Woodwych: Difference between revisions
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| races = [[Human]], [[elf|elves]], [[Halfling]] (stout), [[Dwarf|dwarves]], [[gnome]]s, [[elf#Elven subraces|half-elves]], [[orc#Orc subspecies|half-orc]]s | | races = [[Human]], [[elf|elves]], [[Halfling]] (stout), [[Dwarf|dwarves]], [[gnome]]s, [[elf#Elven subraces|half-elves]], [[orc#Orc subspecies|half-orc]]s | ||
| languages = [[Common]], [[Languages#Common|Nyrondese]], [[Old Oeridian]], [[Elven]], and [[Languages#Halfling|Halfling]] | | languages = [[Common]], [[Languages#Common|Nyrondese]], [[Old Oeridian]], [[Elven]], and [[Languages#Halfling|Halfling]] | ||
| religions = [[Heironeous]]*, [[Beory]], [[Rao]], [[Pelor]], [[Zilchus]], [[Norebo]], [[Pholtus]], [[Ralishaz]], [[Boccob]], [[Delleb]], [[Celestian]] | | religions = [[Fharlanghn]], [[Heironeous]]*, [[Beory]], [[Rao]], [[Pelor]], [[Zilchus]], [[Norebo]], [[Pholtus]], [[Ralishaz]], [[Boccob]], [[Delleb]], [[Celestian]] | ||
| authority = Duchess [[Verin Talnith]] | | authority = Duchess [[Verin Talnith]] | ||
| organizations = | | organizations = | ||
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==Geography== | ==Geography== | ||
Woodwych is located in the north western part of Nyrond, near to and to the north east of the Celadon Forest. It sits on the western highway halfway between [[Hammensend]] on the [[Nesser River]] border with the [[Urnst States]] and [[Swan Bore]] on the [[Duntide River]]. [[Curtulenn]] lies to the road to the north, on the [[Franz River]] | Woodwych is located in the north western part of Nyrond, near to and to the north east of the Celadon Forest. It sits on the western highway halfway between [[Hammensend]] (on the [[Nesser River]] border with the [[Urnst States]]) and [[Swan Bore]] on the [[Duntide River]]. [[Curtulenn]] lies to the road to the north, on the [[Franz River]] being the border with the [[County of Urnst]]. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Following the [[Greyhawk Wars]] the local ruler of Woodwych, Baron [[Bastrayne]], was one of the dominant local rulers in the western lands of Nyrond, along with the ruler of [[Beetu]]. Bandits and highwaymen were a real hazard in the area. This alienated most people who were surly and inhospitable as a result, avoiding strangers as well as despising the Court and King [[Archbold III]]. They were downtrodden and despairing, adopting a strategy of trying to conceal anything they owned or earned from the reluctant tax collecting militia. Locals had become experts in dishonesty by omission or lies, with thieves and rogues began to flourish.{{csb|WGR4|69}} | Following the [[Greyhawk Wars]] the local ruler of Woodwych, Baron [[Bastrayne]], was one of the dominant local rulers in the western lands of Nyrond, along with the ruler of [[Beetu]]. Bandits and highwaymen were a real hazard in the area. This alienated most people who were surly and inhospitable as a result, avoiding strangers as well as despising the Court and King [[Archbold III]]. They were downtrodden and despairing, adopting a strategy of trying to conceal anything they owned or earned from the reluctant tax collecting militia. Locals had become experts in dishonesty by omission or lies, with thieves and rogues began to flourish.{{csb|WGR4|69}} | ||
Baron Bastrayne and Bailiff [[Radnen Gryppe]] feigned support for the king, and managed to dispatch about 70% of taxes and tithes demanded by King Archbold. However, the two imposed additional taxes and tithes and were skimming abut 30-40% for themselves. King Archbold would hear no ill of Bastrayne given his delivery of more tax revenue than most in hard economic times. Bastrayne denounced the rebels in the Celadon Forest as terrorists, and exaggerated in reports about his troops imposing law and order including protecting vital trade on the highway west. He imposed virtual martial law on the city using his 100 strong personal Baronial Guard, and preventing anyone reporting back to the king about his activities. {{csb|WGR4|69}} | Baron Bastrayne and Bailiff [[Radnen Gryppe]] feigned support for the king, and managed to dispatch about 70% of taxes and tithes demanded by King Archbold. However, the two imposed additional taxes and tithes and were skimming abut 30-40% for themselves. King Archbold would hear no ill of Bastrayne given his delivery of more tax revenue than most in hard economic times. Bastrayne denounced the rebels in the Celadon Forest as terrorists, and exaggerated in reports about his troops imposing law and order including protecting vital trade on the highway west. He imposed virtual martial law on the city using his 100 strong personal Baronial Guard, and preventing anyone reporting back to the king about his activities. {{csb|WGR4|69}} | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
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===Religion=== | ===Religion=== | ||
The city features a chapel of [[Fharlanghn]].<ref>[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Saga of Old City''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985. p284.</ref> | |||
The common religions of Nyrond can be expected to be followed here, being [[Heironeous]] (the official state religion), [[Beory]], [[Rao]], [[Pelor]], [[Zilchus]], [[Norebo]], [[Pholtus]], [[Ralishaz]], [[Boccob]], [[Delleb]], [[Celestian]].{{csb|LGG|75}} | The common religions of Nyrond can be expected to be followed here, being [[Heironeous]] (the official state religion), [[Beory]], [[Rao]], [[Pelor]], [[Zilchus]], [[Norebo]], [[Pholtus]], [[Ralishaz]], [[Boccob]], [[Delleb]], [[Celestian]].{{csb|LGG|75}} | ||
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In Spring [[585 CY]] there were 100 Baronial Guard and 800 troops stationed in the city, with about 300 troops stationed in the surrounding lands mainly patrolling major roads. The Baronial Guard comprised mostly heavy infantry and cavalry, and about a dozen "specialists" feared by all as spies.{{csb|WGR4|69}} | In Spring [[585 CY]] there were 100 Baronial Guard and 800 troops stationed in the city, with about 300 troops stationed in the surrounding lands mainly patrolling major roads. The Baronial Guard comprised mostly heavy infantry and cavalry, and about a dozen "specialists" feared by all as spies.{{csb|WGR4|69}} | ||
At the same time, about 15 Baronial Guard and 20 Woodwych had defected to join forces with the [[Defenders of Celadon]] based in [[Copperstead]] plotting to depose Baron Bastrayne.{{csb|WGR4|70}} | |||
==Heraldry== | ==Heraldry== | ||
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==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
Woodwych was located on the major highway through north-western Nyrond to the Urnst states, being a major trade route. This made the patrolling and protection of trade along those roads important. | |||
Woodwych was usually a major base of trade with the Celadon Forest. Due to the exploitation of the Celadon and virtual rebellion by the wood-folk and elves there against Baron Bastrayne, trade after the Greyhawk Wars instead focused through [[Beetu]] due to Count [[Romadnen Bereman]] there not implementing the King's edict to exploit the forest.{{csb|WGR4|70}} | |||
==Rumors & Legends== | ==Rumors & Legends== | ||
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==Maps== | ==Maps== | ||
[[File:Woodwych map 01.png]] | |||
Woodwych, depicted in [[The Marklands]]. Cartography by John Knecht (1993). | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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===Bibliography=== | ===Bibliography=== | ||
* [[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Saga of Old City''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985. | |||
* [[Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[The Marklands]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. | * [[Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[The Marklands]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993. | ||
* [[Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. | * [[Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. | ||
Revision as of 01:22, 16 April 2022
| Woodwych | |
|---|---|
 Woodwych coat of arms illustrated by Anna Meyer (2022). | |
| General information | |
| Realm: | Kingdom of Nyrond |
| Size: | City |
| Government | |
| Authority: | Duchess Verin Talnith |
| Government: | Provincial county (Barony of Woodwych, later Duchy of Woodwych) |
| Alignment: | LG, LN*, NG, CG, N |
| Demographics | |
| Population: | 24,300 (591 CY) |
| Races: | Human, elves, Halfling (stout), dwarves, gnomes, half-elves, half-orcs |
| Languages: | Common, Nyrondese, Old Oeridian, Elven, and Halfling |
| Groups | |
| Religions: | Fharlanghn, Heironeous*, Beory, Rao, Pelor, Zilchus, Norebo, Pholtus, Ralishaz, Boccob, Delleb, Celestian |
Woodwych is a walled city in western Nyrond, near the Celadon Forest.
Geography
Woodwych is located in the north western part of Nyrond, near to and to the north east of the Celadon Forest. It sits on the western highway halfway between Hammensend (on the Nesser River border with the Urnst States) and Swan Bore on the Duntide River. Curtulenn lies to the road to the north, on the Franz River being the border with the County of Urnst.
History
Following the Greyhawk Wars the local ruler of Woodwych, Baron Bastrayne, was one of the dominant local rulers in the western lands of Nyrond, along with the ruler of Beetu. Bandits and highwaymen were a real hazard in the area. This alienated most people who were surly and inhospitable as a result, avoiding strangers as well as despising the Court and King Archbold III. They were downtrodden and despairing, adopting a strategy of trying to conceal anything they owned or earned from the reluctant tax collecting militia. Locals had become experts in dishonesty by omission or lies, with thieves and rogues began to flourish.[1]
Baron Bastrayne and Bailiff Radnen Gryppe feigned support for the king, and managed to dispatch about 70% of taxes and tithes demanded by King Archbold. However, the two imposed additional taxes and tithes and were skimming abut 30-40% for themselves. King Archbold would hear no ill of Bastrayne given his delivery of more tax revenue than most in hard economic times. Bastrayne denounced the rebels in the Celadon Forest as terrorists, and exaggerated in reports about his troops imposing law and order including protecting vital trade on the highway west. He imposed virtual martial law on the city using his 100 strong personal Baronial Guard, and preventing anyone reporting back to the king about his activities. [1]
People
Population
In Spring 585 CY the population was approximately 21,000.[1]. By 591 CY it had grown to 24,300.[2]
Demographics
The races of Nyrond can all be expected to be found here, being humans (with an Oeridian dominance, and Suel present, as ethnic background), Olve (mainly sylvan with a small high elf presence), Halfling (stout), Dwarf, Gnome, half-elf and half-orc.[2]
Nyrond generally is lawful neutral in alignment, with lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, and neutral also prevalent.[2]
Notable individuals
Notable individuals or persons from or in Woodwych include:
- Baroness and later Duchess Verin Talnith.
- Former Baron Bastrayne.
- Former Bailiff Radnen Gryppe.
Religion
The city features a chapel of Fharlanghn.[3]
The common religions of Nyrond can be expected to be followed here, being Heironeous (the official state religion), Beory, Rao, Pelor, Zilchus, Norebo, Pholtus, Ralishaz, Boccob, Delleb, Celestian.[2]
Following the Greyhawk Wars superstitions and the worship of evil gods (including Hextor and Incabulos) began to grow as a sign of the despair of the common folk.[4]
Languages
The common languages of Nyrond can be expected to be spoken here, being Common, Nyrondese, Old Oeridian, Elven, and Halfling.[2]
Government
Woodwych is located within the Kingdom of Nyrond.
In Spring 585 CY the Baron based in Woodwych administered the lands for about 40 miles around the city, including the small settlements along the road to Hammensend and on to Urnst.[1]
Following the reorganization of provincial administration under King Lynwerd I that commenced Needfest 1, 591 CY Woodwych was part of the Barony of Woodwych.[5][6]
Military
In Spring 585 CY there were 100 Baronial Guard and 800 troops stationed in the city, with about 300 troops stationed in the surrounding lands mainly patrolling major roads. The Baronial Guard comprised mostly heavy infantry and cavalry, and about a dozen "specialists" feared by all as spies.[1]
At the same time, about 15 Baronial Guard and 20 Woodwych had defected to join forces with the Defenders of Celadon based in Copperstead plotting to depose Baron Bastrayne.[7]
Heraldry
The Living Greyhawk campaign Triad for the Nyrond region created heraldry for the various provinces. See image above.
Economy
Woodwych was located on the major highway through north-western Nyrond to the Urnst states, being a major trade route. This made the patrolling and protection of trade along those roads important.
Woodwych was usually a major base of trade with the Celadon Forest. Due to the exploitation of the Celadon and virtual rebellion by the wood-folk and elves there against Baron Bastrayne, trade after the Greyhawk Wars instead focused through Beetu due to Count Romadnen Bereman there not implementing the King's edict to exploit the forest.[7]
Rumors & Legends
In Spring 585 CY it was rumored that:[1]
- Desperate messengers who rode for Rel Mord taking reports of the Baron's activities. were ridden down and killed by the Baronial Guard.
- Evil men had found their way into the Baronial Guard.
Living Greyhawk campaign
In the Living Greyhawk campaign, Woodwych featured in several adventures. It was also detailed in the "Nyrond Gazetteer" fan-created sourcebook. The organizing Triad for the Nyrond region created maps of Nyrond showing the borders of various provinces.[8]
The Nyrond Meta-Region adventures also revealed the fate of Baron Bastrayne and Bailiff Radnen Gryppe, in the Star Haunt of the Celadon Forest.
Maps
Woodwych, depicted in The Marklands. Cartography by John Knecht (1993).
References
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f WGR4 The Marklands (1993), p.69.
- ↑ a b c d e Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.75.
- ↑ Gygax, Gary. Saga of Old City. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985. p284.
- ↑ WGR4 The Marklands (1993), p.65.
- ↑ WGR4 The Marklands (1993), p.75.
- ↑ Map of Nyrond in "Nyrond Gazetteer" issued by the Living Greyhawk Campaign Nyrond Triad. Available at Nyrond Living Greyhawk Triad web site via Way Back Machine
- ↑ a b WGR4 The Marklands (1993), p.70.
- ↑ Nyrond Gazetteer. Living Greyhawk campaign, Nyrond Triad. 2008. Archived via Way Back Machine
Bibliography
- Gygax, Gary. Saga of Old City. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1985.
- Sargent, Carl. The Marklands. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
- Meyer, Anna B.. Greyhawk Heraldry. 2020.
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
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bastrayne of Woodwych (Baron) | Non-player character | [F9], | Dragon magazine #191 | 66 |
| Bastrayne of Woodwych (Baron) | Non-player character | [F9], | The Adventure Begins | 30, 31 |
| Bastrayne of Woodwych (Baron) | Non-player character | [F9], | WGR4 The Marklands | 62, 69, 70, 71, 89, 90 |
| Fharlanghn, Chapel of (Woodwych) | Building | Chapel, | Saga of Old City | 284 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 19 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | Dragon magazine #065 | 12 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | Dragon magazine #191 | 66 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 15 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | From the Ashes: References Card | #3 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 75, 139 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 48 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | Saga of Old City | 7, 124, 282, 283, 286, 287 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | The Adventure Begins | 30, 31 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | WGR4 The Marklands | 60, 62, 69, 70, 76, 78, 89, 90 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | WGR6 City of Skulls | 30 |
| Woodwych city | Settlement | Nyrond, City, Walled, (585 pop: 21000), (591 pop: 24300), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | IBC |
| Woodwych, Barony of | Province | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 77 | |
| Woodwych, Barony of | Province | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 28 |