The nation of Perrenland curves around all but the northern shore of the large, shallow Lake Quag, sheltered between two mountain ranges. The area of Perrenland was originally settled by several clans of Flan tribesman. During the time of the Great Migrations, these clans bound together to drive off the warring bands trying invade their lands.

 

The clans together have always been independent, co-existing and pulling together to fiercely fend off outside invaders. Realizing the need for structure, they first organized as the Cantons of Perrenland nearly 200 years ago (taking the name of the unifying clan leader). Each of the eight cantons has a leader who has a vote on the Cantonal Council and one leader is elected by the Council to lead it. The cantons still have some autonomy, and laws and traditions vary slightly between them. Also the traditional tribal leaders or hetmen, though having no official voice, are often deferred to or sought to advise. Despite the native’s ingrained self-determination from outsiders, their general outlook is to respect tradition and maintain order for the better of all the Cantons.

 

The nation’s capital Schwartzenbruin, near the site of a former druidic grove, sits on the southwest edge of Lake Quag. Around the capital is fertile plain that is cultivated. The Quag Road runs along the west side of the lake, through Schwartzenbruin, and then south along the Velverdyva River.

 

The high peaks of the Yatil Mountains are the range sheltering the west side of the nation. Perrenland has a copper mine in the foothills and there are a couple Dwarven strongholds further in. The lower portion of the Yatils around the northern end of the lake is known as the Mounds of the Dawn. The Mounds hold the ancient free city of Exag. To the northwest, the Tiger Nomads are an occasional trading partner and more frequent nuisance raiding across these highlands. They are nomadic horsemen of Baklunish ancestry.

 

To the north and northeast are the Wolf Nomads, Baklunish horseman akin to the Tiger Nomads. In the past few decades, however, they have become more of a loose ally to Perrenland focusing their aggressions toward Iuz. The Wolf Nomads have established the trading city of Ungra Balan on the northern shore of Lake Quag and trade through the Sepia Uplands on the northeast corner of Lake Quag. The Sepia Uplands are the lower, northern extension of the older, weathered Clatspur Mountains which protect Perrenland’s east border. Across the Clatspurs/Sepia Uplands is the vast Vesve Forest. Many gnome miners work the foothills on the forest (east) side for copper and some lesser valued gems.

 

The Vesve holds the greatest threat to Perrenland which is Iuz. Iuz is a demon/god who incited the war that spread across the north-central Flanaess a decade ago. Although a treaty was reached after five years to end the “Greyhawk Wars”, it has been broken by numerous parties and, although less frequent, battles and military actions still occur. Iuz’s most aggressive push and greatest gains lately have come through the heartlands of the Vesve and their ancient elven realms. There is still much resistance between Iuz and threatening Perrenland, but the “Old One” has many forces and is unpredictable.

 

On the eastern side of Lake Quag is the Clatspur Ridge. The ridge (and the High Gallery, a road) runs along much of the lake from where the Velverdyva River exits at the southern end to the city of Traft in the northeast corner. Traft is a fishing community that has a large harbor and sits near where the northern Clatspurs change over to hills and become the Sepia Uplands.

 

Two passes leave to the south. Wyrm Tail Pass leads from the town of Krestible southwest to Ket, a sometimes trading partner. In the more distant past, Ket has attempted to invade Perrenland through the pass. Kershane Pass leaves to the southeast leading to the Highvale and Furyondy. The Velverdyva River, which exits the south end of Lake Quag, flows through the pass and carries goods towards the Central Flanaess. The major good exports are strong beverages and cheeses. The river is also used as a route of travel for Rhennee who can be found on Lake Quag in the summer.

 

Around 100 CY, traders from what is now Furyondy came through Kershane Pass and established an outpost. Slowly Furyondy’s influence grew as they offered protection from the raids from Ket. However, the growing demands of Furyondy upset the native clans and settlers. Around 350 CY, the administrators and soldiers of Furyondy were driven out. Because of the importance the clan militias played in pushing the forces out, mercenaries have always had a special status within Perrenland. The strength and numbers of these mercenaries have allowed Perrenland to keep a small, though well-trained, army. The chartered mercenary groups have also been a major export of Perrenland serving with armies across the central Flanaess.

 

A new threat appeared in 480 CY, when the Witch Queen, Iggwilv, conquered Perrenland from a cavern stronghold in the southern Yatils. This lasted 10 years until the humanoid raiders dispersed. It is said that Iggwilv had disappeared. Later, scholars learned through study and divinations that Iggwilv was still alive and rumors spread that she was the mother of Iuz. By the time the Greyhawk Wars occurred, with the fear of Iggwilv and her son and the realization that they had no strong ally, Grand Voormann Franz signed a treaty with Iuz stating Perrenland would remain neutral in the war.

 

Perrenland today is wealthy and stable compared to most of its neighbors. It was virtually untouched by the Wars and hasn’t had its funds drained by providing aid to any other warring nations. Their neutrality and lack of aid, however, has angered many of the neighboring nations. Grand Voorman Franz was voted out in the last election amidst disagreement by the clan Voorman. The new Grand Voorman, Karenin, has been trying to repair the relationships with these trade partners. He has succeeded in gaining agreement and alignment with the Voormen, but has made only minimal gains with neighboring nations and has not provided any real direction for the nation. The merchants of the lands are pushing for reforms that would centralize power helping improve trade. Karenin is considered unlikely to win the coming election.