It might be because I'm cutting and pasting from a Word document. I really don't know what to do about it.
In my experience . . . that's the cause. And I've yet to figure out what to do about it, except . . . don't sweat it. It doesn't distract from the narrative, it's just a puzzle that makes folks wonder, that's all.
-Hmmm... I could use some negative criticism. Keeps me sharp, you know.
As I noted, I don't see Ratik's army using the commission purchase system, and I don't ever remember seeing it mentioned in any source on the Flanaess. You can purchase a knighthood with the Knights of Medegia, which is close, so by extension, maybe in Medegia, and by further extension, anywhere in the old Great Kingdom? Furyondy might, based on what's mentioned of its army in [i]Fate of Istus[i] and [i]Marklands[i], and Veluna gives off that vibe. I might say Nyrond, but no mention of it in the [i]Nyrond Gazetteer 593[i]. Keoland, Sterich, or Geoff? I don't see it for Gran March, for the same reason I don't see it for Ratik.
------------------------------
The need to dip deeper into a small talent pool, and perhaps the demise of Archbaron Lexnol, may have resulted in a drop in the level of training and experience among male Ratikkans during the late 580s. For example, the population of Grassflats ca. 591 seems to have more 1st level commoners than one would expect in a nation that has had about 30 years of universal military service.[51] By 592, part of an infantry squad in Kalmar Pass is made up entirely of 1st level Warriors [52]; It is possible that their adult supervision was temporarily missing, but it is odd that none of the Warrior class soldiers had managed to become 1st level Fighters. Perhaps they were part of a hired mercenary band rather the Ratikkan soldiers? Or levies who had yet to serve on active duty?
...his version seems to wage through most of the day. I assume that ambush of the Vile Rune's lead elements occurred at 03:39 AM, continued through civil twilight, and will probably end about one hour later as the sun rises (not including the pursuit). I figure that the orcs (most of whom are in the rear of the line of march) won't be too thrilled about fighting in full daylight. This also helps explain why Gygax lists the fatalities among the other humanoid groups were in the 50% to 75% range, but the orcs only lost around 20%.
FWIW, I actually had PCs play as part of Queg's band. It didn't work quite as well as it did in Gygax's official account. Ah! PCs! Changing history! (Well, a lot of it was my "fault") I also have another player serving in the 1st Infantry Company who was part of the initial ambush of the bandits/brigands, helped hold off a last hurrah by surviving worgriders, and is currently awaiting the attack of the orcs themselves.
A few gleanings on the Duchy of Urnst's military and the Pathwardens in "Natural Selection" in Dungeon #85.
I assume that the plot takes place in 591 CY (the year that most 2001 material would take place), from late Brewfest to early Patchwall (pp. 73, 75). The attack took place the evening of 27 Harvester. As an aside, the plot has the new moon on the 1st of Patchwall (see pp. 74, 88-89), when it should be on the 4th (Glossography, p. 19 or the original Dragon #68 article).
Pathwardens use a the capital letter "P" surrounded by wreaths as a motif.
Ranks listed for the Pathwardens in apparent order of precedence: Private, Corporal, Lance Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major. Most of the ranks are listed on the Pathwarden's map (p. 83), the rank of captain is mentioned regarding Major Dedrermont's demotion (p. 90).
Having a lance corporal outrank a corporal is kinda weird. I'd suggest reversing the ranks, or substitute "Master Corporal", "Staff Corporal", "Corporal First Class", or "Senior Corporal" for "Lance Corporal".
The Pathwardens seem to be a little rank heavy, but that would fit what is supposed to be an elite organization. The 15 member organization is commanded by a major (an 8th level ranger) who has been in that rank for 8 years (p. 73), while one of the more senior privates, Gregory Evenhand (described as "young"), is a Rgr2. Evenhand may have just made 2nd level as a result of the previous two week's activities.
For most of the Duchy's army, a sergeant seems to be a squad leader, although it is possible that the sergeant killed by the harpy (p. 75, 85) was taking personal command or a single squad for that mission
The rank insignia for of Lieutenant is a single silver bar on the collar (just like the US military) (p. 79).
Greyhawk Adventures, p. 46, mentions that "the Duchy boasts the only ranger training school in the world..."; some of the graduates probably ended up in the Pathwardens. How many rangers did the school produce per year? The end of "Natural Selection" has (now-) Captain Dedermont trying to reconstitute the Pathwardens, presumably with a promoted Evenhand as the only other original member of the cadre.
I've been a little distracted, but it's time to finish Ratik. Let me know if you see any problems.
"Despite the chaotic tilt of Ratik’s population, most Ratikkans showed up for active-duty service (over 70% between 572-577) and the desertion rate for Ratik subjects was less than two percent per year during the same period. In part, this is because the threat from the Bone March is obvious, and in part because both the Suel and Oeridian strains of Ratik culture tie military service to manly worthiness (albeit in different ways). [1]"
Comment: I've added a reference from Cruel Summer Lord ([1] below).
"The Navy:
Plans to provide Ratik with active duty naval vessels has yet to bear fruit as of 586. However, all Ratik-flagged merchant vessels are liable for 56-days’ national service along with their officers and crew. This is most often for the transport of troops or supplies. One or more Marine squads might serve on the vessel for the duration of its service, particularly if the vessel’s mission is combat."
Comment: I assume that CSL meant 20 active vessels. IMC [currently 578], the Navy (such as it is) is mobilized on a system similar to the English Cinque Ports, as described above. Since my study covers 576-586 CY, this description allows for the establishment on a full-time navy sometime after 586.
Alternately, you could interpret CSL's description as meaning that a maximum of 20 or so vessels are mobilized at any particular time. This would imply a total merchant marine/fishing fleet of between 50-200 vessels. This high end is a lot for a nation of over 30,000 some adult humans, but not impossible. The low end is reasonable, particularly for a country that is highly sea-going.
Comment from Cruel Summer Lord?
"Levied Troops:
When not on active duty, subjects of Ratik are liable to the usual 56 days’ per year of feudal or provincial service. [3] Although some Ratikkans owe feudal service to a particular lord, the majority owe their service to one of the 11 freeholds, the 3 dwarven clans, or the 3 gnome settlements. Whether levied through the community or by feudal obligation, organization and equipment is supposed to mirror the active forces by law (they generally do). Since there are generally more priests and magic users than slots for them in a freehold’s cohort headquarters staff, they often end officially serve in a company but unofficially spend their time on other duties, e.g. recharging magic items.
Archbaron Lexnol strongly controlled and limited promotions in the levied forces, requiring the same active duty time-in-grade and time-in-service for NCOs, subalterns, and officers as on active duty, and limiting the overall number of promotions to those who have successfully performed in the prerequisite position (see “Ranks”). This often results in companies commanded by first lieutenants or corporals in company sergeant major slots). Nevertheless, many of these men, called up from civil life, are usually older, and often more experienced, than their active duty counterparts, with powers to match (particularly priests and arcanists)."
Comment: I assume that Ratik, also a former member of the Great Kingdom, has similar conscription laws.
[3] Carl Sargent, The Marklands (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Inc., 1993), p. 11.
For the Spring 584 CY, Carl Sargent describes Furyondy’s feudal service as the “traditional two months each year.”
A deeper anaysis (with some edits) for Ratik's navy:
I assume that CSL meant 20 active vessels. In my campaign [currently 578], the Navy (such as it is) is mobilized on a system similar to the English Cinque Ports, as described above. Since my study covers 576-586 CY, this description allows for the establishment on a full-time navy sometime after 586.
Alternately, you could interpret CSL's description as meaning that a maximum of 20 or so vessels are mobilized at any particular time. This would imply a total merchant marine/fishing fleet of between 50-100 vessels. The high-end figure is a lot for a nation of over 30,000 some adult humans, but not impossible. The low end is reasonable, particularly for a country that is highly sea-going (see below).
Brian Lavery, Nelson’s Navy (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press; Reprint London: Conway Maritime Press, 1989), p. 26, 118, 269.
Comment: The “dominion” parts of the British Empire had over 10,000,000 people in 1792, 16,079 vessels, and 118,286 merchant mariners. If Ratik’s human population in 578 was 35,000, then Ratik could easily have more 50 merchant vessels.
Gary Gygax, A Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR Inc., 1983), pp. 18, 32.
Comment: Ratik’s estimated human population was 35,000 in 576 CY; Definition of “fighting males” on p. 18.
Gary Gygax, Glossography for the Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR Inc., 1983), p. 3.
Comment: Based on the calculation for those capable of bearing arms and those suitable for man-at-arms training, the definition for “total human population” seems to be for the total population, minus garrisons.
Carl Sargent, Atlas of the Flanaess: From the Ashes (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992), described on Reference Card #2, definition on pp. 21-22.
Comment: Ratik’s estimated number of “relatively able bodied adults” was 36,000 in 585 CY; definition on pp. 21-22. This is a healthy increase over 576 CY, possibly a combination of natural increase, the acceptance of Bone March refugees (and from other places as well, perhaps) as permanent residents, minus relatively few losses during the Greyhawk Wars.
Gary Holian, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, (Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000), 19, 89.
Comment: The human population of Ratik in mid-590 (109,415) seems to be for the “overall population” based on the definition on p. 19. This contradicts the usual D&D 3.5 format found in table 5-2, p. 137. Oh well.
This is a notable increase over 585 CY, possibly including most of the remaining Bone March refugees.
Wow-you definitely put a lot of thought into this. While I appreciate your using my work, please do not take it as a definite state on canon, which I regularly ignore when I come up with something I like better.
When I said that Ratik only had about 20 vessels, I meant that as saying Ratik's navy is second-rate compared to that of more maritime nations like the Sea Princes, the Sea Barons, the Ice Barbarians or the Lordship of the Isles. Any of those powers would eat Ratik's navy for breakfast. I said outright that it wouldn't stand a chance against a determined invasion by the Barbarians or the Barons.
I meant 20 active, full-time vessels who serve that function and only that function. I would assume that any merchant ships and crews pressed into service wouldn't have the prowess, organization or training to fight as an organized navy, unlike any of the major naval powers previously mentioned.
When I wrote the 'Military Structure' sections of the LGG Addendum articles, I wanted to not only illustrate which states were militarily powerful, but also which ones were militarily weak. Forces like post-Wars Furyondy, pre-Wars Nyrond, the Great Kingdom, and the Horned Empire are titans of strength that can stand against almost anything; forces like post-Wars Nyrond, post-Wars Tenh, pre-wars Furyondy, the Pomarj and the Ice Barbarians are well-trained and disciplined but suffer from chronic problems of either equipment or organization; forces like Greyhawk, Onnwal, the County of Ulek, Keoland and most of the Bandit Kingdoms are national disgraces and laughingstocks to their neighbors. I never felt official canon sources gave enough emphasis to military weaknesses and problems.
Wow-you definitely put a lot of thought into this...
-Yeah. You outta see my master's thesis.
CruelSummerLord wrote:
...While I appreciate your using my work, please do not take it as a definite state on canon, which I regularly ignore when I come up with something I like better...
-I know, but since you beat me to it, I try to avoid contradicting, since someone else may have used your ideas. For some reason, I get a kick out of the "shared consistent world" concept. I actually would like it if everyone used my ideas. Not likely, but so it goes. I can only give it my best shot.
Besides, part of the fun of creating this stuff (for me, anyway) is the challenge of squaring circles, resolving what appear to be mutually exclusive narratives.
Anyway, if others can point out anything I've gotten "wrong" or overlooked, I'll get a better result.
CruelSummerLord wrote:
...I meant 20 active, full-time vessels who serve that function and only that function. I would assume that any merchant ships and crews pressed into service wouldn't have the prowess, organization or training to fight as an organized navy, unlike any of the major naval powers previously mentioned...
-That would mostly come to play in squadron or fleet actions, of which the Flanaess sees few. There are a few mentioned for the 577-578 timeframe in the Dragon #55-66 articles, not much after (is there?). In a simple ship vs. ship action (or ship vs. monster), skippering and crew seamanship would be key, and called-up Ratikkans could probably hold their own (if not more), depending on the opponent. Besides, the Marine Company is there for stiffening.
CruelSummerLord wrote:
...Forces like post-Wars Furyondy, pre-Wars Nyrond, the Great Kingdom, and the Horned Empire are titans of strength that can stand against almost anything; forces like post-Wars Nyrond, post-Wars Tenh, pre-wars Furyondy, the Pomarj and the Ice Barbarians are well-trained and disciplined but suffer from chronic problems of either equipment or organization; forces like Greyhawk, Onnwal, the County of Ulek, Keoland and most of the Bandit Kingdoms are national disgraces and laughingstocks to their neighbors.
-To some extent, there's the old Dragon articles and Living Greyhawk's Nyrond Gazeteer 593 gave an update on Nyrond's navy. Other than that, there are the force cards from the Greyhawk Wars game. I figured each infantry or marine counter equaled 2,000 men, each cavalry figure equaled 1,000 men plus mounts, and each vessel counter equaled 1,000 sailors plus their warships and transports. This isn't TOTAL forces, just what can be shaken loose for operations. Ratik didn't have ship counters, so their naval forces would have to be minimal. That's not a comment on their COMPETENCE, simply their numbers.
I always assumed that the Great Kingdom's navies, with the exception of the Sea Barons, were numerous but incompetent (think Spain 1795-1808 or later), and their armies, with the exception of the guard, were a little second rate (see the Battle of Woodford in the first Gord book). And their leadership sucks. Heavily dependent on their spellcasters.
I never thought of the Pomarj or the Ice Barbarians (or any barabarians) as being particulalry well disciplined or well led.
Greyhawks troops and constabulary come off pretty well in the boxed set. Theyre just few in numbers.
What's with Keolandish troops being incompetent? They sometimes bite off more than they can chew, but that's not a comment on their military forces. Ask the Germans.
-To some extent, there's the old Dragon articles and Living Greyhawk's Nyrond Gazeteer 593 gave an update on Nyrond's navy. Other than that, there are the force cards from the Greyhawk Wars game. I figured each infantry or marine counter equaled 2,000 men, each cavalry figure equaled 1,000 men plus mounts, and each vessel counter equaled 1,000 sailors plus their warships and transports. This isn't TOTAL forces, just what can be shaken loose for operations. Ratik didn't have ship counters, so their naval forces would have to be minimal. That's not a comment on their COMPETENCE, simply their numbers.
I always assumed that the Great Kingdom's navies, with the exception of the Sea Barons, were numerous but incompetent (think Spain 1795-1808 or later), and their armies, with the exception of the guard, were a little second rate (see the Battle of Woodford in the first Gord book). And their leadership sucks. Heavily dependent on their spellcasters.
I never thought of the Pomarj or the Ice Barbarians (or any barabarians) as being particulalry well disciplined or well led.
Greyhawks troops and constabulary come off pretty well in the boxed set. Theyre just few in numbers.
What's with Keolandish troops being incompetent? They sometimes bite off more than they can chew, but that's not a comment on their military forces. Ask the Germans.
What I meant was that the individual troops of the Pomarj and the Ice Barbarians both tend to be really good fighters...but organization is a real problem for them. That said, the Pomarj forces can act as one huge unit of shock troops, so sometimes it works for them. As for the Ice Barbarians, I see them as being so chaotic and independent-minded that getting them to cooperate as a functioning army is like herding cats. From what I recall of my university courses, that was one of the reasons the British and Celtic barbarians were defeated by the Romans, who were so much more efficiently organized as a military force.
I depict Greyhawk as a military lightweight, and Greyhawkers as generally being better politicians and rogues than fighters or knights, because I was looking for which Flanaess states would fill out the 'bottom tiers' of my own military ranking. I saw less description in the 1983 Gazetteer and LGG of their military forces than I did of the larger kingdoms or of Irongate, so I thought that their forces would naturally be weaker. Aside from Irongate, I don't consider free cities to have very good armies compared to larger countries.
Bissel had the opposite problem, in that its Border Companies were an impressive military force, but its internal decay and social rot were so bad that it was living on borrowed time long before the Greyhawk Wars. That's another story, though...
If you're wondering why I depict Keoland as the military whipping boy of the large Flanaess kingdoms, I'm just building on the LGG's description of all the wars Keoland's lost over the centuries. Keep in mind this is the country that lost a land war to the Sea Princes.
Once more. They. Lost. A Land War. TO. THE. SEA PRINCES.
The Sea Princes are second to none in naval power, but their land forces have historically been some of the weakest in the Flanaess. Those same land forces took Keoland-under the personal leadership of Tavish III, no less-out to the woodshed in 70 minutes.
That's why it's a running gag in my Canonfire writings. Even Weimar Glendowyr, who's a veteran of the Royal Keoish Army himself, jokes about it...but he's the only one allowed to make fun of it.
...Keep in mind this is the country that lost a land war to the Sea Princes.
Once more. They. Lost. A Land War. TO. THE. SEA PRINCES....
-IIRC, that disaster at Westkeep was combination of swamp illnesses (the Sea Prince troops presumably were more likely to have acquired immunity) and the disastrous decision to assault a fortification. All this was at a time when Keoland's military was busy in a lot of other places. Other than the immunity thing, it sounds like blaming the soldiers for the mistakes of generals and politicians.
Ratik does not have an active duty naval force as of 586 (the Marine Company suffices), but all vessels and crews are liable to 56 days’ service. Technically, each crew and vessel has their own unique complement, but the above is typical for a caravel. The official ranks use army terminology, but the lieutenant is the ship’s captain, the subaltern is the first mate, the sergeant is the boatswain, the corporals are usually (although this varies) the chief of the tops and the chief of the forecastle, the lance corporals the chiefs’ mates, and the craftsmen are usually the ship’s carpenter and the sailmaker. Marines typically handle any heavy weapons.
Technically, each crew and vessel has their own unique complement, but the above is typical for a knarr. The lieutenant is the ship’s captain, the subaltern is the first mate, the corporal is the boatswain, the lance corporals are usually boatswain’s mates, and the craftsmen are usually the ship’s carpenter and the sailmaker.
Technically, each crew and vessel has their own unique complement, but the above is typical for a pinnace. The subaltern is the boat’s captain, the sergeant is the first mate, the corporal is the boatswain, and the lance corporal is usually the boatswain’s mate...
Local Full-Time Forces:
Most communities have some sort of full-time local force. When a freehold’s levy is called out, these troops typically provide some of the officer and NCO cadre. Examples include the City of Marner’s troops, with two platoons of gnomes stationed in The Bastion, one of Artillerists and one of Quartermasters (which includes a large number of illusionists). These report directly to the archbaron in his role as freeholder of Marner. Additionally, the Marner Guilds support one platoon of human spearmen and another of archers.[1] Other examples are Ratikhill’s “Hill Patrol”.[2]
Levied Troops:
When not on active duty, subjects of Ratik are liable to the usual 56 days’ per year of feudal or provincial service.[3] Although some Ratikkans owe feudal service to a particular lord, the majority owe their service to one of the 11 freeholds, the 3 dwarven clans, or the 3 gnome settlements, each of which is authorized one cohort headquarters. Whether levied through the community or by feudal obligation, organization and equipment is supposed to mirror the active forces by law (they generally do). Since there are generally more priests and magic users than slots for them in a freehold’s cohort headquarters staff, they often end officially serve in a company but unofficially spend their time on other duties, e.g. recharging magic items. Some are directly mobilized from the School of Wizardry in Ratikhill.[4]
Archbaron Lexnol strongly controlled and limited promotions in the levied forces, requiring the same active duty time-in-grade and time-in-service for NCOs, subalterns, and officers as on active duty, and limiting the overall number of promotions to those who have successfully performed in the prerequisite position (see “Ranks”). This often results in companies commanded by first lieutenants or corporals in company sergeant major slots). Nevertheless, many of these men, called up from civil life, are usually older, and often more experienced, than their active duty counterparts, with powers to match (particularly priests and arcanists).
Volunteer Borderer Reserves:
When a volunteer borderer’s enlistment ends, he transfers to the Volunteer Borderer Reserve.[5] By law, this duty (56 days’ per year) supersedes that normally owed to the freehold. The veteran usually serves with the veteran’s local reserve company or in the company in which he completed his active duty service, at the archbaron’s discretion.
Military Retirees:
As in the days of the Great Kingdom, regulars can retire with 25 years’ active service, receiving one-tenth pay per month. This retainer subjects them to an additional 56 days’ recall per year at the archbaron’s discretion.
The Navy:
Ratik has no active duty naval vessels as of 586, but Ratik-flagged merchant vessels (of which there are over 50 of various sizes) are liable for 56-days’ national service along with their officers and crew.[6] This is most often for the transport of troops or supplies. One or more Marine squads might serve on the vessel for the duration of its service, particularly if the vessel’s mission is combat.
Letters of Marque and Reprisal:
The archbaron sometimes issues letters of marque and reprisal to groups of adventurers.
Mercenary Units:
The archabron sometimes authorizes small mercenary units for brief periods of time, often for specific missions. The archbaron hires all members of the force as privates, troopers, or marines, with the pay and benefits as such, although special bonuses are always added by contract. The force is given an officer or subaltern as a supervisor, advisor, and (in some cases), translator. One example was the hiring of Queg’s Wavewyrm volunteers in 578.[7]
NOTES:
[1] Author Unknown (presumably the Ratik triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign). Ratik Gazeteer 593., “The Capital City of Marner”.
I reduced the two gnomish “companies” to platoons. This could be explained as Ratikkan platoons being relatively large, or perhaps the city expanded them after 586.
[2] Author Unknown (presumably the Ratik triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign). Ratik Gazeteer 593., “House Bresht”.
[3] Carl Sargent, The Marklands (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, Inc., 1993), p. 11.
For the Spring 584 CY, Carl Sargent describes Furyondy’s feudal service as the “traditional two months each year.”
[4] Author Unknown (presumably the Ratik triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign), Ratik Gazeteer 593, “Notable Persons”.
Sir Hengon Mogotten’s school and duties are mentioned under “notable Persons”.
[5] Gary Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, Dragon #57 (January 1982), p. 15.
For 578, “the standing army of 2,250 foot and 500 horse was augmented by four companies
of borderers (900 men) and the cadres for four more such units.”
I assume that CSL meant 20 active vessels. In my campaign [currently 578], the Navy (such as it is) is mobilized on a system similar to the English Cinque Ports, as described above. Since my study covers 576-586 CY, this description allows for the establishment on a full-time navy sometime after 586.
Alternately, you could interpret CSL's description as meaning that a maximum of 20 or so vessels are mobilized at any particular time. This would imply a total merchant marine/fishing fleet of between 50-100 vessels. The high-end figure is a lot for a nation of over 30,000 some adult humans, but not impossible. The low end is reasonable, particularly for a country that is highly sea-going (see below).
Brian Lavery, Nelson’s Navy (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press; Reprint London: Conway Maritime Press, 1989), p. 26, 118, 269.
The “dominion” parts of the British Empire had over 10,000,000 people in 1792, 16,079 vessels, and 118,286 merchant mariners. If Ratik’s human population in 578 was 35,000, then Ratik could easily have more 50 merchant vessels.
Gary Gygax, A Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR Inc., 1983), pp. 18, 32.
Ratik’s estimated human population was 35,000 in 576 CY; Definition of “fighting males” on p. 18.
Gary Gygax, Glossography for the Guide to the World of Greyhawk Fantasy Setting (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR Inc., 1983), p. 3.
Based on the calculation for those capable of bearing arms and those suitable for man-at-arms training, the definition for “total human population” seems to be for the total population, minus garrisons.
Carl Sargent, Atlas of the Flanaess: From the Ashes (Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992), described on Reference Card #2, definition on pp. 21-22.
Ratik’s estimated number of “relatively able bodied adults” was 36,000 in 585 CY; definition on pp. 21-22. This is a healthy increase over 576 CY, possibly a combination of natural increase, the acceptance of Bone March refugees (and from other places as well, perhaps) as permanent residents, minus relatively few losses during the Greyhawk Wars.
Gary Holian, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, (Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000), 19, 89.
The human population of Ratik in mid-590 (109,415) seems to be for the “overall population” based on the definition on p. 19. This contradicts the usual D&D 3.5 format found in table 5-2, p. 137. This is a notable increase over 585 CY, possibly including most of the remaining Bone March refugees.
[7] Gary Gygax, “Developments from Stonefist to South Province”, Dragon #57 (January 1982), p. 15.
The Gray Riders are a small number of highly skilled and experienced riders who relay classified military and political messages within Ratik and to neighboring countries. In some cases, riders have magical or flying mounts. There are full-time stations in Marner and Ratikhill.[1]...
...Post-586
The need to dip deeper into a small manpower pool (and perhaps the demise of Archbaron Lexnol) apparently resulted in a drop in the level of training and experience among male Ratikkans during the late 580s.[2] Future plans for an active duty navy (with as many as 20 or more vessels) would probably include an expansion of the Marine Company from three squads per platoon to as many as six, and would require a heavy reliance on foreigners (as with the Infantry Companies) for both marines and sailors.[3]...
ENDNOTES:
[1] Matt Lau, The Whispering Tide RTK 3-06 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure, 4, 7-8.
Described in The Whispering Tide. The service must be fairly numerous and established enough to be well known; Anyone can recognize a rider with either a “Knowledge (Local)” or “Knowledge (Heraldry) DC check of 5.
Author Unknown (presumably the Nyrond triad for the Living Greyhawk Campaign), Nyrond Gazeteer 593, “Royal Mail Service”.
I considered the possibility that the Gray Riders were one of Lexnol’s recent innovations, but Nyrond had a Royal Mail Service that pre-dated the Greyhawk Wars. I assume that the concept dates back to the Great Kingdom’s heyday, although I couldn’t find anything about it in Ivid the Undying. At the very least, I assume that the Gray Riders existed in some form before 563.
[2] Matt Lau, Reflections RTK 0-01 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure, pp. 2-3.
The population of Grassflats ca. 591 seems to have more 1st level commoners than one would expect in a nation that has had about 20 years of universal military service.
Matt Lau, Enemy Lines RTK 2[m]-05 Living Greyhawk Ratik Regional Adventure, p. 3.
By 592, part of an infantry squad in Kalmar Pass is made up entirely of 1st level Warriors; It is possible that their adult supervision was temporarily missing, but it is odd that none of the Warrior class soldiers had managed to become 1st level Fighters. An alternative explanation is that they may have been part of a hired mercenary band rather than Ratikkan soldiers, or young levies who had not yet served on active duty.
[3] Gary Holian, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, (Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000), 19, 89.
The human population of Ratik in mid-590 (109,415) seems to be for the “overall population” based on the definition on p. 19. This contradicts the usual D&D 3.5 format found in table 5-2, p. 137. This is a notable increase over 585 CY, possibly including most of the remaining Bone March refugees.
...If you're wondering why I depict Keoland as the military whipping boy of the large Flanaess kingdoms, I'm just building on the LGG's description of all the wars Keoland's lost over the centuries. Keep in mind this is the country that lost a land war to the Sea Princes.
Once more. They. Lost. A Land War. TO. THE. SEA PRINCES.
The Sea Princes are second to none in naval power, but their land forces have historically been some of the weakest in the Flanaess. Those same land forces took Keoland-under the personal leadership of Tavish III, no less-out to the woodshed in 70 minutes.
That's why it's a running gag in my Canonfire writings. Even Weimar Glendowyr, who's a veteran of the Royal Keoish Army himself, jokes about it...but he's the only one allowed to make fun of it.
-The Siege of Westkeep could also be considered an isolated incident.
In the 570s, Keolandish commanders seem to have been respected, at least as tacticians:
"Nyrond above all else has a flexible field army and fleet... it has grown under the leadership of some of the best tacticians this side of Keoland." (Kuntz, "Sorcerer's Scroll", Dragon Magazine #65: pp. 11-12; p. 12).
Maybe they're like the Germans: Good soldiers, great tactical and operational commanders, awful strategists, logisticians, and diplomats. All of that would explain the Siege of Westkeep.
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Canonfire! is a production of the Thursday Group in assocation with GREYtalk and Canonfire! Enterprises
I also have another player serving in the 1st Infantry Company who was part of the initial ambush of the bandits/brigands, helped hold off a last hurrah by surviving worgriders, and is currently awaiting the attack of the orcs themselves.