Gran March
Proper Name: Gran March
Ruler: His Most Resolute Magnitude, Magnus Vrianian,
Commandant of Gran March (LG male
human Wiz9 (evoker)/Clr3 of Heironeous)
Government: Feudal monarchy structured along
military lines, with minor fealty to Keoland; overseeing
current government in Bissel; noble houses and
government are closely entwined with a militant
quasi-religious knighthood, the Knights of the
Watch; commandant chosen every five years by vote
of nobles and knights
Capital: Hookhill
Major Towns: Hookhill (pop. 7,500), Shiboleth
(pop. 5,900)
Provinces: Ten great baronies, two marches (eastern
Dim Forest, Rushmoors), captured territory
(Hochoch; see text)
Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, copper, gems (III)
Coinage: [Modified Keoland] griffon (pp), lion (gp),
eagle (ep), white owl (sp), heron (cp)
Population: 254, 600—Human 79% (SOf), Elf 8%
(sylvan), Dwarf 5%, Halfling 3%, Gnome 2%, Half-elf
1%, Half-orc 1%, Other 1%
Languages: Common, Keolandish, Elven, Dwarven
Alignments: LN*, LG, N
Religions: Heironeous, St. Cuthbert, Pholtus, Fharlanghn,
Zilchus, Oeridian agricultural gods, Phyton,
Obad-Hai
Allies: Keoland, Sterich, Bissel, Ulek states.
Enemies: Ket, nonhumans in Geoff and Crystalmists
Overview: Gran March occupies the fertile plains east of the expansive Dim Forest and west of the Lortmil Mountains, bounded by the northernmost fork of the Sheldomar River in the south. A poorly defined "open" border marks the north, where nobles often kept court in both Bissel and Gran March. These days, there seems to be little difference between the two governments, though the land within 30 miles north of Hookhill is considered part of Gran March proper. This territory also includes portions of Dim Forest and the Rushmoors, a haunted fen that has plagued the southern march for much of its long history.
The northern baronies enjoy a temperate, dry climate not unlike that found in Bissel. The south, however, is a land of dark mists and frequent showers, particularly near the forest and swamp.
Gran March is an exceptionally martial nation. At age fifteen, all fit males enter mandatory conscription for a period of up to seven years. Girls may join the rank and file, as well, though this is something of a modern development, and their participation is not seen as mandatory (though several influential women in the military hierarchy believe it should be). It is a testament to the national pride of the nation's young people that many continue after their required service, and those who do not are generally members of local militias.
Internationally renown mailed cavalry forms the
core of Gran March's impressive army. Armed with
lances, crossbows, and swords, these riders are the
bane of giants inhabiting Geoff. The Knights of the
Watch and Knights of Dispatch offer support and
welcome tactical expertise. The total standing army
includes more than eighteen thousand soldiers. At
least three times as many trained troops can be called
up within a single week.