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Geoff (Greyhawk)
Encyclopedia
Geoff is a fictional land that is part of the Dungeons & Dragons
role-playing game
. Geoff was first described in 1983 in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting
, where Geoff is properly known as the Grand Duchy of Geoff, and is a ducal political state of the fictional continent called the Flanaess
.
Besides being in literature and serving as a potential land of adventure for players of the Dungeons and Dragons campaign, the Grand Duchy of Geoff was selected by The RPGA and Wizards of the Coast as a region for its Living Greyhawk
campaign (2000–2008). As a result, thousands of role-players enjoyed adventures and other gaming events held in Geoff.
, Greyhawk Wars
, Against the Giants: The Liberation of Geoff, and the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
described how the region was transformed in Common Year (CY) 583 / Flan Tracking (FT) 2463 as armies of giants from the Crystalmist Mountains mounted a brutal invasion. Much of the Duchy was destroyed or enslaved.
. The nation is bordered by the Crystalmists to the west, the Barrier Peaks to the north, the Stark Mounds to the south, and the Javan River to the east. Its closest neighbors are the Valley of the Mage to the north, Gran March
to the east, and Sterich to the south. Geoff encompasses the entire Hornwood, most of the Oytwood, and the western portion of the Dim Forest.
Due to its isolated position, Geoff experiences some unusual weather. Morning fog is quite common near the Dim Forest, contributing to northeastern Geoff's reputation for secrecy and hauntings. Rain is plentiful, with short, violent thunderstorms. Geoff experiences significant snowfall in winter, especially in the mountains and western regions.
racial characteristics, tempered by Suel
and Oeridian influences. Sylvan elves inhabit the Oytwood, Dim, and Hornwood forests, and dwarves dwell in the Crystalmist and Barrier Peaks mountain ranges. Gnomes are present in the hilly regions south of Gorna. Halflings are also found in Geoff.
, halflings
, dwarves
, and gnomes
make up less than 20% of the total population. The land also includes vast numbers of uncounted orcs
, goblins
, giants
, and other fell creatures.
, Allitur
, Obad-Hai
, and Beory
. Other popular deities include Ehlonna
, Phyton
, Fharlanghn
, Saint Cuthbert
, and Norebo
. The Seldarine and gnomish pantheon also have strong followings.
In the Living Greyhawk campaign, the Flan language of Geoff is based on Welsh. The country is called "Gyruff" in Flan and its people are the "Gyri."
allied with other nations of the Sheldomar Valley and swearing fealty to the Keoish crown. The national capital is Gorna.
elven lordships among nomadic woodland tribes, and a few dwarf and gnome lordships in the Stark Mounds. Currently, there are several ill-managed "provinces" commanded by the most powerful giants inhabiting former human cities.
since 584 CY, due to the nation being overrun by giants during the Greyhawk Wars
. Grand Duke Owen returned to Geoff in CY 591 to begin the effort to drive the giants from Geoff.
In the Living Greyhawk campaign, each Cantrev is ruled by a Llwyr (baron) or Arglwythi (baron for smaller cantrevi). These Llwyri, along with the Peers of Geoff (adventurers and other worthies named by the Duke) and other selected officials (High Mage, Ex-Chequer, etc.), form the High Court. The High Court provides legislative support for the Duke. The Old Faith Druids are somewhat separate from the rest of the Duchy, having some autonomy and at the same time influencing both executive and legislative decisions for the Duchy. The Dwarven, Elven, and Gnomish nations are autonomous and not bound by laws made by the High Court.
is blazoned thus: Per pale sable and argent a griffin rampant counterchanged. The coat of arms is illustrated at the top of this page.
, wool
, copper, silver, gold, timber
, and gemstone
s.
age consists of the platinum
griffon (pp), gold
lion (gp), electrum
eagle (ep), silver
hawk (sp), and copper
owl (cp).
(mostly sylvan elves and half-elves), cavalry
and pikemen. Very little evidence of an organized Geoffite army currently exists. Survivors of the giant invasion mounted limited guerilla warfare or fled to Gran March or Sterich, and from there encourage the retaking of Geoff. As of 588 CY, many Knights of the Watch and Dispatch are based in the town of Hochoch, mounting small raids.
game. Players who join the RPGA
can create characters (PCs) from Geoff and advance in level as they explore the region through adventures ordered from the RPGA for home play or at gaming conventions.
The Geoff region has been consistently ranked in online polls as one of the favorite Living Greyhawk regions amongst players.
Each cantrev is ruled by a Gyri warlord. Smaller cantrevi are ruled by Arglwyths, while larger ones are ruled by Llwyri (singular is Llwyr, sing. fem. is Llwyress). Llwyri are the highest level of nobility in Geoff, with Argglwyths being the second highest. However, there are no Arglwyths under a Llwyr - each Arglwyth has their own cantrev. Each cantreval leader serves the Brenin, who leads all of Geoff.
To compare the Gyric nobility system to (generally) the English nobility system (which is similar to the system used in most of the Sheldomar valley), Llwyr and Arglwyths are Earls, or powerful
military leaders. Arglwyths might be considered Viscounts, perhaps. Swearing fealty to Llwyrs and Arglwyths are Brehirs, or Barons.
Noble ranks are generally inherited. However, all Llwyri and Arglwyths have to be approved by the Old Faith Druids. The approval by the Old Faith in large part rests on successfully undergoing a special ritual - success indicates that the Land of Geoff approves of their claim.
Cantrevi vary in size, geography, and resources.
Traditionally, the rulers of the Cantrevi (plural of Cantrev) were the leaders of large tribes or clans of Gyri. Over time, the tribes settled and began farming. Eventually, tribes or clans started claiming specific areas of land which became the first Cantrevi.
At various times in the history of the Duchy, the leaders of the cantrevi have engaged in warfare to settle disputes. A Llwyr or Arglwyth may be overthrown by force, but must ultimately gain the support of the Old Faith to retain the title and any lands acquired. Warmongering is not necessarily a negative quality for a Llwyr or Arglwyth, though the requirement for Druidic approval tends to keep such tendencies in check.
Llwyri and Arglwythi have on several occasions claimed the throne (usually when a Brenin is absent or has died). This has led to civil war between cantrevi. Any ultimate victor must of course be approved by the Old Faith and the Land.
The Llwyr of Eynyth has thus far always been the Brenin. The position of Brenin came about because the Llwyri and Arglwyth ceded power to him so that there could be one warlord for all the Gyri. Traditionally, the Llwyri and Arglwyths have had little interference from the Brenin in how they run their cantrevi. In a certain sense, they consider themselves sovereign kings in their own right.
This attitude has changed slowly over the years CY591-596, with the Brenin gaining more and more power. Events in the last few years have also changed things. With the vanquishing of the giants, Grand Duke Owen is more popular than ever. With many Llwyri and Arglwyths killed in the fighting, Owen has appointed his supporters to fill the vacant positions.
In addition to the cantreval militias and the Brenin's Fist, two other organizations provide military might. The Longbowmen of Geoff
are an independent organization that attracts the finest Gyri archers. The Olwythi are rangers, monitoring the wilderness and serving the Gyir as well as the land. Both were formidable opposition to the giants.
In December 2006 (596 CY / 2476 FT) the players and their characters succeeded in freeing Geoff from the giants through a combination of module and interactive events that defeated both the giant armies and their mysterious Sakhut leaders. Geoff was one of a few regions to allow retiring characters the option of becoming part of the setting.
regions created tension between the two regions as the Gran March was shown to have designs upon the town of Hochoch, adding a vivid cultural and political dimension to the gaming environment. Through a nefarious deal, the town of Hochoch ceased to be controlled by Geoff and was given by the Gran March to the Knights of the Watch. This resulted in the town ceasing to be part of the playable region, becoming the seat of power for the Knights of the Watch, and creating further enmity between player characters in the two regions.
Notable incidents that changed the region include:
Code IS : Introductory Modules for first level characters only
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. . The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997...
role-playing game
Role-playing game
A role-playing game is a game in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. Players take responsibility for acting out these roles within a narrative, either through literal acting, or through a process of structured decision-making or character development...
. Geoff was first described in 1983 in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting
Campaign setting
A campaign setting is usually a fictional world which serves as a setting for a role-playing game or wargame campaign. A campaign is a series of individual adventures, and a campaign setting is the world in which such adventures and campaigns take place...
, where Geoff is properly known as the Grand Duchy of Geoff, and is a ducal political state of the fictional continent called the Flanaess
Flanaess
The Flanaess is the eastern part of the continent of Oerik, one of the four continents of the fictional world of Oerth in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game. The Flanaess has been the setting of dozens of adventures published between the 1970s...
.
Besides being in literature and serving as a potential land of adventure for players of the Dungeons and Dragons campaign, the Grand Duchy of Geoff was selected by The RPGA and Wizards of the Coast as a region for its Living Greyhawk
Living Greyhawk
Living Greyhawk was a massively shared Dungeons and Dragons living campaign administered by RPGA that ran from 2000 to 2008. The campaign setting and storyline were based on Gary Gygax's World of Greyhawk setting, and used the Dungeons and Dragons Third Edition rules...
campaign (2000–2008). As a result, thousands of role-players enjoyed adventures and other gaming events held in Geoff.
History
As described in the original World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting setting, the Duchy of Geoff was at peace and safe from the ravages of war that threatened the continent. Later published boxed sets and supplements such as From the AshesFrom the Ashes (Dungeons & Dragons)
From the Ashes is a supplement for Dungeons & Dragonss World of Greyhawk campaign setting. It was published in 1992 by TSR as a boxed set of materials...
, Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk Wars (game)
Greyhawk Wars is a fantasy board wargame published by TSR, Inc. in 1991. The game was designed by David Cook as a strategic simulation of the eponymous Greyhawk Wars on the fictional world of Oerth, the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.-Components:The...
, Against the Giants: The Liberation of Geoff, and the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
Living Greyhawk Gazetteer
The Living Greyhawk Gazetteer is a sourcebook for the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the 3rd edition of the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game. Despite the title, the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer is not exclusive to the Living Greyhawk Campaign...
described how the region was transformed in Common Year (CY) 583 / Flan Tracking (FT) 2463 as armies of giants from the Crystalmist Mountains mounted a brutal invasion. Much of the Duchy was destroyed or enslaved.
Geography and climate
Geoff is situated in the western Sheldomar Valley region of the FlanaessFlanaess
The Flanaess is the eastern part of the continent of Oerik, one of the four continents of the fictional world of Oerth in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game. The Flanaess has been the setting of dozens of adventures published between the 1970s...
. The nation is bordered by the Crystalmists to the west, the Barrier Peaks to the north, the Stark Mounds to the south, and the Javan River to the east. Its closest neighbors are the Valley of the Mage to the north, Gran March
Gran March
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Gran March is a political state of the Flanaess.-Geography:...
to the east, and Sterich to the south. Geoff encompasses the entire Hornwood, most of the Oytwood, and the western portion of the Dim Forest.
Due to its isolated position, Geoff experiences some unusual weather. Morning fog is quite common near the Dim Forest, contributing to northeastern Geoff's reputation for secrecy and hauntings. Rain is plentiful, with short, violent thunderstorms. Geoff experiences significant snowfall in winter, especially in the mountains and western regions.
People
The human folk of Geoff show strong FlanFlan (Greyhawk)
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, the Flan are a race of humans living in the Flanaess. The Flan peoples were the first humans known to have settled the eastern portion of the continent of Oerik, the Flanaess, which is named for them...
racial characteristics, tempered by Suel
Suloise
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, the Suloise, also known as the "Suel," are one of the major races of humans inhabiting the Flanaess....
and Oeridian influences. Sylvan elves inhabit the Oytwood, Dim, and Hornwood forests, and dwarves dwell in the Crystalmist and Barrier Peaks mountain ranges. Gnomes are present in the hilly regions south of Gorna. Halflings are also found in Geoff.
Population
As of 591 CY, the population of Geoff was numbered at 90,000 persons, the vast majority being humans. ElvesElf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, elves are a fictional humanoid race that is one of the primary races available for play as player characters. Elves are renowned for their grace and mastery of magic and weapons such as the sword and bow...
, halflings
Halfling (Dungeons & Dragons)
The halfling is a fictional race found in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game. Halflings are similar to humans except about half the size...
, dwarves
Dwarf (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, dwarves are a humanoid race, one of the primary races available for play as player characters...
, and gnomes
Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, gnomes are one of the core races available for play as player characters. Some speculate that they are closely related to dwarves; however, gnomes are more tolerant of other races and of magic, and are skilled with illusions...
make up less than 20% of the total population. The land also includes vast numbers of uncounted orcs
Orc (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, orcs are a primitive race of savage, bestial, barbaric humanoid.-Publication history:The orc was one of the earliest creatures introduced in the D&D game. The D&D orc is largely based upon the orcs appearing in the works of J.R.R...
, goblins
Goblin (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, goblins are a very common and fairly weak race of evil humanoid monsters. Goblins and Kobolds are commonly non-human monsters that low-level player characters will face in combat. In D&D, goblins aren't smaller cousins of orcs, but are a part of...
, giants
Giant (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game, giant is a type of creature, or "creature type." Giants are humanoid-shaped creatures of great strength and size.-Dungeons & Dragons :...
, and other fell creatures.
Religion
The most popular deities in Geoff are those of the Old Faith: PelorPelor
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Pelor is the god of the Sun, Light, Strength, and Healing. Pelor is also a prominent member of the third edition of the game's default pantheon, and is a popular choice among player character clerics because he...
, Allitur
Allitur
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy roleplaying game, Allitur is the Flan god of Ethics and Propriety...
, Obad-Hai
Obad-Hai
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting and the default pantheon of deities for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Obad-Hai is the god of Nature, Woodlands, Hunting, and Beasts, one of the most ancient known. He is often called the Shalm....
, and Beory
Beory
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Beory is the Flan goddess of the Oerth, Nature, and Rain. She is also known as the Oerth Mother...
. Other popular deities include Ehlonna
Ehlonna
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting and in the default pantheon of deities for the third edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Ehlonna is the goddess of Forests, Woodlands, Flora, Fauna, and Fertility...
, Phyton
Phyton (Dungeons & Dragons)
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Phyton is the Suel god of Nature, Beauty, and Farming. Phyton's symbol is a scimitar in front of an oak tree.-Publication history:...
, Fharlanghn
Fharlanghn
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting and the default pantheon of deities for the third edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon, is the Oeridian god of Horizons, Distance, Travel, and Roads. He is a well-known deity on the world of Oerth...
, Saint Cuthbert
Saint Cuthbert (Dungeons & Dragons)
In some versions of the Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying game, Saint Cuthbert of the Cudgel is the combative deity of Wisdom, Dedication, and Zeal...
, and Norebo
Norebo
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Norebo is the Suel god of Luck, Gambling, and Risks. His symbol is a pair of eight-sided dice.-Publication history:...
. The Seldarine and gnomish pantheon also have strong followings.
Languages
The most widely-spoken languages in Geoff include Common, Flan, Keolandish, Elvish, Halfling, Orcish, Goblin, and Giant.In the Living Greyhawk campaign, the Flan language of Geoff is based on Welsh. The country is called "Gyruff" in Flan and its people are the "Gyri."
Government
The Duchy of Geoff is a feudal monarchyMonarchy
A monarchy is a form of government in which the office of head of state is usually held until death or abdication and is often hereditary and includes a royal house. In some cases, the monarch is elected...
allied with other nations of the Sheldomar Valley and swearing fealty to the Keoish crown. The national capital is Gorna.
Administrative divisions
Prior to 584 CY, the Grand Duchy of Geoff consisted of six high counties, numerouselven lordships among nomadic woodland tribes, and a few dwarf and gnome lordships in the Stark Mounds. Currently, there are several ill-managed "provinces" commanded by the most powerful giants inhabiting former human cities.
Executive branch
Geoff's chief of state is the Grand Duke, also known as the "Brenin." The Grand Duke rules for life. The current Grand Duke is Owen I, who has been living in exile in Shiboleth, Gran MarchGran March
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Gran March is a political state of the Flanaess.-Geography:...
since 584 CY, due to the nation being overrun by giants during the Greyhawk Wars
Greyhawk Wars
In the Dungeons & Dragons World of Greyhawk campaign setting, the Greyhawk Wars raged across the whole of the Flanaess from 582-584 CY.-History:...
. Grand Duke Owen returned to Geoff in CY 591 to begin the effort to drive the giants from Geoff.
Legislative branch
The distribution of legislative authority is not detailed in sourcebooks. It is likely, based upon the "six high counties" mentioned in the Living Greyhawk Gazeteer, as well as the town descriptions in Against the Giants, The Liberation of Geoff, that there was some provincial and town legislative authority.In the Living Greyhawk campaign, each Cantrev is ruled by a Llwyr (baron) or Arglwythi (baron for smaller cantrevi). These Llwyri, along with the Peers of Geoff (adventurers and other worthies named by the Duke) and other selected officials (High Mage, Ex-Chequer, etc.), form the High Court. The High Court provides legislative support for the Duke. The Old Faith Druids are somewhat separate from the rest of the Duchy, having some autonomy and at the same time influencing both executive and legislative decisions for the Duchy. The Dwarven, Elven, and Gnomish nations are autonomous and not bound by laws made by the High Court.
Heraldry
Geoff's coat of armsCoat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
is blazoned thus: Per pale sable and argent a griffin rampant counterchanged. The coat of arms is illustrated at the top of this page.
Resources
Prior to 584 CY, Geoff's most valuable resources were furFur
Fur is a synonym for hair, used more in reference to non-human animals, usually mammals; particularly those with extensives body hair coverage. The term is sometimes used to refer to the body hair of an animal as a complete coat, also known as the "pelage". Fur is also used to refer to animal...
, wool
Wool
Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and certain other animals, including cashmere from goats, mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, vicuña, alpaca, camel from animals in the camel family, and angora from rabbits....
, copper, silver, gold, timber
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
, and gemstone
Gemstone
A gemstone or gem is a piece of mineral, which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments...
s.
Currency
Geoff's standard coinCoin
A coin is a piece of hard material that is standardized in weight, is produced in large quantities in order to facilitate trade, and primarily can be used as a legal tender token for commerce in the designated country, region, or territory....
age consists of the platinum
Platinum
Platinum is a chemical element with the chemical symbol Pt and an atomic number of 78. Its name is derived from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which is literally translated into "little silver of the Pinto River." It is a dense, malleable, ductile, precious, gray-white transition metal...
griffon (pp), gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
lion (gp), electrum
Electrum
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, with trace amounts of copper and other metals. It has also been produced artificially. The ancient Greeks called it 'gold' or 'white gold', as opposed to 'refined gold'. Its color ranges from pale to bright yellow, depending on the...
eagle (ep), silver
Silver
Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal...
hawk (sp), and copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
owl (cp).
Transportation
Since the giant incusions, Geoff's roads are in disrepair. Traveling upon them is relatively safe, however, as giants tend to ignore roads to take the most direct overland path.Military
Prior to 584 CY, Geoff's military consisted of archersArchery
Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...
(mostly sylvan elves and half-elves), cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
and pikemen. Very little evidence of an organized Geoffite army currently exists. Survivors of the giant invasion mounted limited guerilla warfare or fled to Gran March or Sterich, and from there encourage the retaking of Geoff. As of 588 CY, many Knights of the Watch and Dispatch are based in the town of Hochoch, mounting small raids.
Geoff in the Living Greyhawk RPGA campaign
The Grand Duchy of Geoff is also a playable region in the Living GreyhawkLiving Greyhawk
Living Greyhawk was a massively shared Dungeons and Dragons living campaign administered by RPGA that ran from 2000 to 2008. The campaign setting and storyline were based on Gary Gygax's World of Greyhawk setting, and used the Dungeons and Dragons Third Edition rules...
game. Players who join the RPGA
RPGA
The RPGA , is part of the organized play arm of Wizards of the Coast that organizes and sanctions role-playing games worldwide, principally under the d20 system...
can create characters (PCs) from Geoff and advance in level as they explore the region through adventures ordered from the RPGA for home play or at gaming conventions.
The Geoff region has been consistently ranked in online polls as one of the favorite Living Greyhawk regions amongst players.
Cantrevi
There are currently thirteen cantrevi in the Duchy. This includes the gain of three new cantrevi gifted by Keoland in late CY594, as well as the loss of Arweth to the Gran March and Knights of the Watch in CY594.Each cantrev is ruled by a Gyri warlord. Smaller cantrevi are ruled by Arglwyths, while larger ones are ruled by Llwyri (singular is Llwyr, sing. fem. is Llwyress). Llwyri are the highest level of nobility in Geoff, with Argglwyths being the second highest. However, there are no Arglwyths under a Llwyr - each Arglwyth has their own cantrev. Each cantreval leader serves the Brenin, who leads all of Geoff.
To compare the Gyric nobility system to (generally) the English nobility system (which is similar to the system used in most of the Sheldomar valley), Llwyr and Arglwyths are Earls, or powerful
military leaders. Arglwyths might be considered Viscounts, perhaps. Swearing fealty to Llwyrs and Arglwyths are Brehirs, or Barons.
Noble ranks are generally inherited. However, all Llwyri and Arglwyths have to be approved by the Old Faith Druids. The approval by the Old Faith in large part rests on successfully undergoing a special ritual - success indicates that the Land of Geoff approves of their claim.
Cantrevi vary in size, geography, and resources.
Traditionally, the rulers of the Cantrevi (plural of Cantrev) were the leaders of large tribes or clans of Gyri. Over time, the tribes settled and began farming. Eventually, tribes or clans started claiming specific areas of land which became the first Cantrevi.
At various times in the history of the Duchy, the leaders of the cantrevi have engaged in warfare to settle disputes. A Llwyr or Arglwyth may be overthrown by force, but must ultimately gain the support of the Old Faith to retain the title and any lands acquired. Warmongering is not necessarily a negative quality for a Llwyr or Arglwyth, though the requirement for Druidic approval tends to keep such tendencies in check.
Llwyri and Arglwythi have on several occasions claimed the throne (usually when a Brenin is absent or has died). This has led to civil war between cantrevi. Any ultimate victor must of course be approved by the Old Faith and the Land.
The Llwyr of Eynyth has thus far always been the Brenin. The position of Brenin came about because the Llwyri and Arglwyth ceded power to him so that there could be one warlord for all the Gyri. Traditionally, the Llwyri and Arglwyths have had little interference from the Brenin in how they run their cantrevi. In a certain sense, they consider themselves sovereign kings in their own right.
This attitude has changed slowly over the years CY591-596, with the Brenin gaining more and more power. Events in the last few years have also changed things. With the vanquishing of the giants, Grand Duke Owen is more popular than ever. With many Llwyri and Arglwyths killed in the fighting, Owen has appointed his supporters to fill the vacant positions.
Dwarven Nations
The Dwur (Dwarves) of Gyruff are organized into three Clan Holds. Clan Deepholm, made up of mountain dwarves, is just West of the cantrev of Ystrad Cloer and is home to the Three-Hold Thane that rules over all dwarves. Deepholm is known for its ale and its military might. Clan Stonereaver's hold is in the Barrier Peaks and the clan is known for their magical capability. Stonereaver's are mountain dwarves. Clan Underhill is composed of hill dwarves and resides in the low hills or Urtcheck. Clan Underhill is known for their mining skill.Elven Nations
The Dim forest is largely overtaken by the forces of the Shadow Dragon, though many elven towns remain in elven hands (predominantly Wood Elves). The Oytwood is home to the Grey Elves and the Weeping Council which guides them. The High Elves reside in the Hornwood, recently reclaimed from the giants and led by a new High King.Gnome Nation
The Stark Mounds is in the southern area of Geoff and creates the border between Geoff and Sterich. In these rolling lands live the Noniz (Gnomes). There are 13 clans of Gnomes led by a king, who rules from Moundgnomery. They are constantly targeted by goblinoid units under giant control due to several pivotal contributions the gnomes have provided to the Gyri in the war against the giants. The giants hope these goblinoid units will prevent further gnomish interference.Meta-Organizations
The Living Geoff campaign has a number of meta-organizations to which player characters can belong. These provide additional detail to the setting.Military Organizations
Historically, the military of Geoff was divided up into cantreval units. These could come together during times of war. This did not work well during the initial giant attack, slowing response time and contributing to the ease with which the giants gained control of the Duchy. During the war against the giants an Army of Liberation was created and cantreval units were disbanded. With the victory over the giants in CY595, the Army of Liberation was disbanded and cantrevi could once again maintain armies. In addition, a central force called the Brenin's Fist was created to provide a more rapid response for Duchy-wide defense.In addition to the cantreval militias and the Brenin's Fist, two other organizations provide military might. The Longbowmen of Geoff
Longbowmen of Geoff
The Longbowmen of Geoff is an organization in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, as part of the Duchy of Geoff region. Players of the living campaign can join the Longbowmen as a meta-organization....
are an independent organization that attracts the finest Gyri archers. The Olwythi are rangers, monitoring the wilderness and serving the Gyir as well as the land. Both were formidable opposition to the giants.
Events of the First Five Years (2471-2476 FT)
The Geoff Living Greyhawk campaign began in 2001 (591 CY or 2471 FT - Flan Tracking), placing would-be heroes in Hochoch, the only free town in all of Geoff. Players enjoyed a compelling five-year story arc allowing them to play a part in freeing Geoff from the giant armies. Triads and volunteers created a wealth of background information, a multitude of organizations their characters could join and help shape, and engaging and challenging modules and interactives.In December 2006 (596 CY / 2476 FT) the players and their characters succeeded in freeing Geoff from the giants through a combination of module and interactive events that defeated both the giant armies and their mysterious Sakhut leaders. Geoff was one of a few regions to allow retiring characters the option of becoming part of the setting.
Cross-Regional Machinations
Triads in the Geoff and Gran MarchGran March
In the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Gran March is a political state of the Flanaess.-Geography:...
regions created tension between the two regions as the Gran March was shown to have designs upon the town of Hochoch, adding a vivid cultural and political dimension to the gaming environment. Through a nefarious deal, the town of Hochoch ceased to be controlled by Geoff and was given by the Gran March to the Knights of the Watch. This resulted in the town ceasing to be part of the playable region, becoming the seat of power for the Knights of the Watch, and creating further enmity between player characters in the two regions.
Online Events
Online play was a halmark of the Geoff region. Players used the Living Geoff Yahoo group to post player character stories. Soon the player characters began to interact with one another. The Triad blessed this interaction, bringing NPCs to the forum and making the events official. After volatile events, the Triad created the Geoff Online Yahoo group solely for the purpose of online in character interactions.Notable incidents that changed the region include:
- Vadis Skaa mocking the Old Faith (resulting in the Knights of the Watch almost storming the Half-Orc camp of Clear Sky)
- The repeated naming of the evil god IuzIuzIn the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, Iuz is the chaotic evil demigod of Deceit, Evil, Oppression, Pain, and Wickedness. Iuz is variously called "The Old One" and "Old Wicked," among other titles. Unlike most Greyhawk deities, Iuz makes his home on...
in the Boar's Knuckle tavern (resulting in a permanent portal to the Abyss appearing in the inn, and the building being condemned) - Players gathering their power to close the portal in the Boar's Knuckle Tavern
- The folly of a PC named Havoc, who broke local rules and was captured by the Griffon Guard and placed in a slab of stone until given over to his region of VelunaVelunaIn the World of Greyhawk campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, Veluna, properly known as the Archclericy of Veluna, is a theocratic political state of the Flanaess.-History:...
- A PC rogue who took the head of a stone giant was accompanied by other PCs in returning the head to its kin, setting the events for a future module
- The Doll House event, resulting in a giant spy becoming an ally to Geoff
- A ball where PCs could woo important NPCs for lasting relationships
- Melwyn Greatarm's interruption of a wedding
- The background (off of the main list) machinations of groups such as the Midnight Ravens, Evro Lygadi, Enosi, and Peers of Geoff.
- The expulsion of several members of the Geoff Peers due to attempted assassination of a Cantrevi Lord.
- A schism between members of the Old Faith regarding discussion on the weakening of Gyri blood.
Teasers
The Geoff region became known for releasing teasers (often prior to a convention) that communicated recent events to players, added background to the setting and its NPCs, and created interest for conventions and module premiers. The quality of the teasers was due to many authors and proofreaders, but was in no small part due to the overall storyline vision of Triad members Sholom West and Eric Menge. Sholom West was the driving force behind many of the early storylines and a great deal of the background, while Eric Menge was instrumental in establishing teasers and metagame information.Convention Interactives
The Geoff Region enjoyed a wide variety of role-playing and battle interactive (BI) events beginning in July 2001 with the Battle of the Bloody Ridge. The interactives helped to attract players from other regions to conventions and to spread Geoff's reputation across the LG player base. Area gaming groups such as Plan B, Gryphon's Wrath, The Regulators, and Boomkegs volunteered to create interactives.Events of the Second Five Years (2477-2482 FT)
In January 2007 (CY597 / 2477FT) the second story arc began, slowly revealing a renewed threat from the Shadow Dragon in the Dim forest. Various important women (The Daughters of Geoff) have shown to be central to emerging events. Finally, the gnomish kingdom seems to be facing threats from within and may destabilize the region.List of RPGA Living Greyhawk Geoff Modules
Year 1 modules added the player character levels together to determine the difficulty (Tiering system). Year 2 and later modules used an average of the character levels (also known as APL - Average Party Level) to determine the difficulty.Code IS : Introductory Modules for first level characters only
| Module # | Title | Level Range |
|---|---|---|
| CY 591 Modules (2001) | ||
| GEO1-01 | Runaway | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-02 | Cat and Mouse | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-03 | Gifts of the Fey (2 rounds) | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-04 | The Gonfalon of Gyruff | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-05 | A Little Bit of Wood | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-06 | Return of the Grand Duke (2 rounds) | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-07 | Shadows of a Fallen Star | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-08 | Floating Down the River | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-09 | Expedition to the Barrier Peaks (2 rounds) | Tier 2 |
| GEO1-10 | Shhh... (2 rounds) | Tier 2 |
| GEO1-11 | Feather and Foul | Tier 1 |
| GEO1-12 | A Pressing Matter | Tier 1 |
| CY 592 Modules (2002) | ||
| GEO2-01 | A Wise Man's Son | 4-8 |
| GEO2-02 | Veins of Trust | 4-10 |
| GEO2-03 | Last of Nine | 2-8 |
| GEO2-04 | A Flower for a Giant's Grave | 2-8 |
| GEO2-05 | One Good Turn (2 rounds) | 4-10 |
| GEO2-06 | Summer's Passing (2 rounds) | 2-8 |
| CY 593 Modules (2003) | ||
| GEO3-01 | Small Knowing Soul | 4-10 |
| GEO3-02 | Mourning of a Risen Son | 4-10 |
| GEO3-03 | Curiosity Killed the Cat (2 rounds) | 6-12 |
| GEO3-04 | Break in the Silence | 4-10 |
| GEO3-05 | Debts Past Due | 2-8 |
| GEO3-06 | Rites of Eternal Spring (2 rounds) | 4-10 |
| CY 594 Modules (2004) | ||
| GEO4-01 | A Necessary Evil | 4-10 |
| GEO4-02 | A Stormy Night in Hochoch | 4-10 |
| GEO4-03 | Grace as Pure as Snow | 2-8 |
| GEO4-04 | Forest of Stone | 4-12 |
| GEO4-05 | Vision of a Lighted Path | 6-12 |
| GEO4-06 | Winter of Discontent | 2-12 |
| GEO4-07 | Return to the Barrier Peaks | 12-16 |
| GEO4-08 | Massacre at Clear Sky | 4-12 |
| CY 595 Modules (2005) | ||
| GEO5-IS1 | Never Tarry | Level 1 only |
| GEO5-IS2 | Heroes Never Die | Level 1 only |
| GEO5-IS3 | An Echo in the Darkness | Level 1 only |
| GEO5-IS4 | Wagon Wheels | Level 1 only |
| GEO5-01 | The Mantle of Heroes | 2-8 |
| GEO5-03 | The Weight of Words | 2-10 |
| GEO5-04 | Facets of Power | 6-12 |
| GEO5-05 | A Key With No Teeth | 8-12 |
| GEO5-06 | Fate of Heroes | 2-8 |
| GEO5-07 | Bound in Clockwork | 8-12 |
| GEO5-08 | Sorrow as Deep as Night | 4-10 |
| GEO5-09 | Citadel of the Storm King | 12-18 |
| CY 596 Modules (2006) | ||
| GEO6-IS1 | Grace as Pure as Snow | Level 1 only |
| GEO6-IS2 | Child's Play | Level 1 only |
| GEO6-IS3 | The Old Ways | Level 1 only |
| GEO6-01 | Shattered Houses | 2-6 |
| GEO6-02 | Dead Silence | 2-6 |
| GEO6-03 | A Dark Realm Divided | 2-6 |
| GEO6-04 | Delusions of Grandeur | 2-8 |
| GEO6-05 | A Gathering of Shadows (2 rounds) | 4-10 |
| GEO6-06 | A Gathering of Storms | 2-8 |
| GEO6-07 | Lady of Oak and Oracles | 4-10 |
| CY 597 Modules (2007) | ||
| GEO7-IS1 | Six Swords For Hire | Level 1 only |
| GEO7-IS2 | The Hills are Alive | Level 1 only |
| GEO7-IS3 | Pointed Arguments | Level 1 only |
| GEO7-01 | By Light of Twain Moons | 4-10 |
| GEO7-02 | Blood Feud | 2-10 |
| GEO7-03 | Breath of the Ancients (2 rounds) | 6-12 |
| GEO7-04 | Orb of War | 4-10 |
| GEO7-05 | A Whisper of Thunder | 4-10 |
| GEO7-06 | Spearbreaker | 4-12 |
| GEO7-07 | The Great Game | 2-16 |
| GEO7-08 | Grey Matter | 4-12 |
| CY 598 Modules (2008) | ||
| GEO8-01 | Prince of the Oytwood | 6-12 |
| GEO8-02 | Whisper in the Wind | 4-12 |
| GEO8-03 | Where All Shadows Lie | 6-12 |
Triads
While a comprehensive list of all volunteers that have made the Geoff region such a success is not possible, the Triad members that have made this possible and who lead all the efforts can be recognized:- Sholom West
- Tim Joslin
- Mitch Harrelson
- Rob Canterman
- Brian Lamprecht
- Eric Menge
- Brad Lester
- Marc Yudson
- Alisa Clary
- Sean Hillman (current)
- Jose Ortiz (current)
- John Pieper (current)