Rookroost
| 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. As of 591 CY, it is part of the Empire of Iuz.
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 that almost half of 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, General Pernevi, was assassinated in 586 CY, following the loss of many of his fiendish advisors during the Flight of Fiends. He was replaced by Lord Marshall Arus Mortoth, whose restructuring of the city's government favored humans.[2]
Late in 588 CY, forces of Iuz based in Rookroost marched into Tenh.[3]
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;[4] 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.[5] The city has attempted to conquer abandoned territories western Tenh.[6]
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.[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 that 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 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.[7] Its population dipped to 11,650 after the Greyhawk Wars.[8]
As of 591 CY, the population of Rookroost is 17,500.[9]
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]
Notable individuals
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.[10]
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
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.[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 remains standard practice.[1]
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.[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]
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.[11]
Trade
Much legitimate trade is conducted here.[2] Weapons are significant export.[12] Large entry fees are charged at the city's gates.[1]
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 as a way to avoid this hefty tax.[1]
Rumors & legends
It is suspected that Lord Marshall's human government only feign their loyalty to Iuz.[2]
Creative origins
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
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 WG8 Fate of Istus as its starting city.
See also
Gallery
External links
References
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p WG8 Fate of Istus (1989), p.3-5.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.29.
- ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.23.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.61.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.59.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.112.
- ↑ The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (1980), p.8.
- ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.25.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.25.
- ↑ 1992 Trading Cards, card #224, "The Resplandent" Crynar Randal
- ↑ From the Ashes (1992), p.78.
- ↑ Wars (1991), p.8.
Bibliography
Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean Reynolds and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000. Item code 11743.
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 |