Principality of Ulek:

• Ruler: His Serene Highness, Lord of the Peaks of Haven, Prince Olinstaad Corond
• Capital: Gryrax (pop. 21,000)
• Population: 27,000
• Races: Suel, Oeridian
• Demi-humans: Dwarves (19,000), Mountain Dwarves (10,000), Gnomes, Halflings
• Humanoids: Doubtful
• Resources: foodstuffs, silver, gems

The dwarf-ruled Principality has always been a friendly mix of dwarves and gnomes (who mined the rich hills) and humans (who did most of the farming, manned the naval squadrons based in Gryrax, and comprised the cavalry of the land). Ulek's dwarven infantry has seen much combat during the century, being involved in the Hateful War, skirmishing regularly with Pomarj humanoids, and finally siffering defeats at their hands under Turrosh Mak. The eastern half of the Principality was utterly lost during the War, and the beleaguered stronghold of Havenhill anchors a chain of new citadels being constructed in the hills. Gryrax itself lies barely thirty miles from the vermin of the Pomarj and is wollen with dwarf and gnome refugees from the eastern lands. The mood among these demi-humans, in particular, is one of hatred and a burning desire for revenge.

Prince Corond is most concerned with protecting the eastern mines of the hills, which contain so much of the Principality's wealth. He negotiates with the other Ulek states, the Kron Hills gnomes, and even the free cities of the Wild Coast. Corond believes that he has some debts to call in; while the Principality didn't formally ally with Furyondy and Veluna during the Wars, one of the worst-kept secrets is that many of its best warriors traveled north as volunteers; this weakening of Ulek defenses cost this state much of its precious territory.

Unfortunately, Furyondy is not in a position to reward the Prince; Veluna can offer little, being desperate to support its eastern neighbor as a primary task. However, Corond has plenty of friends, riches, and a strong body of fighting men. If a major battle is to come in the immediate future, the men and dwarves of the Principality may well be on the field of combat. It is also said that the Prince and his agents are eagerly looking for adventurers willing to undertake a number of missions to recover lost magical treasures.