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The '''Mountaineer Militia''', or the '''Greyhawk Mountaineers'''{{cite polyhedron|168|94|Hardby: City of the Scorned}} is a military organization of the [[Domain of Greyhawk#Military|Greyhawk Militia]]{{csb|TAB|6}} consisting of soldiers and [[griffon]] riders who patrol the [[Abbor-Alz]].{{csb|TAB|6}}{{csb|The Star Cairns|4}}
The '''Mountaineer Militia''', or the '''Greyhawk Mountaineers'''{{cite polyhedron|168|94|Hardby: City of the Scorned}} is a military organization of the [[Greyhawk Militia]]{{csb|TAB|6}} consisting of soldiers and [[griffon]] riders who patrol the [[Abbor-Alz]].{{csb|TAB|6}}{{csb|The Star Cairns|4}}


==Description==
==Description==
The Mountaineer Militia is perhaps most well-known for its griffon riding patrols ranging throughout the [[Abor-alz]].
The Mountaineer Militia is perhaps most well-known for its griffon riding patrols ranging throughout the [[Abor-alz]].
[[File:MountaineerMilitia skyrider.png|thumb|250px|A skyrider flying above a citadel, illustrated in ''[[From the Ashes]]'' (1992) by [[Ken Frank]] ]].
[[File:MountaineerMilitia skyrider.png|thumb|250px|A skyrider flying above a citadel, illustrated in ''[[From the Ashes]]'' (1992) by [[Ken Frank]]. ]]
{{quoted text|The remit of the [[griffon]] riders is to spy and map, to seek out uncontacted groups of demihumans and adventurers, and to identify powerful monsters (such as giants) that may present a threat to the area. The Mountaineer Militia does not go out looking for trouble, however.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}}}
{{quoted text|The remit of the [[griffon]] riders is to spy and map, to seek out uncontacted groups of demihumans and adventurers, and to identify powerful monsters (such as giants) that may present a threat to the area. The Mountaineer Militia does not go out looking for trouble, however.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} }}


{{quoted text|Information collected by the Mountaineer Militia concerning events in the area is supplied to [[Greysmere]]'s rulers (rather belatedly most of the time){{csb|FTA|25-26|Campaign Book}} and other "friendly groups".{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}}}
{{quoted text|Information collected by the Mountaineer Militia concerning events in the area is supplied to [[Greysmere]]'s rulers (rather belatedly most of the time){{csb|FTA|25-26|Campaign Book}} and other 'friendly groups.'|{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} }}


The Mountaineers patrol the entire [[Abbor-Alz]]{{csb|The Star Cairns|4}} and the southern [[Cairn Hills]].  They are based at [[Storm Keep]] about 15 miles from the [[Woolly Bay]] coast.  They patrol all the way north to the area around [[Fort Gellner]] in the [[Cairn Hills]],{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} east to the border of [[Duchy of Urnst|Urnst]],{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} west to [[Hardby]],{{csb|TAB|2}} and south to [[Karistyne Castle]] and the edge of the [[Bright Lands]].{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}  They cover the arreas of the [[Star Cairns]] and the [[Mistmarsh]].
The Mountaineers patrol the entire [[Abbor-Alz]]{{csb|The Star Cairns|4}} and the southern [[Cairn Hills]].  They are based at [[Storm Keep]] about 15 miles from the [[Woolly Bay]] coast.  They patrol all the way north to the area around [[Fort Gellner]] in the [[Cairn Hills]],{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} east to the border of [[Duchy of Urnst|Urnst]],{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} west to [[Hardby]],{{csb|TAB|2}} and south to [[Karistyne Castle]] and the edge of the [[Bright Lands]].{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}  They cover the arreas of the [[Star Cairns]] and the [[Mistmarsh]].
Line 52: Line 52:


=== Relationships and diplomacy ===
=== Relationships and diplomacy ===
{{quoted text|[[Karistyne]] sees for herself that the Mountaineer Militia are good and hardy men whose goals are not very different from hers. Thus, there is an informal understanding between Karistyne and Greyhawk. Karistyne is informally understood to rule all territory within 10 miles of her castle, and is not asked to pay any tribute to Greyhawk. She allows Mountaineer Militia to rest at her castle during their patrols and flights, and gives them gracious hospitality.{{csb|FTA|36|Campaign Book}}  The Mountaineers also use Karistyne Castle as a stopover point for flights north to Fort Gellner."{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}}}
{{quoted text|[[Karistyne]] sees for herself that the Mountaineer Militia are good and hardy men whose goals are not very different from hers. Thus, there is an informal understanding between Karistyne and Greyhawk. Karistyne is informally understood to rule all territory within 10 miles of her castle, and is not asked to pay any tribute to Greyhawk. She allows Mountaineer Militia to rest at her castle during their patrols and flights, and gives them gracious hospitality.{{csb|FTA|36|Campaign Book}}  The Mountaineers also use Karistyne Castle as a stopover point for flights north to Fort Gellner.|{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}} }}


The dwarves of [[Karakast]] and [[Dumadan]] hold the Mountaineers in high esteem.{{csb|FTA|27|Campaign Book}}{{csb|FTA|35|Campaign Book}}
The dwarves of [[Karakast]] and [[Dumadan]] hold the Mountaineers in high esteem.{{csb|FTA|27|Campaign Book}}{{csb|FTA|35|Campaign Book}}
{{quoted text|Although it is now part of Greyhawk's domain, the dwarves of [[Dumadan]] do not fully accept this. They continue to pay a small tribute to Urnst (which returns it secretly to Greyhawk, since Greyhawk militia patrol at a polite distance). This may change, but mountain dwarves change but slowly. They know of the Greyhawk militia presence, and quite admire the Mountaineer Militia."{{csb|FTA|35|Campaign Book}}}}
{{quoted text|Although it is now part of Greyhawk's domain, the dwarves of [[Dumadan]] do not fully accept this. They continue to pay a small tribute to Urnst (which returns it secretly to Greyhawk, since Greyhawk militia patrol at a polite distance). This may change, but mountain dwarves change but slowly. They know of the Greyhawk militia presence, and quite admire the Mountaineer Militia.|{{csb|FTA|35|Campaign Book}} }}


{{quoted text|Many outlying dwarven and a few gnomish communities have never paid any fealty or taxes to Urnst in the past, and do not do so to Greyhawk now. As yet, Greyhawk has not made any determined efforts to get them to do so. Because much of the Abbor-Alz is unmapped, and because of the uncertainties of the Bright Desert, the Mountaineer Militia here are mostly engaged in surveillance rather than diplomacy or tax collection."{{csb|FTA|32|Campaign Book}}}}  
{{quoted text|Many outlying dwarven and a few gnomish communities have never paid any fealty or taxes to Urnst in the past, and do not do so to Greyhawk now. As yet, Greyhawk has not made any determined efforts to get them to do so. Because much of the Abbor-Alz is unmapped, and because of the uncertainties of the Bright Desert, the Mountaineer Militia here are mostly engaged in surveillance rather than diplomacy or tax collection.|{{csb|FTA|32|Campaign Book}} }}  


'''Hendred Blerrid''' (ruler of [[Wyvernen]]), refuses to allow the Mounatineers to operate in the vicinity of Wyvernen, preferring to let the spirited townspeople fight off the orcs of the [[Pomarj]] on their own.{{csb|Slavers|46}}
'''Hendred Blerrid''' (ruler of [[Wyvernen]]), refuses to allow the Mounatineers to operate in the vicinity of Wyvernen, preferring to let the spirited townspeople fight off the orcs of the [[Pomarj]] on their own.{{csb|Slavers|46}}
Line 67: Line 67:
'''Carstane Geronten''' (Ftr12) commands the garrison at [[Storm Keep]].{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}
'''Carstane Geronten''' (Ftr12) commands the garrison at [[Storm Keep]].{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}


==Organization==
== Structure ==
Soldiers of the Mountaineers are typically well-equipped, with single-use magical items.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}
Soldiers of the Mountaineers are typically well-equipped, with single-use magical items.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}
* '''Foot patrols''' of Mountaineers consist of a squad of 8 to 12 soldiers.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}
* '''Foot patrols''' of Mountaineers consist of a squad of 8 to 12 soldiers.{{csb|FTA|33|Campaign Book}}
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[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
[[Category:Guilds]]

Latest revision as of 11:52, 18 June 2025

Greyhawk Organization
Mountaineer Militia
Other names:Greyhawk Mountaineers
Type:Military unit
Leader:Carstane Geronten
Members:Enlisted soldiers of the Greyhawk Militia
Headquarters:Storm Keep

The Mountaineer Militia, or the Greyhawk Mountaineers[1] is a military organization of the Greyhawk Militia[2] consisting of soldiers and griffon riders who patrol the Abbor-Alz.[2][3]

Description

The Mountaineer Militia is perhaps most well-known for its griffon riding patrols ranging throughout the Abor-alz.

A skyrider flying above a citadel, illustrated in From the Ashes (1992) by Ken Frank.

"The remit of the griffon riders is to spy and map, to seek out uncontacted groups of demihumans and adventurers, and to identify powerful monsters (such as giants) that may present a threat to the area. The Mountaineer Militia does not go out looking for trouble, however.[4] "

"Information collected by the Mountaineer Militia concerning events in the area is supplied to Greysmere's rulers (rather belatedly most of the time)[5] and other 'friendly groups.'"[4]

The Mountaineers patrol the entire Abbor-Alz[3] and the southern Cairn Hills. They are based at Storm Keep about 15 miles from the Woolly Bay coast. They patrol all the way north to the area around Fort Gellner in the Cairn Hills,[4] east to the border of Urnst,[4] west to Hardby,[6] and south to Karistyne Castle and the edge of the Bright Lands.[4] They cover the arreas of the Star Cairns and the Mistmarsh.

Mountaineers are very disciplined and are well-paid, across the board.[4][7] Some posts where the Montaineers are more likely to see combat qualify them to recieve double pay.[8]

Mountaineer posts

Storm Keep
The soldiers of Storm Keep have a very high morale, are well-paid, and it is a sought-after posting for the Mountaineers.[4]
The Mountaineers' main post at Storm Keep has a force of 86 men in total (in 585 CY), as follows:[9]
  • Carstane Geronten (Ftr12)—the garrison commander
  • A 9th-level priest of Saint Cuthbert
  • 2 wizards—one an 8th-level mage, and the other a 7th-level specialist diviner.[4]
  • 40 "ordinary" militia with minimum Con scores of 13, all with bow proficiency and great ability in mountaineering.
  • 20 skyriders[10] (also called "skypilots",[11] "skymen,"[12] or "skyrangers")[13] of levels 3-7 who use griffons as mounts to spy out the lands. One of these skyriders is Rhuandyr Fallonis, (male half-elf Ftr6/Wiz6) "who is rather overeager with the wand of fire he carries, if a suitable monstrous target can be found."[4]
  • 10 "stablers": fighters and rangers who attend to the griffons, train them, keep them in good condition, and suchlike. Many of these men have singular secondary skills and talents such as Herbalism, Astronomy, and Weather Sense, so that this group is almost a set of irregulars unto themselves.
  • 12 officers: sergeants and lieutenants of levels 4-9.
The Mountaineers care for mature adult griffons trained for flying, and young griffons are reared and trained. Twelve adult and four young griffons comprised the Mountaineers' stable in 585 CY.[4]
Fort Gellner
"Of the militia, 10 are members of the elite Mountaineer Militia... Patrols (at least 10 strong) operate in all nearby areas within the hills and spying missions with the Mountaineers' griffons extend well to the south and past the borders with Urnst (by arrangement). The garrison's remit includes tracking down and slaying monsters and groups of humanoids; the men here are warlike. This is a posting where the men see action, and their wages (double normal) reflect that."[8]
Ryell Keep
"The keep here has the same name as the pass in which it stands. The garrison of 80 men here is similar to that at Fort Gellner. This keep serves as a stopping-off and resting point for Mountaineer Militia who have overflown the Abbor-Alz mountains from Karistyne's Castle or Storm Keep."[8]
Hardby
"A garrison of [300][14][15] Mountaineer Militia was assigned to the town [in 582 CY],[7][15] to protect lands around the Abbor Alz, and Hardby was glad to accept them."[16] They are housed in the Arsenal[17] and ultimately under the command of Wilbrem Carister (LN male human Ftr9), Military Governor of Hardby.[1]

Relationships and diplomacy

"Karistyne sees for herself that the Mountaineer Militia are good and hardy men whose goals are not very different from hers. Thus, there is an informal understanding between Karistyne and Greyhawk. Karistyne is informally understood to rule all territory within 10 miles of her castle, and is not asked to pay any tribute to Greyhawk. She allows Mountaineer Militia to rest at her castle during their patrols and flights, and gives them gracious hospitality.[18] The Mountaineers also use Karistyne Castle as a stopover point for flights north to Fort Gellner."[4]

The dwarves of Karakast and Dumadan hold the Mountaineers in high esteem.[19][20]

"Although it is now part of Greyhawk's domain, the dwarves of Dumadan do not fully accept this. They continue to pay a small tribute to Urnst (which returns it secretly to Greyhawk, since Greyhawk militia patrol at a polite distance). This may change, but mountain dwarves change but slowly. They know of the Greyhawk militia presence, and quite admire the Mountaineer Militia."[20]

"Many outlying dwarven and a few gnomish communities have never paid any fealty or taxes to Urnst in the past, and do not do so to Greyhawk now. As yet, Greyhawk has not made any determined efforts to get them to do so. Because much of the Abbor-Alz is unmapped, and because of the uncertainties of the Bright Desert, the Mountaineer Militia here are mostly engaged in surveillance rather than diplomacy or tax collection."[10]

Hendred Blerrid (ruler of Wyvernen), refuses to allow the Mounatineers to operate in the vicinity of Wyvernen, preferring to let the spirited townspeople fight off the orcs of the Pomarj on their own.[21]

History

The Mountaineer Militia was created by Tigran Gellner.[22]

Members

Carstane Geronten (Ftr12) commands the garrison at Storm Keep.[4]

Structure

Soldiers of the Mountaineers are typically well-equipped, with single-use magical items.[4]

  • Foot patrols of Mountaineers consist of a squad of 8 to 12 soldiers.[4]
  • Flying patrols of the Mountaineer Militia can be spotted in all of the Abbor-Alz.[3] They are either single skypilots or pairs of skypilots, or large groups of up to 16 griffon riders[23] They typically wear leather armor, and carry short bows, javelins, and a dagger.[23] A ring of feather falling is always available to skypilots on flight patrols.[4]

Resources

The Mountaineers always do their best to obtain resources from the local area around their forts. Fishtown, near Storm Keep, provides large quantities of fish to the fort, which allows the village to survive economically.[24]

See Also

See also: Greyhawk Militia and Storm Keep

References

Notes

Citations

  1. ↑ a b "Hardby: City of the Scorned".  Polyhedron #168 (Dungeon #109, Apr 2004), p.94.
  2. ↑ a b The Adventure Begins (1998), p.6.
  3. ↑ a b c The Star Cairns (1998), p.4.
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o From the Ashes (1992), p.33, Campaign Book.
  5. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.25-26, Campaign Book.
  6. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.2.
  7. ↑ a b Slavers (2000), p.32.
  8. ↑ a b c From the Ashes (1992), p.24, Campaign Book.
  9. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.32-33, Campaign Book.
  10. ↑ a b From the Ashes (1992), p.32, Campaign Book.
  11. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.90, Campaign Book.
  12. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.51.
  13. ↑ Dragon #191 (Mar 1993), p.66.
  14. ↑ Slavers (2000), p.34.
  15. ↑ a b "Hardby: City of the Scorned".  Polyhedron #168 (Dungeon #109, Apr 2004), p.96.
  16. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.7, Campaign Book.
  17. ↑ "Hardby: City of the Scorned".  Polyhedron #168 (Dungeon #109, Apr 2004), p.99.
  18. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.36, Campaign Book.
  19. ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.27, Campaign Book.
  20. ↑ a b From the Ashes (1992), p.35, Campaign Book.
  21. ↑ Slavers (2000), p.46.
  22. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.63.
  23. ↑ a b The Adventure Begins (1998), p.66.
  24. ↑ Slavers (2000), p.47.

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

Greyhawk Mountaineers People Group Army, Slavers, AD&D 2e 34, 40, 46, 47, 53, 60
Greyhawk Mountaineers People Group Army, The Adventure Begins: Adventure Maps 2
Mountaineer Militia People Group Army, From the Ashes: Campaign Book 7, 13, 17, 24, 26, 27, 32, 35, 36, 85
Mountaineer Militia People Group Army, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 51
Mountaineer Militia People Group Army, The Adventure Begins 6, 7, 42, 47, 63, 66
Mountaineer Militia People Group Army, The Scarlet Brotherhood 3
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