Greyhawk: Folk, Feuds, and Factions (part of The City of Greyhawk Boxed Set)(Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, 2nd ed: Greyhawk Adventures)

238 Pages·1989·43.87 MB·English

by  Douglas Niles

Fantasy World Supplement
Folk, Feuds, and Factions
sy C3Rl s~m. anb 1?1k Rose
or
CQe<:Jtts taste Contents
Editing: Kim Mohan Introduction ........•.................... 2
Editorial Coordlnntor: Kim Mohan
Cover Art: Erik Olson
Chapter 1: Economics and Politics ........... 3
Interior Art: Valerie Valusek
Typography: Gaye O'Keefe
Cartography: Diesel Chapter 2: The Military and the Law .......... 9
Chapter 3: Mages and Priests .............. 16
Chapter 4: The Guilds of Greyhawk .......... 30
J.lislrDu<l co t1>< book Indo .. tho Untied s""""
by!U-.Hou.c:.lnr. • and in Canada b)· Random
Howe <i c.n.da, Led. O. .l ri>oced to lhe 10)' and Chapter 5: Low Life ...................... 38
bobby tTide b)' rc:gion.IJ dJ!I.tributot'S. ObtnDuted ln
<he Lwted KUlJ<Iiom b)• TSR ltd.
Chapter 6: Entertainment in Greyh awk ...... 60
ADI'~NCW IJLliGEOl\S & DRAGONS, AD&D,
GIU:YH:\WK, \\'OKLO OF r.REYHAWK.
PRODUCTS Of Yot;R IMAGINXI'ION, and the Chapter 7: It Takes All Kinds ............... 69
TSR logo arc trlldeiiiOJ'k& or TSR, Inc,
This pruduct 15 pcot.:-.:wd undt'r the copyrighL ltlws Chapter 8: Adventures ..... , .............. 86
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lntnobuctJon
Greyhawk: Folk, Feuds, and Factions subtract or add. For example, an NPC Magical itemb-a complete listing
details life in the Free City; politics, with a THACO of 12 bits AC 6 on a roll of (when applicable), including all items
trade, society, law, the learned and cul 6 or better (12 -6 • 6), and needs a 15 mentioned in the other parts of the de
tured, the low and shady, the entertain to hit AC -3 (12 +3 = 15). scription. The number of charge.~ (doses,
ments and festivals and sights of the city. :-lumber of Attacks (#AT) ·the nor applications, etc.) is left to the OM.
A very large number of NPCs are de mal number of attacks the character can FoUo"ing these basic details are sim
tailed herein, for the character of the dty make per round, not adjusted for extraor ple physical details of the NPC- height,
is reOected in, and made up of, the people dinary circumstances (hasted or slowed) weight, age, appearance, typical attire.
who tive ..,;thin it. The detailing of NPCs or for the usc of a weapon (a scimit;u of Some :\'PCs are given two ages, the sec
varies stightly, but all important NPCs are speed, for example) that causes this fig ond in parenthetet~. The first number is
described by the following characteris ure to be changed. the chronological (actual) age of the NPC;
tics, given in this order: Damage per Attack (Dmg)- usuaUy the second is the character's apparent
Armor Class (AC)-almost always given as the standard damage figure (ver age (the one which will be assumed by an
followed (m parentheses) by a descrip sus size M opponents) for the NPC's pre obsen•er without special knowledge or
tion of the armor, ability (high Dexterity), ferred weapon(s), and augmented by some sort of magical aid). In such cases,
and equipment the character possesses bonuses for magic or high Strength when the NPC has undergone some magical
that account for the given AC. When two applicable. The chardcter is, of course, al change (usually through the consumption
numbers are given, separated by a slash, ways proficient in the use of the weapon(s) of a P<>liOil of longe,•ity or elixir ofy out il)
the second number applies when the mentioned, and may have other weapon which has caused this discrepancy.
NPC is using all of the equipment at bis pro6ciencies at the DM's discretion. Further detailing of the NPC gh·es in
disposal. For example. 'ksparian Lafanel Ability Scores-given for every hu formation on his or her personality, likes
(Chapter 5) is described as having" AC 2/ man or demihuman NPC, listing even and dislikes, quirks, and so on. Where
0 (bracers of defense AC 5 and Dex 17; those scores that arc not remarkably high the NPC can be found is cited, together
boots of speed)." This means that when or low, as an aid to the DM in role-pla)•ing with (in most cases) notes on how the
he is stationary, his bracers (coupled with the character. NI'C might interact ...~ th PCs adventur
bis 17 Dexterity) give him AC 2; when he Special Attacks (SA) and Special ing in Greyhawk. Some few NPCs ha•·e
is moving (taking advantage of the Defenses (SO)-given when they apply been left undetailed in this regard,
boots), his AC is improved two more (innate or class-related ability, special however-as an example, the supremely
places to 0. magical item, etc.) These categories do powerful Archmages and others of the
Movement (MV)-normal movement not encompass spellcasting ability, which Circle of Eight need very careful consid
rate, given in tens of yards per round out is listed separately. eration by the 0~1 before PCs mt>et them
doors, tens of feet per round indoors. Alignment-the standard one- or in many cases ..M ordenkainen and Bigby,
Cla~a and Level-a one- or two two-letter abbreviation. A second abbre for example, live hundreds of miles from
letter abbreviation for class, followed by viation in parentheses indicates an occa Greyhawk, although they have a keen in
a number for level. Designations for sional tendency toward that alignment. terest in what transpires t11ere, and PCs
multiclassed characters or humans with Thieving skills-determined accord may only interact with them indirectly.
two classes are separated by a slash. ing to the AD&~ 2nd Edition game But even these distant heroes have
Hit Points (hp)-the standard rules; adjusted for race and Dexterity, friends and agents within the Free City,
AD&D® game designation. but not for armor. and who is to say how their schemes may
THACO-acronym for "Th liit Armor Spells-listed by the number of each not mesh \\~th those of even humble 1st
Class 0," indicating the minimum attack level that the character can cast each day. level adventurers?
roll (ld20) needed for that character to If a priest's high Wisdom increases the Because dozens of NPCs are detailed
score a hit on an opponent with Armor number of spells available to the charac in this book, page 96 provides an index
Class 0. The entry includes adjustments ter, this fact is incorporated in the entry. for the main entries of NPCs. Many of
for Strength and Oexterity (when they For ~orne NPCs, a listing of spells typi them know each other (and cross
apply), but does not include adjustments cally memorized is given. These NPCs references are given in the text), so it will
for the use of a magical weapon. 1f two arc usually ones who may be met in com he helpful to know which page contains
numbers are separated by a slash, the bat situations, or ones who are g,veo ex the detailing for each major NPC. By the
first is for melee combat (when a ceptional detailing for a certain reason. In way, the term "NPC" should not be
Strength bonus or penalty applies) and other cases, the DM can determine spe taken too strictly. The list includes some
the second is for missile combat (when cific spells as desired, and of course the entities who are not characters per se
high or low Dexterity is relevant). Th cal suggested speD listings given may be but this is for you to find out in the pages
culate the "to hit" number for an attacker altered-the listings provided are merely yet unread.
against a different Armor Class, simply given to save time for the D~-
€conom1cs anb politics
chaptER 1:
The Free City of Greyhawk occupies a of course not all of this traffic is conducted ~ry hi),.a-grade platinwn is brought
pivotal position within the lands of the year round (because of weather, growing from the Duchy of Umst for the manufac
Flanaess, since it is the major port along seasons, and other limiting factors): ture of coin in 'kluna, Furyondy, and
the southern shore of the Nyr Dyv. From spots within ~luna and as far even as far away as Keoland and the Yeo
Northeast from this great lake, the Ar away as Highfolk, rare bronzewood and manry.
tonsamay River and its tributary the Yo! homwood is shipped, with smaller Celene's magnificent nectarwine and
give rapid access to the Bandit King amounts imported from the ~sve For other rare liquors from that area are
doms, the Duchy of'lbnh, and the Theoc est. These superb hardwoods are sought brought by land or river to Greyhawk,
racy of the Pale. The eastern and in almost all lands. where many merchants eagerly seek to
!iOUtheastern shores are the lands of the Nyrond exports much food-staples, purchase them.
County and Duchy of Umst, and by land including grains and the kara fruit of the Rarer goods seen in Greyhawk include
or along the Franz River a brisk trade Celadon forest-westward to the Ulek furs from the far north, and the strong·
with great Nyrond flourishes. To the lands (the southern trade to the Iron flavored, herb-streaked and smoked
northwest, the mighty Velverdyva runs League lands passes down the Nesser cheeses of Ket and Perrenland.
through Furyondy into Vcluna, and on as and Duntide rivers). The superbly crafted weapons made in
Car as Perrenland. Grcyhawk stands on Veluna and Furyondy both export tex the Bandit Kingdoms-mostly shipped
the Selintan River, which flows south into tile goods to the southern lands. from Stoink-are widely sought after, al
ll'ooU)• Bay and on to the Azure Sea, so From Onnwal and Idee come pearls, though this trade is often covert and sur
that river and sea trade extends to aU the and also rare spices and ivory which !roo reptitious. It is also certain that the
major lands of the south. By river and by League merchants ship in from Hep Homed Society sends goods (foodstuf&
sea, many cargoes destined for almost all monaland (this trade is also quietly ex and cloths) to Greyhawk via Stoink, and
known lands pass through Greyhawk. panded by the Scarlet Brotherhood, thus benefits from Greyhawk trade.
Major trade routes and economic rela although the origin of their exported Greyhawk also trades in mercenaries
Uonships include the following, although spices is usually concealed). in some sense; it is a natural place for
3
r
those seeking gainful employment to look may be accepted (and the coin of such without which he rna)• not legally ap
for patrons, be they from the lron lands as 'kltma, Furyondy, and Umst of proach employers as a mercenary for hire
League, an independent city in the rav ten is), Greyhawk merchants will often within the city; may not trade plunder
aged lands of the Wild Coast, or desper direct people using such coin to the Guild j!ained from Greyhawk Castle; and may
ate men planning a further attempt to of Moneychangers and Pawnbrokers (lo not perform any other actions or transac
retake the Shield Lands from the bandits cation F4), where it can be exchanged for tion~ of a similar sort.
and servants of the Hierarchs who now the coinage of Greyhawk. Details of this Guild 1l1x: Members of guilds of skill
occupy them. guild and its conversion rates are found in (not general laborers) pay an additional
Grey hawk itself has important sources Chapter 4 and in ChtO GoF. guild membership levy each year, and this
of wealth. Greyhawk Castle still yields up 'lUes in Greyhawk are fairly low, and is passed on to the coffers of the city.
treasures to intrepid adventurers, bring· lhe rulers have curried favor with the This sum varies, from 5 sp for the lowest
ing money into the Free City and stimu people by imposing them mostly on trade artisans to 5 gp for lawyers and scribes,
lating local business. The mines in the which is passing through the city. The whose services are expensive and much
Cairn Hills claim the lives of no few min· major taxes are these: in demand.
ers, but the rewards are good Ship Tax: Any vessel berthing in Other special taxes can be levied when
especially high-value gems, prized Greyhawk must pay a sum of between 3 the need arises (for example. special
everywhere since their possession al sp and 5 gp per day (or part thereof), de costs for rebuilding part of the town gut
lows merchants and others to carry sub pending on lhe size of the craft; a river ted by fire). Further, Greyhawk's rulers
stantial funds without being weighed barge would pay lhe smaUest fee, a large have shaped the city's legal system so
down by thousands of coins. cog able to sail the Nyr Dyv or an ocean that sentences of dispossession of goods
So, business and trade booms in would pay the highest amount. and exile are handed out in preference
Grey hawk, and the city is prosperous and Cargo Tax: Imported cargo being over long terms of imprisonment. Lord
wealthy. There is a snowball effect here: traded in Greyhawk is subject to taxation Mayor Nerof Gasgal persuasively argued
The wealthier a lrulior trade city be at a rate which is variable, but always only some years ago that keeping people in
comes, the lower the taxes on trade can a smaU fraction of its value (never as prison at the city's expense was pretty
become, so the more attractive a place much as 1% ) , since so much cargo is stupid compared to the alternative of tak
for trade the city becomes also. Trade traded within the city. ing their money and property, and this
popularity and wealth go band in hand. Precious Metal Tax: This is an excep view rapidly gained acceptance. Income
This has major implications for aU aspects tion to the general rule or low taxation. from hefty fines has thus increased the
of Greyhawk life, notably for taxation. Because Greybawk wishes to sell its own burgeoning wealth of the city's coffers.
metals from the Cairn Hills mines (on This inclination toward financial penalties
Coinage and Thxes which no tax is levied), precious metals is especially strong with regard to for
arriving from elsewhere are taxed at 1% eigners who infringe the law; as a result,
Because of rising affluence in the city, for any trade transaction within the city. the families or friends of these guilty par
the coinage system was refonned in 579 The sole exception is lhe fine platinom of ties are often held responsible for pay
CY, and lhe old low-value iron and bronze Umst, Greyhawk's neighbor, which is ment of sometimes exorbitant fmes
pieces are no longer accepted coinage. taxed at 0.5% as a trade favor to the pow (since the foreigner is usually not carry
Many of the old residents moan about the erful acijacent duchy. "Precious metal" ing many objects of great value).
change, but there is no doubt the new means any metal used in coinage As a way of indirectly adding to its atnu
coin system is simpler: 500 copper com copper, silver, electrum, gold, or plati· ence, the city has a nourishing system of
mons • 50 silver nobles • 10 electrum num. Because any single vessel will workhouses (see Chapter 2) so that the
luckies • 5 gold orbs • I platinum plate. never carry a cargo solely composed of cost of labor on pubtic-works projects is
(For the sake of convenience and brevity such metal-the risk (not to mention the often low, balancing lhe books well and
in this book, currency designations are weight) would be enormous for such a adding further to the riches held in
abbreviated as "sp,n "gp." and so forth, concentration of wealth in one craft Greyhawk's coffers.
where the "p" stands for "pieces!') such cargoes do not evade Greyhawk,
The Free City has its own mint (loca given the low taxes on other cargoes, so The Powers That Be
tion C7), where its own coin is manufac thal tlus tax is a good source of income
tured (details of the City Mint may be for the city's coffers. The i''ree City is ruled by a Directing
found in CbS GoF). Greyhawk coinage Freesword Tax: Any adventurer not a Oligarchy-a group of technically coequal
circulates freely in aU the lands that bor citizen of Greyhawk (usually, a merce rulers, currently numbering 16 mem·
der lhe Nyr Dyv, but the reverse is not nary) is required to pay the sum of 3 gp hers. Heading the Oligarchy, and elected
always true. While "foreign" coinage upoo entrance into the cily. This payment by its members, is lhe Lord Mayor. This
gives the adventurer a written license,
5
Gasgal is 42 years old, 5' 9" tall, 157
The Directing Oligarchy of Greyhawk
lbs., with graying dark hair. Even as Lord
Mayor, he dresses conservatively, but
Name Roleffitle/Function Further detail
his clothes are of exceptional quality and
Nerof Gasgal ........L ord Mayor and tailoring. Note that Nerof has access to
Assistant Guildmaster of Thieves ...S ee below many magical items if he needs them (as
Derider Fanshen .....C onstable ........................C hapter 2 the OM decides)-after all, he can call oo
Sental Nurev .......•C aptain-General of the Watch ........C hapter 2 Kieren for the aid of the Guild of
Org Nenshen ........G uildmaster of Thieves .............C hapter 5 WlZllrdry-but prefers not to rely on
Turin Deathstalker ...•G ulldmaster of Assassins ............C hapter 5 magical aid unless he has to. For a fuUer
Kieren Jalucian .......G ulldmaster of WlZl!rdS .............C hapter 3 description of Nerof, sec the
Otiluke .............P resident, Society of Magi ....•.....C hapter 3 GREYllAIVK"' Adventures hardbound
Ravel Dasinder .......P atriarch of Boccob ................C hapter 3 book, page 35.
Jerome Kasinskaia ....P atriarch of Rao ...................C hapter 3 Nerof is a talented politician-none too
Ren o' the Star ......G uild master, Merchants' and bright (but Nensheo 's superior lntelli·
Traders' Union ..................C hapter 4 gence helps here), but very wise and cun·
Laup Cobruo ........M erchants' and Thaders' Union ......S ec below ning, and possessed of persuasive and
Carmen Halmaster ....M erchants' and Thaders' Union ......S ee below
manipulative skills ~ Charisma). His
Demeo Nathane ...... Merchants' and Traders' Union ......S ee below
goals are twofold: to be the best mayor of
Bodmi HoUardel ...... Guildmaster of]ewelers Greyhawk in history. and to be accepted
and Gemcutters ................. Chapter 4 as a member of the upper classes. He is
Sir Anton Palmirian ... Guildmaster of Lawyers and Scribes .. Chapter 4 very conscious of his social standing be·
Glodreddi Bakkanin ... Inspector of Thxes ................. Chapter 2 cause as a child he lived in the Slum Quar·
ter, and he has spent his life trying to
group is variable in number; it may in· 3) to report back to her (and thus to the transcend his humble beginnings. De·
elude as few as 12 or as many as 18 mem· Church of Trithereon) about the deci· spite the fact that he has attained a posi·
bers. Thus. the rulers are not always sions of the Oligarchy, and he usually tion of great power, he is still looked
obliged to replace an oligarch who re plays safe by supporting majority >iews down upon by many members of the
tires, is dismissed, or dies. so as to appear inconspicuous; of course, city's aristocracy.
There is a dominant subgroup within this generally ~ans going along with the As Lord Mayor, Nerof has ruled v.isel)'
the Oligarchy which effectively plans and Gasgai-Nenshen faction. Further, Sental and caP<~bly. He has simplified the cur·
schemes to ensure its supremacy. This Nurev hardly dares to speak in Oligarchy rency system, and reformed taxes so
group consists ofNerof Gasgal, Org Nen· meetings any more, while Ravel Dasin· that the common folk hardly pay any
shen, Turin Deathstalker, Glodreddi der is not truly interested in politics. taxes at all-thus keeping the masses
Bakkanin, Carmen Halmaster, and De· Thus, Gasgal and Nenshen and their ac happy with his rule. He has rebuffed ad·
men Nathane. The latter pair are general complices usually win the day, and the vances to Greyhawk's growing economic
merchants, fairly prosperous, who are wily thieves more or less direct the poli power from many quarters, and kept a
also middle·ranking members of the tics of Greyhawk. delicate balancing act going.
Thieves Guild and thus owe fonnal alle As a result, Nerof Gasgal is not "just" However, maintaining this balance is
giance to Org t>ensben and Nerof Gasgal. Lord Mayor, but the driving force and the now becoming extremely tricky. Since
Although this group is only less than one most important man in the City of the invasion and carving-up of the Shield
third of the total membership, Ren o' the Greyhawk. Lands by the coruuving forces of the
Star, Bodmi Hollardel, Laup Cobrun, and Homed Society and the Bandit Kingdoms
Sir Anton Palmirian usually line up with .Nerof Gasgal, Lord Mayor of in 579-581 CY, Greyhawk's dominant
them, giving the collaborators and their Greyhawk trade position is under threat. This domi·
allies a rruijority whenever something AC 5 (leather and Dex 17); MV 12; nance depends wholly on the relative
critical is brought to a vote. TIO; hp 45; THACO 16/14; IPJ 1; Dmg safety of the Nyr Dyv, and should the nt·
These secondary supporters are not ld8 +Z(longsword +2);Strl0,Dexl7, pacious forces of the north decide to send
party to the central intrigues of Gasgal's Con 12, Intll, Wis 18, Cha 16; SA quad· a Reel of pirate vessels forth, Gre)•hawk
group, but they have learned through ex ruple damage from backstal>; AL L.'\. could be slowly strangled. Thus, Nero~
perience that the Lord Mayor's policies Thieving skills: PP 50, OL 60, IT 70, (against Ius will) has been forced, after
are good for trade, and so they will almost MS 30, HS 25, DN 65, CW 70, RL 50. discussions with Org Nenshen alone, to
always support him. Also, Cobrun is un· Magical item." long sword + 2 (and see surreptitiously help F uryondy maintain
der the instructions ofJanziduur (Chapter text below). an increased naval force on the Nyr Oyv,
6
sailing out of \Vtllip. The assistance of Nenshen are thie\•es, and slum dwellers is good in both directions, it is not sur
Glodreddi Bakkanin, the corrupt Inspec resent the fact that while they are fined prising that Umst should have an ambas
tor of Taxation, has also been needed to (or worse) lor thievery, their rulers have sador here, and his presence does not
keep secret this bleeding of funds away actually made a career in politics on the compromise tl>e neutrality of the Free
from the city. This violation of basis of a lifetime of thieving. City. Petrides is treated cordially by
Greyhawk's traditional neutrality and in There is no desire for any change of Gasgal, and also has helpful dealings v.~th
dependence could have dangerous conse· rule- Greyhawkers know things could be the administrators or the City Mint, so
quences. a lot worse, and many of them are well that Umst coinage is freely accepted in
Should Greybawk's secret alliance with off-but the Oligarchs, as a body of Greyhawk. Petrides is currently pressur
Furyondy become known, it could esca rulers, are scoffed at and ridiculed in ing Gas gal to lund an Urnst fleet to drive
late the skirmishes on the Ny r Dyv into a many quarters. the northern pirate ships off the Nyr Dyv,
full-scale invasion of Greyhawk by ban· unaware of Gasgal's existing aid to Fu
dits or even the forces of the Homed So Ambassadors ryondy. The Lord Mayor, of course,
ciety, striking at the easiest target. hems and haws and protests by citing
The rulers of Greyhawk do not encour
Currently, the Homed Society benefits Greyhawk's need for independence,
age formal diplomatic ties with anyone,
from trade with Greyhawk, and has not which irks Petrides. The ambassador is
l'.ishing to maintain the city's indepen
enough naval strength to mount a con currently quietly approaching other Oli
dence. However, there are some ambas
certed attack, but it is building up its garchs to get support for his point of
sadors present, for good reason.
forces. At present, a war of nerves is be view, which infuriates Nero! and makes
ing waged, and it is not surprising that his position on the ruling council even
Count Reichart Petrides
Nero! appears agitated and iJJ at ease. but more difficult to maintain.
Ambassador from the
he has kept matters secret so far.
Duchy of Umst
Fioranna Aielestriel
The People's Opinions AC 4 (chain mail + 1); .MV 12; F7; hp Ambassador from Nyrond
40; THACO 14; HAT 3/2; Dmg 1d8 +3 AC 3 to -2 (ri11g ofp rotection + 3 and
Although none of the residents of (long sword +3); Str 18/17, Dex 15, Con
Dex 18; mbe of scintillating colors); MV
Greyhawk are truly dissatisfied with their 12. lnt 15, Wis 13, Cha 14; AL LN.
12; Ml2; hp 28; THACO 17; lfKI 1; Dmg
form of government or the people who Magical items: chain mail + 1, long 1d4 +3 dagger +3); Str 9, Dex 18, Con
occupy powerful political positions, feel sword + 3, rill!( of mind shielding, phil 9, lnt 18, Wis 15, Cha 18; AL NG (CG).
ings about the city's ruler do vary from ters ofg libness (several), amulet ofp roof
Spells: 4 1st, 4 2nd (but see below), 4
one socialleconomic class to another. against detection and location. 3rd, 4 4th, 4 5th, and 16th.
The professional and established
Magical items: ring of protection +,1,
classes are content, for the Oligarchs Petrides is 49 years old, 6'1" tall, 246
robe of scintillating colors, dagger +3 ,
ba1·e le1~ed fairly low taxes on trade and lbs., with light brown hair tapering to a dust of illusion, dust of disappearance,
have zealously protected the rights and widow's peak and hazel eyes. He has a
amulet of proof against detection :md lo
privileges of the guilds. (Nero{ knows he long, ugly scar which runs from the inside
cation, ring of wizardry (doubles 2nd
~eds the votes of the merchants in his of his left wrist around his arm to the el level spells).
pockets. and his thief plants could not bow joint, the legacy of a wound sus
credlbly vote with him should he decide tained from an envenomed magical tiger's
The beautiful and demure gray elf rep·
to buck guild interests.) claw weapon used b)• an assassin of Iuz
resentative of Nyrond stands just 5'0"
The upper classes and the aristocracy some years past. He conceals this re
tall and weighs a mere 83 lbs., but the
tend to regard a career in politics as terri minder of his adventuring past, but is se
force of her personality is considerable.
bly middle class, marginally better than cretly proud of it. Petrides thinks he has
Her shining violet e)•es and ready smile
being ao artisan (although master arti grown too old for fighting, and now repre
grace a high-cheekboned lace. topped
sans have a high social rank) but not be· sents the interests of his homeland in
with a nimbus of fine, sil\•er-gray hair.
coming lor a person of rank and esteem Greyhawk. He lives in a grand house in
She wears earrings and a neck choker re
(this attitude utterly infuriates Nerof the High Quarter Oocation Hl) where, to splendent with scintillating emeralds, and
Gasgal). his annoyance, two City Watch consta
dresses in creams, blues, and silvers.
The teeming hordes of Old City know bles are always on guard. Although he's
She is 712 years old but appears to be in
they are leniently ruled, but they regard not a habitual tiar, it's easy to see how his
her late 20s in human terms.
the Oligarchs as figures of fun, and are magical items come in very handy in his
Since Nyrond is the most important
completely cynical about them. This is line of work.
single supplier and buyer of the goods
only partly an affectation; after all, it is Since the Duchy of Urnst is
which pass through Greyhawk. the pres
openly known that Nero! Gasgal and Org Greyhawk's closest neighbor, and trade
ence of an ambassador to represent that
7
country's commercial interests raises port back to Rei .\lord and obtain scrolls would go looking for the secret figure
few eyebrows. Eyebrows are raised for of almost any wizard spells, and neces which must surely exist. But Strachan is
Fioranna as herself. not for her role in sary permanent magical items. such an old coot that these evil spies have
politics. Floranna is known to be a mage, She does her best to collect gossip and been deceived into believing that Fu
but she poses as one of minor intrigue relating to the Oligarchs, al ryondy has despaired of allying with
accomptislunent-a ruse that is accepted though she has not discovered anything Grey hawk (a deception carefully fostered
by all in the absence of e\idence to the especially scandalous in her five years in Furyondy. where very few in Chendl
contrary. It would not square well with spent in Greyhawk to date; she is very know the truth of the business) and
her alleged mercantile role to be known wary of stepping out of line and being dis leaves only this harmless. helpless old
as a powerful elven wizard. covered snooping. Her meetings with man in the city.
The choice of an elf for ambassador by Gasgal are purely formal and deal with Indeed, the real Aaron Strachan was a
the rulers of Nyrond was particularly trade to and from Nyrond only, and she dim-witted old coot. but since he died in
smart because of the way Fioranna and carefully ~;u•tainti the appearance of being an obscure backwater town in Bissel
her post are perceived by tbe people of a token representative. She often visits some years ago he could hardly repre
Greybawk. They generally assume that the Star of Celene Oocation GS). sent Furyondy now. "Aaron" is the
Fioranna was given this job because she cover identity for Elskan Saramade, a 40-
bas a lot of tl.me on her hands (as elves uAaron Strachan,' year-old wizard whose true appearance is
do). Further, elves are not common in Ambassador from Furyondy that of a 6'0". slim (165 lbs.) man "ith
Nyrond. and the choice of a nonhuman AC 6 (ring of protection + 3 and Dex black hair and brown eyes. Elskan wears
suggests to many people that this posting 15); :\1V 3 (but see below); M16; hp 43; a hat ofd isguise to appear as Aaron, and
is not deemed of importance in Nyrond THACO 15; IKr 1; Omg 1d4 +4 (dagger an amulet of proof against detection and
and that, tlterefore. that great nation + 4); Str 10, Oex 15, Con 15, Tnt 18. Wis loc<Jtion to escape detection. The latter
does not particularly attach import;mce to 16, Cha 7 (but see below); AL LG. would not be surprising to anyone scrying
events in the Free City. Spells: 51st. 5 2nd, 5 3rd. 54th. 55th, upon him; all ambassadors wear such
Nothing could be farther from the 3 6th, 2 7th, and 1 8th. items, for obvious reasons. When not
truth. Magical items: ring of protection + 3, maintaining his RUise as Aaron, Elskan
Fioranna's m<lior secret function is to dagger +4, hat ol disguise, amulet of has :\1V 12 and Cha 15.
act as a representative of the interests of proof against detection and location, me Elskan meets secretly with Nerof
the Iron League. which has a treary of daUiotJ of ESP. ring of X-ray vision. mis Gasgal and Org :-icnshen, the only two
mutual assistance with Nyrond. Ship cellaneous potions and seroUs (OM's Oligarchs who know of his real identity. It
ments of foodstuffs, dotbs, and weapons discretion). is through Elskan and the use of teleport
beaded down tbe Setintan River and on to ,..;tiJout erronpells that gems are sent to
Onnwal and beyond are desperately "Aaron Strachan" is a doddering old ~·uryondy to bclp pay for the Deets on the
needed to maintain the southern buffer to codger pushing 80 who would be about Nyr Dyv. In return. Elskan has relayed
the Great Kingdom. and Fioranna 0\"er· 5'9" if he didn't walk bent double. He is pledges of lhe acknowledgment of
sees this trade and reports to her superi gray-haired and has gray eyes. and Greyhawk's independence-not that Fu·
ors in Rel Mord. Much support for the dresses in a dilapidated set of motheatcn ryondy or allied Veluna ever considered
Iron League comes directly from Nyrond brown and gray robes. lie knows about \-iolating it by conquest. but the nervous
(materials shipped across Relmor Bay), trade and t11e prices of goods. and he Lord Mayor needed the reassurance.
but many other supplies-and also does sometimes intone dire warnings Elskan is very careful about keeping his
exports-have to be shipped to and from about the pirates "shameful bounders cover as Aaron Strachan intact, and when
Scant and ports beyond, via Greyhawk. and cads"' ·On the Nyr Dyv. He is a he visits Gasgal it is only by night and
Fioranna specializes in mind-affecting harmless old relic treated by most Oti· '1\itb l(feat secrecy and the use of a di·
spells and concealments such as invisibif· garchs with patient condescension. mensimr door spell for entry and exit.
icy to allow her to pass freely and unde "Aaron Strachan" is predicated on a Likewise. any spying and snooping be
tected in many areas of the city, as she simple thesis: It would be very surprising docs usually involves magical scrying
watche~; over the precious shipments of ifFuryondy did not have a representative and, if he feels it nece,;sary to go about
supplies. To further serve this purpose, in Greybawk City, since the r\yr Oyv is a the city on some pel1l0nal spying mission.
she uses items from the small store of place of tension and incip~em piracy. If no he uses many magical protections to
magjcal gear she has brought ..,.;th her. such publicly known figure could be seen, avoid being observed.
Should she need to do so, she can tele- agents of the Horned Society and others
law
the ffitlttany anb the
chapteR 2:
who occasionally rides to the Free City to tho..: hills, but in such an event the Di
The Domain of
make detailed reports to tbto Directors rectors will send additional fonces to as
Greyhawk about events in the Cairn Hills. Since he sist Hardby.
may be used to commission PCs for as
The Free City rules an area bounded sistance or an adventure in t11e Cairn Hills The City Watch
by the Sclintan and Neen rivers, extend setting, stats are given for him here.
ing north to the shores or the Ny r Dyv The military garrison in Greyhawk
and cast to the border v.ith the Duchy of Tigran Gellner does not act within the city except in the
Uamt in the Cairn Hills. In addition, the Commander, Cairn Rills Force ca<e of a fru\ior public disturbance or ex
lands !Oilth of the Ncen River, to the Ab AC 2 (chain mail +2and Dex 15); MV ternal assault; maintenance of law aDd or
bor Alz, are ruled by the Despotrix of 12; FS; hp 48; THACO 10; Dmg 1d8 +4 der is done by the City Watch, of whom
Hardby, who pays tribute to Greyhawk or 1d 8 + 6 (bastard sword + 1, + 3 vs. the Guild of Nightwatchmen is an impor
and can call for military assistance should evil llumanoids); Str 18/63. Dex 15, Con tant part. The City Watch has as its head
tlus be needed. 13. lnt 16, Wis 12, Cha 15; AL LN. quarters the Grand Citadel, but tljere are
The Free City maintains a garrison Magical items: chain mail + 2; bastard also Watch Houses in all quarters of the
force in the Grand Citadel and also a force $WOrd + 1, +3 vs. evil hwmmoids; ring city except for the Slum Quarter. The su
in the Cairn Hills. The garrison force is of re~neration, winged boots. compos preme command of the Watch is in the
350 men, including the following troops: ite lcmg bow + 1, quiver of arrows + 1. bands of the Captain-General of the
180 infantry (80 Fl. 100 F2) Watch, Sental Nurev, and his second in
100 archers (50 F1, 50 F2) T~gnn JS 37 years old. 6'1•, 205 lbs., command, Derider Fanshen.
SS cavalry (25 Fl , 30 F'.!) and shaves his scalp-not that be has
15 troop leaders (lieutenants and ser much of his blond hair left anyway. He has Sent al Nurev
geants, each F3 to F6) deep blue eyes, hands like shovels, and is Cnpt.ain-Generul ofthe Watch
These soldiers have equipment as ap gruff and to the point. However, he is AC 3 (splint mail and shield); .\o!V 9;
propriate: long swords or broad swords, smart, "itb an excellent grasp of tactics F13; hp 85; THACO 8; IAT 2; Omg ldlO
plus halberds or pikes, for infantry; com and strategy, and loves nothing better +2 (ll<1lberd + 1); Str 16, Dex !3, Con
pos~e longbows, crossbows, and swords than a good scrap. He i~ a reverer of 13, lnt 12, \Yis 15, Cha 14; AL NG.
oc ucs for archers; and so on. Chain mail Pholtus, however. and keeps his troops Magical items: halberd +I, man
;, the preferred protection. in very strict order. His parade inspec catcher + .1, bo stkk ofs triking (as staff),
This force is techrUcally commanded by tions of equipment and dress are greatly symbol of hopelessness beneath hinged
Nerof Gasgal, although Senwl Nurev is feared by his men. panel on shield.
the day-to-day commander of this force. His winged boots are of the highest
The garrison is not large, since quality (MV Fl24, Maneuvenbility Class Sental is 39 years old. 6'2" tall but
Greyhawk has suffered no military threat D). The effect of a wish spell cast upon walks with a slight stoop so he looks
lor many years, and should such a threat him some time ago makes him perma shorter than this, weighing 190 lbs .. with
appear the Free City has ample fuods for oentl}• unmuoe to an)' magjcall}' induced thinning blond hair and a moustache. He
procunng mercenaries-and there are alignment change. He is wholly loyal to fights with his halberd + 1 if he must, but
plenty within Greyhawk at any given Greyhawk, is treated WJtb respect by prefers to disable enemies '1\~th his man
time. In extrenlis, conscription may be Gasgal and the other Directors, and his c<~tcher +3or a lasso if he can. Ilis shield
used, and members of temples and the troops- while grumbling about his has a hinged cover which he can move to
Guild of Wizardry called upon to defend strictness-greatly respect and admire reveal a symbol of hopelessness beneath
1M city. him, and know that he doe$ not risk any it-very useful in riots!
The force in the Cairn Hills consists of one's life without considerable fore Sental Nurev is a Director, a trusted
mgarrisons, in various locations, each of thought. and usually incorruptible man. However,
21-40 infantry (fighters of levels 1-3 who he is currently under despente stress.
ha"e bow proficiencies also) with a leader In addition to the abovementioned His brother Sarek is being held prisoner
fighter-type of level4-7, plus 1-2 priests troops, Hardby has a standing force of by rulers in Stoink, and Sental has been
of levels 1-6 (typicaUy clerics of warlike ~ome 150 infantry and 100 cavalry, who blackmailed into providing in(ormation
deiti~s such as Heironeous) and a 50% are usually able to maintain order in the about political decisions in, and the de
chance of a mage of level 3-7. These lands south of the Neen River with little fenses of, Greyhawk to the agent of
troops offer protection to the nliners in difficulty. Raids by humanoids from the these men in the Free City, Skandar Gun
tbe bib, and frequently go out culling Abhor Alz are rare, given the extremely ders~on Further. this hold has been
moosters and humanoids. 11le force is inhospitable and impassable nature of ~trengthened by Gundersson's acquiring
UDder the command of TlgT3Jl Gellner.
9