The Duchy of Gradsul

The Duchy of Gradsul is a province in southern Keoland. In the Ancient Suloise language, Gradsul means "Haven of the Suel". It is named for its capital city.

History

Establishment

The Duchy of Gradsul is one of the oldest established realms of Keoland. The capital city, Gradsul, was established by the Suel noble House Rhola in -368 CY, following the Great Migrations which saw numerous Suel and Oeridian refugees settle the Sheldomar Valley.

The Earldom of Gand was once part of the Duchy of Gradsul, but split off from it some centuries ago.

Recent history

The southern coast has long been a target of raids by pirates, particularly the Sea Princes.

Geography

Borders

The Duchy of Gradsul is a major province in southern Keoland. It is the easternmost point of the kingdom, bordered to the north, east, and south by the Sheldomar River and Azure Sea. The duchy's western edge borders several other provinces, namely the Barony of Riverwatch, Earldom of Gand, Barony of Raya, the Dreadwood Protectorate, and the Viscounty of Salinmoor in the south. Its coastline along the sea and river extends for hundreds of miles.

A section of the Dreadwood forest lies within the county's boundaries.

Major settlements

The capital of the province is the city of Gradsul, a critical trade port situated at the mouth of the Sheldomar River as it enters the Azure Sea. As of 576 CY, its population is counted at 49,400.

The coast is dotted with numerous villages and towns. The most significant of these is Sanduchar, a fortified port town built during the reign of Tavish the Great (ruled 287 to 346 CY). It is located forty miles downcoast from the city of Gradsul, and has a population of 4,890.

The town of Keaford is also noteworthy, located near a confluence of rivers connecting the Sheldomar River to the Ulek states.

People

Population and demographics

The Duchy of Gradsul is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan provinces in Keoland.

According to the Keoland Census of 589 CY published by the Living Greyhawk Keoland website, the population of the Duchy of Gradsul is 163,020, including 153,515 humans, 3,972 gnomes, 2,732 elves, 1,212 halflings, 1,026 half-elves, and 563 half-orcs. There also 236,177 poultry and 111,141 meat and dairy.

Notable inhabitants

The legendary archmage Drawmij is sometimes found here, serving as advisor to the king.

Government

The Duchy of Gradsul is a feudal province of the Kingdom of Keoland. It is ruled by Duke Luschan VIII, a human wizard of the Sulose noble House Rhola. House Rhola has held the province since its inception. Duke Luschan also serves as Lord High Admiral of Keoland, and is a contender for selection to the throne.

Economy

Resources

Large-scale logging is allowed in a section of the Dreadwood claimed by the Duchy of Gradsul. It is used in Sanduchar for shipbuilding. Additionally, there are many fishing towns and villages in the province. Gradsul is also a vitally important location for trade.

Currency

The Duchy of Gradsul uses the standard currency of Keoland: the platinum griffon (pp), gold lion (gp), electrum eagle (ep), silver hawk (sp), and copper sparrow (cp).

https://greyhawkonline.com/greyhawkwiki/Duchy\_of\_Gradsul