Gradsul
The Duchy of Gradsul is the Kingdom of Keoland’s most populous province and sports its largest metropolis, the port of Gradsul (pop. 49.400) on the Azure Coast. This territory extends north and westward from the city proper along the western bank of the Sheldomar River to a point south of Jurnre in Ulek. The border extends to the Dreadwood to the southwest before continuing along the coast to the border with Salinmoor. Though Gradsul extends over a large area inland, it is dominantly a maritime province, with hundreds of miles of coastline, including the banks of the broad and deep Sheldomar. Gradsul’s numerous coastal villages and towns make its character unique to the kingdom.
Gradsul has always been a possession of the nobles of an ancient Suel house known as the Rhola, who founded it almost a thousand years ago following the migrations. Its name literally means “Haven of the Suel” in the ancient tongue of the settlers, and the territory more than lived up to this mantle. becoming the primary destination of many surviving Suel families escaping devastation in what would become the Sea of Dust. Though once much larger than it is today, including portions of the modern day Ulek states. Gradsul has remained Keoland’s most cosmopolitan and prosperous region. This may be due in large part to the attitude of the Rholans, which is often described as resourceful, forthright, domineering, and even covetous. Though they are well known for naval pursuits and their zeal for exploration, the Rhola are as frequently painted as having a lust for conquest.
The towering Sanduchar was built during the reign of Tavish the Great. With its closed harbor and proximity to the Dreadwood, it has become the scat of the admiralty and main shipyard for the overhauled navy of Keoland. The fleet, which suffered a terrible defeat to the Lordship Isles five years ago in the harbor of Gradsul, is being rebuilt here under the direction of the duke. Ever since that ambush, the waters between Gradsul and Gryrax, which are heavily plied, have been the subject of numerous attacks by pirates. Duke Luschan, who once sponsored explorations of the Amedio Jungle and the Olman Isles before the wars, has steadfastly focused his attention on the threat now posed by the Scarlet Brotherhood and their allies. The duke strongly supported King Skotti’s recent efforts in the south, providing key naval maneuvers in the capture of Westkeep, which has won him the support of hardliners in the House of Rhola. He argues the case for continued military readiness before the Court of the Land. Such actions have encouraged the duke’s enemies, for many nobles see Luschan Sellark as a potential successor to Rholan Kings of the past in more ways than one, and they want no part of another bid for empire.
Demographics
Government
The Duke of Gradsul, whose family scat is the port city, is a powerful figure in the kingdom. The current duke is Luschan VIII (LN male human Wizard L9/Fighter L2), who also heads the royal navy in his role as Lord High Admiral of Keoland. He is often thought of as second in influence only to the Throne of the Lion and the Council of Niole Dra (of which he is a prominent member). The duke is also traditionally allied with mercantile interests and until recently maintained close tics with the Prince of Ulek. The Archmage Drawmij, who is a distant relation of the duke, is a close advisor and can sometimes be found in his company. Duke Luschan, the latest scion of the Sellark family, is considered one of a handful of prime candidates to replace King Skotti, should the current monarch fail to produce a suitable heir. Many Dukes of Gradsul have been elected to the throne in the past, most notably the line of Tavish (287-488 CY)]] which inaugurated the kingdom’s imperialistic phase over three centuries ago.
Industry & Trade
Infrastructure
The City of Gradsul, at the mouth of the Sheldomar, is the largest seaport of the Azure Sea, larger than both the foreign ports of Gryrax and Irongate, its closest rivals. The Duke of Gradsul maintains a large fleet year round if the vicinity to guard access to the mouth of the Sheldomar River and provide security for the numerous mercantile vessels along the Azure Coast. The city proper is divided into several distinct districts of individual character and utility. The people of Gradsul are not as superstitious or provincial as their brethren in other regions of Keoland. The city is a haven for independent mages and is infamous for its dominant thieves guilds. Politics and culture the likes of Greyhawk and Dyvers are in full evidence here.
History
Points of interest
Founding Gradsul was founded in -368 CY by House Rhola, one the Suloise factions who spread across the western Flanaess during the Great Migrations. Rhola settled the coastline along the Azure Sea, while House Neheli headed north and founded the city of Niole Dra in -358 CY. In -342 CY, following conflict with the native Flan tribes, a union was formed between Houses Rhola and Neheli and several minor Oeridian nobles. This union formed the Kingdom of Keoland, with its capital in Niole Dra. Imperial era In 268 CY, Duke Tavish of Gradsul ascended to the Keoish throne, the first king of House Rhola since King Malv III. This began an era of conquest and expansion for Keoland which ended in 488 CY following the death of Tavish IV. In the mid-fourth century CY, Gradsul was one of several southern Keoish settlements on the Azure Sea to be raided by pirates, taking advantage of the king's imperial to the north which left the southern settlements vulnerable. Keoland never successfully destroyed the pirates, and by 444 CY, the pirate groups would confederate as the Sea Princes. In 433 CY, the Duke of Gradsul disappeared in the Amedio Jungle. Recent history In 584 CY, Gradsul was the subject of an invasion attempt by a naval force from the Lordship of the Isles, led by the Scarlet Brotherhood. The ships were able to establish a blockade at the mouth of the Sheldomar River, but were harried by the Keoish navy and unable to mount a land invasion. The raid was successfully repelled by Duke Luschan, though at the cost of fully one quarter of his ships. In 585 CY, animated corpses began washing ashore and attacking small fishing villages south of Gradsul. The population of the villages made a sudden exodus to the city of Gradsul, leading to a fishing shortage which placed an increased burden on the city's ability to feed its population. As of 591 CY, Duke Luschan VIII has plans to build a dozen new frigates to defend against attacks via the Azure Sea; among them the ship Lionhearted. He has also been courting an alliance with Irongate, and a frigate of the prince of Naerie of the United Kingdom of Ahlissa has been seen docked in the city's harbor. A rival trade alliance between the Lordship of the Isles and the Principality of Ulek has been rumored, which has caused some concern in Gradsul. Gradsul has banned ships of the Lordship of the Isles from docking there.
Comments