Greyhawk, Free City of
The Free City of Greyhawk, once a humble trading post, grew into a powerful metropolis through commerce, magic, and the ambitious rule of Zagig Yragerne. Now an independent city-state ruled by a Directing Oligarchy, it thrives as a center of wealth, intrigue, and adventure, with the legendary ruins of Castle Greyhawk continuing to lure fortune-seekers from across the Flanaess.
History
Greyhawk was established as a trading post on the Selintan River during the early migrations, taking advantage of both river traffic and east-west land routes along the southern coast of the Nyr Dyv. The settlement flourished as a hub of commerce, growing fat on taxes levied upon passing merchants and silver ingots recovered from ancient tombs in the Cairn Hills.
A local warlord, seeing its potential, built a small keep above the village and assumed the title of Landgraf of Selintan. His son and heir, Ganz, was wed to the daughter of the Gynarch (Despotrix) of Hardby, a sorceress of great renown. This union led to the expansion and prosperity of the growing domain.
Greyhawk reached new heights under the rule of Zagig Yragerne, the so-called Mad Archmage, who took the throne in 375 CY. Determined to make Greyhawk the "Gem of the Flanaess", he invested heavily in its infrastructure, trade, and magical advancements. He also commissioned the construction of the sprawling Castle Greyhawk, whose massive dungeons and labyrinths remain a lure for adventurers to this day. However, after years of seemingly ageless rule, Zagig mysteriously vanished, and his castle was abandoned, rumored to be cursed.
In 498 CY, Greyhawk declared itself an independent Free City. Over the years, it lost much of its outlying territories: Hardby regained independence, the Gnarley Forest fell under the control of its woodsmen, and former holdings in the northern Wild Coast also broke away. However, recent years have seen a reversal of fortune due to the discovery of immense treasures—both monetary and magical—within the ruins of Castle Greyhawk. This influx of wealth has revitalized the city's economy, drawing artisans, merchants, and mercenaries from across the Flanaess.
Politics and Society
Greyhawk is ruled by a Directing Oligarchy, which selects the Lord Mayor. The Oligarchy consists of 12 to 18 influential figures, including:
- The Captain-General of the Watch
- The Constable
- The Guildmaster of Thieves
- The Guildmaster of Assassins
- Representatives from the Society of Magi, the Merchant and Trader’s Union, the Artisans League, and leading religious sects
Currently, the Free City of Greyhawk claims all the land from the Nyr Dyv to the Neen River, including the valuable Cairn Hills, rich with mines producing gems and precious metals. The Despotrix of Hardby now pays tribute to Greyhawk to maintain her city's nominal independence.
Religion
Greyhawk is one of the most religiously diverse cities in the Flanaess. Temples and shrines dedicated to a vast array of deities can be found within its walls, with only the most vile demon- and devil-worshiping sects being outlawed. However, the city lacks major pilgrimage sites, save for those sacred to the demigod Zagyg, whose eccentric legacy still shapes Greyhawk’s character.
Military
The city maintains multiple military forces:
- A modest garrison in the Cairn Hills (180 halberdiers and pikemen, 100 longbowmen, 55 medium cavalry)
- The City Watch, headquartered in the Grand Citadel, with Watch Houses in every quarter, armed with clubs, longswords, and light crossbows
- An independent Nightwatchmen force, privately funded, supplementing the City Watch
In times of war, Greyhawk relies heavily on mercenary troops, a strategy that has kept its military flexible and cost-effective.
Notable Locales
Greyhawk is home to countless adventure opportunities both within the city and its immediate surroundings. Among the most infamous is Castle Greyhawk, located just outside the city walls, whose ruins, dungeons, and lost treasures continue to attract adventurers seeking glory and fortune.
Greyhawk remains a bustling metropolis, where people from all lands and species gather, and trade from across the Flanaess and beyond flows through its streets. It is a city of wealth and intrigue, of opportunity and peril, ever evolving, yet always standing as the Gem of the Flanaess.
Proper Name: Free City of Greyhawk
Ruler: Lord Mayor Nerof Gasgol (human)
Government: Lord Mayor elected by an oligarchy representing the city’s major mercantile, military, legal, economic, criminal, religious, and magical guilds
Major Settlements: Greyhawk; Hardby, Elmshire
Resources: Silver, electrum, gold, platinum, gems (I-IV), river and road trade nexus
Population: Human, Halfling, Gnome, Elf, Dwarf, Half-elf, Orc
Law: N
Allies: Furyondy, Veluna, Verbobonc, Duchy of Urnst, Nyrond, County of Urnst, Dyvers (trade rival), Shield Lands
Enemies: The Pomarj, various evil religions
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