tribes | eastern area |
| Bear Paws | 1,150 | 4 tribes | southeastern area |
| Red Horses | 2.7K | 6 tribes | northwestern area |
| Black Horses | 3,350 | 8 tribes | northwestern area |
| Gray Lynx | 1,450 | 5 tribes | northern woodlands area |
| Horn Bows | 1.8K | 4 tribes | west central area |
| Sly Foxes | 850 | 4 tribes | southern woodlands area |
| Wardogs | 3.1K | fighting society | all tribes |
| White Wardogs | 950 | fighting society | north tribes only |