Grelden

Grelden has a difficult strategic location at the junction of three fiefs, and the village of 1,300 folk has also been raided by deserting imperial army men and orcs twice in the previous spring. Hence, maintaining a garrison here—which has perforce been expanded to 200 infantry and 50 light cavalry—is an expense Roland could do without.

However, it is the only major garrison outside Roland, and the trade outlet is vital. Quaanser has recruited two mercenary mages to aid defense, one armed with a ring of orc control, which has proved very useful against marauders. However, there is tension between the mages, who are arrogant and haughty; the local garrison leader, who is more arrogant and haughty; and the local folk, who are arrogant, haughty, vicious and dishonest.

Corruption is endemic in Grelden. A third or more of the village’s economy is a black economy, with backhanders, extortion, protection rackets, and worse being commonplace. The garrison keeps order over the markets where goods from major trade cities are bought, sold, and bartered. Yet, they receive bribes themselves, so visitors are beginning to learn that Grelden is a place to avoid. Nonetheless, the village does well. There are no real alternative east-west trade routes, given the dangers of the lands of Rinloru to the north and Medegia to the south. Likewise, the village sees its fair share of mercenaries and adventurers traveling these routes, seeking employ or treasure. Though Grelden itself is not large, there are many smaller hamlets along the roads which lead from it in all directions, so that within a 10-mile radius or so there are probably an additional 6,000 folk with homes. Trade is now being conducted in these smaller places. They are less well defended against raiders and bandits, but corruption is less, so some merchants take their chances there.

Carl Sargent. Greyhawk Adventures, Ivid the Undying, 1995