TEXT: Gran March Couriers Version 3.0 
  Provide the Army with all its messaging needs 
   
  A Gran March Meta-Campaign Organization written by George Harris, Ed Podsiad, and the Gran March 
  Triad 
   
  Organization Alignment(s)   
   
  Any Non-Evil 
  PC Organization: 
  Yes 
   
  Wanted. Young, skinny, wiry fellows. Not over 18. Must be expert riders. Willing to risk 
  death daily. Orphans preferred. 
   - Original Advertisement for Gran March Couriers, CY 439. 
   
  Get the orders to the front lines.  Report the results of a battle.  Present a message to foreign nobility.  
  Survive on the road. Avoid the enemy.  Choose the most direct route.  Find a way to anywhere, anyplace, 
  anytime. All these qualities and more are required of the Gran March Couriers. 
   
  The Gran March Army created an elite unit to provide just these capabilities.  In the drive to create the 
  finest military force on all of Oerth, the command implemented a corps of Couriers to provide the Army 
  with all its messaging needs.  
   
  A Courier must be able to adapt to any situation, to be ready with a contingency plan, and to remain 
  capable under the most stressful situations. Harsh elements, fatigue, wounds, hazardous terrain, or 
  impossible odds are but minor nuisances to the best Couriers. 
   
  Organization 
   
  Ranks within the Couriers parallel the standard Gran March Army rank progression.  There is one 
  Diplomatic Unit, and four regular units.  The Diplomatic Unit is based in Hookhill.  The other units are 
  based in Buxton’s Crossing.  The Special Ambassador of the Diplomatic Couriers of Hookhill outranks the 
  Ridemasters, and is the commander of the unit.  The alternate Courier progression is given on the table 
  below: 
   
  Number 
  Enlisted 
  Alternate 
  Designation 
  Diplomatic 
  Designation 
  Equivalent 
  Military rank 
  5 
  Ridemaster Special 
  Ambassador 
  Captain 
  15 
  Ridefinder 
  Special Envoy 
  Lieutenant 
  30 
  Senior 
  Marchrider 
   
  Marchrider 
  Senior Diplomatic 
  Envoy 
   
  Diplomatic Envoy
  Senior Staff 
  Sgt. 
   
  Staff Sgt. 
  100 
  Senior 
  Courier 
   
  Courier 
  Senior Diplomatic 
  Courier 
   
  Diplomatic 
  Courier 
  Sergeant 
   
   
  Corporal 
   
   
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  2 
   
  Philosophy and Credo 
   
  The Couriers serve several important functions, and are found wherever Gran March has an interest.  
  Their primary duties are as follows:   
   
  • 
  To carry military orders from Hookhill to military commanders in the field, and then to report back 
  the results of those orders. As Couriers are not a part of a Battle’s command structure, they 
  cannot carry orders from unit commanders to troops under their command out in the field. 
   
  • 
  To carry important diplomatic packets from the Commandant to the leaders and nobility of other 
  countries, and to return with the response to those diplomatic packets.   
   
  • 
  To carry important documents between Hookhill and the various Gran March Electors.   
   
  • 
  To spread important news to all corners of the realm in less than a week.   
   
  Day to Day Activities 
   
  The day-to-day activities of the Gran March Couriers mainly consist of delivering important messages 
  from one end of the Gran March to the other.  You can normally find at least one courier with each battle 
  or at a nearby Rider Relay station.   
   
  Stations: 
   
  Rider Relay: 
  o 
  New riders take over every 75 to 100 miles.  
  Horse Relay: 
  o 
  Riders get a fresh horse every 10 to 15 miles.  
  Speed: 
  o 
  Horses travel an average of 10 miles per hour.  
  Horses: 
  o 
  600 horses stock the Gran March Courier route. Light Warhorses are the most popular 
  horses for the route. 
   
   
  Important Dates, Holidays & Ceremonies 
   
  The first day of Richfest is Mustering Day. This is an important day for many aspirants as this is when 
  many new Couriers are given their assignments as more experienced Couriers retire from the military.  
  Couriers can be appointed at any time to fill the ranks, most assignments occur at this time.  Flocktime 18 
  is also an important time for many Courier Aspirants.  On this day, training and testing begins for those 
  individuals hoping to enter the ranks of the Couriers. 
   
  Headquarters / Major power centers 
   
  The Diplomatic Unit is assigned to the Commandant on a permanent basis in Hookhill. Each additional 
  Ridemaster provides oversight on a regional or operational basis.  One always serves at the Courier’s 
  headquarters in Buxton’s Crossing (and is also responsible for the training center), while the other three 
  are assigned at need.  Currently, one is with the Army of Retribution at Hochoch, one is responsible for 
  internal operations, and one is assigned to extraterritorial operations. Each has 3 Ridefinders, 6 
  Marchriders, and 20 Couriers under his command. 
   
  There are 12 Rider stations (approximately one in each of the Baronies and Marches), and an additional 
  48 horse switching stations.  The horse switching stations are run by the Herdmaster’s Guild. 
   
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  3 
   
  The Courier Trail normally stays within the bounds of the Gran March.  The longest trail within the Gran 
  March is the approximately 300 miles from Hookhill to Hochoch.  Diplomatic Couriers are frequently seen 
  in Geoff, Bissel, and Keoland; but can be found at any country’s capital, especially those friendly 
  countries in the Sheldomar Valley.  The most frequent trail outside of the Gran March is the approximately 
  450 miles from Hookhill to Niole Dra, of which over 200 miles is in Keoland. 
   
  History 
   
  After Commandant Berlikyn was slain in the Small War, his elected replacement was faced with the task 
  of not only reassuring the Electors that he would not repeat Berlikyn's practices, but of evolving Gran 
  March military strategy to compensate for weaknesses brought to the fore in the recent war.  One of 
  these weaknesses was that the Gran March could not reliably send information from one military location 
  to another.  The military caravans took twelve days to cross from Hookhill to Hochoch and even longer to 
  Niole Dra.  But twelve days to a military commander seemed an eternity, and something had to be done.   
   
  Commandant Trelyn ordered the formation of the Couriers, an elite group consisting mostly of highly 
  decorated soldiers.  These soldiers first and foremost had to be the best riders in the military.  Secondly, 
  they had to be able to find the fastest route from one location to another.  Thirdly, they had to know 
  proper etiquette when delivering messages to high ranking military officers or foreign nobility. 
   
  Allies 
   
  As part of the Gran March Military, the Couriers are strong allies with their brothers in arms.  All Gran 
  March soldiers immediately recognize Couriers and know the important function they serve.  The Couriers 
  also enjoy the respect of the Knights of the Watch and the Knights of Dispatch, for the same reasons. 
   
  Rivals 
   
   The Couriers have no real rivals within the borders of Gran March.  Their job is an important one and 
  extremely arduous, for this they earn much respect from all branches of the military.  Outside of the March 
  as well, very few organizations begrudge the Couriers their duties. 
   
  Foes 
   
  The enemies of Gran March are the enemies of the Couriers. 
   
  Heraldry/ Symbol 
   
  Couriers' insignia is a galloping horse on a Gran March Shield. The horse’s color/metal denotes the rank 
  within the organization: a brown horse for Couriers, a black horse for Marchriders with a red saddle on the 
  horse denoting Senior status in both ranks. Ridefinders have a silver horse, and Ridemasters have a 
  golden horse. 
   
  Requirements  
   
  To join the Gran March Couriers, an applicant must meet the following restrictions: 
   
  • 
  The applicant must not have INT or WIS penalties, and must have a total of at least +1 in 
  combined CHA and WIS bonus. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must be of any non-evil alignment. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must possess a Base Attack Bonus (BAB) of +3 or higher. 
   
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  4 
   
  • 
  The applicant must possess both of the following skills, at a minimum of 5 ranks each: Ride 
  (Horse), Handle Animal.  If the applicant is size Small or a dwarf, they need to have 7 ranks in 
  Ride in order to ride larger animals. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must also have a total of 2 ranks in a combination of the following skills:  
  Diplomacy, Knowledge (geography), Profession (cartographer), Profession (courier), or 
  Profession (soldier). 
   
  • 
  The applicant must possess the feats of Mounted Combat and Ride-by Attack. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must be proficient with one of any of the bows that can be used and drawn while 
  mounted (i.e. light crossbow, shortbow, composite shortbow, composite longbow, hand crossbow, 
  repeating crossbow), any sword, and light armor. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must meet a weight requirement since couriers must ride horses quickly.  Couriers, 
  themselves, cannot weigh more than 140#.  Couriers and their equipment may not weigh more 
  than 190# (this is while they are on duty; they may carry more gear while they are on leave).  The 
  unit prefers that Couriers be of medium height and build, but couriers of small height and build 
  are allowed. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must have at least four Commendations from the Gran March Military. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must have at least three Influence Points or recommendations from current or 
  veteran Couriers or their unit commanders. (The Triad may waive this requirement.) 
   
  • 
  The applicant must be an active member of the Gran March Military assigned to Field duty. 
   
  • 
  The applicant must be approved by military headquarters (the Triad). 
   
  • 
  There must be an opening in the ranks (on average, there are 12-20 such openings each year). 
   
  • 
  Diplomatic Unit Requirements: The Diplomatic Couriers have additional requirements, due to 
  the delicate nature of their missions.  Diplomatic Couriers must have at least 5 ranks of 
  Diplomacy and 5 total ranks of Knowledge (geography), Profession (cartographer), or Profession 
  (courier).  More senior members must have at least 10 ranks of Diplomacy.  In addition, Couriers 
  are especially chosen for the Diplomatic Unit and for promotion by Military Headquarters (The 
  Gran March Triad must approve all such moves.) 
   
   
  Benefits 
   
  Couriers in good standing have the following benefits: 
   
  • 
  In addition to those prestige classes granted to other active-duty personnel, Couriers have access 
  to the following adaptable prestige classes:  
   
  o 
  From Sword and Fist: 
  Halfling Outrider  (Small-sized personnel only) 
   
  o 
  From Tome and Blood: 
  Wayfarer Guide (The Couriers are substituted for “Wayfarer’s Union” under Special 
  Requirements) 
   
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  5 
   
  o From Masters of the Wild: 
  Windrider. (The Couriers do not provide unusual mounts.  The PC must provide their own 
  unusual mount, either through another meta-organization or through an Adventure 
  Record that allows access. Furthermore, any mount not be able to be serviced by 
  resources normally available through the Cavalry or Teamsters branches of the military 
  are the responsibility of the Windrider. For example, most magical beasts are the 
  responsibility of the rider because of special dietary and/or barding requirements that are 
  not government-issue). 
   
  • 
  In addition to those spells granted to other active-duty personnel not in the Spellcaster Corps, 
  Couriers have access to the following magic spells, with training costs described in the Costs 
  section: 
   
  o 
  From Tome and Blood: 
  Eagle’s Splendor, False Life, Hide Life, Indifference, Mass Teleport, Mordenkainen’s 
  Private Sanctum, Otiluke’s Dispelling Screen 
   
  o 
  From Masters of the Wild: 
  Camouflage. 
   
  Characters only have access to spells on the class list for their own class; this benefit does not, 
  for example, give paladins or druids access to the cleric spells listed above. 
   
  • 
  In addition to those feats granted to other active-duty personnel, Couriers have access to the 
  following feats, with training costs described below: 
   
  o 
  Sword and Fist:  
  Remain Conscious.  
   
  o 
  From Tome and Blood: 
  Sanctum Spell. 
   
  o 
  From Song and Silence:  
  Jack of all Trades, Multicultural, Trustworthy. 
   
  • 
  In addition to those magic items granted to other active-duty personnel in the Cavalry, Couriers 
  have access to the following magic items as per the Living Greyhawk Campaign Sourcebook: 
   
  o 
  Dungeon Masters Guide 
  +1 slick studded leather  
  +1 glamered studded leather (Diplomatic couriers)  
  potion of expeditious retreat 
  potion of haste  
  potion of gaseous form  
  potion of tongues 
  +2 ring of protection  
  ring of sustenance 
  +2 amulet of natural armor   
  bag of holding (bag 1)  
  boots of striding and springing  
  circlet of persuasion (Diplomatic couriers) 
  +2 cloak of charisma (Diplomatic couriers) 
  goggles of night  
  ioun stone (dark blue) 
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  6 
   
  periapt of proof against poison 
   
  o 
  Tome and Blood 
  +1 vest of resistance  
   
  o 
  Song and Silence 
  possum pouch 
  non-descript box  
   
  • 
  Mundane Items from Tome and Blood: 
  Disappearing Ink (5 gp), All types of Phantom Ink (10 gp), Scentbreaker (5 gp) 
   
  • 
  Mundane Items from Song and Silence: 
  Waterproofing (30 gp) 
   
  • 
  Couriers have access to the following armor / shield / weapon enhancements: 
   
  o 
  Armor/Shield Enhancements: 
   
  � 
  Masters of the Wild: 
  Ease. 
   
  • 
  Because they frequently operate around the Gran March, any scenario set in Gran March may 
  also be played using military time units.  Diplomatic Couriers may also operate in all regions of 
  the Sheldomar Valley (including Sterich) using military time units.  Diplomatic Courier Envoys 
  may operate in Veluna, Highfolk, Furyondy, Verbobonc, Dyvers, Celene, and the City of 
  Greyhawk using military time units.   
   
  • 
  Couriers retain the class and general benefits of military service (free medium lifestyle, ability to 
  play Geoff regional scenarios from military TU pool, etc.).  They lose any previous assignment 
  based benefits, except for prestige class, feat, spell, and item access, for which all Couriers count 
  as being Cavalry. 
   
  • 
  Couriers, as members of an elite force, are accorded a great deal of respect.  This manifests itself 
  in the form of 1 permanent influence point every year (52 TUs) within the bounds of Gran March 
  for as long as the Courier remains in service.  It does not apply if the party in question does not 
  respect the military. 
   
  • 
  Couriers are paid 25 sp per week, above their room and board. 
   
  • 
  Couriers gain a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy checks within the borders of Gran March. 
   
  • 
  Couriers may recommend other soldiers for selection and training as Couriers. 
     
   
  Costs 
   
  In addition to the other membership requirements, members are expected to provide service and/or 
  money for advanced training: 
   
  • 
  Advanced Spell Training: 1 TU per spell acquired which comes off of military TUs. 
   
  • 
  Advanced Feat Training: 1 TU per feat acquired which comes off of military TUs. 
   
  • 
  Prestige class Training: 1 TU which comes off of military TUs. 
  
  Gran March Couriers 3.0 
   
  7 
   
   
  A member also bears certain responsibilities of membership: 
   
  • 
  Successful candidates undergo intense training at the Courier facility in Barony Harvon, near 
  Buxton’s Crossing.  When they emerge, they are now Couriers.  This training costs 13 Time 
  Units, which may be paid out of the military Time Unit allotment.  Newly minted Couriers are 
  required to commit to 5 years of service from the time they finish their training.  Only the 
  Commandant has the authority to waive that requirement.   
   
  • 
  Couriers, upon completion of their training, swear an oath of allegiance to Gran March that is 
  forever binding.  By terms of the oath no Courier may use his or her abilities in a way that would 
  be contrary to the designs of the Gran March. 
   
  • 
  Couriers spend more time on duty than members of the other military branches.  They must 
  devote 44 Time Units each year to military service.  Couriers cannot be assigned to Garrison 
  duty. 
   
  • 
  Couriers may not hold any other post or duty in the Gran March military. Once a member joins the 
  ranks of the Couriers, that member remains a Courier throughout the remainder of the tour of 
  duty.   
   
   
  References 
   
  The following are useful references with regard to this meta-campaign organization in Living Greyhawk: 
   
  • 
  Gran March Military Document 
   
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Living Greyhawk/Metaorg Material/Gran March/Old and Retired Versions/Gran_March_Couriers_3.0.pdf