The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and the "Gem of the Flanaess," is a fictional
city-state
A city-state is an independent sovereign city which serves as the center of political, economic, and cultural life over its contiguous territory. They have existed in many parts of the world since the dawn of history, including cities such as ...
in the ''
World of Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arnes ...
''
campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A ''campaign'' is a series of individual adventures, and a ''campaign setting'' is the world in which such adventures and ca ...
for the ''
Dungeons & Dragons
''Dungeons & Dragons'' (commonly abbreviated as ''D&D'' or ''DnD'') is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG) originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. The game was first published in 1974 by TSR (company)#Tactical Studies Rules ...
''
fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction involving Magic (supernatural), magical elements, typically set in a fictional universe and sometimes inspired by mythology and folklore. Its roots are in oral traditions, which then became fantasy ...
roleplaying game
A role-playing game (sometimes spelled roleplaying game, RPG) is a game in which players assume the roles of player character, characters in a fictional Setting (narrative), setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within ...
. Since the setting was originally published in a folio and then again in a boxed set that were both titled
''World of Greyhawk'', the word "Greyhawk" is often used to describe the entire campaign world setting, although the proper name for that part of the world is the
Flanaess
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
. Sometimes the lands controlled by the Free City are also referred to as Greyhawk, though the proper term for the region is the Domain of Greyhawk.
Early development
In 1972, after seeing a demonstration of Dave Arneson's
Castle Blackmoor game, game designer
Gary Gygax
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created an ...
agreed with Arneson to co-develop a set of rules for a game that would eventually become known as Dungeons & Dragons. Gygax liked the idea of a castle and dungeon that players could explore, and created his own imaginary place called Castle Greyhawk, which he used to test and develop the game.
About a month after his first session, Gygax created the nearby city of Greyhawk, where the players' characters could sell their treasure and find a place to rest. The lands around Greyhawk gradually grew into an entire world as Gygax's players explored further and further afield.
In 1980, Gygax published details of his home campaign in a folio called
''The World of Greyhawk''.
This was the first published information about the City of Greyhawk.
The Free City of Greyhawk, Gem of the Flanaess, is the adventuring town that gives the World of Greyhawk setting its name.
Game designer
Ken Rolston
Ken Rolston is an American computer game and role-playing game (pen and paper), role-playing game designer best known for his work with West End Games and on the computer game series ''The Elder Scrolls''. In February 2007, he elected to join th ...
comments: "The City of Greyhawk is an organism of systems within systems, with each system driven by its own motivations and personalities.
..External politics are intertwined in the city’s internal affairs. Rival guilds compete for power and influence, and dark conspiracies fester beneath the streets, while less-weighty adventures may arise from the lighter aspects of civilized personal and commercial rivalries."
The release of ''
The World of Greyhawk'' (1980) was planned to begin a new emphasis on the
Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
campaign world, with plans for Minifigs of the UK working on an "Armies of Greyhawk" set of miniatures rules, while TSR was planning a "City of Greyhawk" folio, but none of these publications appeared.
Publication history
In 1983,
TSR, Inc.
TSR, Inc. was an American game publishing company, best known as the original publisher of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D''). Its earliest incarnation, Tactical Studies Rules, was founded in October 1973 by Gary Gygax and Don Kaye. Gygax had bee ...
replaced the folio edition with the ''
World of Greyhawk
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arnes ...
'' boxed set, which contained more detailed information about the city and some of its prominent citizens, as well as background information for several small adventures set in the city.
By 1983, Gygax was planning a City of Greyhawk publication to be followed by a
Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
publication, both to come after the ''
World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting
''The World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting'' and the ''World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting'' are two closely related publications from TSR, Inc. that detail the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ( ...
'' (1983), although the Greyhawk revival began to fade after 1984.
His development for the Castle and City of Greyhawk and the Wild Coast was never finished.
Gygax's first Greyhawk novel ''
Saga of Old City
''Saga of Old City'' is a 1985 fantasy novel by Gary Gygax, set in the world of Greyhawk, which is based on the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
Plot summary
''Saga of Old City'' was the first novel to feature Gord the Rogue. ' ...
'' (1985) "became a major source of Greyhawk lore because novelistic details about currencies and the feel of the city of Greyhawk immediately surpassed anything that had ever been printed in RPG supplements," according to author Shannon Appelcline.
In 1985, just before Gary Gygax was forced out of TSR, he wrote the first two
Gord the Rogue
Gord the Rogue is the protagonist in a series of fantasy novels and short stories written by Gary Gygax. Gygax originally wrote the novels and short stories to promote his ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ro ...
novels, which provide many interesting details of the city of Greyhawk and its seamy underworld.
With Gygax gone, the vision of the city became TSR's, and in 1988, the company published
Jim Ward's ''
Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characters ...
'' hardcover source book, which provided additional information regarding the city as well as interesting characters living within it.
''
The City of Greyhawk
''The City of Greyhawk'' is a boxed set accessory for the World of Greyhawk campaign setting, part of the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. It was designed by Doug Niles, Carl Sargent, and Rik Rose, and published by TS ...
'' boxed set published by TSR in 1989 is the most complete treatment of the Free City. The box contained
* ''Gem of the Flanaess—A Gazetteer of the Free City of Greyhawk and the surrounding area'' by
Douglas Niles
Douglas Niles (born December 1, 1954, in Brookfield, Wisconsin) is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, the ''Star Frontiers'' space o ...
, a 96-page book
* ''Folks, Feuds and Factions: The good, the bad, and the in-between—People who make the city what it is'' a 96-page book by
Carl Sargent
Carl Lynwood Sargent (11 December 1952 – 12 September 2018) was a British parapsychologist and author of several roleplaying game-based products and novels, who used the pen name Keith Martin to write ''Fighting Fantasy'' gamebooks.
Early life ...
and Rik Rose,
* three maps (city streets, city sewers, and the region surrounding Greyhawk)
* a wall poster of the city
* 23 "adventure cards", double-sided 8½ x 11 pieces of card stock containing the outline of an adventure in the city
The following year, in conjunction with this boxed set, TSR published a trilogy of
adventure modules by Richard & Anne Brown —WGA1 ''
Falcon's Revenge'', WGA2 ''
Falconmaster'' and WGA3 ''Flames of the Falcon''—set in the city and centred around a mysterious villain called "The Falcon."
After Gygax left TSR, the two long-awaited supplements appeared: ''The City of Greyhawk'' (1989) box was an in-depth look at one city, while ''WGR1: Greyhawk Ruins'' (1990) presented the dungeons under Greyhawk Castle in a serious way.
Appelcline commented on the Greyhawk setting after Gygax left TSR: "TSR published only scattered RPG supplements until ''AD&D'' second edition, which saw the publication of the beautiful ''The City of Greyhawk'' (1989) box and the ''WGR1: Greyhawk Ruins'' (1990) book. Neither of these locales had much in common with the original locations created by Gygax & Kuntz almost 20 years prior, showing how Greyhawk continued to metamorphize and change — though James M. Ward and some of players of those early games did try to get the feel right. Around the same time, TSR published Robin Wayne Bailey’s ''Nightwatch'' (1990) novel, which was set in Greyhawk City but didn't feature the "Greyhawk Adventures" trade dress at all — showing the weakness of the setting at TSR."
The fourth module of the WGA (World of Greyhawk Adventures) series,
WGA4''Vecna Lives!'', was not part of the Falcon series, but was set in Greyhawk City. ''
Treasures of Greyhawk'' (1992) and ''
Return of the Eight
''Return of the Eight'' is an adventure module for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game, set in the game's ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting. The module was published by Wizards of the Coast in 1998 under its recently acquired ...
'' (1998) were two others set entirely within the city.
The Campaign Book from the 1992 boxed set ''
From the Ashes'', focuses on the areas in and around the Free City of Greyhawk, which game designer
Rick Swan
Rick Swan is a game designer and author who worked for TSR.
His work for TSR, mostly for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, appeared from 1989 to 1995.
Swan also wrote ''The Complete Guide to Role-Playing Games'' (1990), published by St. Martin's Pre ...
described as "a virtuoso performance, with a flawless mix of exposition, atmosphere, and detail
..painting a bleak picture of a struggling populace. As a consequence of the great war, much of the Old City was incinerated. Destitute property owners who can’t afford to pay for restoration watch helplessly as their neighborhoods are overrun with beggars and street urchins. In the River Quarter, authorities fish out body after body with daggers in their backs. Refugees crowd the poorer districts, trade continues to decline, and Iuz, the fiendish ruler of a vast territory in the north central Flanaess, remains a constant threat. Uncertainty prevails, and player characters will find plenty to keep them on their toes."
The set moved the timeline of the overall World of Greyhawk setting ten years forward to just after the
Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, included information regarding the City's situation, as well as additional adventure cards set in the City.
After TSR was taken over by
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and List of science fiction themes, science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for ga ...
, the World of Greyhawk setting was updated again, and publications of this time period such as ''
Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins'' (1998), the ''
Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
The ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' (''LGG'') is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the 3rd edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. Despite the title, the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' is not exclusive ...
'' (2000), and ''
Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk'' is an adventure book for the 3.5 edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. The adventure is set in the game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting, specifically in and around Castle ...
'' (2007) also provide information regarding the city in the post-wars period.
Outside of TSR
In 1988,
New Infinities Productions
New Infinities Productions was an American game company that produced role-playing games and game supplements.
History
Immediately after leaving TSR, Gary Gygax helped form New Infinities Productions, Inc. (Registration required) Wargamer and acc ...
revealed that its "Fantasy Master" line would start detailing the Castle and City of Greyhawk (renamed as "Castle Dunfalcon") as Gary Gygax and Rob Kuntz had originally envisioned them; however, the company dissolved before any of this went into publication; Applelcline noted that "Gygax's plans to publish the City and Dungeon of Greyhawk in a renamed setting were somewhat fulfilled at Troll Lord Games, who published a few Castle Zagyg books — detailing the uppermost levels of the dungeon — before Gygax's death."
Summary of published information about the city
The following represents a summary of information taken from the various published sources mentioned above that a player would be able to use:
History
Early history
Greyhawk, named for the small grey
hawk
Hawks are bird of prey, birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. They are widely distributed and are found on all continents except Antarctica.
* The subfamily Accipitrinae includes goshawks, sparrowhawks, sharp-shinned hawks and others. Th ...
s which populate the region, was originally a trading outpost on the Selintan River specializing in local wood and woven garments. In time the town developed strong textile and meat-packing industries. Eventually, Greyhawk came to be ruled by a warlord, who took the title "Lansgraf of the Selintan". His son was then married to the Gynarch of
Hardby's daughter. The nuptials formalized a political alliance that served as the basis for rule over the Lanstadt of Selintan, an area that eventually became known as the Domain of Greyhawk.
In 4 CY, Greyhawk came under the domination of the
Great Kingdom of Aerdy and remained so while strong Overkings ruled from the Malachite Throne in
Rauxes. By the 3rd century CY, the Great Kingdom's influence over the city began to wane as the Overkings fell into evil ways and their hold on distant provinces became increasingly tenuous.
Rise to prominence, decline and recovery
Circa 310 CY, the mage
Zagig Yragerne
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
emerged from the
Wild Coast and bribed his way into a seat on the Directing Oligarchy. Soon after, the Oligarchs elected Zagig Lord Mayor.
Greyhawk subsequently rose in fame and prominence under the leadership of Lord Mayor Zagig. He instituted legal reform, developed a new currency, fortified the walls, founded the city's first university and embarked on a major building program. Most notably, he directed the construction of nearby
Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
.
Although Zagig—later known as Zagyg—became increasingly erratic over time, his rule is generally considered to be the most effective in the Free City's history and brought widespread prosperity to the region. Much to the annoyance of
Dyvers
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
and other rival cities, Zagig proclaimed Greyhawk to be the "Gem of the Flanaess," and did much to ensure this moniker was justified. Unfortunately, the "Mad Archmage" suddenly disappeared in 421 CY, leaving no clues regarding his whereabouts, and no heir to inherit the title of Lansgraf.
In 498 CY, after decades of Zagig's absence, the Lanstadt was therefore abolished, the title of Lansgraf permanently retired, and the Free City's Directing Oligarchy assumed political authority. The new Lord Mayor
Paerinn officially proclaimed Greyhawk a
free city, though it had been effectively independent of the Great Kingdom's rule for over a century.
Soon thereafter, the city lost its claim over Hardby and the Wild Coast, as the leading women of Hardby broke from Greyhawk and established the ruling office of Despotrix. This loss of lands sent the Free City into economic decline, a situation that persisted for several decades. Fortunately, the discovery of treasure in the dungeons beneath Castle Greyhawk and other nearby locales set off a
gold rush
A gold rush or gold fever is a discovery of gold—sometimes accompanied by other precious metals and rare-earth minerals—that brings an onrush of miners seeking their fortune. Major gold rushes took place in the 19th century in Australia, New Z ...
of sorts, and Greyhawk's economic fortunes recovered substantially in the second half of the 6th century.
The Greyhawk Wars and the post-war situation
The Free City of Greyhawk actually had less direct involvement in the so-called
Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
than many political entities across the Flanaess, but because the final truce was brokered in Greyhawk in CY 584, the war has come to be named for the city.
The current timeline of the Greyhawk campaign has been fixed as 591 CY, six years after the end of the Greyhawk Wars. The Wars had several important effects on the city, particularly that the unrest drove Hardby and the Wild Coast cities of Safeton and Narwell to re-submit to the rule of the Directing Oligarchs. However, since it was largely fear of
Turrosh Mak's humanoid raiders from the
Pomarj
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
that prompted this move, a situation that has been resolved to some extent, the Despotrix and the Wild Coast cities are once again agitating for increased independence.
Also as a result of the Wars, the city has seen an influx of new citizens. Some of these are wealthy diplomats, and some are "nobles" who have contributed significantly to Greyhawk's coffers with the purchase of various counterfeit titles and documents. But many newcomers to Greyhawk are destitute refugees, or are merely using the city as a base for hatching political plots and intrigues across the Flanaess. In particular, there are persistent rumors of covert
Scarlet Brotherhood
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
operations in the city.
The post-war outlook for the Free City is therefore mixed. Greyhawk's finances are in the best shape they have been since Zagig's departure, but the city faces significant challenges arising from political instability and increasing criminal activity.
Geography
The Free City of Greyhawk is located centrally in the
Flanaess
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
, which is the easternmost part of the continent of
Oerik on the world of
Oerth
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
. The city controls a large swath of land along the
Selintan River from the
Nyr Dyv
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
south to
Woolly Bay most of the
Cairn Hills, parts of the
Gnarley Forest, the northern
Wild Coast, and parts of the
Abbor-Alz. The entire region is officially known as the Domain of Greyhawk. The Domain is bordered on the east by the Abbor-Alz and its western border lies within the Gnarley Forest. The area south of Greyhawk City along the Selintan is known as the Plain of Greyhawk.
Settlements
Several settlements fall within the Domain of Greyhawk:
*
Blackstone
*
Diamond Lake
*
Elmshire
*
Ery Crossings
*
Erybend
*
Greatrock
*Greyhawk City
*
Greysmere
*
Grossetgrottel
*
Hardby
*
Magepoint
*
Narwell
*
One Ford
*
Phandlish
*
Safeton
*
Steaming Springs
*
Two Ford
People
Population
As of 589
CY, the city itself boasted a population of 69,500, making it one of the largest cities on Oerth. The population for the entire Greyhawk Domain is roughly 160,000, including the larger towns of Safeton (pop. 6,100), Hardby (pop. 5,100) and Elmshire (pop. 4,000).
Religion
The Free City of Greyhawk hosts temples and shrines to many deities, including
Beory
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Boccob
This is a list of deities of ''Dungeons & Dragons'', including all of the 3.5 edition gods and powers of the "Core Setting" for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') roleplaying game. Religion is a key element of the D&D game, since it is require ...
,
Celestian
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
,
Corellon Larethian
In the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game, Corellon Larethian is the leader of the elven pantheon, and the god of Magic, Music, Arts, Crafts, Poetry, and Warfare. Corellon is also considered a member of the default ''D&D'' pantheon. Corel ...
,
Ehlonna
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
,
Fharlanghn
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
, Garl Glittergold,
Heironeous
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
,
Istus
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
,
Kord,
Kurell
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Lirr
The Long Island Rail Road , often abbreviated as the LIRR, is a commuter rail system in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of New York, stretching from Manhattan to the eastern tip of Suffolk County on Long Island. With an average week ...
,
Moradin, Norebo,
Obad-Hai
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
,
Olidammara,
Osprem,
Pelor
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
,
Pholtus,
Procan
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Ralishaz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
,
Rao,
Saint Cuthbert
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne ( – 20 March 687) was an Anglo-Saxon saint of the early Northumbrian church in the Celtic tradition. He was a monk, bishop and hermit, associated with the monasteries of Melrose and Lindisfarne in the Kingdom of ...
,
Trithereon
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
,
Ulaa,
Wee Jas
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Xerbo,
Yondalla, and
Zilchus
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and eig ...
. The worship of evil deities and fiends is forbidden, and such cults, though they may have followers, do not have a public presence. Evil religions that have established a base in the city in recent memory include those of
Incabulos,
Iuz
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and guardianship. His symbol is a cup and ei ...
,
Nerull, and
Vecna
Vecna ( ) is a fictional character appearing in the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. Vecna has been named one of the greatest villains in ''Dungeons & Dragons''.
Originally appearing in the '' Greyhawk'' campaign setting, Vecn ...
.
Many more deities are worshipped in other settlements of the Domain of Greyhawk. See also:
List of Greyhawk deities
This is a list of deities from the Greyhawk campaign setting (Dungeons & Dragons), campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
A
Al'Akbar
Al'Akbar is the Baklunish demigod of dignity, duty, faithfulness, and gua ...
Languages
The most widely spoken language in Greyhawk City and most of the Domain is Common, though other tongues are spoken in settlements with large non-human populations, such as Elmshire, Greysmere, and Grossetgrottel.
Government
Administrative Divisions
The Domain of Greyhawk has no officially named provinces. Some of the region's settlements are under the direct rule of the Free City, while others have varying degrees of autonomy. Notable settlements include:
*The Free City of Greyhawk
*
Blackstone -A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
*
Diamond Lake - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
*
Elmshire - A large
halfling
Halflings are a fictional race found in some fantasy novels and games. They are often depicted as similar to humans except about half as tall, and are not quite as stocky as the similarly-sized dwarves. Similar to the depiction of hobbits in the ...
town on the Nyr Dyv, east of the Selintan
*
Greysmere - A dwarven stronghold south of the
Mistmarsh
*
Grossetgrottel - A
gnome
A gnome is a mythological creature and diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy, first introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and later adopted by more recent authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Its characte ...
warren located in the northwestern Cairn Hills
*
Hardby - A small, virtually
autonomous port An autonomous port (or independent port) (French: ''port autonome'') is a state-owned enterprise or an organization managing a port area, with a legal entity and enjoying managerial autonomy vis-à-vis its supervision. In general, autonomous ports a ...
city on Woolly Bay, east of the Selintan
*
Magepoint - A coastal village east of Elmshire, under the protection of
Tenser
In the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons '' roleplaying game, Tenser is an archmage who strives to rid the Flanaess of evil. Tenser is a former member of both the Citadel of Eight and the Circle of Eight.
In ' ...
the archmage
*
Narwell - A large inland town on the former Wild Coast
*
Safeton - A small port city on the former Wild Coast, virtually under
martial law
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or suspension of civil law by a government, especially in response to an emergency where civil forces are overwhelmed, or in an occupied territory.
Use
Marti ...
*
Steaming Springs - A mining town in the Cairn Hills directly controlled by Greyhawk City
Executive branch
Greyhawk's Directing Oligarchy elects one of its own to as Lord Mayor, who serves as the head of state in addition to his directorial duties. The current Lord Mayor,
Nerof Gasgal, has held office since 571 CY. The Lord Mayor heads both the Directing Oligarchy and the Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords. The chief of state also officially heads the military, though actual command is most often left to the Captain General of the Watch.
Legislative branch
The Free City of Greyhawk is ruled by the Directing Oligarchy, an executive council of twelve to eighteen members representing the City's major professional guilds and the military. In some cases, the Oligarchy may include important
wizards or
clerics. New Directors are chosen by current council members when a vacancy must be filled.
The Greyhawk Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords is an annual assembleage of leaders from the various baronies and towns in Greyhawk Domain. In theory, this gathering allows citizens of the Domain to have a voice in the governance of the region, but in practice this Council has little real authority.
Judicial branch
Major legal matters in the Free City of Greyhawk are adjudicated by a Judge of Greyhawk, one of eight such officials appointed by the Directing Oligarchy. One of these eight is chosen to serve as Chief judge of Greyhawk, a position currently held by Sir
Anton Palmirian who also sits on the Directing Oligarchy and oversees the
Guild of Lawyers and Scribes. In cases of great import, three Judges of Greyhawk may preside. Appeals of major cases are always heard by a panel of three Judges of Greyhawk, though the Lord Mayor sometimes sits in place of one of the Judges.
Lesser matters in Greyhawk City are tried by magistrates from the Guild of Lawyers and Scribes.
Heraldry
The city's
coat of arms
A coat of arms is a heraldry, heraldic communication design, visual design on an escutcheon (heraldry), escutcheon (i.e., shield), surcoat, or tabard (the latter two being outer garments). The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central ele ...
is blazoned thus: ''Sable, a castle triple-towered argent, in chief two chains each of four links chevronwise of the second, in base six bezants''.
Economy
Resources
The Free City of Greyhawk controls most of the Cairn Hills, which provide the domain with great mineral wealth, such as iron, gems, and silver.
Nearby
Castle Greyhawk
Castle Greyhawk is one of the central dungeon settings in the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. The Castle was originally developed by Gary Gygax, for his own campaign and later deta ...
, with its extensive dungeons, draws adventurers and traders to the Domain of Greyhawk from across the Flanaess. As such, the Castle generates significant economic benefits for the City in trade, taxation and treasure.
Currency
The Domain of Greyhawk's standard
coin
A coin is a small, flat (usually depending on the country or value), round piece of metal or plastic used primarily as a medium of exchange or legal tender. They are standardized in weight, and produced in large quantities at a mint in order t ...
age consists of the
platinum
Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is a dense, malleable, ductile, highly unreactive, precious, silverish-white transition metal. Its name originates from Spanish , a diminutive of "silver".
Platinu ...
plate (pp),
gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au (from la, aurum) and atomic number 79. This makes it one of the higher atomic number elements that occur naturally. It is a bright, slightly orange-yellow, dense, soft, malleable, and ductile met ...
orb (gp),
electrum
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals. Its color ranges from pale to bright yellow, depending on the proportions of gold and silver. It has been produced artificially, and ...
lucky (ep),
silver
Silver is a chemical element with the Symbol (chemistry), symbol Ag (from the Latin ', derived from the Proto-Indo-European wikt:Reconstruction:Proto-Indo-European/h₂erǵ-, ''h₂erǵ'': "shiny" or "white") and atomic number 47. A soft, whi ...
noble (sp), and
copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu (from la, cuprum) and atomic number 29. It is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. A freshly exposed surface of pure copper has a pinkis ...
common (cp). All of the coins are round, except for the platinum plate, which is square. The current coinage system replaced the previous system, which included coinage worth less than the copper common known as bronze zees, brass bits, and iron drabs.
Transportation
Several roads link the settlements of the Domain of Greyhawk, including the High Road (from Greyhawk City to Elmshire), the Urnst Trail (from the High Road to the
Duchy of Urnst
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''—Dave Arneson ...
), the Western Road (from
Ford Keep
Ford commonly refers to:
* Ford Motor Company, an automobile manufacturer founded by Henry Ford
* Ford (crossing), a shallow crossing on a river
Ford may also refer to:
Ford Motor Company
* Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company
* Ford F ...
on the Selintan to
Dyvers
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
), and the River Road (south from Greyhawk City along the Selintan).
Much river traffic takes place along the Selintan River, which can accommodate all but the largest sea-going vessels from the Nyr Dyv and Woolly Bay. Smaller vessels ply the
Ery
Yeru or Eru (Ы ы; italics: ), usually called Y in modern Russian or Yery or Ery historically and in modern Church Slavonic, is a letter in the Cyrillic script. It represents the close central unrounded vowel (more rear or upper than i) a ...
and
Neen rivers.
Able Carter
The Able Carter is a
coach
Coach may refer to:
Guidance/instruction
* Coach (sport), a director of athletes' training and activities
* Coaching, the practice of guiding an individual through a process
** Acting coach, a teacher who trains performers
Transportation
* Co ...
company created by author
Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
, and first appeared in the 2000
RPGA
The RPGA (also called the Role Playing Game Association and the RPGA Network at various times), was initially part of the organized play arm of TSR, Inc and later of Wizards of the Coast. From 1980 to 2014, it organized and sanctioned role-playing ...
adventure module
An adventure is a playable scenario in a tabletop role-playing game. These can be constructed by gamemasters for their players, and are also released by game publishers as pre-made adventure modules. Different types of designs exist, including l ...
, ''River of Blood''. It has
coaching inns
The coaching inn (also coaching house or staging inn) was a vital part of Europe's inland transport infrastructure until the development of the railway, providing a resting point ( layover) for people and horses. The inn served the needs of tra ...
in Greyhawk City,
Hardby,
Diamond Lake,
Blackstone,
Elmshire,
Steaming Springs,
Narwell,
Safeton, and
Dyvers
Greyhawk, also known as the World of Greyhawk, is a fictional world designed as a campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy roleplaying game. Although not the first campaign world developed for ''Dungeons & Dragons''— Dave Arneso ...
, among other locations.
[Tetreault, Dennis, and Erik Mona. "The Artisans' Quarter." '']Living Greyhawk Journal
The ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' was a periodical published by the Role-Playing Games Association (RPGA) as a stand-alone magazine from 2000 to 2004. It was published by Wizards of the Coast. The publication was intended to supplement the RPGA's ''L ...
'' #2 (Wizards of the Coast, 2000).
Military
The Domain of Greyhawk's military forces, though technically under the Lord Mayor's authority, are usually commanded by the Domain's highest-ranking military officer, the
Captain General
Captain general (and its literal equivalent in several languages) is a high military rank of general officer grade, and a gubernatorial title.
History
The term "Captain General" started to appear in the 14th century, with the meaning of Command ...
of the Watch, who also sits on the city's Directing Oligarchy. The current Captain General is
Tigran Gellner.
Greyhawk's forces consist of several units, including:
*The Cairn Hills Force, led by Commander
Schinus Balint.
*The Greyhawk Mountaineers, led by Commander Carstane Geronten.
*The Hardby Marines, led by Commander
Wilbrem Carister.
*The Narwell Headhunters.
*The Safeton Garrison, led by Commander
Turin Deathstalker.
*The "Water Rats."
References
Further reading
*
*Bailey, Robin Wayne. ''Night Watch'' (TSR, 1990).
*Brown, Anne. ''Player's Guide'' (TSR, 1998).
*
*
*
*
Bulmahn, Jason,
James Jacobs, and
Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
. ''
Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
''Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk'' is an adventure book for the 3.5 edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game. The adventure is set in the game's World of Greyhawk campaign setting, specifically in and around Castle ...
''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2007.
*
*Cook, David. "History of the Greyhawk Wars." ''
Wars
War is an intense armed conflict between states, governments, societies, or paramilitary groups such as mercenaries, insurgents, and militias. It is generally characterized by extreme violence, destruction, and mortality, using regular ...
'' (TSR, 1991). Available Online:
*
Gygax, Gary
Ernest Gary Gygax ( ; July 27, 1938 – March 4, 2008) was an American game designer and author best known for co-creating the pioneering role-playing game ''Dungeons & Dragons'' (''D&D'') with Dave Arneson.
In the 1960s, Gygax created a ...
. ''
Saga of Old City
''Saga of Old City'' is a 1985 fantasy novel by Gary Gygax, set in the world of Greyhawk, which is based on the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' fantasy role-playing game.
Plot summary
''Saga of Old City'' was the first novel to feature Gord the Rogue. ' ...
'' (TSR, 1985).
*Gygax, Gary. ''The World of Greyhawk'' (TSR, 1980).
*Gygax, Gary. ''
World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting
''The World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting'' and the ''World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting'' are two closely related publications from TSR, Inc. that detail the fictional ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' ( ...
'' (
TSR, 1983).
*Holian, Gary,
Erik Mona
Erik Mona (born April 1974) is an American game designer who lives in Seattle, Washington.
Career
Mona was the Managing Editor of issues 1 and 2 of the '' Oerth Journal'', an online publication devoted to the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setti ...
,
Sean K Reynolds
Sean K. Reynolds is an American professional game designer, who has worked on and co-written a number of ''Dungeons & Dragons'' supplements for Wizards of the Coast, as well as material for other companies.
Early life and inspiration
Sean Reyno ...
, and
Frederick Weining
Frederick Weining is among those credited for design of the '' Dungeons & Dragons Gazetteer'' and the '' Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'', both published by Wizards of the Coast. He has also authored or co-authored a number of '' Greyhawk'' articles fo ...
. ''
Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
The ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' (''LGG'') is a sourcebook for the ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting for the 3rd edition of the ''Dungeons & Dragons'' roleplaying game. Despite the title, the ''Living Greyhawk Gazetteer'' is not exclusive ...
'' (
Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast LLC (often referred to as WotC or simply Wizards) is an American publisher of games, primarily based on fantasy and List of science fiction themes, science fiction themes, and formerly an operator of retail stores for ga ...
, 2000).
*
*Mona, Erik. "
Wormfood - Bazaars of the Bizarre: Buying Magic in the Free City." ''
Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
'' #337. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*
Moore, Roger E. ''
Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins'' (TSR, 1998).
*
*
Niles, Douglas
Douglas Niles (born December 1, 1954, in Brookfield, Wisconsin) is a fantasy author and game designer. Niles was one of the creators of the Dragonlance world and the author of the first three Forgotten Realms novels, the ''Star Frontiers'' space o ...
, and Carl Sargent. ''The City of Greyhawk'' (TSR, 1989).
*
Pett, Richard. "Backdrop: The Free City." ''
Dungeon
A dungeon is a room or cell in which prisoners are held, especially underground. Dungeons are generally associated with medieval castles, though their association with torture probably belongs more to the Renaissance period. An oubliette (from ...
'' #128. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*
Sargent, Carl. ''
From the Ashes'' (TSR, 1992).
*Tetreault, Denis, and Mona, Erik. "Gem of the Flanaess: City of Greyhawk - Clerkburg." ''
Living Greyhawk Journal
The ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' was a periodical published by the Role-Playing Games Association (RPGA) as a stand-alone magazine from 2000 to 2004. It was published by Wizards of the Coast. The publication was intended to supplement the RPGA's ''L ...
'' #4 (Wizards of the Coast, 2001).
*Tetreault, Denis, and Erik Mona. "Gem of the Flanaess: City of Greyhawk - Clerkburg, part 2." ''Living Greyhawk Journal'' #5 (Wizards of the Coast, 2001).
*Walker, Jeremy. "Wormfood - A Night on the Town: Entertainment in the Free City." ''
Dragon
A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...
'' #336. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*
Ward, James M. ''
Greyhawk Adventures
''Greyhawk Adventures'' is an accessory for the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' (''AD&D'') ''World of Greyhawk'' campaign setting.
Contents
''Greyhawk Adventures'' contains information about Greyhawk deities, clerics, major non-player characters ...
'' (TSR, 1988).
External links
City of Greyhawk NPC List compiled by Denis Tetreault.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Greyhawk, Free City of
Dungeons & Dragons populated places
Fictional city-states
Dungeons & Dragons locations