Great Rift - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Great Rift

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
OleOneEye
Nov 17, 2003 23:08:18 Is there an official reason for the Rift? I have it as the magical fallout from a great war between the first Goblin King and the Elvin kingdoms, but am wondering if there is canon on its history. It seems Kyuss should have something to do with it, but I dunno.
#2
eric_anondson
Nov 17, 2003 23:34:40 The closest to a "canon" or official explanation comes out of an excerpt that was cut from the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. It was posted to early incarnations of the WotC boards as bonus material shortly after the LGG publish date.

Canonfire! saved the posting HERE

The important reference is near the end, it says this, "and the Crafters write of abandoning Exag to witness a great battle to the southwest, on the plains below a great volcanic peak."

Now, the only great volcanic peak in the midst of plains is White Plume Mountain, itself not far from the Rift Canyon, it is reasonable to assume that this battle occurred in the vicinity of that volcano. IMO, it is also worth noting that a geographic/geologic feature as large as the Rift Canyon would have probably been mentioned by such chroniclers, had it existed then, rather than the relatively much-smaller White Plume Mountain. IMO, the above excerpt is Erik Mona's way of describing the events leading up to the creation of the Rift Canyon.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there is a Living Greyhawk series of module that fills in some blanks about this event. Mind you, how the creation of the Rift Canyon fits in is really only flavor text to the primary story and adventure. It is the much-maligned Ether Threat series. Because the modules are still available for play, I won't give away any of the crunchy, juicy, Greyhawky goodness.

Regards
Eric Anondson
#3
OleOneEye
Nov 23, 2003 8:14:09 I have not been interested in participating in Living Greyhawk, and so, have never seen one of the modules. I believe that the Greyhawk timeline is advanced beyond 591 CY through it. Are there any important changes or trends that have developed? It seems reasonable that the next couple years would lead to the liberation of Geoff, open conflict between Ahlissa and North Kingdom, naval coalition between Ahlissa and Nyrond to break the Brotherhoods piratical stranglehold, repopulation of both Medegia and Almor, etc. Does anything important happen?
#4
eric_anondson
Nov 23, 2003 11:09:22
Originally posted by OleOneEye
I have not been interested in participating in Living Greyhawk, and so, have never seen one of the modules. I believe that the Greyhawk timeline is advanced beyond 591 CY through it.

Correct, LG is now finishing up with 593cy.

Are there any important changes or trends that have developed?

I wish I knew more about this year's development in regions which I don't get to play in. But I have heard of some things going on. It is problematic to talk about plotlines that are actively being played right now because those modules are available to order still. Yet, rumors fly across the community regardless. I have heard that Highfolk, at the current pace, will be cease to exist as a free land within a year (end of 594cy) due to Iuz's conquests there. Flameflower is now in Iuz's possession, I have heard.

Since they have happened in one-tme interactives I can tell you that three more of the Shield Lands' county capitals have been freed (bringing it to 5 free out of 24 total) while Vayne and Waquonis continued their childish intramural warfare. Waquonis actually unseated Vayne from Admundfort, who now commands from Law's Forge.

"Dark-skinned elves" have been encountered in unreclaimed ruins in Istivin.

I wish I could recall more right now...

Regards,
Eric Anondson
#5
grodog
Nov 23, 2003 16:29:40 The Rift Canyon has long been one of my favorites geographical areas of Greyhawk. I would love to see something appear in LGJ or in Dungeon set there!

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 OleOneEye Nov 17, 2003 23:08:18	Is there an official reason for the Rift? I have it as the magical fallout from a great war between the first Goblin King and the Elvin kingdoms, but am wondering if there is canon on its history. It seems Kyuss should have something to do with it, but I dunno.
#2 eric_anondson Nov 17, 2003 23:34:40	The closest to a "canon" or official explanation comes out of an excerpt that was cut from the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. It was posted to early incarnations of the WotC boards as bonus material shortly after the LGG publish date. Canonfire! saved the posting HERE The important reference is near the end, it says this, "and the Crafters write of abandoning Exag to witness a great battle to the southwest, on the plains below a great volcanic peak." Now, the only great volcanic peak in the midst of plains is White Plume Mountain, itself not far from the Rift Canyon, it is reasonable to assume that this battle occurred in the vicinity of that volcano. IMO, it is also worth noting that a geographic/geologic feature as large as the Rift Canyon would have probably been mentioned by such chroniclers, had it existed then, rather than the relatively much-smaller White Plume Mountain. IMO, the above excerpt is Erik Mona's way of describing the events leading up to the creation of the Rift Canyon. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but there is a Living Greyhawk series of module that fills in some blanks about this event. Mind you, how the creation of the Rift Canyon fits in is really only flavor text to the primary story and adventure. It is the much-maligned Ether Threat series. Because the modules are still available for play, I won't give away any of the crunchy, juicy, Greyhawky goodness. Regards Eric Anondson
#3 OleOneEye Nov 23, 2003 8:14:09	I have not been interested in participating in Living Greyhawk, and so, have never seen one of the modules. I believe that the Greyhawk timeline is advanced beyond 591 CY through it. Are there any important changes or trends that have developed? It seems reasonable that the next couple years would lead to the liberation of Geoff, open conflict between Ahlissa and North Kingdom, naval coalition between Ahlissa and Nyrond to break the Brotherhoods piratical stranglehold, repopulation of both Medegia and Almor, etc. Does anything important happen?
#4 eric_anondson Nov 23, 2003 11:09:22	Originally posted by OleOneEye I have not been interested in participating in Living Greyhawk, and so, have never seen one of the modules. I believe that the Greyhawk timeline is advanced beyond 591 CY through it. Correct, LG is now finishing up with 593cy. Are there any important changes or trends that have developed? I wish I knew more about this year's development in regions which I don't get to play in. But I have heard of some things going on. It is problematic to talk about plotlines that are actively being played right now because those modules are available to order still. Yet, rumors fly across the community regardless. I have heard that Highfolk, at the current pace, will be cease to exist as a free land within a year (end of 594cy) due to Iuz's conquests there. Flameflower is now in Iuz's possession, I have heard. Since they have happened in one-tme interactives I can tell you that three more of the Shield Lands' county capitals have been freed (bringing it to 5 free out of 24 total) while Vayne and Waquonis continued their childish intramural warfare. Waquonis actually unseated Vayne from Admundfort, who now commands from Law's Forge. "Dark-skinned elves" have been encountered in unreclaimed ruins in Istivin. I wish I could recall more right now... Regards, Eric Anondson
#5 grodog Nov 23, 2003 16:29:40	The Rift Canyon has long been one of my favorites geographical areas of Greyhawk. I would love to see something appear in LGJ or in Dungeon set there!