In my campaign the Pomarj is a goblin Empire not orcish. their leader is a hobgoblin named Turrosh Mak. I don't like the idea of a half-orc seizing that much power over a group of humaniods that don't care for half-breeds with human blood. Also the Norkers which are considered a sub-species of hobgoblins are really a hobgoblin orc mixbreed. The Derro are dwarves who were tainted by Ancient Suoise magic's.
Blackmoor is home to gnolls who occasionally raid the tiger and wolf nomads lands. In some recent cases they have raided sections of the Empire of Iuz. Rumor has it that some dark power they worship actually has Iuz quaking in his boots.
There are no Drow but the Derro have taken their place being diabolical geniuses who use forbidden magic's lost centuries ago. The species of goblins are as follows Goblin, Hobgoblin, Bugbear and to a lesser extent Norker. Then you the sub-species of orc's which are as follow's Orc's, Orog's, and to a lesser extent Losel (orc-primates mixbreed).
The Scarlet brotherhood I kind of developed them much like the Spanish Empire in it's hayday. They have a large fleet of ships and are either feared and/or respected by everyone.
Well I've rambled on long enough so tell me which setting is best for you and what changes you will or have made to your campaign.
In our game, the Crook of Rao is missing, Canon Hazen is dead, and the Flight of the Fiends is more becoming the Return of the Fiends. Townships are both falling to Iuz and being liberated from his grasp.
I also like the Bright Lands quite a bit, but haven't had a chance to run a game there yet.
I am currently working on the Gods in my campaign. In my campaign most of the gods are known by different names and even genders to other races. Heironious the war god of humans is also Claggedin Silverbeard to the Dwarves. Incabulous the human god of diease has his portfolio change a bit when Orc's worship him as Gruumsh. Pelor the god of the sun to humans is also known as Corellon to the Elves. Some of these conversions are easy others take more thought. But I like the fact that Incabulous and Gruumsh symbol are identical which may account to his level of power on Oerth. Yes some lesser or intermediate gods may be considered Greater gods by other races level of worship is important.
Many hero-gods and demi-gods may only be recognized by one race or the races that do recognize them only recognize them in a minimal sort of way.
Originally posted by Anuminas
I also like the Bright Lands quite a bit, but haven't had a chance to run a game there yet.
Did you see Creighton Broadhurst's article on the Bright Desert in the last Living Greyhawk Journal? It's a really cool write-up, replete with maps and NPC's. Very cool stuff.
Originally posted by Argon
In my campaign the Pomarj is a goblin Empire not orcish. their leader is a hobgoblin named Turrosh Mak.
Ever since I read Greyhawk Adventures (IIRC), I felt it was a given that Turrosh owned the ring of the wild coast (can't remember if that's the right name, too tired to look it up right now). The ring gives the wielder the ability to summon an army of orcs, ogres and the like to do his bidding for a certain task.
If I was to ever use Turrosh, I'd give him the ring and have his troops be uncontrollable now that the task is complete. Just a thought.
Originally posted by Argon
Blackmoor is home to gnolls who occasionally raid the tiger and wolf nomads lands. In some recent cases they have raided sections of the Empire of Iuz. Rumor has it that some dark power they worship actually has Iuz quaking in his boots.
Cool, I like that. Blackmoor is one of those areas that isn't very well detailed but seems to have all the GH grognards wetting their pants because it was related to the original 'Blackmoor campaign'.
Personally, I don't think the two should be related and I've read that many fans agree. But regardless, nothing much seems to have been done with it; it's almost as if people are scared to.
I think I'll use your ideas and fill the area with Erythnul worshiping, flinds that rule over a gnoll nation. Isn't Yeenoghu an agent of Erythnul and the patron deity of gnolls? As a demon prince he could certainly give Iuz a run for his money and wouldn't contravene the whole 'no gods messing in the prime unless they're a native' rule.
Originally posted by Argon
There are no Drow but the Derro have taken their place being diabolical geniuses who use forbidden magic's lost centuries ago.
Ooh, another idea I like. Even though drow were GH originals, they've been forever spoiled for me by their treatment in FR. I can't stand drow anymore.
So having a GH specific replacement is nice. The derro suit this role perfectly. And I love the idea that they have access to some of the old magics, from the time of the Suel and Bakluni mages... hmm... they could be a major threat... ooh, and imagine transplanting drow for derro in the Against the Giants modules! Imagine that! Dwarves being in charge of the giants! Hah! That'd be a neat twist that no-one would see coming
Originally posted by Argon
The Scarlet brotherhood I kind of developed them much like the Spanish Empire in it's hayday. They have a large fleet of ships and are either feared and/or respected by everyone.
Heh, I've always seen them as spanish too! I was discussing this awhiles back in the GT channel and some unmentionable brought up the notion that they were a bit like the spanish catholic monks who wore red robes during the inquisitions... can't remember the proper names for them...
Anyway, as you'll probably have guessed, my favourite area is the Great Kingdom. Ivid the Undying is my favourite GH sourcebook by far, even though it was never printed it's considered canon (stick that in your canon file Al!) by most GH fans. Within the Great Kingdom there is simply SO much cool stuff. It's almost as if Carl had a list of ten thousand adventure hooks and implanted them all into the paragraphs as he wrote the manuscript.
Currently I'm detailing my version of what has happened to Rinloru and Winetha (the Twin Cities) over the last six years (Ivid was 585 C.Y. and the LGG is 591 C.Y.), since nothing has been detailed about them in any book, aside from a brief mention in The Adventure Begins that Grenell mounted an unsuccessful attack on Rinloru.
So, for what I'm doing on these areas, you'll just have to wait and see and read my Canonfire articles
P.S. You know, a lot of articles at CF are exactly what we're doing in this thread. Versions and interpretations of areas of Greyhawk, new, old, undiscovered or simply different. So get writing and submit your heresies!
Originally posted by Aeolius
The oceans of Oerth, naturally ;)
*chuckles, having seen Aeolius' website*
:D
I don't like to abuse the use of magic in my campaign I feel it takes away from the awe inspiring affects of magic. One of the changes I made to my game was the ease of use of magic in it.
especially after the Rain of Colorless Fire and the Invoked Devastation. If these combined event's did not persuade most people's of Oerth to refrain from magic studies it sure as hell made them suspicious and fearful of it.
In Veluna and Furyondy, Mage's are all but unheard of. Only members of nobility who enroll in one of the recognized schools of magical or those who receive their powers from another being like witches and warlocks are known to exist in these countries. As such the noble mage's are treated with fear and suspicion by most of their people's and the later (witches and warlocks) are hunted on site. Both countries are very religiously based and most of the church orders in these states are not kind to those whom control magic without divine influence.
In the Theocracy of the Pale, any known mage's are hunted and persecuted as degenerate heretics. Magical study is forbidden and even talk of these things can get you persecuted. While their are low level cleric's of the pale with divine energies, it is only the higher ranking Clergy which can do so without fear of persecution. Low ranking priests are taught not to flaunt their gifts in the presence of the public.
Fred Weining detailed Blackmoor in Greyhawk originally in his OJ article (in issue 5), which was apparently revised to become the LGG entry. It's neat to compare the two.
Regarding the Pomarj, I too suspect that the Mak used that ring. However, I've played with / utilized the notion of zeitgeist, which is a German word that translates as spirit/ghost of the times. Zeitgeist has been used by historians as a key concept of an alternate paradigm in which to comprehend history -- less as the actions of solitary "great men" and more as the combination of many factors (context) with specific individual agents. See Thomas Kuntz, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
Playing with this concept, in my early posts on GreyTalk (and certain revisions hosted by Canonfire!), I posited various groups and forces that were coming together (search for "ho-jebli" on CF!), which were catalyzed by the actions of the Nine, aka the Slave Lords, and finally unified (tenuously/momentarily) by Turrosh Mak, bastard of the Nedla and dictator of the "Empire Where None Has Before Stood." Also, I like Rasgon's notions about cyclic humanoid invasions into the Pomarj, aka the Trakon Peninsula. The last one probably happened before the Suel reached the Wild Coast, I think.
Anyhow, the Wild Coast is good for campaigning although it's not my favorite place on Oerth!
I know I can't keep it short but I try to keep it simple.
In the elder days, Jeff McKillop posted about Turrosh Mak being a world traveler and erudite beyond many. His elaboration interested me, but later I came to believe that it over-emphasized the individual. I wanted to develop a greater complexity.
Therefore, I imagined various power groups within the Pomarj that were in a process of consolidation throughout the sixth Common century. Recall, the Hateful Wars ended in 510 CY, and the Pomarj was invaded / fell to the humanoids in 513 CY. By the present day, some 80 years have passed, which is about four human generations and even more for the euroz, kell, jebline, and ho-jebline.
In that time the humanoids (and the evil humans who remained in that land) developed a new society. I've described some aspects of it here: http://www.canonfire.com/htmlnew/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=91. Basically, the Pomarj was primed for a dictator like Turrosh Mak to act as he did. While unique, the Mak seized the moment and so forged his empire.
Of course, as the Mak acted, various power groups benefited or sought to ensure they would gain from the conquests in the Wild Coast and Principality of Ulek, e.g. the remnants of the Slave Lords, the agents of the Scarlet Brotherhood, the cult of the Earth Dragon, the ogre-magi and hags of the Drachensgrabs, etc.
Basically I'm just sharing how I've developed one campaign region. Happy 'hawking!
But I would love a mega-adventure based on Ruaxes.
I have thought about doing a long term series called the Great Kingdom revolution.
It would start with the old parts of the Great Kingdom going to war and end up with with revolutions in both kingdoms. The end would be rebels coming to power and starting a republic instead of a Monarchy.
But that's just me.
It would start with the old parts of the Great Kingdom going to war and end up with with revolutions in both kingdoms. The end would be rebels coming to power and starting a republic instead of a Monarchy.
I like your idea it would have plenty of things for the party members to do.
Searching canonfire for 'chatdemon' will bring up my collected notes on some of these places.
But I rather have a site that contributes to Greyhawk insteed of having one that produces filler. Besides canon fire gives you the feel that you own a piece of the web site since it's all fan based.
IMC, an army 10,000 strong has made the journey from Perrenland through Veluna to "liberate" Thornward. This army is acting on behalf of a noble family that used to rule Thornward, as Keoites, many hundreds of years ago. The noble and the army pay fealty to Bissel and Gran March, and respect Veluna - so it's mostly a way of getting Ket out of there, which makes the Sheldomar Valley happy. Ket is falling back to the Bramblewood Gap, and it looks like they're going to lose that as well - Falwur is about to fall.
Veluna's bishops have fallen ill, and as inner turmoil reaches pandemonium while the government collapses, the armies are recalled from the borders of the Shield Lands to keep the peace. That's ok, as Iuz's forces have pulled very far back, and he is very quiet right now. The armies opposing Iuz are left with nothing to do, as they don't want to launch an assault and spread themselves too thin.
All the while, a very powerful mage is looking to recapture the magic used in the Rain of Colorless Fire, opposed strongly by the Silent Ones of Keoland. This wizard has determined that he only needs a certain spell component which was only grown within what is now wasteland, but he realizes he can grow this component in the Bramblewood forest by accelerating a prophecy - the return of elven nobility (one of the PCs -- the information she seeks can be found only in Celene) to the Bramblewood, as it was before the migrations. So far he has been successful, cornered off a part of the Bramblewood, and is now waiting for the spell component to begin its growth.
Meanwhile, the forces from Perrenland are beginning to disintegrate in Bissel, and are now causing more trouble than they are solving. The person appointed as Regent of Thornward is actually working for a group of villains in allegiance with Iuz, who design to create problems in the west so that Iuz can begin a new assault on Furyondy. Once Bramblewood Gap is secure, and the Perrenlander army begins attacking through the Fals Gap, Iuz's forces will reassert themselves in Furyondy.
The purpose? The Crook of Rao needs to be destroyed.
My campaign explores the delicate balance between the montrous population of themighty Gnarley and it's woodsman inhabitants. My players are based out of Narwell, and have signed on a "Free Patrol" for the Greyhawk Militia. Having been given Letters of Marque by Captain Ruberis Nenshen, with authority to dispense justice on the frontier while they investigate rumors of a pending alliance between the Pomarj and the humanoids of Blackthorn. This could provide a back door entrance for another Orcish invasion, this time attacking from both the north and south. The Pomarj envoy including a 1/2 orc ambassador Holg Brakus, is traveling via the underdark, guided by thier new Derro allies.
Additional plot points include:
1/2 orcs who are chosen by the Pomarj/Blackthorn because they look more human than orc infiltrating the cities of Narwell slowly whiddling its defenses from the inside by corruptin succeptible militia and watch sergeants. (This adapted from the Greycloaks mentioned in James Jacobs adventure "Lord of the Scarlet Tide" in Dungeon #34)
The possible discovery of the Scepter of the Jewel River. (A new artifact) Wich purportedly can control the not only the waterlife but can summon powerful water elementals to your defense.
Amongst all this the adventurers are chosen to be an envoy to castle Mastrayne. Intended to convince the Black Lord to join in a temporary alliance with Narwell and Safeton to put down the Orc insurgents.
Thats what I have so far.
That said, though I love various outlying areas, as well
- the Isles of Woe, now sunken beneath the depths of the Nyr Dyv
- the Great Kingdom in it vastness, debauchery, and the hideous secrets of the Malachite Throne, the Cauldron of Night, and the Isle of Lost Souls
- the Rift Canyon for its mystery, its depths, and the illithids who recovered a certain Glassography and Guide there
- the Sea of Dust---a ruinous wasteland teeming with remnant survivors
- the Bandit Kingdoms for their transience, ruggedness, and Hyperborean atmosphere
- the Yatils for Iggwilv and Mordenkainen's citadels
- the Sunelan Coast, created by TalMeta on Canonfire!, for expaning the reach of the Suel beyond their mountains (see his map at http://www.canonfire.com/htmlnew/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=170&mode=nested&order=1&thold=0)
- the Spindrift Isles for the elven ships, the City of Glass, and Lendor/Lendore
- the Griff Mountains for their hidden kingdom
- the fringes of the Flanaess, revealed in the various continental maps from the 1980 folio, 1983 box sets, and the controversial TSR annual map (to see the latter, check out http://www.sodabob.com/roleplay/Campaigns/GreyhawkMaps/) (note that this isn't my web page, in case that wasn't clear the first time around)
In short, I don't know that I have any single, absolute, favorite place in Greyhawk ;)
With that said I believe grodog has made his favorite setting in Greyhawk, the entire contient. Which proves a few thing's grodog is probably older than me and has played numerous campaigns set in Oerth. It even shows that grodog is a fan of the setting of Greyhawk.
I too have played in GH for years about 16 years on and off. Many people who would DM other than myself enjoyed the FR setting. But I say it here a true fan and a even truer role player needs not a scripted world to play in (refering to published gibberish, most of FR comes to mind) but merely a canvas on which to create upon (Greyhawk is a good choice).
So remember Greyhawk is uder te control of it's fans. Because it was both meant to be that way from the begining and was left too rot away in a safe lock away from prying eyes.
But sites like Living Greyhawk and Canonfire keep the flames lit.
Keep on posting about your favorite settings even if it does have a touch of your alternate GH in the mix.
Greyhawk lives!The Scarlet Brotherhood aren't as in control of Hepmonaland as they'd like to think they are. The Yuan-ti of Hepmonaland are much more powerful. The Touv are dwindling in population as they suffer the full brunt of both the Brotherhood and the Yuan-ti. Most of Hepmonaland's Olman population fled to the Amedio centuries past and those left behind have long since died out. The Yuan-ti have been planting pureblood spies throughout the southern and eastern Flanaess and the Scarlet Brotherhood's recent reversals of fortune have been the result. The Scarlet Brotherhood's obsession with racial purity has reached new heights (or lows if you will). They fear the Yuan-ti infiltrators. The Yuan-ti, of course realize this, and use the Brotherhood's fear against them while never actually infiltrating the Brotherhood itself. Instead they plant rumors of Yuan-ti infiltrators in the Brotherhood's vassal states and let the Brotherhood's Inquisitors do the rest. The Yuan-ti never fight the Brotherhood openly. On Hepmonaland the Yuan-ti force / trick / intimidate various humanoids (Bullywugs, Mongrelfolk, Tasloi, etc.) and other servitor creatures into openly fighting the Brotherhood for them.
Quite simply, the Yuan-ti are beating the Brotherhood at its own game. If the Brotherhood falls, then the human and demi-human lands would face the threat of a newly-ascendent Yuan-ti empire while still keeping wary eyes on the lands of Iuz and the orc hordes of the Pomarj.
What is the impetus of the Yuan-ti's latest grab for power? Is it merely a retaliation against the Brotherhood for incursion into their land? Perhaps an Anathema has appeared and is proclaimed the voice of Merrshaulk on Oerth? Or maybe a lost artifact has been found and it has emboldened the psionic cabal of yuan-ti leaders? Perhaps some combination of those or something else entirely. Hepmonaland is the land of exotic adventure! Feel free to use or disregard as you wish in your version of the world of Greyhawk.
Post-war Nyrond is even better as the political & economical factors become really important, and the potential to affect the country's future is there.
Beyond that, I am partial to the Hold of the Sea Princes which has, alas, never really been fleshed out (and isn't likely to be given the mess it has become).
For "foreign" adventures, the Amedio is the place to go (especially for druids searching for a T-Rex pet :D )
The city and region of Melkot, in the Tors between the Yeomanry and the Hool Swamp. I've got a file folder with over 140 pages of maps and information.
And the City of Greyhawk. Many people have seen my version of that (in)famous locale.
Other favs... I've done some fun stuff in the Dry Steppes (both present-day and time travelling adventures), the Underdark beneath the Hellfurnaces and the Yeomanry, the Gnarley-Suss, the Yatils, the isthmus south of the Vast Swamp, the Amedio, and other locations. And of course Greyspace!!!
Denis, aka "Maldin"
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Maldin's Greyhawk http://melkot.com
For much the same reason, I like the Bandit Kingdoms and Wild Coast.
Greyhawk's very undevrloped version of Blackmoor makes a tantalizing blank slate, as well.