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Greyhawk stands as one of the most iconic environments within Dungeons & Dragons. Created by Gary Gygax, one of the original developers of D&D, Greyhawk is a vibrant campaign setting that centers around the free city of Greyhawk and its neighboring regions. This rich world is filled with opportunities for epic adventures.
However, diving into the depths of Greyhawk can be challenging without a clear starting point. With a wealth of lore and rules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If you’re planning to lead a campaign in Greyhawk, here’s what you should consider.
What Is Greyhawk?
Greyhawk is a free city situated on the fantastical continent of Oerik, one of four continents in the world of Oerth, all crafted by Gygax himself. The city serves as a bustling hub, inhabited by both adventurers and everyday citizens.
Yet, Greyhawk is constantly at risk from those aiming to exert control over the city and its surroundings. Despite the magical dangers lurking just outside the city walls, Greyhawk boasts a thriving community filled with arcane wonders, exciting secrets, and numerous factions and guilds.
From noble knights and powerful mages to affluent aristocrats and shrewd merchants, the city offers a dynamic backdrop for any type of adventure, whether it be political intrigue or dungeon exploration. Below are some notable aspects of the city, and keep in mind, this is just a glimpse into the extensive and rich history of Greyhawk.
| City Highlight | Examples | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Diverse Neighborhoods | – Artisans’ Quarter – Clerkburg – Garden Quarter – Thieves’ Quarter |
Overview: Each neighborhood in Greyhawk has its own unique characteristics. The university district, Clerkburg, contrasts with the treacherous Thieves’ Quarter, making urban adventures ideal in this setting. Example: An NPC knowledgeable about Greyhawk could invite the party to visit the Great Library in Clerkburg, where they can learn about intriguing locations and the city’s rich history. |
| Notable Locations | – Black Dragon Inn – Grand Citadel – Unearthed Arcana |
Overview: Greyhawk is home to a variety of shops, inns, and taverns. The cozy Black Dragon Inn offers affordable lodgings, while the magic shop, Unearthed Arcana, features rare and unique items. Example: A chaotic party may be tempted to embark on a quest to infiltrate the Grand Citadel’s treasury for hidden treasures. |
| Storied Factions & Guilds | – Circle of Eight – Scarlet Order – Knights of the Watch |
Overview: Greyhawk hosts various factions. The powerful Circle of Eight is comprised of formidable mages, while the Knights of the Watch guard the western mountains from threats. Example: A rogue in the party might find themselves drawn to the enigmatic Scarlet Order, a group of spies and assassins expert in stealth and infiltration, offering a great introduction to the factions of Greyhawk. |
Providing your players with a map of Greyhawk is an effective way to engage them. A printer-friendly version can be found in Chapter Five of the 2024 DM’s Guide.
How To Start Your Campaign In Greyhawk
Having a solid grasp of Greyhawk is crucial for launching a campaign in this setting. The next steps involve two important tasks:
- Get your players invested in the wellbeing of Greyhawk, especially if you’re starting the adventure in the city rather than its outskirts.
- Choose a conflict for your players to engage with.
Getting Your Party Invested
Gaining your players’ interest in a new setting or plot point can be difficult. It’s essential that they not only find Greyhawk appealing but also feel emotionally committed to protecting the city when challenges arise.
Many conflicts in Greyhawk present existential threats to the city’s existence. Thankfully, the setting provides some shortcuts to help you encourage player investment.
| Point of Interest | Details |
|---|---|
| Bastions | Providing players with a bastion early in the campaign gives them a personal stake in the city’s protection, enabling character growth as they enhance their own property throughout the adventure. |
| Faction Membership | Granting players membership in a local group can deepen their ties to Greyhawk. It also introduces pivotal NPCs and allies, instilling a sense of connection to the setting. |
| Mysteries | The surrounding regions of Greyhawk are full of enigmas, such as the Bat-Folk of Hepmonaland or the Land of Black Ice. Presenting these intriguing locales will pique players’ curiosity about exploring Greyhawk further. |
What Conflicts Plague Greyhawk?
After getting your party invested in Greyhawk, it’s time to decide on some initial adventure hooks. You might consider utilizing one of Gygax’s classic conflicts that threaten the city and its surroundings.
Of course, you can always create your own unique storyline or adapt many pre-written adventures in the 2024 DM’s guide to fit within the world of Greyhawk.
| Key Conflicts | Summary | Antagonist Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Chromatic Dragons | Bands of malevolent chromatic dragons inhabit the lands beyond Greyhawk. Their increasing boldness has put the city in danger, as they aim to plunder and expand their dominion into the region. | – Plunder Greyhawk – Gather treasure – Extend control |
| Elemental Evil | Forces tied to Elemental Evil surround Greyhawk, as demon lords and other extraplanar entities once wreaked havoc in the city, with many seeking to escape their imprisonment. | – Release extraplanar beings – Obtain magical artifacts |
| Iuz the Evil | Recently freed from his prison beneath Greyhawk, Iuz the Evil plots in the northern areas, amassing power and followers while threatening the city’s safety. | – Exact revenge on Greyhawk – Grow followers |
In summary, as you prepare to launch your campaign in Greyhawk, remember to seamlessly tie all these elements together. Keeping your players excited depends on several key factors:
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Introductions to Greyhawk & Key NPCs – Nurturing player connection to vital NPCs and reinforcing their ties to the city is crucial. Offering them personal spaces within the city enhances their sense of commitment.
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Setting Up Key Conflicts – As the campaign progresses, escalate the threat facing Greyhawk. This allows players’ affection for the city to come into conflict with the campaign’s antagonists, leading to memorable confrontations.
- Resolving Arcs & Expanding The World – Once a major conflict is resolved, Greyhawk can offer broader adventures beyond the city and into the vast world of Oerth. This ensures that campaigns can continue for months or even years, paving the way for grand, long-running narratives.
With a comprehensive understanding of Greyhawk, player engagement, and exciting hooks ready, your campaign is set to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
