Greyhawk

Lore & Background

Beyond the surface world, Greyhawk's cosmology follows the Great Wheel structure, connecting Oerth to the Outer Planes through the Astral Sea. The setting is famous for its 'sandbox' nature in early D&D history, where player actions could permanently alter the landscape or topple empires. Over time, the world has seen the rise of the Empire of Iuz and the fall of ancient civilizations like the Nyrondan Kingdoms, creating a tapestry of ruins and legends that adventurers explore to this day.

In Their Own Story

The rain in the Valley of the Mage falls with a heavy, rhythmic drumming against the stone walls of Castle Greyhawk. Inside, Mordenkainen adjusts his spectacles, watching a map where a red ink blot spreads like a wound across the northern border. 'They are coming,' he murmurs to his silent apprentice, the air thick with the scent of ozone and old parchment. Outside, the wind howls through the ruins of an ancient temple, carrying whispers of Vecna's return, while deep beneath the castle, a dragon stirs in its slumber, sensing the shift in the magical tides.

Reader's Guide

The world of Greyhawk is centered on the planet Oerth, dominated by the continent of Oerik. Its geography ranges from the fertile farmlands of the Border Kingdoms to the treacherous mountains of the Dragon's Teeth and the swampy depths of the Swamp of Sorrows. Cosmologically, it operates on the Great Wheel model, where mortal souls travel through the Astral Plane to reach their final destinations in the Outer Planes. Magic is wild and potent here, often causing unpredictable surges that can alter reality or summon creatures from other dimensions without warning. Major cities include Greyhawk City itself, a bustling trade hub known for its neutrality and massive magical defenses; Darokin, a merchant republic built on commerce and industry; and Keoland, a land of knights and ancient traditions. Each region holds unique rules regarding magic resistance and the presence of powerful deities who actively intervene in mortal affairs.

Did You Know?

• Greyhawk was the very first campaign setting created for Dungeons & Dragons, predating all others by years.
• The iconic wizard Mordenkainen originates from this world and is considered one of its most famous inhabitants.
• Many classic monsters found in early D&D rulebooks were originally designed specifically for adventures in Greyhawk.
• The setting features a history where gods can be killed or demoted, adding a layer of high stakes to divine conflicts.