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{{ | {{Settlement | ||
| name = | |||
| image = [[Image:Hochoch_Coat_of_Arms.jpg]] | |||
|image = | | caption = Hochoch's coat of arms | ||
|caption = | | motto = <!-- motto, nickname, or other name of settlement --> | ||
|name | | realm = [[Geoff]] | ||
|realm = [[Geoff]] | | size = | ||
|size = | | established = <!-- only enter the year number --> | ||
|established = | | government = Town council | ||
|government = | | alignment = | ||
|alignment = | | population = 5,500 ([[591 CY]]) | ||
|population = | | races = Human (4.200), Elf(500), Halfling (250), Dwarf, Gnome, Half-Elves, Half-Orc | ||
|races = | | languages = | ||
|languages = | | religions = [[Old Faith]], [[Heironeous]], [[Saint Cuthbert]], [[Kelanen]], many other non-evil religions | ||
|religions = | | authority = <!-- name of ruler, council, mayor, etc. --> | ||
|authority = | | organizations = | ||
| allies = | |||
| enemies = | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Hochoch''' is a town in the realm of [[Geoff]]. | '''Hochoch''' is a town in the realm of [[Geoff]] at a strategic location near the border with [[Gran March]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Hochoch, which means ''"Watcher’s Hold"'' in old Flan, was founded as a military outpost, soon after the foundation of the [[Geoff|Grand Duchy]] itself. When Geoff became a vassal state of the Kingdom of Keoland in 316 CY the [[Knights of the Watch]] were granted a fortified manor in the settlement. Though the general populace were not really happy about the stern Watchers, they did keep the city safe for more than two centuries. | |||
In 584 CY, in the wake of the [[Greyhawk Wars]], Geoff was invaded by giants. After most of its realms, as well as big parts of the [[Oytwood]] were already conquered, a force of hill giants attacked and captured Hochoch in 585 CY, occupying it for almost a year. In 586 CY a force composed of [[Gran March]] soldiers and Knights of the Watch reclaimed the town after a bloody battle. After its liberation it became the destination for many refugees from the Grand Duchy, who formed a makeshift camp outside the city walls. | |||
The city and its surroundings are currently the only remaining part of Geoff territory which is not under the control of the humanoid invaders. Many Geoffites hoped that it would be used as a bridgehead for reconquering their country, but in 590 CY the lords of Gran | |||
March annexed Hochoch, ostensibly on a temporary basis. | |||
==Geography and climate== | ==Geography and climate== | ||
Hochoch is located in the eastern portion of [[Geoff]], close to the border with [[Gran March]]. | Hochoch is located upon a hill overlooking a curve in the [[Realstream River]]'s course in the eastern portion of [[Geoff]], close to the border with [[Gran March]]. To the north, the [[Dim Forest]] is looming, while to the south, the [[Oytwood]] is visible in the distance, where the Realstream joins the [[Javan River]] and the elven outpost of [[Preston]] is located. | ||
Hochoch lies in a subtropical region, where temperatures range from about 91º F (32º C) during Reaping (high summer) to as low as 46º F (7º C) in Fireseek (midwinter). Snow is seldom seen in Hochoch, but morning frosts and chilling fogs are common during the colder seasons. Violent thunderstorms occur during summer when southeastern winds carry in heavy clouds from the [[Azure Sea]]. | |||
==People== | ==People== | ||
The population of Hochoch in [[591 CY]] was 5,500.{{csb|LGG|48}} | |||
The human population, comprising the majority, is of mixed heritage with [[Flan]], [[Oeridian]] and [[Suloise]] ancestors. [[Halfling]]s are very common, sharing a common culture and manner of dress with the humans. The traditionally good relations to the [[Elf|Elves]] of Oytwood and Dim Forest lead to a goodly number of [[elf#Elf subspecies|high elves]], [[elf#Elf subspecies|wood elves]] and [[elf#Elf subspecies|half-elves]] in the city's population. Also some [[Gnome|gnomes]] have moved in from the [[Stark Mounds]]. [[Dwarf|Dwarves]] and [[Half-orc|half-orcs]] are uncommon. | |||
The riverfolk known as the [[Rhennee]] are quite numerous on the Realstream and the Javan, offering guidance and transport on the riverways and their tributaries. They often repair their barge-homes at Hochoch and are always on the lookout for new freight and passengers. | |||
=== Political Factions and Power Groups === | |||
==== The Red Griffons ==== | |||
The [[Red Griffons]] are made up of surviving Geoff soldiers who pledged allegiance to [[Grand March]]. They were on the forefront of the forces who reclaimed Hochoch from the giants. | |||
These soldiers now support Gran March's annexation of Hochoch. | |||
They take their name from the habit of flying the [[Geoff]]ite griffon in red and black (the colors of [[Keoland]], [[Sterich]] and [[Gran March]]) instead of Geoff's black and white. | |||
==== The Freemen of Geoff ==== | |||
The "Freemen of [[Geoff]]" blame the monarchy for the failure to defend Geoff from the giant invasion. They want to replace the Grand Duke [[Owen I]] with an elected official, as they do it in the [[Yeomanry]]. | |||
One of their speakers is Wyllems of Prefmere, a blacksmith with a reputation as a troublemaker. | |||
==== Knights of the Dispatch ==== | |||
The [[Knights of the Dispatch]] are a branch of the [[Knights of the Watch]] formed after the giants' invasion by members who wanted to eschew the Watchers' strict adherence to codes of conduct in favor of more flexible methods of waging war. | |||
They want to mount continuous raids into Geoff's occupied territory. This makes them popular among the lower classes and the refugees, and they also support adventuring parties willing to raid the giants and their allies. | |||
The local leader of the Dispatchers is the Grim Basilisk Kerwynn of Gorna, a middle-aged sword-mage. | |||
==== Knights of the Watch ==== | |||
This monastic order of knights has long aspired to control Hochoch and use it as a training ground for new recruits. While this goal seemed in reach after the liberating of Hochoch, political maneuvering by Grand Duke Owen I and negative repercussions from the local population have given it a severe setback. | |||
By the order of the Watcher leader [[Hugo of Geoff]], who is a personal friend of Owen I, the Watchers became the elite defense force of Hochoch, and no more. Others in the order, especially Hugo's second in command, the Great Honorable Wyvern Darwyck of Hookhill, consider this as one more hint that Hugo should retire from his post of Grandiose Imperial Wyvern. | |||
The Knights recognize the need to deal with the giant and orcish occupants of Geoff, but their traditional enemies are the western nomads beyond the barrier peaks. | |||
== | ==== The Loyalists ==== | ||
Not being an organized entity, this catch-all term covers all of Hochoch's residents who still consider themselves Geoffites under the rule of Owen I. | |||
While some of the Loyalists wish to see Owen move his court to Hochoch, others view such an action as an unnecessary risk, given the Grand Duke's age and poor health. Some have begun searching for Owen I's missing heir, Count [[Hustin]], viewing him as a possible rallying figure for the disparate groups of Geoffite society. | |||
Many Loyalists actively oppose the Watchers, painting them as interlopers who value their own ambitions more than the welfare of Geoff's people. | |||
== | == Economy and Transportation == | ||
Hochoch has several sawmills working on timber harvested in the [[Dim Forest]] and floated down the Realstream. Therefor timber is the most prominent material used for building in and around the city. | |||
It lies on the trade route to Gran March's capital [[Hookhill]] and is the only bigger port on the Realstream-Javan system within many days of travel, therefor trading and transporting goods also make up for a good part of the economy. | |||
The town council pays for a ferry over the Realstream, which is free to use for personal transport, but wagons and similar cargo have to pay 5 GP for the crossing. | |||
==Military== | |||
There are nearly 230 town guards to maintain day-to-day order among the populace. They answer to the local Knights of the Watch, who are honor-bound to uphold the laws laid down by the town council. The knights oversee the defense of the city wall and investigate serious crimes with religious zeal. The number of knights is usually around 80. | |||
== References == | |||
=== Notes === | |||
<references group="note" /> | |||
=== Citations === | |||
<references /> | |||
=== Bibliography === | |||
* Pozas, Claudio. "Backdrop: Hochoch" ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' # 418. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2012. | |||
{{index}} | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Settlements]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:16, 2 April 2025
| Hochoch | |
|---|---|
 Hochoch's coat of arms | |
| General information | |
| Realm: | Geoff |
| Government | |
| Government: | Town council |
| Demographics | |
| Population: | 5,500 (591 CY) |
| Races: | Human (4.200), Elf(500), Halfling (250), Dwarf, Gnome, Half-Elves, Half-Orc |
| Groups | |
| Religions: | Old Faith, Heironeous, Saint Cuthbert, Kelanen, many other non-evil religions |
Hochoch is a town in the realm of Geoff at a strategic location near the border with Gran March.
History
Hochoch, which means "Watcher’s Hold" in old Flan, was founded as a military outpost, soon after the foundation of the Grand Duchy itself. When Geoff became a vassal state of the Kingdom of Keoland in 316 CY the Knights of the Watch were granted a fortified manor in the settlement. Though the general populace were not really happy about the stern Watchers, they did keep the city safe for more than two centuries.
In 584 CY, in the wake of the Greyhawk Wars, Geoff was invaded by giants. After most of its realms, as well as big parts of the Oytwood were already conquered, a force of hill giants attacked and captured Hochoch in 585 CY, occupying it for almost a year. In 586 CY a force composed of Gran March soldiers and Knights of the Watch reclaimed the town after a bloody battle. After its liberation it became the destination for many refugees from the Grand Duchy, who formed a makeshift camp outside the city walls.
The city and its surroundings are currently the only remaining part of Geoff territory which is not under the control of the humanoid invaders. Many Geoffites hoped that it would be used as a bridgehead for reconquering their country, but in 590 CY the lords of Gran March annexed Hochoch, ostensibly on a temporary basis.
Geography and climate
Hochoch is located upon a hill overlooking a curve in the Realstream River's course in the eastern portion of Geoff, close to the border with Gran March. To the north, the Dim Forest is looming, while to the south, the Oytwood is visible in the distance, where the Realstream joins the Javan River and the elven outpost of Preston is located.
Hochoch lies in a subtropical region, where temperatures range from about 91º F (32º C) during Reaping (high summer) to as low as 46º F (7º C) in Fireseek (midwinter). Snow is seldom seen in Hochoch, but morning frosts and chilling fogs are common during the colder seasons. Violent thunderstorms occur during summer when southeastern winds carry in heavy clouds from the Azure Sea.
People
The population of Hochoch in 591 CY was 5,500.[1]
The human population, comprising the majority, is of mixed heritage with Flan, Oeridian and Suloise ancestors. Halflings are very common, sharing a common culture and manner of dress with the humans. The traditionally good relations to the Elves of Oytwood and Dim Forest lead to a goodly number of high elves, wood elves and half-elves in the city's population. Also some gnomes have moved in from the Stark Mounds. Dwarves and half-orcs are uncommon.
The riverfolk known as the Rhennee are quite numerous on the Realstream and the Javan, offering guidance and transport on the riverways and their tributaries. They often repair their barge-homes at Hochoch and are always on the lookout for new freight and passengers.
Political Factions and Power Groups
The Red Griffons
The Red Griffons are made up of surviving Geoff soldiers who pledged allegiance to Grand March. They were on the forefront of the forces who reclaimed Hochoch from the giants.
These soldiers now support Gran March's annexation of Hochoch.
They take their name from the habit of flying the Geoffite griffon in red and black (the colors of Keoland, Sterich and Gran March) instead of Geoff's black and white.
The Freemen of Geoff
The "Freemen of Geoff" blame the monarchy for the failure to defend Geoff from the giant invasion. They want to replace the Grand Duke Owen I with an elected official, as they do it in the Yeomanry.
One of their speakers is Wyllems of Prefmere, a blacksmith with a reputation as a troublemaker.
Knights of the Dispatch
The Knights of the Dispatch are a branch of the Knights of the Watch formed after the giants' invasion by members who wanted to eschew the Watchers' strict adherence to codes of conduct in favor of more flexible methods of waging war.
They want to mount continuous raids into Geoff's occupied territory. This makes them popular among the lower classes and the refugees, and they also support adventuring parties willing to raid the giants and their allies.
The local leader of the Dispatchers is the Grim Basilisk Kerwynn of Gorna, a middle-aged sword-mage.
Knights of the Watch
This monastic order of knights has long aspired to control Hochoch and use it as a training ground for new recruits. While this goal seemed in reach after the liberating of Hochoch, political maneuvering by Grand Duke Owen I and negative repercussions from the local population have given it a severe setback.
By the order of the Watcher leader Hugo of Geoff, who is a personal friend of Owen I, the Watchers became the elite defense force of Hochoch, and no more. Others in the order, especially Hugo's second in command, the Great Honorable Wyvern Darwyck of Hookhill, consider this as one more hint that Hugo should retire from his post of Grandiose Imperial Wyvern.
The Knights recognize the need to deal with the giant and orcish occupants of Geoff, but their traditional enemies are the western nomads beyond the barrier peaks.
The Loyalists
Not being an organized entity, this catch-all term covers all of Hochoch's residents who still consider themselves Geoffites under the rule of Owen I.
While some of the Loyalists wish to see Owen move his court to Hochoch, others view such an action as an unnecessary risk, given the Grand Duke's age and poor health. Some have begun searching for Owen I's missing heir, Count Hustin, viewing him as a possible rallying figure for the disparate groups of Geoffite society.
Many Loyalists actively oppose the Watchers, painting them as interlopers who value their own ambitions more than the welfare of Geoff's people.
Economy and Transportation
Hochoch has several sawmills working on timber harvested in the Dim Forest and floated down the Realstream. Therefor timber is the most prominent material used for building in and around the city.
It lies on the trade route to Gran March's capital Hookhill and is the only bigger port on the Realstream-Javan system within many days of travel, therefor trading and transporting goods also make up for a good part of the economy.
The town council pays for a ferry over the Realstream, which is free to use for personal transport, but wagons and similar cargo have to pay 5 GP for the crossing.
Military
There are nearly 230 town guards to maintain day-to-day order among the populace. They answer to the local Knights of the Watch, who are honor-bound to uphold the laws laid down by the town council. The knights oversee the defense of the city wall and investigate serious crimes with religious zeal. The number of knights is usually around 80.
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.48.
Bibliography
- Pozas, Claudio. "Backdrop: Hochoch" Dragon # 418. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2012.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Against The Giants: The Liberation of Geoff | 5, 6, 44 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | From the Ashes: References Card | #3 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 48, 49, 51, 141, 152, 160 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Journal #1 | 13, 28, 33 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 28 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 27 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 28 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Living Greyhawk Journal #5 | 28 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | N1 Against the Cult of the Reptile God | IC, 2, 3, 5, 20, 28 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Oerth Journal #08 | 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Oerth Journal #10 | 39,42,43 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | Sword and Fist | 47 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | The Adventure Begins | 35 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | WGA4 Vecna Lives! | 48 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 55 |
| Hochoch | Settlement | Geoff, Settlement, (576 pop: 5500), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | IBC |