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{{stub}}
{{Settlement
{{Settlement
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| name          = Rookroost
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}}
}}


The '''Free City of Rookroost''' is the de facto capital of the [[Bandit Kingdoms]]. It holds this position as the largest city in the strongest fiefdom of the Bandit Kingdoms. As of 591 CY, it is part of the Empire of Iuz.
The '''Free City of Rookroost''' is the de facto capital of the [[Bandit Kingdoms]]. It holds this position as the largest city in the strongest fiefdom of the Bandit Kingdoms. It is part of the Empire of Iuz in [[591 CY]].


The name "Rookroost" refers to both the Free City and the territory under its control.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
The name "Rookroost" refers to both the Free City and the territory under its control.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
 
{{TOCleft}}
==History==
==History==
===Establishment===
===Establishment===
Rookroost was founded in [[329 CY]] by [[Latavius]], an [[Oeridian]] robber-baron who used the settlement as a base from which to raid road and river traffic in the surrounding territory.{{csb|LGG|29}} The town was initially no more than a a walled fort atop a low hill some 50 feet in height, but soon grew rapidly into a larger settlement, necessitating the construction of further walls.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Rookroost was founded in [[329 CY]] by [[Latavius]], an [[Oeridian]] robber-baron who used the settlement as a base from which to raid road and river traffic in the surrounding territory.{{csb|LGG|29}} The town was initially no more than a a walled fort atop a low hill some 50 feet in height, but soon grew rapidly into a larger settlement, necessitating the construction of further walls.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


Line 32: Line 30:


===Growth===
===Growth===
 
Rookroost quickly grew into a significant settlement handling much legitimate trade.{{csb|LGG|29}} During its early period, new walls were repeatedly constructed to enclose the new area. This resulted in the city consisting of concentric circles. Eventually, the city stopped building new walls, with the result being almost half the city's buildings lie outside of the walls.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Rookroost quickly grew into a significant settlement handling much legitimate trade.{{csb|LGG|29}} During its early period, new walls were repeatedly constructed to enclose the new area. This resulted in the city consisting of concentric circles. Eventually, the city stopped building new walls, with the result that almost half of the city's buildings lie outside of the walls.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


===Recent history===
===Recent history===
In [[578 CY]], Rookroost survived a siege by [[Tenh|Tenha]] forces. A treaty was subsequently signed, in which Rookroost agreed to stop raiding western Tenh.{{csb|LGG|29}}
In [[578 CY]], Rookroost survived a siege by [[Tenh|Tenha]] forces. A treaty was subsequently signed, in which Rookroost agreed to stop raiding western Tenh.{{csb|LGG|29}}


Line 46: Line 42:
On 17 Fireseek, [[585 CY]], two priests of [[Iuz]] were murdered. In response, the city's ruler had four members of the thieves' guild rounded up and tortured to death by fiends in public.{{csb|Iuz the Evil|53-54}}
On 17 Fireseek, [[585 CY]], two priests of [[Iuz]] were murdered. In response, the city's ruler had four members of the thieves' guild rounded up and tortured to death by fiends in public.{{csb|Iuz the Evil|53-54}}


"Pernevi" was in turn deposed when the [[Flight of Fiends]] in [[586 CY]] destroyed many of his fiendish advisors, and replaced by Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]], whose restructuring of the city's government favored humans.{{csb|LGG|29}}
In turn, "Pernevi" was deposed when the [[Flight of Fiends]] destroyed many of his fiendish advisors in [[586 CY]].  Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]] replaced him and restructured the city's government to favor humans.{{csb|LGG|29}}


Late in [[588 CY]], forces of Iuz based in Rookroost marched into [[Tenh]].{{csb|TAB|23}}
Late in [[588 CY]], forces of Iuz based in Rookroost marched into [[Tenh]].{{csb|TAB|23}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
 
Rookroost is located just southeast of the [[Fellreev]] forest. The city controls much surrounding territory: as of 591 CY it is bordered by the [[Cold Run]] river to the west, including substantial portion of the [[Fellreev Forest]]; the [[Zumker River]] to the west, marking its border with [[Tenh]]; north seventy-five miles from the [[Artonsamay River]] up to the [[Bluff Hills]];{{csb|LGG|61}} and south across the Artonsamay River to the [[Rift Barrens]].{{csb|LGG|29}}
Rookroost is located just southeast of the [[Fellreev]] forest. The city controls much surrounding territory: as of 591 CY it is bordered by the [[Cold Run]] river to the west, including substantial portion of the [[Fellreev Forest]]; the [[Zumker River]] to the west, marking its border with [[Tenh]]; north seventy-five miles from the Artonsamay River up to the [[Bluff Hills]];{{csb|LGG|61}} and south across the [[Artonsamay River]] to the [[Rift Barrens]].{{csb|LGG|29}}


Although the Empire of Iuz formally recognized Rookroost as a regional capital, the city's area of territory control is not defined formally by any charter. Rather, it is based largely on how much it can hold by force.{{csb|LGG|59}} The city has attempted to conquer abandoned territories western Tenh.{{csb|LGG|112}}
Although the Empire of Iuz formally recognized Rookroost as a regional capital, the city's area of territory control is not defined formally by any charter. Rather, it is based largely on how much it can hold by force.{{csb|LGG|59}} The city has attempted to conquer abandoned territories western Tenh.{{csb|LGG|112}}
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==Cityscape==
==Cityscape==


Rookroost is a large walled city built upon a hill some fifty feet tall, and featuring several concentric walls constructed over centuries as the city grew. The city's districts grow progressively wealthier as one travels inward, with the city's most high-status individuals inhabiting the innermost area is known as The Peak. Rookroost's poorest, among them many half-orcs and other non-human peoples, inhabit Outwall, the area outside of the outermost wall.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Rookroost is a large walled city built upon a hill some fifty feet tall, and featuring several concentric walls constructed over centuries as the city grew. The city's districts grow progressively wealthier as one travels inward, with the city's most high-status individuals inhabiting the innermost area known as The Peak. Rookroost's poorest, among them many half-orcs and other non-human peoples, inhabit Outwall, the area outside of the outermost wall.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


Ravens, the city's namesake, are a common sight on rooftops, especially in the central plaza adjacent to the ruler's abode. According to legend, shortly after the city was founded, a seer predicted that the city would never fall to invaders as long as rooks roosted around the central square.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Ravens, the city's namesake, are a common sight on rooftops, especially in the central plaza adjacent to the ruler's abode. According to legend, shortly after the city was founded, a seer predicted the city would never fall to invaders as long as rooks roosted around the central square.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


Many Oeridian deities have temples here. They include [[Zilchus]], god of wealth; [[Erythnul]], popularly worshiped by nonhumans; [[Hextor]], popular among military and police; and [[Kurell]], popular among the thieves' guild. [[Atroa]], [[Celestian]], and [[Fharlanghn]] have small temples, and small shrines to gods of the orcs and others havebeen built in Outwall.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Many Oeridian deities have temples here. They include [[Zilchus]], god of wealth; [[Erythnul]], popularly worshiped by nonhumans; [[Hextor]], popular among military and police; and [[Kurell]], popular among members of the thieves' guild. [[Atroa]], [[Celestian]], and [[Fharlanghn]] have small temples, and small shrines to gods of the orcs and others havebeen built in Outwall.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


==Travel==
==Travel==
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==People==
==People==
===Population===
===Population===
Rookroost had a population of 17,310 in [[576 CY]].{{csb|Folio|8}} Its population dipped to 11,650 after the [[Greyhawk Wars]].{{csb|From the Ashes|25|Atlas of the Flanaess}}


Rookroost had a population of 17,310 in 576 CY.{{csb|Folio|8}} Its population dipped to 11,650 after the [[Greyhawk Wars]].{{csb|From the Ashes|25|Atlas of the Flanaess}}
By [[591 CY]], the population of Rookroost is 17,500.{{csb|LGG|25}}
 
As of 591 CY, the population of Rookroost is 17,500.{{csb|LGG|25}}


===Demographics===
===Demographics===
The population of Rookroost is primarily [[human]], mostly of [[Oeridian]] descent. Many orcs, half-orcs, and other non-humans inhabit the city. Some half-fiends have taken up residence here, although many were banished during the Flight of Fiends.{{csb|LGG|29}}
The population of Rookroost is primarily [[human]], mostly of [[Oeridian]] descent. Many orcs, half-orcs, and other non-humans inhabit the city. Some half-fiends have taken up residence here, although many were banished during the Flight of Fiends.{{csb|LGG|29}}


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===Notable individuals===
===Notable individuals===
 
* Lord Marshall '''[[Arus Mortoth]]''', a warlord and secretly a half-fiend, rules the city.
The city is ruled by Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]], a warlord and secretly a half-fiend.
* The Respendant '''[[Crynar Randal]]''' was born to an upper-class merchant in Rookroost.{{cite card|1992|224|"The Resplendent" Crynar Randal}}
 
* The cambion Baron '''[[Kerzinen]]''', former ruler of Rookroost, was one of the most notable and trusted servants of Iuz.{{csb|WGR5|15}}
The Respendant [[Crynar Randal]] was born to an upper-class merchant in Rookroost.{{cite card|1992|224|"The Resplandent" Crynar Randal}}
 
The former ruler, cambion Baron [[Kerzinen]] of Rookroost, was one of the most notable and trusted servants of Iuz.{{csb|WGR5|15}}


===Religion===
===Religion===
As part of the [[Empire of Iuz]], Iuz is worshiped here.
As part of the [[Empire of Iuz]], Iuz is worshiped here.


===Languages===
===Languages===
[[Common]] is the language most spoken in Rookroost. Some wealthy and powerful humans speak [[Old Oeridian]] as a mark of status.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
[[Common]] is the language most spoken in Rookroost. Some wealthy and powerful humans speak [[Old Oeridian]] as a mark of status.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


==Government==
==Government==
===Dictatorship===
===Dictatorship===
 
A military dictator governs the city. The ruler in [[591 CY]] was Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]], a powerful fighter/assassin who attained the position by murdering his predecessor, in the traditional method. Most of Mortoth's government are human, and his rule favors humans over other races. Few clerics of Iuz are in his government, and his mostly human cabinet are suspected to have weak loyalty to Iuz. He hires a hill giant as his chief constable.{{csb|LGG|29}}
The city is governed by a military dictator. As of 591 CY, the current ruler is Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]], a powerful fighter/assassin who attained the position by murdering his predecessor, in the traditional method. Most of Mortoth's government are human, and his rule favors humans over other races. Few clerics of Iuz are in his government, and his mostly human cabinet are suspected to have weak loyalty to Iuz. He hires a hill giant as his chief constable.{{csb|LGG|29}}


===Thieves' guild===
===Thieves' guild===
A powerful thieves' guild holds significant control over the city and its government, although the current Lord Marshall is not known to have any connection to the group.{{csb|LGG|29}} His predecessor, General Pernevi, previously had a formal power-sharing agreement with the guild in the hopes of protecting himself from assassination: The General would handle military and national policy, and the guild controlled the rest. Corruption and bribery remain standard practice.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


A powerful thieves' guild holds significant control over the city and its government, although the current Lord Marshall is not known to have any connection to the group.{{csb|LGG|29}} His predecessor, General Pernevi, previously had a formal power-sharing agreement with the guild in the hopes of protecting himself from assassination: The General would handle military and national policy, and the guild controlled the rest. Corruption and bribery remains standard practice.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
The most recent known head of the thieves' guild is Guildmother [[Elara Mornstar]], who served as Pernevi's head of secret police, although The General sought to have her assassinated.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
 
The most recent known head of the thieves' guild is Guildmother [[Elara Mornstar]], who served as as Pernevi's head of secret police, although The General sought to have her assassinated.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


===Other guilds===
===Other guilds===
 
Trade guilds hold significant power in Rookroost, and non-guild members operating in the city are pressured out of business, sometimes by violence. They are generally connected to the government and thieves' guilds, to whom they pay hefty fees. In turn, guild membership requires a large fee. Major guilds include those for blacksmiths, merchants, teamsters, and mages.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Trade guilds hold significant power in Rookroost, and non-guild members operating in the city are pressured out of business, sometimes by violence. They are generally connected to the government and thieves' guilds, to whom they pay hefty fees. In turn, guild membership requires a large fee. Major guilds include those for blacksmiths, merchants, teamsters, and [[mage]]s.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


===Military===
===Military===
Rookroost has a standing army of several thousand men.  It is financially supported by significant "protection payments" levied on lands through which it moves. Several hundred are stationed outside the city walls to guard against rebellion.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}  The military contains an army of 100 orogs and other nonhumans imported from elsewhere in the Empire of Iuz.{{csb|Iuz the Evil|53-54}}


Rookroost has a standing army of several thousand men. It is financially supported by significant "protection payments" levied on lands through which it moves. Several hundred are stationed outside the city walls to guard against rebellion.{{csb|WG8|3-5}} The military contains an army of 100 orogs and other nonhumans imported from elsewhere in the Empire of Iuz.{{csb|Iuz the Evil|53-54}}
A formal police force numbering some 300 individuals serves the city's ruler. They are identified by wearing the city's crest on their leather armor, and are often equipped with swords, as well as clubs and maces. The police are undisciplined and poorly paid, and commonly engage in extortion and bribery.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
 
A formal police force numbering some 300 individuals serves the city's ruler. They are identified by wearing the city's crest on their leather armor, and are often equipped with swords, as well as clubs and maces. The police are undisciplined and poorly paid, and commonly engage in extortion and bribery.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


Guards enforce a legally mandated charge of 1 sp to enter one of the city seven gates (5 sp for a one-day pass, or 10 gp for a pass which is valid for the rest of the month). Such passes are simply written on parchment by guards, who eagerly take the assignment in the hopes of making extra money. Guards will often attempt to make a profit by charging other fees, including a 2 gp "weapon fee".{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Guards enforce a legally mandated charge of 1 sp to enter one of the city seven gates (5 sp for a one-day pass, or 10 gp for a pass which is valid for the rest of the month). Such passes are simply written on parchment by guards, who eagerly take the assignment in the hopes of making extra money. Guards will often attempt to make a profit by charging other fees, including a 2 gp "weapon fee".{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


==Heraldry==
==Heraldry==
Rookroost's military forces use their own heraldry along with the heraldry of Iuz.{{csb|LGG|29}}
Rookroost's military forces use their own heraldry along with the heraldry of Iuz.{{csb|LGG|29}}


==Economy==
==Economy==
===Resources===
===Resources===
Some farming occurs in the lands around the city.{{csb|From the Ashes|78|Atlas of the Flanaess}}
Some farming occurs in the lands around the city.{{csb|From the Ashes|78|Atlas of the Flanaess}}


===Trade===
===Trade===
Much legitimate trade is conducted here.{{csb|LGG|29}} Weapons are significant export.{{csb|Wars|8}} Large entry fees are charged at the city's gates.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
Much legitimate trade is conducted here.{{csb|LGG|29}} Weapons are significant export.{{csb|Wars|8}} Large entry fees are charged at the city's gates.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


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===Currency===
===Currency===
The coinage minted in Rookroost includes the golden Lord, the silver Lady, and the copper Knave. The coins are crudely minted compared to the currency of other realms. Foreign currency is widely accepted, but an exorbitant exchange rate is levied on non-local coins, such that ten gold pieces minted in the Free City of Greyhawk might only buy 4 or 5 gold pieces worth of goods in Rookroost. By law, change must be given in local currency, and bartering is common to avoid this hefty tax.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}


The coinage minted in Rookroost includes the golden Lord, the silver Lady, and the copper Knave. The coins are crudely minted compared to the currency of other realms. Foreign currency is widely accepted, but an exorbitant exchange rate is levied on non-local coins, such that ten gold pieces minted in the Free City of Greyhawk might only buy 4 or 5 gold pieces worth of goods in Rookroost. By law, change must be given in local currency, and bartering is common as a way to avoid this hefty tax.{{csb|WG8|3-5}}
==Rumors and legends==
It is suspected the Lord Marshall's [[human]] government only feigns their loyalty to [[Iuz]].{{csb|LGG|29}}


==Rumors & legends==
== In ''Living Greyhawk'' ==
{{LGsection}}
In the ''[[Living Greyhawk]]'' organized play scenarios, the [[Bandit Kingdoms]] region was assigned to players in the real-world US states of Texas and Oklahoma. The Bandit Kingdoms volunteer triad produced a large amount of content, producing almost 19 "rounds" (four-hour sessions) of content per year, well in excess of Wizards of the Coast's initial goal of eight rounds per year, which was not reached by all regions.


It is suspected that Lord Marshall's human government only feign their loyalty to Iuz.{{csb|LGG|29}}
[[Casey Brown]] wrote a 92-page book, BDKR1 ''Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary'' (April 2012), to sum up the eight years of adventures in the ''Living Greyhawk'' Bandit Kingdoms region.
 
Among the Rookroost-specific events include a series of disappearances in [[592 CY]], an assassination attempt against Lord Marshall [[Arus Mortoth]] in [[594 CY]] (in which Mortoth, secretly the cambion [[Kerzinen]] in disguise, fakes his death and assumes the identity of his would-be assassin), the discovery and exploration of Latavius' tomb in [[596 CY]], a [[slaadi]] infestation harming the city's trade routes and infesting the city's sewers in [[597 CY]], the deposition of Guildmother Elara that same year, and the deposition of Kerzinen by the new thieves' guild leader in [[598 CY]], who outlaws the worship of [[Iuz]].
 
While Mortoth's real identity is not explicitly mentioned in the ''[[LGG]]'', the fact that he is a [[cambion]] suggests it is another alias of Kerzinen. This would mean Kerzinen (Pernevi) survived the [[Flight of Fiends]] only to fake his own death and take a new identity posing as his own assassin, Mortoth. The ''[[Living Greyhawk]]'' continuity assumes this is the case.  Kerzinen performs the same trick yet again in [[594 CY]], slaying Mortoth and posing as his own killer, Demmel Tadurinal.{{csb| ''BDKR1'' Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary|25|Old Enemies, New Friends |note=RPGA. (2004) }}  Eventually, this third impersonation was discovered in [[597 CY]] and that "the cambion shapechanging [[demon]] ... had been posing as Rookroost’s various leaders since the end of the [[Greyhawk Wars]]."{{csb| ''BDKR1'' Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary|43|In a Manor of Seeking.|note=RPGA. (2007).}} Kerzinen is finally forced to retreat to the [[Abyss]] in [[598 CY]].{{csb| ''BDKR1'' Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary|51|Loot Free or Die Hard. |note=RPGA. (2008).}}  After the final defeat of Kerzinen, Rhaedrick Avenfear was named [[Plar]] of Rookroost.{{csb| ''BDKR1'' Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary|51|Loot Free or Die Hard. |note=RPGA. (2008).}}


==Creative origins==
==Creative origins==
 
The story of the city's ravens resembles a real-world folk belief the United Kingdom will fall if the ravens which inhabit the Tower of London ever leave.
The story of the city ravens' resembles a real-world folk belief that the United Kingdom will fall if the ravens which inhabit the Tower of London ever leave.


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
Rookroost first appeared in the [[The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting]] (the "Folio"). The city maintained its status as capital of the Bandit Kingdoms throughout editions of the game, up to and including the D&D third edition [[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]].
Rookroost first appeared in the [[The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting]] (the "Folio"). The city maintained its status as capital of the Bandit Kingdoms throughout editions of the game, up to and including the D&D third edition [[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]].


Rookroost featured prominently in both WG8 [[Fate of Istus]] and WGS1 [[Five Shall Be One]] as a campaign starting city.
Rookroost featured prominently in both WG8 [[Fate of Istus]] and WGS1 [[Five Shall Be One]] as a campaign starting city.
== Notes ==
Though not perfectly clear, the names of the cambion posing as the ruler of Rookroost are given in two sources. The first source (WG5) gives the cambion's actual name, while the second (LGG) gives the name the cambion used as an imposter.  WG8 [[Fate of Istus]] (1989) names Oeridian human 12th level fighter/thief Pernevi, nicknamed "The General", as Rookroost's military dictator. WGR5 ''[[Iuz the Evil]]'' (1993), set in [[585 CY]]{{csb|TAB|4}}, has General Pernevi assassinated and replaced by cambion imposter Baron Kerzinen of Rookroost. The [[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]] (2000), p.29, says General Pernevi was killed by Arus Mortoth, secretly a cambion (or "half-fiend" in in third edition), shortly after the [[Flight of Fiends]] banished Pernevi's fiendish advisors in [[586 CY]].


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Bandit Kingdoms]]
* [[Bandit Kingdoms]]
==Gallery==
==External links==


==References==
==References==
Line 165: Line 150:
* [[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean Reynolds]] and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 11743.
* [[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean Reynolds]] and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 11743.
* [[Nigel Findley|Findley, Nigel]], [[Dan Salas]], [[Stephen Inniss]] and [[Robert J. Kuntz]]. WG8 ''[[Fate of Istus]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989. Item code TSR9253.
* [[Nigel Findley|Findley, Nigel]], [[Dan Salas]], [[Stephen Inniss]] and [[Robert J. Kuntz]]. WG8 ''[[Fate of Istus]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989. Item code TSR9253.
* [[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. WGR5 ''[[Iuz the Evil]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. Item code TSR9399.
* [[Roger E. Moore|Moore, Roger E.]]. ''[[The Adventure Begins]]''. Renton, WA: TSR, 1998. Item code TSR9577.
* [[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''From the Ashses''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992. Item code TSR1064.
* [[David Cook|Cook, David]]. ''[[Wars]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1991. Item code TSR1068.
{{index}}
{{index}}


[[Category:Settlements]]
[[Category:Settlements]]
[[Category:Settlements in the Bandit Kingdoms]]

Latest revision as of 09:14, 2 May 2025

Greyhawk Settlement
Rookroost
General information
Realm:Bandit Kingdoms
Size:City
Government
Authority:Lord Marshal Arus Mortoth
Government:Military dictatorship and influential thieves' guild
Alignment:Neutral
Established:329 CY
Demographics
Population:17,500 (591 CY)
Races:Humans, orcs, half-orcs, non-humans
Languages:Common, Old Oeridian
Groups
Religions:Iuz
Organizations:Thieves' guild
Allies:Iuz
Enemies:Tenh

The Free City of Rookroost is the de facto capital of the Bandit Kingdoms. It holds this position as the largest city in the strongest fiefdom of the Bandit Kingdoms. It is part of the Empire of Iuz in 591 CY.

The name "Rookroost" refers to both the Free City and the territory under its control.[1]

History

Establishment

Rookroost was founded in 329 CY by Latavius, an Oeridian robber-baron who used the settlement as a base from which to raid road and river traffic in the surrounding territory.[2] The town was initially no more than a a walled fort atop a low hill some 50 feet in height, but soon grew rapidly into a larger settlement, necessitating the construction of further walls.[1]

Latavius was assassinated suddenly in 371 CY and replaced by the former commander of his personal bodyguard. This would establish a long-standing tradition of assassination as a method of succession of rulership.[1]

Growth

Rookroost quickly grew into a significant settlement handling much legitimate trade.[2] During its early period, new walls were repeatedly constructed to enclose the new area. This resulted in the city consisting of concentric circles. Eventually, the city stopped building new walls, with the result being almost half the city's buildings lie outside of the walls.[1]

Recent history

In 578 CY, Rookroost survived a siege by Tenha forces. A treaty was subsequently signed, in which Rookroost agreed to stop raiding western Tenh.[2]

In 583 CY, following the invasion of the neighboring Midlands by Iuz, Rookroost joined forces with Iuz. The following year, 584 CY, it was made a regional capital of the Bandit Kingdoms.[2]

The city's ruler, "The General" Pernevi, was quietly assassinated and secretly replaced by the cambion Kerzinen, a loyal and trusted servant of Iuz who assumed Pernevi's form. Following the Greyhawk Wars of 582 to 584 CY, he adopted the title The Baron. [3]

On 17 Fireseek, 585 CY, two priests of Iuz were murdered. In response, the city's ruler had four members of the thieves' guild rounded up and tortured to death by fiends in public.[3]

In turn, "Pernevi" was deposed when the Flight of Fiends destroyed many of his fiendish advisors in 586 CY. Lord Marshall Arus Mortoth replaced him and restructured the city's government to favor humans.[2]

Late in 588 CY, forces of Iuz based in Rookroost marched into Tenh.[4]

Geography

Rookroost is located just southeast of the Fellreev forest. The city controls much surrounding territory: as of 591 CY it is bordered by the Cold Run river to the west, including substantial portion of the Fellreev Forest; the Zumker River to the west, marking its border with Tenh; north seventy-five miles from the Artonsamay River up to the Bluff Hills;[5] and south across the Artonsamay River to the Rift Barrens.[2]

Although the Empire of Iuz formally recognized Rookroost as a regional capital, the city's area of territory control is not defined formally by any charter. Rather, it is based largely on how much it can hold by force.[6] The city has attempted to conquer abandoned territories western Tenh.[7]

Cityscape

Rookroost is a large walled city built upon a hill some fifty feet tall, and featuring several concentric walls constructed over centuries as the city grew. The city's districts grow progressively wealthier as one travels inward, with the city's most high-status individuals inhabiting the innermost area known as The Peak. Rookroost's poorest, among them many half-orcs and other non-human peoples, inhabit Outwall, the area outside of the outermost wall.[1]

Ravens, the city's namesake, are a common sight on rooftops, especially in the central plaza adjacent to the ruler's abode. According to legend, shortly after the city was founded, a seer predicted the city would never fall to invaders as long as rooks roosted around the central square.[1]

Many Oeridian deities have temples here. They include Zilchus, god of wealth; Erythnul, popularly worshiped by nonhumans; Hextor, popular among military and police; and Kurell, popular among members of the thieves' guild. Atroa, Celestian, and Fharlanghn have small temples, and small shrines to gods of the orcs and others havebeen built in Outwall.[1]

Travel

People

Population

Rookroost had a population of 17,310 in 576 CY.[8] Its population dipped to 11,650 after the Greyhawk Wars.[9]

By 591 CY, the population of Rookroost is 17,500.[10]

Demographics

The population of Rookroost is primarily human, mostly of Oeridian descent. Many orcs, half-orcs, and other non-humans inhabit the city. Some half-fiends have taken up residence here, although many were banished during the Flight of Fiends.[2]

Prior to the Greyhawk Wars, the city had a substantial half-orc enclave, who were among those recruited for service by the priesthood of Iuz.[11]

Notable individuals

  • Lord Marshall Arus Mortoth, a warlord and secretly a half-fiend, rules the city.
  • The Respendant Crynar Randal was born to an upper-class merchant in Rookroost.[12]
  • The cambion Baron Kerzinen, former ruler of Rookroost, was one of the most notable and trusted servants of Iuz.[13]

Religion

As part of the Empire of Iuz, Iuz is worshiped here.

Languages

Common is the language most spoken in Rookroost. Some wealthy and powerful humans speak Old Oeridian as a mark of status.[1]

Government

Dictatorship

A military dictator governs the city. The ruler in 591 CY was Lord Marshall Arus Mortoth, a powerful fighter/assassin who attained the position by murdering his predecessor, in the traditional method. Most of Mortoth's government are human, and his rule favors humans over other races. Few clerics of Iuz are in his government, and his mostly human cabinet are suspected to have weak loyalty to Iuz. He hires a hill giant as his chief constable.[2]

Thieves' guild

A powerful thieves' guild holds significant control over the city and its government, although the current Lord Marshall is not known to have any connection to the group.[2] His predecessor, General Pernevi, previously had a formal power-sharing agreement with the guild in the hopes of protecting himself from assassination: The General would handle military and national policy, and the guild controlled the rest. Corruption and bribery remain standard practice.[1]

The most recent known head of the thieves' guild is Guildmother Elara Mornstar, who served as Pernevi's head of secret police, although The General sought to have her assassinated.[1]

Other guilds

Trade guilds hold significant power in Rookroost, and non-guild members operating in the city are pressured out of business, sometimes by violence. They are generally connected to the government and thieves' guilds, to whom they pay hefty fees. In turn, guild membership requires a large fee. Major guilds include those for blacksmiths, merchants, teamsters, and mages.[1]

Military

Rookroost has a standing army of several thousand men. It is financially supported by significant "protection payments" levied on lands through which it moves. Several hundred are stationed outside the city walls to guard against rebellion.[1] The military contains an army of 100 orogs and other nonhumans imported from elsewhere in the Empire of Iuz.[3]

A formal police force numbering some 300 individuals serves the city's ruler. They are identified by wearing the city's crest on their leather armor, and are often equipped with swords, as well as clubs and maces. The police are undisciplined and poorly paid, and commonly engage in extortion and bribery.[1]

Guards enforce a legally mandated charge of 1 sp to enter one of the city seven gates (5 sp for a one-day pass, or 10 gp for a pass which is valid for the rest of the month). Such passes are simply written on parchment by guards, who eagerly take the assignment in the hopes of making extra money. Guards will often attempt to make a profit by charging other fees, including a 2 gp "weapon fee".[1]

Heraldry

Rookroost's military forces use their own heraldry along with the heraldry of Iuz.[2]

Economy

Resources

Some farming occurs in the lands around the city.[14]

Trade

Much legitimate trade is conducted here.[2] Weapons are significant export.[15] Large entry fees are charged at the city's gates.[1]

Major trade routes connect Rookroost to the settlements of Marsakeer, Senningford, and Narleon; the latter leads to Nevond Nevnend, from which Rookroost imports food, slaves, and some equipment.[3]

Currency

The coinage minted in Rookroost includes the golden Lord, the silver Lady, and the copper Knave. The coins are crudely minted compared to the currency of other realms. Foreign currency is widely accepted, but an exorbitant exchange rate is levied on non-local coins, such that ten gold pieces minted in the Free City of Greyhawk might only buy 4 or 5 gold pieces worth of goods in Rookroost. By law, change must be given in local currency, and bartering is common to avoid this hefty tax.[1]

Rumors and legends

It is suspected the Lord Marshall's human government only feigns their loyalty to Iuz.[2]

In Living Greyhawk

In the Living Greyhawk organized play scenarios, the Bandit Kingdoms region was assigned to players in the real-world US states of Texas and Oklahoma. The Bandit Kingdoms volunteer triad produced a large amount of content, producing almost 19 "rounds" (four-hour sessions) of content per year, well in excess of Wizards of the Coast's initial goal of eight rounds per year, which was not reached by all regions.

Casey Brown wrote a 92-page book, BDKR1 Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary (April 2012), to sum up the eight years of adventures in the Living Greyhawk Bandit Kingdoms region.

Among the Rookroost-specific events include a series of disappearances in 592 CY, an assassination attempt against Lord Marshall Arus Mortoth in 594 CY (in which Mortoth, secretly the cambion Kerzinen in disguise, fakes his death and assumes the identity of his would-be assassin), the discovery and exploration of Latavius' tomb in 596 CY, a slaadi infestation harming the city's trade routes and infesting the city's sewers in 597 CY, the deposition of Guildmother Elara that same year, and the deposition of Kerzinen by the new thieves' guild leader in 598 CY, who outlaws the worship of Iuz.

While Mortoth's real identity is not explicitly mentioned in the LGG, the fact that he is a cambion suggests it is another alias of Kerzinen. This would mean Kerzinen (Pernevi) survived the Flight of Fiends only to fake his own death and take a new identity posing as his own assassin, Mortoth. The Living Greyhawk continuity assumes this is the case. Kerzinen performs the same trick yet again in 594 CY, slaying Mortoth and posing as his own killer, Demmel Tadurinal.[16] Eventually, this third impersonation was discovered in 597 CY and that "the cambion shapechanging demon ... had been posing as Rookroost’s various leaders since the end of the Greyhawk Wars."[17] Kerzinen is finally forced to retreat to the Abyss in 598 CY.[18] After the final defeat of Kerzinen, Rhaedrick Avenfear was named Plar of Rookroost.[18]

Creative origins

The story of the city's ravens resembles a real-world folk belief the United Kingdom will fall if the ravens which inhabit the Tower of London ever leave.

Publication history

Rookroost first appeared in the The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (the "Folio"). The city maintained its status as capital of the Bandit Kingdoms throughout editions of the game, up to and including the D&D third edition Living Greyhawk Gazetteer.

Rookroost featured prominently in both WG8 Fate of Istus and WGS1 Five Shall Be One as a campaign starting city.

Notes

Though not perfectly clear, the names of the cambion posing as the ruler of Rookroost are given in two sources. The first source (WG5) gives the cambion's actual name, while the second (LGG) gives the name the cambion used as an imposter. WG8 Fate of Istus (1989) names Oeridian human 12th level fighter/thief Pernevi, nicknamed "The General", as Rookroost's military dictator. WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), set in 585 CY[19], has General Pernevi assassinated and replaced by cambion imposter Baron Kerzinen of Rookroost. The Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.29, says General Pernevi was killed by Arus Mortoth, secretly a cambion (or "half-fiend" in in third edition), shortly after the Flight of Fiends banished Pernevi's fiendish advisors in 586 CY.

See also

References

Citations

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p WG8 Fate of Istus (1989), p.3-5.
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.29.
  3. ↑ a b c d WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), p.53-54.
  4. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.23.
  5. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.61.
  6. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.59.
  7. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.112.
  8. ↑ The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (1980), p.8.
  9. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.25, Atlas of the Flanaess.
  10. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.25.
  11. ↑ WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), p.47.
  12. ↑ 1992 Trading Cards, card #224, "The Resplendent" Crynar Randal
  13. ↑ WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), p.15.
  14. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.78, Atlas of the Flanaess.
  15. ↑ Wars (1991), p.8.
  16. ↑ BDKR1 Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary, p.25, Old Enemies, New Friends , RPGA. (2004).
  17. ↑ BDKR1 Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary, p.43, In a Manor of Seeking., RPGA. (2007)..
  18. ↑ a b BDKR1 Unofficial LG Bandit Kingdoms Summary, p.51, Loot Free or Die Hard. , RPGA. (2008)..
  19. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.4.

Bibliography

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

Aliss Westwind Apothecary (Rookroost) Building Shop, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Atroa, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Benedicts Trading Coster (Rookroost) Building Shop, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5, 7, 8
Celestian, Chapel of (Rookroost) Building Chapel, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Cheap Street (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5, 7
Crescent (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Dead Mans Passage (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Drunken Dragon (Rookroost) Building Inn, Tavern, Bar, or Restaurant , WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5, 6
Drunken Dragon (Rookroost) Building Inn, Tavern, Bar, or Restaurant , WGS1 Five Shall Be One 7
Erythnul, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Fharlanghn, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Funary Gate (Rookroost) Infrastructure Gate, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Generals Palace (Rookroost) Place Defensive Structure, Palace, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Generals Way (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Great Northern Way (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Greyhaven Armorers (Rookroost) Building Shop, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Greystaffs Sall D'armes (Rookroost) Building College or School, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Gruumsh, Chapel of (Rookroost) Building Chapel, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Hextor, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Kerzinen of Rookroost (Baron) Non-player character Cambion, WGR5 Iuz the Evil 15, 51, 53, 54, 56, 57, 59, 74, 77, 92, 96
Kurell, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Merchants, Guild of (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Northhaven Tavern (Rookroost) Building Tavern, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Outwall (Rookroost) Place Quarter, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
Palace Guard Inn (Rookroost) Building Inn, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5
Peak Circle Street (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Peak Gate (Rookroost) Infrastructure Gate, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Peak, The (Rookroost) Place Quarter, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5, 6, 9
Randoms Trading Coster Warehouse (Rookroost) Building Shop, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Raven Square (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Ravenshead Inn (Rookroost) Building Inn, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), Saga of Old City 7, 169, 171, 179
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), The Adventure Begins 23
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), WG12 Vale of the Mage 48
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), WG8 Fate of Istus 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 40
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) IC, 8, 25
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), WGR5 Iuz the Evil 15, 47, 50, 51, 53, 54, 57, 59, 68, 81, 86, 92, 96
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), WGS1 Five Shall Be One IC, IBC, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 29, 37
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), WGS2 Howl From the North 8, 9
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 19, 54, IBC
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) IBC
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), Dragon magazine #056 21, 22
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), Dragon magazine #063 14
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 22, 73, 78
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), From the Ashes: References Card #3
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), Greyhawk Wars: Adventurer's Book 7
Rookroost city Settlement Bandit Kingdoms, Capital, Settlement, (576 pop: 17310), (591 pop: 17500), Living Greyhawk Gazetteer IC, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 59, 61, 112
Rookroost, kingdom of Kingdom Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 29
Rookroost, kingdom of Kingdom Reference SEE Rookroost city
Sages Tower (Rookroost) Building Defensive Structure, Tower, WG8 Fate of Istus 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 40
Serpentine (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Shank, The (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Slayers Brotherhood (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 8
Smiths, Guild of (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Teamsters, Guild of (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 5, 9
Thieves, Guild of (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 3, 5, 7, 8, 9
Thieves, Guild of (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WGR5 Iuz the Evil 54
Triumphant (Rookroost) Infrastructure Street or road, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Triumphary Gate (Rookroost) Infrastructure Gate, WG8 Fate of Istus 5, 6
Wayfarer Tavern (Rookroost) Building Tavern, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
White Elf Inn (Rookroost) Building Inn, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Wizards, Guild of {Mages} (Rookroost) People Group Guild, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Zilchus, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WG8 Fate of Istus 5
Zilchus, Temple of (Rookroost) Building Temple, WGS1 Five Shall Be One 6
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