The Kingdom of Grandish

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Kingdom of Grandish

The human Kingdom of Grandish lies in the far west seas of Thirith on the island that shares its name.

Grandish has existed since before the cataclysm, once enjoying thriving ocean-borne trade with all of Thirith, particularly the elves. While not directly affected by the great fires of centuries ago, Grandish has since been cut off from the rest of the world as their lush jungle does not provide the strong word necessary to build sea-faring ships. Only recently, with the discovery of Oak Tree Island, has Grandish begun to raise strengthen their keels, and produce masts worthy of the open sea.

Legend has it that the kingdom’s ships at sea on that dreadful night still roam the waters of Thirith, desperate to return home but unable to find their way. There is some truth to the myth as no ship far from shore was ever seen again.

Leadership: For past last 200 years, the Matoian Dynasty has ruled Grandish, currently helmed by King Areke Matoian III. In the power struggle that ensued after the cataclysm, the Dirigian Dynasty seized control, ruling with an iron fist for nearly 300 years before King Hovnan Matoian I led a people’s revolt against the family’s wicked regime.

The Matoian philosophy has since focused on local control over most matters, with issues of trade between towns and defense of the island deferring to the imperial throne.

Important Figures:

1. Areke Matoian III: King Areke is getting on in years, having held the throne now for 42 years. He has continued the traditions of his forebears, leading a house that commands respect through its fair treatment of the citizens rather than the fist. Areke is beloved amongst the population of the island.

2. Ohan Matoian: Areke’s queen, Ohan, has been his steady partner for most of his reign. Their marriage took place early on when he was still a young man in need of a strong partner. Queen Ohan plays a very active role in the governance of the kingdom.

3. Davit Matoian: Davit Matoian, 1st son of the king, has taken on a more active role in government affairs as his father has become frail in recent years. Especially when travel is required, the king has imparted much trust in his son’s judgement to handle issues.

4. Missak Matoian: the King’s first cousin Missak, Commander of the Force, leads from the front whenever the southern tip of the island is in need of defense from goblin raids. In the event of a war requiring the call up of each city’s forces, Missak would act as commander in chief.

5. Niktar Kaojian: Niktar is a bard by trade and a scholar of great renown. He is ever present in affairs of state. The Matoian family has trusted him since late in Areke’s father’s reign. Niktar is only slightly older than the king.

Demographics:

The Kingdom of Grandish’s only intelligent race is humans. The typical Grandishian has dark hair, dark eyes, and light brown to dark olive skin. Black skin, though rare, is not unheard of amongst the populace. One small, isolated village on the southern shore of the island is known for its pale skin and red hair.


Economy:

The kingdom’s economy revolves around the bounty of the sea. Prior to the cataclysm, the island traded extensively with the other kingdoms of Thirith, especially the elves. There is very little metal mining on the island. Because of this, all metals are considered very valuable and treated with great care. Money consists mostly of wooden coins, as any precious metals are protected in the coffers of the King. Gems are more common but rarely used in trade.

Since the discovery of Oak Tree Island, King Areke has pushed hard to re-establish contact with the land of the elves and the far-off human nations that the kingdom once shared strong trade ties with.

Religion:

The people of Grandish have never ceased the worship of their god, Habbakuk. The relationship between Habbakuk and his followers tends towards the mythical rather, in opposition to the other past gods of Thirith.

Habbakuk’s priests have limited powers derived from their prayers and incantations. They operate under a loose structure similar to the government of the island. Most towns will have a healer of a varying degree depending on the size of the population. They are known for their abilities to commune with nature, control animals, and to create clean water and food when necessary.

Flora and Fauna:

Lush and thick vegetation covers much of Grandish, enhanced by its temperate climate and its frequent rain showers.

White sand beaches surround the island, intermittently broken up by rocky reefs. Along the coast there are mangroves, kelpies, palm trees, retch plants, strangle weed, and bamboo; these are commonly found throughout the various small islands as well. A multitude of fish and sea life including various species of urchins call the coast home. Light waves (< 4’) crash on the sand while larger waves (4’ – 9’) crash into the reefs. Stingrays, sharks, giant crabs, and dolphins have been sighted in the waters. Although rare, there have been sahuagin raids attempted, particualry on nights with a new moon to conceal their attack.

Off the beach throughout Grandish marshlands are plentiful. They are known for the numerous and colorful varieties of large birds including birds of prey, vultures, and multiple varieties of storks, including the boobrie. Insects like dragonflys, various flies, ticks, ants, and beetles. The giant blue bottle fly have been known to appear where blood has been recently spilled.
Piranhas are known to occupy most bodies of water, but crocodiles including the fearsome giant crocodile are far more dangerous. Various types of snakes including poisonous, and constrictors also inhabit swamps and wetlands.

As you travel further inland the rainforest becomes more noticeable as the vegetation becomes thicker and tangled vines begin to wrap around the forest floor and the nearest trees. The humidity increases and the pleasant ocean breeze is no longer present. This makes traversing through the forest even more difficult. Insects of all types have been known to harass travelers as modern annoyances and occasionally leading to death. The various types of plant life may be beautiful, but the animals are not all that present danger in Grandish. Travelers should be aware of retch plants, tri-flower fron, thorn slingers, hangman trees, strangleweed, and the alluring mantrap.

Mammals include small rodents, various monkeys, baboons, bhaergala, and large cats like the leopard and the swift jaguar who are known to ambush pray from above and dense vegetation. The most fearsome animal on the island is the carnivorous apes that attack in troops up to eight. They exhibit fearsome strength and have been known to use tactics in their raids.
Wild boars are a delicacy on Grandish. They are eaten as the center piece in many ceremonies and festivals. Other mammals include goats, skunks, opossums, banderlogs, and bullywugs. The plant life found includes snapper saws, retch plants, thron slingers, and even shambling mounds.