Greyhawk
The birthplace of D&D, where ancient magic and endless war shape the fate of Oerth.
Greyhawk is the original campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons, serving as the birthplace of the game itself and its most iconic characters. Created by Gary Gygax in the 1970s, it began as a local adventure map but evolved into a sprawling world filled with political intrigue, ancient ruins, and cosmic threats. Unlike later settings that focused on high fantasy or specific eras, Greyhawk is defined by its history of war, magic, and the constant struggle between good and evil forces.
Quick Facts
- Designer
- Gary Gygax
- Publisher
- TSR, Inc.; Wizards of the Coast
- Date
- 1980
- Random chance
- Dice rolling
- Genre
- Fantasy
- System
- Dungeons & Dragons
Facts from the source article.
Background
Beyond the surface world, Greyhawk's cosmology follows the Great Wheel structure, connecting Oerth to the Outer Planes through the Astral Sea. The setting is famous for its 'sandbox' nature in early D&D history, where player actions could permanently alter the landscape or topple empires. Over time, the world has seen the rise of the Empire of Iuz and the fall of ancient civilizations like the Nyrondan Kingdoms, creating a tapestry of ruins and legends that adventurers explore to this day.
Did You Know?
- The iconic wizard Mordenkainen originates from this world and is considered one of its most famous inhabitants.
- Many classic monsters found in early D&D rulebooks were originally designed specifically for adventures in Greyhawk.
- The setting features a history where gods can be killed or demoted, adding a layer of high stakes to divine conflicts.
More in Worlds & Campaign Settings
Elsewhere in Dungeons and Dragons
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