History free city of greyhawk

Journal Entry: Free City of Greyhawk ️ Name

Free City of Greyhawk "The Gem of the Flanaess" Location

South of the Nyr Dyv, on the banks of the Selintan River. Region: Central Flanaess, Domain of Greyhawk Map Reference: Near the north shore of Woolly Bay Description

A vast and cosmopolitan city-state, Greyhawk is the epicenter of trade, magic, and adventuring activity in the Flanaess. Originally a military outpost of the Great Kingdom, it has grown into a sprawling metropolis famed for its deep dungeons, sprawling undercity, powerful guilds, and dangerous secrets. ️ Climate

Type: Temperate Continental

Seasons:

    Cold winters (with light snow)

    Hot, humid summers

    Frequent spring and autumn storms

Prevailing Winds: From the west, moderated by proximity to the Nyr Dyv

Population

Total Population: ~75,000 in the city proper

    Up to 150,000 including suburbs and seasonal influx

Racial Composition (approx.):

    68% Human (mixed Oeridian, Suel, and Flan)

    10% Halfling (mostly Lightfoot)

    8% Elf (High and Grey)

    6% Dwarf (mainly Hill Dwarves)

    3% Gnome (Forest and Rock)

    2% Half-Orc

    3% Other (Dragonborn, Tiefling, Aasimar, rare species)

Social Structure

Greyhawk society is built on guilds, trade wealth, and political cunning. While technically a meritocracy ruled by a Directing Oligarchy, power is wielded through influence, not title.

Upper Class:

    Noble houses, ancient families, merchant lords

    Archmages, senior guildmasters, high priests

Middle Class:

    Guild artisans, successful adventurers, scribes, bureaucrats, moderate spellcasters

    Some foreign diplomats or retired mercenaries

Lower Class:

    Laborers, dockworkers, unlicensed adventurers, urban poor

    Many foreigners and immigrants

Underclass & Criminal Element:

    Smugglers, thieves, beggars, escaped slaves from distant lands

    Cultists and agents of darker forces, hiding in plain sight

️ Government

System: Plutocratic Oligarchy

Ruling Body: Directing Oligarchy (12 seats, including Lord Mayor)

Enforcement: City Watch, Nightwatchmen, and elite covert units (Black Watch)

Laws: Relatively open, but strict on murder, unlicensed magic, and slavery (which is outlawed)

️ Notable Locations

University of Magical Arts  Arcane research & education

Guildhall of Wizardry  Licensing and training of spellcasters

The Great Library  Run by Boccobs priests

Bazaar District  Massive open markets, legal and otherwise

Old Citadel  Crumbling remains, possibly haunted

Temple Row  Sanctuaries of Boccob, St. Cuthbert, Zilchus, and others

Slum Quarter & The Narrows  Crime-ridden, but full of secrets

Castle Greyhawk Ruins  Just outside the city, a legendary dungeon

️ Factions & Power Groups

The Circle of Eight  Act via agents; rarely direct

Guild of Thieves  Controls much of the black market

Assassins Guild  Officially outlawed, unofficially tolerated

Merchants Consortium  Exerts enormous political pressure

Temples  Especially of Boccob, St. Cuthbert, Zilchus, and Rao

Foreign Spies  From Nyrond, Iuz, the Scarlet Brotherhood, etc.

Hooks & Rumors

A new level of the Castle has been uncovered  one that predates Zagig.

A minor noble seeks adventurers to recover a lost heirloom  in the Undercity.

Someone is forging official Guild Licenses and doing a better job than the guilds.

A cult tied to ancient Flan ruins has resurfaced in the sewers beneath Temple Row.

️ Civic & Academic

University of Magical Arts  Arcane research & education

Guildhall of Wizardry  Licensing and training of spellcasters

The Great Library  Run by Boccobs priests

Religious

Temple Row  Sanctuaries of Boccob, St. Cuthbert, Zilchus, and others

Temple of Boccob, Zilchus, St. Cuthbert, and others (merge with above or treat as umbrella reference)

️ Districts & Social Zones

The High Quarter  Noble residences

Bazaar District  Massive open markets, legal and otherwise

The Dockways  Port and trade entry

Slum Quarter & The Narrows  Crime-ridden, but full of secrets

Ruins & Outskirts

Old Citadel  Crumbling remains, possibly haunted

Castle Greyhawk Ruins  Just outside the city, a legendary dungeon