Lord Graendrek

Lord Graendrek is the Overlord of Midlond and Severnfyrd, the north-central and east-central regions of Tentandia. Graendrek is a member of the Empyrean Hold, ruling with a seat on the Hold's Council in Salamis (Caer Elvendon). Compared to the other lords of the Empyrean Hold Graendrek is one of the more individually powerful members, and his alliances with other members have made him near unassailable in the Hold's Council.  Lord Graendrek is methodical and calculating, never rushing to action nor judgement.  This is reflected in his alliances and relationships throughout Tentandia, as Graendrek does not lightly engage in allegiance with others unless the bond will remain strong as iron.  Importantly, unlike the other members of the Hold's Council, Graendrek's alliances and bonds are almost entirely insular to factions, nobles, and groups within Tentandia.  This has led some to question Graendrek's motives, but his track record of successful statecraft coupled with goodwill and admiration from his subjects has often helped him cast off unfavorable rumors and accusations.   A combination of shrewd diplomacy and growing strength of arms has afforded Graendrek legal leeway and political capital within the Hold's Council which he uses to his advantage. Graendrek is no less ambitious than his colleagues in the Hold's Council, but is certainly more subtle with his motivations.  Throughout his tenure on the Hold's Council Lord Graendrek has always pursued peaceful ends to issues and conflicts, but rumors persist that privately his methods may not be so magnanimous.  Among the members of the Empyrean Hold, Graendrek is friendly with Lord Albion and Lord Salovon, and currently at war with Lord Winescale.  This War of the High Hold initially saw Lord Graendrek on the backfoot, but after a series of military successes and targeted operations conducted by the adventuring party known as The Seven, Lord Graendrek is currently winning the war.  A mysterious force has besieged Lord Winescale in his fortress of Tengerior, and Lord Graendrek has currently made no move to aid his fellow if bellicose colleague of the High Council.  

The Seven and Lord Graendrek

Lord Graendrek was the first patron of The Seven, hiring the heroes Winston Underhill, Ranvak Brawnbeard, Sir Gamut of the Oranges, and Umbreon Bronzescale to steal the Oathstone  of Lord Winescale from its ancestral home in the port town of Wyndfleot. The motives for this action are still unknown, but the resulting fallout triggered the current War of the High Hold. The Seven still hold Winescale's Oathstone in protection for Lord Graendrek. The Seven have met with Lord Graendrek in person on two occasions, once in Salamis before a meeting of the Hold's Council, and once in the city of Oxford. On other occasions, agents of Lord Graendrek have spoken with The Seven on his behalf, specifically Nesterin, former Mage Scholar of the Green Court; Wealdhare Farne, former Bole-Spear of the Iron Trees; Gunhild Abildgaard, former Bole-Spear of The Iron Trees.   Cities and locations of note within the holding of Lord Graendrek include: Vioska, Oxford, Jian Ortheiad, Middleham, and Mount Barrow.