Keoland is a prominent kingdom in the Flanaess, a sub-continent of Oerth (the world of the Greyhawk campaign setting). It’s a long-standing feudal monarchy with a rich history, particularly known for its fertile lands, strategic location, and complex political landscape.
Geography and Climate:
Location: Keoland is nestled in the Sheldomar Valley, bordered by the Javan River to the west, the Azure Sea to the south, the Sheldomar River to the east, and the Rushmoors to the north.
Climate: The climate is generally temperate year-round, making it excellent for agriculture.
Heartlands: The central valleys are incredibly fertile, producing an abundance of wheat, rye, and other grains.
Coastline: The southern coast, including the Viscounty of Salinmoor (where Saltmarsh is located), has been historically neglected by the crown, leading to issues with piracy.
Major Cities:
Niole Dra: The capital, often called “Old Dragon,” is the oldest known center of government in the Flanaess and Keoland’s cultural and power hub.
Gradsul: A wealthy and populous port city on the Azure Sea, ruled by House Rhola. It’s a mercantile and cosmopolitan hub, known for its navy and its tolerance of free-wizards.
History:
Ancient Origins: Keoland was founded in -342 CY (Common Year) through a union of Suel houses (Rhola and Neheli) and minor Oeridian nobles. It’s considered the first post-migration human kingdom in the Flanaess after the Twin Cataclysms.
Imperialistic Phase: For generations, Keoland was a formidable military power, expanding its borders to the north, west, and east with superior cavalry and bold knights. This period increased the crown’s wealth and power but also led to the neglect of its southern coastal regions.
Decline and Resurgence: The kingdom’s imperialistic ambitions eventually overreached, particularly with a disastrous campaign against Furyondy. This allowed the pirates of the Azure Sea, known as the Hold of the Sea Princes, to grow significantly in power in the south. King Kimbertos Skotti, realizing the kingdom’s overextension and the threat from the south, has shifted focus to trade and rebuilding the royal navy to combat the Sea Princes.
- 596 CY King Kimbertos Skotti of Keoland and Queen Janavara Zylthyra have produced heirs, twins. Keoland celebrates the arrival of the heirs. Tannyll Skotti (M) and Nakiasha Skotti (F).
- 609 CY King Skotti dies in Endereisen fighting Tiamat and her forces.
- 609 CY Tiamat is defeated by the joint effort of The Confederation of Paragons, The Necromongers, The Black Hand, and The Watchers
- 609 CY King Skotti’s son , Tannyll Skotti, announced King of the Keoland. He blames the Black Hand of his father’s death for not following orders and trying to make power grabs during the wars. He joins the Oath of the Watchers, defying his mother and the Black Hand.
- 612 CY Seskul Mak marries Nakiasha Skotti uniting the Skotti and Mak families
Culture and Society:
Population: Primarily humans of Suel and Oeridian descent, with some blended bloodlines in the provinces. Smaller populations of elves, gnomes, halflings, and dwarves also exist.
Language: Common is spoken, but the primary dialect is Keolandish, an Oeridian-Suel hybrid.
Values: The folk are generally friendly and generous, but noted for their superstitious natures and wariness of foreigners.
Magic: Historically, the study of magic was banned for commoners, and its practice was restricted to secret societies and certain nobles. Powerful wizardry is not openly displayed, as commoners fear spellcasters. However, Gradsul is an exception, being friendly to free-wizards.
Religion: Popular deities include Heironeous, Phaulkon, Saint Cuthbert, Fharlanghn, Ehlonna, Lydia, Osprem, Zilchus, Kord, Xerbo, Norebo, Olidammara, the Seldarine, and Trithereon. Religion is present but not a dominant force.
Economy: Not rich in minerals, Keoland relies on its abundant foodstuffs (wheat, rye) and cloth, trading them for hard coin. Gold and gems are also noted resources.
Politics and Government:
Feudal Monarchy: Keoland is a feudal monarchy. The king rules for life, and the office is known as the “Throne of the Lion.”
Noble Council of Niole Dra: While the king has great power, succession is determined by this council, often called the Court of the Land. This body, composed of major nobility and heads of established guilds and societies, also authorizes succession, levies provincial taxes, and ratifies changes to the kingdom’s founding charter.
Current Ruler: As of 591 CY, King Kimbertos Skotti of Grayhill has been the reigning monarch since 564 CY. He’s been working to normalize relations with past enemies and shift the kingdom’s focus towards trade and maritime power.
Administrative Divisions: The kingdom is divided into 27 major and minor duchies, counties, marches, territories, and baronies.
Military: The royal navy is based at Gradsul and led by the Duke of Gradsul. Keoland is also protected by independent orders like the Knights of the Watch and the Knights of Dispatch.
Notable Features & Factions:
The Hold of the Sea Princes: A formidable union of pirates and slavers that grew in power in the southern neglected regions of Keoland, posing a significant threat to the kingdom’s coastal interests.
The Silent Tower: An order of sorcerers called the Silent Ones, located south of Niole Dra. They are nominally under the Lion Throne but largely independent, serving as tutors and advisors to the nobility. Their main purpose is to conceal or bury magic harmful to the Sheldomar Valley, including lore concerning Vecna. They possess vast vaults of hidden relics and books.
The Scarlet Brotherhood: A secretive and insidious organization, often interested in the secrets of Suel heritage, and a potential rival to the Silent Ones.
Knights of the Watch: A knightly order that protects and guards against evil, particularly against the Baklunish.