The Rhodoks were once subjects of the Swadians, but successfully fought a war for independence under the military leadership of Grunwalder. The Rhodoks later built Grunwalder Castle in his honor, on the site where he fell in battle. In Mount&Blade: Warband, unlike in the original Mount&Blade, the Rhodok lords are called counts. Starting in the Kingdom of Rhodoks could be regrettable, as it lacks cheap special goods to be purchased and sold. The countryside is also plagued by Mountain Bandits, which can be troublesome early in the game.