Modern 1e Greyhawk: Garweeze Wurld - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Modern 1e Greyhawk: Garweeze Wurld

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
zombiegleemax
Aug 06, 2003 8:19:37 Since acquiring the rights to early TSR material, Kenzer co. has been putting out 1e and 2e material for D&D. They have reproduced all the classic modules from the early days and will soon unleash their take on 1e Greyhawk, entitled Garweeze Wurld. How will this affect the current Greyhawk? Will any 3e fans be using this setting in lieu of Wotc's recent snubbing of the classic D&D world?
#2
zombiegleemax
Aug 06, 2003 8:58:57 Not sure. I've seen (but not played) Kenzer's Kingdoms of Kalamar, and it seems to be a well done, top notch campaign setting. If they give GH the same general treatment, then I'll likely purchase and adapt or use the material. If, however, it becomes part of their comedic parody line, then I probably won't. Basically, I guess, I'll await a preview and judge it then (or take a gander at the product once it hits the shelves). I don't want to sit and prejudge something I know next to nothing about though and say "No, its going to be crap." or "Hey, its GH, its gotta be great!" without more information.
#3
Argon
Aug 06, 2003 10:33:42 I will most definately be checking it out. If it turns out to be crap then I can add it to some of the FR crap I bought in the past.
#4
zombiegleemax
Aug 06, 2003 12:13:55 If nothing else, perhaps they'll devote some time into expanding on GH and the general ideas can then be stolen . . . . errr . . . borrowed for detailing GH.
#5
cwslyclgh
Aug 06, 2003 17:24:08 I know that generaly judging a book by it's cover isn't too bright... but I have a hard time taking a book with a tittle like "Garweeze Wurld" with any seriousness.
#6
zombiegleemax
Aug 06, 2003 18:13:49 The Garweeze wurld thing is hackmaster and IIRC is re-doing the old classic GH mods like Smackdown the giants and Kick the slavers booty .... or something like that.

It seems to me that its a more light hearted take on it with emphasis on 'beer and pretzel' gaming .... my favourite .... and not taking itself too seriously but thats from a skim and nothing more.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's run them though.
#7
zombiegleemax
Aug 07, 2003 1:32:15 I often see mention of 'GreyHack' vs. 'Garweeze Wurld' on the Kenzer site. What's the distinction?
#8
chatdemon
Aug 07, 2003 4:00:22
Originally posted by UnderToad
I often see mention of 'GreyHack' vs. 'Garweeze Wurld' on the Kenzer site. What's the distinction?

Garweeze Wurld is the default setting for core Hackmaster products. It is an area of a planet called Aldrazar (spelling may be off).

Greyhack and Mystara are being added to Aldrazar world as alternate or expansion campaign areas as some of the older material is converted to Hackmaster rules.
#9
zombiegleemax
Aug 07, 2003 12:09:50 Thanks for the clarifications Chatdemon.
#10
zombiegleemax
Aug 08, 2003 1:19:22 Ditto. Thanks for clearing that up.
#11
zombiegleemax
Aug 08, 2003 8:14:08 From what I've seen at the Kenzer site, it looks as though GreyHack will be something of a time machine for fans of 1e; that is, the '83 box set will serve as the design for the setting.

There's something else, though, but this is probably an urban legend. I saw mention of the setting possibly incorporating aspects of Gygax's personal Greyhawk campaign, something which would be very very interesting, if not extremely dangerous to the continuity of Greyhawk as we know it. I mean, think about it; canon could go right out the window if such a thing were ever to come to pass.

But then again, that last bit is unlikely, as Gygax has turned down the Kenzer offer to do GreyHack.

But man o man, wouldn't it be interesting...

Anyway, I have to say that I like the system and plan to play a few games when I find some players in my area. Also, buying their new versions of classic 1e modules is a lot cheaper than finding original copies at auction sites. They're really well done, too. Worth a look as the parody is only skin-deep.
#12
impy_and_chimpy_dup
Aug 09, 2003 2:06:53 Whatever they do, they'll have to do it fast as their license to produce 1e and 2e material runs out next year.

Since Gygax said no, they've relegated the project to a fan base effort, much like Planescape.

I really want to see what they do with the setting, though. Hopefully, it will have better maps because the 3e gazeteer map isn't fit for my bathroom.
#13
chatdemon
Aug 09, 2003 4:01:55 Hackmaster seems to be selling well for now, so I expect WotC will extend the license, possibly more in their favor than the original, which was forged as part of an out of court settlement over reprint rights to the Knights of the Dinner Table comic strips in Dragon magazine, but renewed none-the-less.
#14
zombiegleemax
Nov 08, 2003 11:00:07
Originally posted by chatdemon
which was forged as part of an out of court settlement over reprint rights to the Knights of the Dinner Table comic strips in Dragon magazine, but renewed none-the-less.

This is a myth.
#15
zombiegleemax
Nov 08, 2003 17:06:30
Originally posted by theDwarf
This is a myth.

Care to quote your source?

I've heard the lawsuit version of the story from quite a few folks with contacts in the industry, if there is a different story, I'd be glad to hear, but 4 unsubstantiated words on a message board won't convince me.
#16
zombiegleemax
Nov 08, 2003 17:08:42
Originally posted by impy and chimpy
Whatever they do, they'll have to do it fast as their license to produce 1e and 2e material runs out next year.

Since Gygax said no, they've relegated the project to a fan base effort, much like Planescape.

The license does not expire next year, Kenzer confirmed this at that recent mortality radio chat.

Also, "relegating" something to fan effort doesn't mean it will be bad. The current batch of WotC Greyhawk professionals were all "just" fans a few short years ago.
#17
zombiegleemax
Nov 08, 2003 20:44:16
Originally posted by cwslyclgh
I know that generaly judging a book by it's cover isn't too bright... but I have a hard time taking a book with a tittle like "Garweeze Wurld" with any seriousness.

Yah, I'm in the same boat. It's all fine and well to make a ****-take on the world, but it's just not my style and for me, detracts from the overall effort and isn't something I can ignore.
#18
zombiegleemax
Nov 09, 2003 1:04:55
Originally posted by Greyhack
Care to quote your source?

I've heard the lawsuit version of the story from quite a few folks with contacts in the industry, if there is a different story, I'd be glad to hear, but 4 unsubstantiated words on a message board won't convince me.

Dave Kenzer

Gen Con 2003
at the "Meet and Greet"

collaborated by Jolly Blackburn and Brian Jelke (Steve was busy with a project at the office and attended via cell phone for a little while, but the myth-busting occured before his call)
#19
zombiegleemax
Nov 09, 2003 4:05:10 Well,
Perhaps the myth was something perpatrated by WotC and KenzerCo as part of the gag? Perhaps a sort of play on the Gygax fallout? Wouldn't surprise me really, and if both companies were, as I have heard, playing along, possibly at the expense of some of their employees, it would explain the perpetuation of the rumor.

Either way, the point is sort of moot, KenzerCo. did confirm that the license has been renewed and is good for at least a few more years, so Hackmaster is in no danger in that regard.

Now Jolly has made some comments on their forum about lagging sales on a couple products, that could be an entirely different hurdle to overcome. If you're a fan of HM, get out there and support them!
#20
zombiegleemax
Nov 09, 2003 8:58:19
Originally posted by Greyhack
Wouldn't surprise me really, and if both companies were, as I have heard, playing along, possibly at the expense of some of their employees, it would explain the perpetuation of the rumor.

Kenzer & Company was never "playing around" about it and had busted the rumor officially to their employees long before the open statement was made at Gen Con. (I heard it busted by Dave, Brian, and Jolly over a year or so before the Gen Con announcement. If you could quote a source (privately if you feel that is best) from Kenzer & Company I can address that the same way.
I can not speak for WoTC, but I believe I heard same said rumor from one of their employees/past employees.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 zombiegleemax Aug 06, 2003 8:19:37	Since acquiring the rights to early TSR material, Kenzer co. has been putting out 1e and 2e material for D&D. They have reproduced all the classic modules from the early days and will soon unleash their take on 1e Greyhawk, entitled Garweeze Wurld. How will this affect the current Greyhawk? Will any 3e fans be using this setting in lieu of Wotc's recent snubbing of the classic D&D world?
#2 zombiegleemax Aug 06, 2003 8:58:57	Not sure. I've seen (but not played) Kenzer's Kingdoms of Kalamar, and it seems to be a well done, top notch campaign setting. If they give GH the same general treatment, then I'll likely purchase and adapt or use the material. If, however, it becomes part of their comedic parody line, then I probably won't. Basically, I guess, I'll await a preview and judge it then (or take a gander at the product once it hits the shelves). I don't want to sit and prejudge something I know next to nothing about though and say "No, its going to be crap." or "Hey, its GH, its gotta be great!" without more information.
#3 Argon Aug 06, 2003 10:33:42	I will most definately be checking it out. If it turns out to be crap then I can add it to some of the FR crap I bought in the past.
#4 zombiegleemax Aug 06, 2003 12:13:55	If nothing else, perhaps they'll devote some time into expanding on GH and the general ideas can then be stolen . . . . errr . . . borrowed for detailing GH.
#5 cwslyclgh Aug 06, 2003 17:24:08	I know that generaly judging a book by it's cover isn't too bright... but I have a hard time taking a book with a tittle like "Garweeze Wurld" with any seriousness.
#6 zombiegleemax Aug 06, 2003 18:13:49	The Garweeze wurld thing is hackmaster and IIRC is re-doing the old classic GH mods like Smackdown the giants and Kick the slavers booty .... or something like that. It seems to me that its a more light hearted take on it with emphasis on 'beer and pretzel' gaming .... my favourite .... and not taking itself too seriously but thats from a skim and nothing more. I'd love to hear from anyone who's run them though.
#7 zombiegleemax Aug 07, 2003 1:32:15	I often see mention of 'GreyHack' vs. 'Garweeze Wurld' on the Kenzer site. What's the distinction?
#8 chatdemon Aug 07, 2003 4:00:22	Originally posted by UnderToad I often see mention of 'GreyHack' vs. 'Garweeze Wurld' on the Kenzer site. What's the distinction? Garweeze Wurld is the default setting for core Hackmaster products. It is an area of a planet called Aldrazar (spelling may be off). Greyhack and Mystara are being added to Aldrazar world as alternate or expansion campaign areas as some of the older material is converted to Hackmaster rules.
#9 zombiegleemax Aug 07, 2003 12:09:50	Thanks for the clarifications Chatdemon.
#10 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 1:19:22	Ditto. Thanks for clearing that up.
#11 zombiegleemax Aug 08, 2003 8:14:08	From what I've seen at the Kenzer site, it looks as though GreyHack will be something of a time machine for fans of 1e; that is, the '83 box set will serve as the design for the setting. There's something else, though, but this is probably an urban legend. I saw mention of the setting possibly incorporating aspects of Gygax's personal Greyhawk campaign, something which would be very very interesting, if not extremely dangerous to the continuity of Greyhawk as we know it. I mean, think about it; canon could go right out the window if such a thing were ever to come to pass. But then again, that last bit is unlikely, as Gygax has turned down the Kenzer offer to do GreyHack. But man o man, wouldn't it be interesting... Anyway, I have to say that I like the system and plan to play a few games when I find some players in my area. Also, buying their new versions of classic 1e modules is a lot cheaper than finding original copies at auction sites. They're really well done, too. Worth a look as the parody is only skin-deep.
#12 impy_and_chimpy_dup Aug 09, 2003 2:06:53	Whatever they do, they'll have to do it fast as their license to produce 1e and 2e material runs out next year. Since Gygax said no, they've relegated the project to a fan base effort, much like Planescape. I really want to see what they do with the setting, though. Hopefully, it will have better maps because the 3e gazeteer map isn't fit for my bathroom.
#13 chatdemon Aug 09, 2003 4:01:55	Hackmaster seems to be selling well for now, so I expect WotC will extend the license, possibly more in their favor than the original, which was forged as part of an out of court settlement over reprint rights to the Knights of the Dinner Table comic strips in Dragon magazine, but renewed none-the-less.
#14 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 11:00:07	Originally posted by chatdemon which was forged as part of an out of court settlement over reprint rights to the Knights of the Dinner Table comic strips in Dragon magazine, but renewed none-the-less. This is a myth.
#15 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 17:06:30	Originally posted by theDwarf This is a myth. Care to quote your source? I've heard the lawsuit version of the story from quite a few folks with contacts in the industry, if there is a different story, I'd be glad to hear, but 4 unsubstantiated words on a message board won't convince me.
#16 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 17:08:42	Originally posted by impy and chimpy Whatever they do, they'll have to do it fast as their license to produce 1e and 2e material runs out next year. Since Gygax said no, they've relegated the project to a fan base effort, much like Planescape. The license does not expire next year, Kenzer confirmed this at that recent mortality radio chat. Also, "relegating" something to fan effort doesn't mean it will be bad. The current batch of WotC Greyhawk professionals were all "just" fans a few short years ago.
#17 zombiegleemax Nov 08, 2003 20:44:16	Originally posted by cwslyclgh I know that generaly judging a book by it's cover isn't too bright... but I have a hard time taking a book with a tittle like "Garweeze Wurld" with any seriousness. Yah, I'm in the same boat. It's all fine and well to make a ****-take on the world, but it's just not my style and for me, detracts from the overall effort and isn't something I can ignore.
#18 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 1:04:55	Originally posted by Greyhack Care to quote your source? I've heard the lawsuit version of the story from quite a few folks with contacts in the industry, if there is a different story, I'd be glad to hear, but 4 unsubstantiated words on a message board won't convince me. Dave Kenzer Gen Con 2003 at the "Meet and Greet" collaborated by Jolly Blackburn and Brian Jelke (Steve was busy with a project at the office and attended via cell phone for a little while, but the myth-busting occured before his call)
#19 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 4:05:10	Well, Perhaps the myth was something perpatrated by WotC and KenzerCo as part of the gag? Perhaps a sort of play on the Gygax fallout? Wouldn't surprise me really, and if both companies were, as I have heard, playing along, possibly at the expense of some of their employees, it would explain the perpetuation of the rumor. Either way, the point is sort of moot, KenzerCo. did confirm that the license has been renewed and is good for at least a few more years, so Hackmaster is in no danger in that regard. Now Jolly has made some comments on their forum about lagging sales on a couple products, that could be an entirely different hurdle to overcome. If you're a fan of HM, get out there and support them!
#20 zombiegleemax Nov 09, 2003 8:58:19	Originally posted by Greyhack Wouldn't surprise me really, and if both companies were, as I have heard, playing along, possibly at the expense of some of their employees, it would explain the perpetuation of the rumor. Kenzer & Company was never "playing around" about it and had busted the rumor officially to their employees long before the open statement was made at Gen Con. (I heard it busted by Dave, Brian, and Jolly over a year or so before the Gen Con announcement. If you could quote a source (privately if you feel that is best) from Kenzer & Company I can address that the same way. I can not speak for WoTC, but I believe I heard same said rumor from one of their employees/past employees.