Cairn Hills
Hidden among the hills north and east of the city are ancient tombs and half-buried ruins that attract adventurers, bandits, cultists of Elemental Evil, and monsters.
The Cairn Hills form a rugged, barren expanse marking the northern reach of the Abbor-Alz massif. Their name comes from the ancient burial sites scattered across the hills, many containing relics from a forgotten civilization. These artifacts have proven to be of great value, but acquiring them is fraught with peril. Even in the days when Greyhawk was merely a wild trading post, adventurers flocked to the region in search of fortune and mystery, solidifying the Free City’s role as a hub for treasure seekers.
The hills encircle Greyhawk on two sides, forming a natural, unyielding border. Their rocky terrain and sparse settlements make them the wildest frontier near the Free City. The land itself is the remnant of an ancient mountain range, its foundation composed of dark gray granite and rose quartz. These stones break through the thin topsoil, giving the hills their signature drab, windswept appearance.
Riches Beneath the Stone
Beneath the unyielding bedrock lies the true wealth of the Cairn Hills—precious gemstones. The Free City of Greyhawk operates vast mining operations here, unearthing high-quality emeralds and rubies, with the occasional diamond. However, the northern hills beyond the Selintan River are jealously guarded by the gnomes, who claim the richest diamond deposits. Rather than wage a futile war over the land, humans have found it more profitable to trade with gnomish miners than to attempt an unwinnable conquest. The underground tunnels where these gemstones lie would remain forever in gnomish hands, no matter who claims the surface.
The gnomish capital of Grossettgrottell , a marvel of subterranean craftsmanship, lies within these hills.
To the north, the gentle slopes roll toward the Nyr Dyv, offering little in mineral wealth but providing a home for the halflings of Elmshire . Here, they fish the shallows, tend their sheep, and trade with passing river merchants.
To the south, the hills curve toward the Abbor-Alz, a region largely uninhabited save for roving monsters and the occasional bandit stronghold. Only at their southernmost extremity do the hills again host a thriving population—the dwarves of Greysmere . Though the gem deposits here are poor, the quarrying stone is unmatched. Within their underground halls, the dwarves have built a labyrinthine network of tunnels and chambers, far exceeding their current numbers.
The Mysterious Cairns
The hills are dotted with the burial cairns of the ancients—some mere stone mounds, others elaborate tombs lost to time. Two of these, a major and minor cairn, are detailed later. The marked sites on maps have already been looted by past adventurers, but there is still a 75% chance that one of these plundered tombs now serves as:
- The lair of a monstrous predator
- A hideout for ruthless bandits
- A den of lurking horrors from the depths
Flora and Fauna of the Cairn Hills
At first glance, the Cairn Hills seem barren and lifeless, but they support a unique array of plant and animal life.
Vegetation
Though rainfall is adequate, the rocky soil drains water quickly, leaving only stubborn, wind-beaten flora.
- The hilltops and slopes support tough, scraggly grass and occasional thorny bushes.
- After a night of heavy rain, the land bursts into vibrant bloom, with flower colors shifting based on the lunar cycle:
- New Moon: Deep purples, dark blues, and maroons
- Full Moon: Bright whites, yellows, pale blues, and pinks
- Along permanent streams, lush lilacs, evergreen shrubs, and small trees take root.
- The galda tree, rare but prized, produces sweet fruit for four months at the end of winter and early spring, offering nourishment to weary travelers.
Wildlife
Despite the harsh terrain, the hills teem with wildlife, both mundane and dangerous.
- Grey Hawks – The fierce raptors that gave Greyhawk its name nest on high cliffs, far from predators. A prime fledgling is highly valued among the Free City’s nobility, selling for 40-100 gp. However, stealing one carries risks—there is a 5% chance that a monstrous roc is drawn to the disturbance, attacking the nest robbers without mercy.
- Wild Boars – Small herds roam the valleys near permanent streams, numbering 6d4 in size, led by a giant boar.
- Highland Deer – These surefooted creatures dwell in the higher elevations, their sweet, tender meat prized by hunters of all races.
Encounters in the Cairn Hills
The Cairn Hills are no safe place for the unwary. When PCs venture into these lands, the DM may select encounters that suit the story or roll for random encounters:
- Roll 1d6, four times per day. On a 5 or 6, an encounter occurs.
Among these craggy hills lurk monsters, bandits, and ancient evils waiting to ensnare the foolish or the brave. Would-be explorers should tread carefully, for the Cairn Hills guard their secrets jealously—and some tombs are better left undisturbed.
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