From rogue@helium.UCR.

EDU Fri Apr 15 09:55:16 1994

(Ed Zeamba)

I have further developed and edited Kirk's original Greyhawk timeline.

I thank him for the original work he did and am now glad to share credit for
this chronology of the greatest AD&D campaign world setting. . .

@===I-------------- Gord of Greyhawk

>From: kirk@cs.duke.edu (Kirk Franklin)

>Subject: AD&D World of Greyhawk Chronology
>Date: 13 Sep 91 18:27:55 GMT
>I'm trying to put together a chronology of AD&D's World of Greyhawk. Here's
>in information that was officially published by TSR.

Please inform me of any corrections or additions. This is all TSR's copywrited

material and I wish it to remain based on official sources.

Greyhawk Chronology

Source CY (common year) Event

Ash -484 Beginning of the Baklunish-Suloise Wars.

Ash -466 First employment of humaniod mercenaries (by Suel) in wars.
Ash -458 Oerid invasions beyond western mountains commense.
Ash -447 Suloise migrations beyond western mountains commense.
WG8 c.-424 Scarlet Brotherhood founded to combat their perceived "dilution
of Suel superiority..." and to "purify" Suel bloodlines.
Ash -422 Invoked Devastation (from Suel) and Rain of Colorless Fire
(from Bakluni) strike both of their lands. Sea of Dust results.
Ash -400 Two centuries of Suel/Oeridian battles for control of the
central Flanaess begin; Suel slowly banished to margins of the
lands.
WG8 c.-315 Foundation of City of Jurnre (modern County of Ulek) makes it
one of the oldest cities built after the Invoked Devastation.
Ash -217 Founding of the Kingdom of Aerdy is a proclimation of the
supremacy of the Oeridians.
WGWS -109 Battle of Fortnight's Length
Ash 1 Overking crowned in Rauxes (Great Kingdom); frontiers of the
Great Kingdom reach modern-day Greyhawk City and beyond.
Ash 100 Viceroyalty of Furyondy established.
WG8 c.200 City of Leukish (modern Duchy of Urnst) began as a trading post
between Furyondy and Nyrond.
WGWS 213 Age of Great Sorrow commences.
Ash 254 Thrommel I crowned as King of Furyondy in Dyvers; Veluna,
Tenh, and Perrenland also become independant.
WG8 283- Thrommel III of Furyondy constructs the City of Chendl, named
288 after another city of ages past, to be his new capital. The
original Chendl once stood near present day Crockport.
WG8 300- Bandit Kingdoms formed.
350
WG8 310- Shield Lands become increasingly unified.
360
WGR1 & 320 Zagig Yragerne builds Castle Greyhawk. Nomads appear in the
WGWS North; outer dependencies of Aerdy gain sovereignty.
Ash & 356 Kingdom of Nyrond and Theocracy of the Pale are formed by
WG8 declaring independance from Great Kingdom; Kingdom of Keoland
at peak, entering its imperialist phase; Theocracy of the Pale
formed when Pholtus religious refugees. Urnst states become
independant.
WG8 371 Oeridian founder of City of Rookroost (Bandit Kingdoms)
assassinated, begins bloody method of rulership gain that
still continues today.
393 Zagig founds Greyhawk Guild of Wizardry
400 Formation of Perrenland. ERROR? See CY 254 above ***
430 Foundation of the Hold of Stonefist.
437 Turmoil Between Crowns; House of Naelax replaces House of Rax as
rulers of Aerdy.
Ash 438 The Small War between Furyondy/Veluna and Keoland; as a result,
Keolandish satellites (Bissel, Gran March, Yeomanry) become
increasingly independant.
WG8 c.440 Warrior-priests in Wintershiven (of the Pale) found a
paramillitary body called the Church Militant (of Pholtus).
Ash & 446- Ivid I ascends the Malachite Throne in Rauxes (Great Kingdom)
WGWS 447 Iron League formed. North and South Provinces secede from
Great Kingdom. Bandit Kings sack Trigol; Rise of the Sea
Princes.
450 Border war between Keoland and the Duchy of Geoff.
453 King Tavish III of Keoland dies; end of Keoish imperialism;
moderate Tavish IV succeeds.
455 Sunndi joins the Iron League.
461 Demi-human realms of Ulek and Celene are established.
Ash & 479 Iuz begins conquest of petty fiefs north of Furyondy.
WGWS Humanoid invasions become common.
WG8 c.480 City of Elredd founded by Wolf Nomad warrior; its earliest
settlements began about 1000 years before.
WG8 489 Southern Suel provinces of Tilvanot Plateau are invaded by
an alien people with monk-fighting abilities. Irith Van,
leader of the Brotherhood makes a secret truce with the
newcomers and agree to teach eachother their ways.
Ash 498 County of Urnst becomes Palatinate under Duchy of Urnst;
Greyhawk becomes a free city; ( ?? beginning of the Hateful Wars
between the Ulek states and the humanoids of the Lortmils. ?? )
WG8 504 Iron Fist Guild of mercenaries formed in Nyrond.
WG8 506 At the height of the Hateful Wars, the City of Jurnre falls
breifly under seige from goblins and orcs.
510 End of the Hateful Wars; humanoids driven from the Lortmils.
Ash 513 Rise of the Horned Society; humanoids invasions overun the
land taking the Pomarj.
526 Dyvers declares itself an independent city. (formerly part of
Furyondy)
560 Humanoids begin raiding Bone March.
561 Humanoid invasion of Bone March begins.(? Which date is right?)
Ash 563 Bone March falls to humanoids.
T1-4 566 Evil bandits and humaniods who had been raiding the area east
of the Gnarley Forest form the town of Nulb; small chapel of
evil grows into the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Ash 569 Battle of Emridy Meadows--Temple of Elemental Evil in the
Gnarley Forest is sacked by the forces of good. Horde of
Elemental Evil scattered.
570 Iuz and eight other demi-gods released from prison in Greyhwawk
Castle.
T1-4 569- Herzog of South Province leads Ivid's field army (of Great
& WG8 571 Kingdom) to a minor victory over Golden League (Nyrond, Almor,
& CGBS & the Iron League). Irongate saved by this stalemate while
losses forces Nyrond's King to seek greater peace with Ivid.
War between Thieves' Guild and Beggars' Union in Greyhawk City.
WG8 & 572 The Dawnbreak Clan of Rauxes (Great Kingdom) fails to overthrow
CGBS ? Ivid. Sea Barons defeat Duxchaners in the Battle of Medigia.
Ash 573 Scarlet Brotherhood first reported; Prince of Furyondy/Provost
of Veluna kidnapped.
575 Formation of the People's Constables.
WGWS 576 World of Greyhawk map and Gazeteer (Glossory ?) first published
Ash 578 Naval Forces of the Great Kingdom and Nyrond skirmish in
Relmor Bay.
579 Invasion of the Shield Lands by the Horned Society and the
Bandit Kingdoms.
T1-4 c.580 Evil is found to be growing again in the area surrounding the
sealed Temple of Elemental Evil.
581 The Shield Lands fall to the invaders.
Ash 582- The Greyhawk Wars
584
585 The current year.

Ash = "From the Ashes" Boxed set for Greyhawk -- 2nd Edition
WGWS = "The World of Greyhawk -- Fantasy World Setting" (earliest version)
T1-4 = "The Temple of Elemental Evil" (mega-module)
WGR1 = "Greyhawk Ruins" (Castle Greyhawk module)
WG8 = "Fate of Istus" (2nd edition transition module)

Note: some of Kirk's listings remain without a quoted source as I have yet
to locate them. Many seem to come from the City of Greyhawk Boxed Set
(CGBS) which I am looking through along with the GH hardcover.

just thought you might be interested in what you see so far, and so you can
give me praise, advice, comdenation, or whatever. . . :)
-Ed

"I'd rather be an obscure thief than a famous fool..."

/ \
@###I===============> "Know me as GORD of GREYHAWK..." <===============I###@
\ /
With the slightest bow and tip of his hat,
the Rogue steps back into the night...

rogue@nitrogen.ucr.edu UC Riverside -- home of the Guildsman

From glholian@MIT.EDU Mon Apr 18 14:02:25 1994

(Gary "Eye of Boccob" Holian)

What follows are my best estimates for the most important events (and their
dates) in Zagig Yragerne's life. Hope you find it useful...

Of course, as usual, comments or questions are gladly accepted, as are

additions to this text. Just mail me your ideas...

A BRIEF *ANNOTATED* OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF ZAGIG YRAGERNE

 By: The Sage of Cambridge?

Date (CY) Description

c.295 Zagig Yragerne is born in the City of Greyhawk to the Landgraf

of the Selintan (Zador Yragerne, great, great grandson of Ganz
Yragerne?) and the Gynarch of Hardby (Marlana Trieste?) At this
time, the city of Greyhawk is the capital (in reality more like
a large town) of a land extending south from the Nyr Dyv to the
Whoolly Bay. The Cairn Hills and the Mist Marshes are unclaimed
wilderness, as is most of the Gnarley Forest. The true regional
center of power and culture is the great City of Dyvers, capital
of the newly founded Kingdom of Furyondy (CY 254.)

Most of my decision to posit the birthdate of Zagig as CY 295 was

based on the following: WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, which firmly establishes the
date on which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins as CY 320 (WGR1,
p.3) It goes on to note that Castle Greyhawk was occupied for less than a
century (WGR1, p.2) This tends to argue for the construction to have been
begun as soon as possible, given Zagig's long public residence in Castle
Greyhawk. The original Campaign Guide lists the height of Zagig's temporal
power as c.375 CY (WGCG p. 23) All this tends to make me believe that Zagig
was a relatively young man when he began the construction of the castle.
Choosing his birthdate at CY 295 gives him 25 years before construction
begins and over a century of public life (well above the normal human
average, but not unreasonable for a wizard of his power) because I choose the
date of his disappearance as CY 409. This is more than enough time to
accomplish all the other things that are attributed to him while he was still
a living mage.
The Campaign Guide firmly establishes Zagig's parentage (WGCG p.23)
as the rulers of Greyhawk (presumably the descendants of Ganz Yragerne,)
from which he is also descended. WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins, describes the final
resting place of his parents (paying speical attention to the fact that his
father was undoubtedly a warrior.) The names of his parents, Zador and
Marlana, are my own.
Although it is true that King Thrommel III of Furyondy began the
construction of his new capital, Chendl, in CY 283, it was many decades before
the center of influence was moved from Dyvers to the new city (finished in
CY 288.) The City of Dyvers goes back to the first century, CY. It was founded
on the mouth of the Velverdyva, as the seat of the Viceroyalty of Ferrond,
hundreds of years before Greyhawk was even heard of, and was a great city
by the time of Zagig's birth with much power and influence in the entire
region. The rivalry between Dyvers and Greyhawk is reknowned.

c.308-312 Zagig attends the Academy of Art and Science in the city of
Greyhawk under the tutelage of The Grey Savant (a mysterious
figure who was reputedly both a wizard of awesome power and a
priest of Boccob.) The Academy is a school of learning founded
by The Grey Savant in CY 118 by the banks of the river Selintan.
The trading village of Greyhawk slowly grew around this famed
place of learning, attracting many of the most learned men and
women of the Flanaess.

Given that Zagig is the son of the city's lord and was born with a
brilliant mind, it is not unreasonable to assume that he would have attended
the best institution of higher learning in the entire region. The Grey Savant
is my own invention, and provides a logical rational for why a school of
learning (what later became the Grey College) would have been founded in what
amounted (at the time) to a modest trading town (although the druidical
circle and the magical nature of the region would have alot to do with this.)
It also allows me to connect the influence of Boccob with Zagig very in early
in his life.

c.312 Following the mysterious death of The Grey Savant, Zagig ends
his formal studies at the Academy. The Academy of Art and Science
is renamed the Grey College in honor of the former servant of
Boccob.

Given that a figure such as the Grey Savant would probably not have
encouraged many of Zagig's proclivities, I thought it appropriate that this
year be a significant one. The death of the Grey Savant not only allows me
to establish the Grey College as we know it today, but it also allows me to
provide a reason for Zagig to get out there and see the world.

c.312-319 Zagig emerges from the city of Greyhawk as a member of the

Company of Seven, a free-lance mercenary group bound on making
their fortune by exploring ancient Suel and Flan ruins. Zagig's
prowess with sword and affinity for Oerth history, make him a
natural warrior and planner in the group. Other members of the
Company go on to become important personages in the Flanaess.
The legendary Keoghtom is thought to have been their leader.
(Zagig achieves 8th level as a Fighter during this time.)

Following my reasoning above, and adding to it my opinion that Zagig

was undoubtedly a fighter before he became a mage, I created the Company of
Seven in order to give Zagig membership in a famous adventuring group, and
also to provide a reason for the friendship between himself and Keoghtom (as
is suggested in Keoghtom's description in the Glossography.) It allows me
to give Zagig the opportunity to achieve 8th level as a fighter before the
seminal CY 320. Other than Keoghtom and Zagig, I have not, as of yet, detailed
any of the other 5 members of the Company of Seven. All of them would have
met in the City of Greyhawk before or in CY 312 and would have gone on to
become succesful and famous personages (maybe even villains...) Perhaps
Kelanen the Sword Lord was among them (doubtful), or even the formidible
wizard, Daern. Other possibilities include, Johydee, Murlynd?, Nolzur, Quall
or Bucknard. I wouldn't mind (in fact, I WOULD ENCOURAGE) other of you out
there to design them for us. Create a history that connects them from their
membership in the Company of Seven all the way to the present day. Anyone
interested in this, just email me....

c.319 The Landgraf of the Selintan, father of Zagig, dies defending

the village of Kuln on the Neen against one of the many raids by
lizardmen. His wife, the Gynarch of Hardby, assumes the
stewardship of the Land of Greyhawk. Zagig Yragerne departs the
Company of Seven and returns home.

As I noted above, Zagig's father was the Landgraf of the Selintan. By

including this tragic event (which is entirely my own, but weakly suggested by
his father's youthful appearance (his body is in stasis) in the tomb under
Castle Greyahwk in WGR1), Zagig is free to consider the construction of Castle
Greyhawk (when that becomes important in the next few months) and to
reconsider his decision to be a warrior. Sounds like a great time for some
celestial intervention... Ahem, Boccob?

c.319-339 By all accounts, the rulership of the Gynarch of Hardby (noted

 for her wisdom and great caution) is among the most peaceful
(even if not the most productive) periods in Greyhawk's history.

Pure conjecture and speculation on my part. It allows me to move

Zagig along in his life while maintaining the opportunity of rulership. One
thing is certain, the Gynarchs of Hardby, the Despotrix, are able and willing
rulers. It is not inconceivable that Zagig's mother would have been succesfull
in ruling the city in his absence.

320 All serious historians of the life of Zagig Yragerne, number this
year as among the most important in his life. He was profoundly
changed by the events of this seminal year. During the chance
exploration of an old Suloise cairn, Zagig Yragerne encounters
an Avatar of Boccob (or some equivalent manifestation.) Based on
that experience he decides to take up the practice of magecraft.
Zagig's subsequent return to the city and desire to initiate the
construction of Castle Greyhawk in a remote location from the
city were seen as extreme eccentricities for the young warrior
lord. Work on Castle Greyhawk will continue through to the end
of the century.

Oh my Boccob, the first concrete date!

The date upon which the construction of Castle Greyhawk begins is

firmly established by WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as CY 320. From the Ashes, is simply
incorrect, when it says that the date was CY 375. That, would have made it
impossible for Zagig to inhabit the place for any significant length of time
before he 'disappeared.' Given his special relationship to Boccob, which is
also firmly established in the demigod's description in WGCG, it is not
unreasonable to assume that it was divine intervention which made Zagig decide
to build Castle Greyhawk where he did. It is also not unreasonable to assume
that his decision to become a mage may have also been prompted by a divine
revelation from Boccob or his other servants. Needless to say, the construction
would have been a massive undertaking which could not have been completed in
a single year. I would argue that it probably took decades, with Zagig coming
back to the City many times in order to keep the works going.

c.321-329 Zagig Yragerne becomes apprenticed to a distant cousin, the

famed Mage and Bard, Heward. Under the tutelage of Heward, Zagig's
prodigious powers blossom quickly. During this time, he gains a
unique understanding of magic, making him one of the first
wizards in the Flanaess to posit the inherently chaotic nature
of magic. Zagig travels widely in Heward's company, and is
exposed to many of the wonders of the Flanaess. (He acheives 9th
level as a Mage while with Heward.)

Now that we have Zagig wanting to become a mage, and given that he
founded both the school and the guild of wizardry (later of course) it is
necessary to find him someone under whom he has apprenticed. I would argue
that it was none other than the famed Mage and Bard, Heward (who also happens
to be a distant relative, according to the Glossography, p.35) As a Quasi-
deity, Heward is both old enough and powerful enough to have provided Zagig
with the needed training in the magical arts. I have chosen the period of
apprenticeship arbitrarily, but 9 years seems reasonable. By assuming that
he achieves 9th level during this time, I allow him to satisfy the Dual-
classed rules that allow him to use his powers as a warrior. It is also
fortunate, that Heward is such an unconventional wizard. It provides a
logical reson for a lot of Zagig's interest in 'wild' magic and his interest
music, humor, and puns. All in all, I'd say a pretty good match.

c.329-339 Wanderings of the Mage and Warrior, Zagig Yragerne. Zagig returns
to the city of Greyhawk on many occasions, most often to maintain
the works at Castle Greyhawk by infusing it with new funds.
Otherwise he is seen as an accomplished, if eccentric Mage, who
travels the length and breadth of the Flanaess in search of the
wondrous and mysterious. He is accompanied by many of the former
members of the Company of Seven. (Some of the travel is even
thought to have been otherworldly.)

Having left the company of Heward, this decade allows the Mage, Zagig
some time to go off and see more of the world. Of course it is entirely
conjecture on my part, but serves to flesh out and fill in the gaps in his
story. From time to time, he is in the company of some of the members of the
Company of Seven. Many interesting things would have happened to Zagig during
this decade in his life.

c.339 Upon the death of the Gynarch of Hardby, Zagig Yragerne becomes
titular ruler of the Land of Greyhawk, Landgraf of the Selintan,
and Despot of Hardby. By all accounts, this initiates a period
which historians refer to as the Greyhawk Rennaisance. Not only
does the city flourish from Zagig's generous rule, but many of
the neighboring states of the Flanaess gain indepedence during
the next few decades, making the Flanaess a brighter more hope-
filled place. It is during this time, from a seemingly
inexhaustible source of funds, that Zagig Yragerne begins the
construction of most of what we know as modern Greyhawk. (Due
to his interest in secular affairs, Zagig's progress as a mage
is slow and steady.) Zagig becomes well known for putting magic
to practical use.

Although the date is my conjecture, the reality of this event is not

in doubt. At some point, Zagig inherited the rulership of the Land of Greyhawk.
I happen to argue that it happened upon the death of his mother in CY 339.
The World of Greyhawk Campaign guide, the City of Greyhawk boxed set, and
WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins, all clearly establish both the rulership of Zagig and
the effectiveness of that rule. The term Greyhawk Rennaisance is mine, but
clearly describes the period for what it was. During his rule, Zagig builds
most of the city (and its walls, etc.) as we have come to know it today (via
the City of Greyhawk, boxed set.) And surely, it is not naive to assume that
some of this was accomplished by magic. The next few decades were probably
the most fascinating in all of Greyhawk history. So rarely have so many
notables been at one place at the same time.

c.351 Despite some resistance to his unorthodox methods, Zagig Yragerne

becomes President of the Society of Magi in Greyhawk for the
first time. He goes on to make it the dominant gathering of
Wizards in the whole of the central Flanaess, surpassing the
significant influence of the Conclave Arcanum in the City of
Dyvers and the Sagacious Society of the Kingdom of Nyrond. Zagig
is unanimously re-elected to this post for the next 29 years.

Both the date and the events are my conjecture, but are quite
reasonable things to assume, given the current relative importance of the
City of Greyhawk's wizards. The Sagacious Society is real enough (WGR4
Marklands) while the Conclave Arcanum is my own creation.
 356 A year notable for the establishment of the Kingdom of Nyrond,
where Zagig had seemed to have played an important diplomatic role.

Although the date is real enough, Zagig Yragerne's participation in

these events is pure speculation. But such things would add to his reputation.

c.372 Zagig founds the University of Magical Arts in Greyhawk, one of

the first establishments in the Flanaess dedicated to the
instruction of Magic on an institutional basis. Over the last
two centuries, many of the greatest practioners of magecraft
have been credited with training at this college of Magic.

Althought Zagig, undoubtedly did this (as is mentioned in the City

of Greyhawk, boxed set) the year is my own conjecture. But, I thought it
significant that it be founded before the Mage's Guild. Afterall, until the
practice and training of magicians is institutionalized, how can one create
a guild for them?

c.375-395 During this period, Zagig Yragerne's (already an Archmage) magical

theories become extremely controversial and are met with laughing
disregard by some and keen interest by a very select few. His
theories are dubbed 'wild' magic by his opponents in the Society
of Magi. Tension in the Society of Magi builds between the
proponents of magical specialization (in the various schools) and
the propenents of a more generalized scope of magical
understanding. Zagig's theories are marginalized by the ensuing
debate. By CY 380, Zagig withdraws his candidacy for the
Presidency of the Society, never to submit it again.

I had to lay a foundation for his reputed madness, and here it is.
None of this is official, of course, but it seems to be the most logical
progression of events toward such an end. Zagig's interest in so-called
'wild' magic probably dubbed him as a 'loon' by many of the more orthodox
members of the Society of Magi. We are, afterall, talking about men and women
who couldn't care less if your the Lord of the city or not - magic is magic,
and right is right. Zagig's opponents probably spread the rumor that he was
'mad' in order to weaken his reputation. Of course, given that Zagig had
such a great sense of humor, what did he care if he was dubbed the 'Mad
Archmage.'

393 Zagig 'founds' the Guild of Wizardry in the City of Greyhawk.

The City of Greyhawk had long fostered many societies for the
practioners of magecraft (The Society of Magi is a notable and
enduring example,) but in CY 393, Zagig Yragerne made available
a considerable endowment for the construction of a Mage's
Guildhall open to all comers. He felt that a less politicized
institution, seperate from the Society and the Univeristy, and
dedicated solely to the concerns of all mages, would be a fitting
legacy to the Art. Indeed, the Mage's Guildhall of Greyhawk is
an architectural and magical wonder, rivaling the Sorcerer's
Nexus in Rel Astra, the Tower of Silence outside of Niole Dra,
and even the wondrous Zashassar of Ekbir.

The City of Greyhawk boxed set (FFF) firmly establishes this date as
CY 393. Following along my argument above, I tried to provide a logical reason
why Zagig would found the guild and there it is. The locales mentioned above
are not TSR's, but my own, so they haven't been detailed anywhere. I can
provide strong rationales for both their names and their locations as I have
already sketched them out, but not fully detailed them. If anyone expresses an
interest I could send in what I have, as these things are easy to incorporate
in anyone's campaign. I just threw them in from my own stuff as interesting
tidbits, to make the history sound more authentic.

c.395 On the celebration of his great centennial, Zagig announces his

intention to retreat from public life by relinquishing the daily
rulership of the Land of Greyhawk to an appointed trusteeship,
the Directing Oligarchy. One of their number is elected Lord
Mayor and has the power to act in Zagig's name. Zagig spends less
and less time in the city iself, prefering to remain in Castle
Greyhawk, north of the city in the Cairn Hills.

Assuming that Zagig Yragerne was born on CY 295, then in CY 395, he

would have been a hundred years old (although the World of Greyhawk campaign
guide implies that he certainly didn't look a hundred.) The manner in which
he withdraws from public life is my own idea. It allows him to cease being
active ruler of the City of Greyhawk and it's lands AND it gives us a pretext
to site the institution of the Directing Oligarchy. Yet, the generally intent
echoes that of the history, namely his progressive seclusion from society.

c.395-409 During this period, the last in his public life, the Lord of
Castle Greyhawk is seen with less and less frequency. It is
presumed that his seeming 'madness' (propaganda spread by members
of the Directing Oligarchy and certain opponents in the Society
of Magi) has taken him. The number of his proclomations and
edicts fall to less than one a year.

This is conjecture on my part, but is strongly implied by the first

campaign guide, wherein it describes the last period of his life as one is
which he is seen with less frequency and is believed to be falling into
madness. I, of course, assert (as is implied in WGR1 Greyhawk Ruins) that his
'madness' was nothing of the sort, but merely the persepective of someone who
had grander objectives in mind than those around him.

c.409 'Death' of Zagig Yragerne. In this year, the servants of Castle

Greyhawk, were released from service, in connection with the
disappearance of their master. When none of the missives sent by
the Directing Oligarchy were responded to, Zagig Yragerne was
presumed dead. It came to no one's surprise to hear of his death,
for the man was believed to be well over a hundred years old
already (114 to be exact.) Zagig Yragerne's last testament was
read before a grieving crowd of old men on the Processional. Since
Zagig designated no heir, the City and Lands of Greyhawk were
continued to be ruled in his 'name' by the Directing Oligarchy of
Greyhawk. In reality, Zagig Yragerne had finally decided to severe
all ties with the secular world, in order to travel and pursue his
arcane research without interruption. Some well placed magic,
fostered the belief that Castle Greyhawk was haunted, so the city
abandoned all interest in the place. Zagig allowed the keep to
fall into disrepair, while he and his closest retainers moved
underground to continue their work.

The World of Greyhawk Campaign Guide (p. 23-25) implies that Zagig
simply 'vanished' after many years of rulership. His motivation for doing
this is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. I have arbitrarily chosen this year
to be CY 409 which agrees well with WGR1's assumption that the Castle was
occupied for less than a century. It is quite reasonable to assume that the
city would have thought him dead after so long and productive a life, so they
would have made his 'death' official. The fact that he moved his work
underground is clearly established in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins as is the fact
that numerous friends and retainers went with him.

c.409-505 During this long period in Zagig Yragerne's life, the so-called
Mad Archmage, conducted tremendous amounts of magical research.
He travelled extensively, including to worlds such as Krynn and
Abeir-Toril, and extra-planar. He met with only a very few close
friends, who kept the secret of his continuing existence. He was
kept from Nerull's grasp by many rejuvenating magics, but Zagig
sought a more permanent solution...

This simply provides an explanation for the long gap between Zagig's
disappearance, in the year I have arbitrarily chosen as CY 409 and his
ascension to godhood in CY 505. WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins implies that Zagig did
much traveling, particularly to other worlds, so none of this is unreasonable.
Given that he was not as yet, immortal, Zagig no doubt used the conventional
poitions and elixirs that other powerful wizards use in order to extend their
lives. Presumably, it was during this time that he discovered the method
by which he would capture the nine demigods, and by which he would make
himself immortal. Alot of the interesting accomplishments under Castle
Greyhawk (described in WGR1) were probably also achieved during this time.

498 The City of Greyhawk is proclaimed a Free and Independent City.

For most of the previous 80 years, power in the City was
simply transfered from one power hungry insider to the next as
designated by the original council who took over from Zagig,
resulting in a highly insular attitude by which the city lost
most of its territories and wealth. In CY 498, a group of leading
citizens demanded equal representation on the council, citing the
last wishes of Zagig Yragerne. In order to staunch an open
rebellion, all concerned agreed to draft a new Charter. The Lord
Mayor of the city is hereafter chosen by the Directing Oligarchy
in a semi-democratic manner by the various members (in theory) of
the trade unions, guilds, and other important societies.

The WGCG (p. 25) names CY 498 the year in which the City of Greyhawk
was proclaimed Free and Independent. It also implies the enusing decline in
the city from the time of Zagig's rule. I'm just providing a reasonable
context underwhich such a proclamation would have occured.

505 Year of the Ascension. It is in this year, that Zagig Yragerne,

(age 210) former ruler of the city of Greyhawk, Archmage of
Castle Greyhawk, and servant of Boccob, achieves immortality.
Through an arcane process, and with the assistance of many notable
personages, including the deity St. Cuthbert of the Cudgel, Zagig
Yragerne finally achieves the object of a century long research
project. He entraps nine of the most powerful demigods on Oerth,
using their combined power in an apparatus of arcane manufacture
by which he cuts a piece of the Obelisk (which controls something
called the Earth Stone.) These artifacts, buried deep under the
lowest dungeons of Castle Greyhawk, are a mystery even to most
deities. Using the power of the Obelisk, Zagig opened a nexus
between his spirit and the Planes of Power. And so, by the wishes
of Boccob, Zagig transforms himself into a demigod. (Notably, he is
the last to do so in recent Greyhawk history. Iuz accomplished
this only years before him in an entirely different manner while
 Mayaheine has only recently appeared from another world where
Pelor is worhsipped.)

The year of Zagig's ascension is firmly established in Iuz the Evil,

as CY 505. This year must coincide with the same year in which Iuz disappears.
>From the Ashes gives this year as CY 507, while WGR4, Marklands gives this year
as CY 503. Given that Iuz the Evil is the primary source book about Iuz, it
is safest to assume that it is the correct source, giving the year of Zagig's
ascension as CY 505.
Iuz the Evil also reveals that Zagig (it incorrectly refers to him as
Zagyg, but that is only a trifling mistake) was assisted in this matter by
the deity St. Cuthbert, his relative and mentor Heward, his old friend
Keoghtom, and the two individuals Murlynd, the Paladin and Kelanen, the
Prince of Swords. Murlynd's presence here is paradoxical, becuase it is
implied that he was a member of the original adventuring party that included
Tenser, Bigby, and Lord Robilar. Tenser wasn't even born in CY 505 and Lord
Robilar certainly wasn't. What was Murlynd doing there in Castle Greyhawk
(c.505 CY), if in fact he is the same person mentioned in WG6, Isle of the
Ape? Either he is not the same person, or some explanation is necessary. I am
also suspicious of Kelanen's presence in this matter, it seems contrary to
his nature to have been so involved.
The process by which Zagig achieves godhood is established in WGR1,
Greyhawk Ruins, as are the existence of the Obelisk and the Earth Stone.
Given that the original campaign book stated that Zagig captured nine
DEMIGODS, and it is safe to assume that given Iuz was one of the captured, then
he must have been a demigod BEFORE Zagyg. The From the Ashes sourcebook which
introduces the demigodess, Mayaheine, explicity indicates that Pelor brought
her to Oerth (from an alternate prime where Pelor is worshipped) and that she
is not a native.

505-585 Zagyg, the Demigod acts as the servant of Boccob. While it is

true that Boccob is a largely uncaring god when it comes to the
daily mundane existence of mortals, it is not true that he has
no interest in any of the affairs of Oerth. When his All-Seeing
Eye turns to the Prime, it is his servant, Zagyg that makes
Boccob's will known. Many of the most important events of the last
century have involved Zagyg, both directly and indirectly. Through
Boccob, time is no barrier to Zagyg, so he has appeared,
paradoxically in periods of Oerth's past before he was born!
(This part truly annoys the sages who try to prove a connection
between he and Zagig Yragerne.) He makes his role in these matters
unmemorable to say the least. He has also allowed the recent (CY
550+) exploration of Castle Greyhawk (up to a point.) Some rare
and sucesseful few, (Tenser is a good example) have met with his
favor and know something of the secrets that lay buried beneath
the place.

Given that Zagig ascended in CY 505 and that the timeline stops at
CY 585, this fact is implicit. The City of Greyhawk sourcebook also implies
that exploration of the Castle Greyhawk is fairly recent, which would make
Tenser, Lord Robilar, and Co. among the first to do so, probably in CY 550s
and 560s.

c.554 Zagyg (concealing himself as Zagig Yragerne) meets individually

with Leomund, Serten, The Black One of the Valley of the Mage,
and Tuerny (all notable mages of great power.) He proposes
the formation of the Ring of Five, a conclave dedicated to the
unlimited research of magic, concentrating on using the Obelisk to
 create new and as yet unheard of effects. Each member has left a
representative, an apprentice, deep in the recesses of Castle
Greyhawk. The results of this fairly recent union are a tale for
another time...

Although the date is my suggestion, this fact is established in the

WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins sourcebook. It lists the membership of the Ring of Five
as Zagig, Leomund, Serten, the Black One, and of all people Melf! I must
ascribe this error to mild carelessness on the part of the designers of that
work, but Melf is certainly not a candidate for membership to this group. Both,
the From the Ashes sourcebook and the Artifact of Evil novel by Gygax, imply
that Melf is an elven fighter/mage from Celene. He is neither powerful enough
nor 'aligned' properly to be a fitting member of the Ring of Five. I therefore
substituted the personage, Tuerny, who would seem to have both the alignment
and proper background (namely none) to be made a member of the group. Other
than Zagig and the Black One, none of these personages is described officially,
even though their names have been attached to certain famous spells and items.
I have my own ideas and suggestions, of course, and would be glad to make those
available.

570 The Prisoners of Castle Greyhawk are loosed by Lord Robilar,

although some evidence exists to suggest that the demigod, Iuz
may have simultaneous escaped under his own power. Apparently
these events did not concern Zagyg, (despite the damage to many of
his dungeons from the ensuing battle between Tenser, Bigby, Riggby,
Robilar, Quij, Neb Retnar, and Iuz.) although he was undoubtedly
aware of the occurence. Apparently the Obelisk was able draw upon
its own power to shield itself from the prying eyes of the loosed
demigods. Fortunately, they wanted nothing more than to escape as
soon as they could. It has been whispered by some in the Guild of
Wizardry that one of the demigods may still be down there. Perhaps
he/she/it was trapped in their chamber by the collapsing rubble,
or perhaps they have remained by choice, even so it has been 15
years since the release of the prisoners, so who is to say....

The first fact (and date) is clearly established in the first campaign guide.
The second (about Iuz) is implied in WGR1, Greyhawk Ruins. The battle and
it's participants, is described in WGR5, Iuz the Evil and is implied in many
other source material. As far as the names of the demigods are concerned,
other than Iuz, I only know that the demigod Wastri, was definitely among
them. I'm looking despertely for where I read this, since it was many years
ago. I suggest that Rudd and Zuoken were also among the prisoners, but as for
the others, who is to say. I have my own theories of course...

585 The current plans and activities of Zagyg are unknown, save of
course, to the All-Seeing One, Boccob. It is presumed that he is
working on certain projects relating to the dissemination of
otherworldly magics (particularly those of a group calling
themselves the Red Wizards of Tay, Hay or something to that
effect.) Conflicts between Zagyg and the servant of another power
of Magic, Azuth have been noted by many of Boccob's priests. Where
this may lead is anyone's guess. But these, of course, are matters
for those who live in the heavens...

Just an idea, ;>

Suggestions on the Ring of Five:

Name AL LVL

Zagig CN 28*
Leomund NG 24
BlackOne NE(n) 20
Serten LN(e) 26
Tuerny CE(n) 21

*Zagig is really the demigod Zagyg who can cast any spell (LVL 1-9) at
will, with magic use equivalent to a 28th Level Mage.

EYE OF BOCCOB
/ \
/ \
/ \
/ _______ \
/ / ___ \ \
/ / / \ \ \
\ \ \___/ / /
\ \ _______ / /
\ /
\ /
\_____________/

From BFLYNN.UNCSON@mhs.unc.edu Tue Apr 5 08:44:30 1994

(Brian Flynn)

[...deletions...]

I've included a brief writing of some of the early history of the world,
and my thoughts on times, ect. Nothing very orginal, just background
material really.

A brief synopsis of Oerthen Migration.

The world of Oerth has four great continents. Little or nothing has been
written about 3 1/2 of them - a great deal has been written about the
eastern portion of the continent Oerik - the world of Greyhawk, also know
as the Flanness. The history of Flanness starts in the west, with three
separate groups migrating eastward into Flanness.
The Oeridians moved from the area the Dry Steppes and migrated over almost
all of the Flanness. Their influence has affected almost every "civilized"
region of the continent with the exception of the free city of Greyhawk.
Presumably, they were fleeing from the Baklunish/Suloise war which
threatened to crush them between.
The Suels, fleeing the devastating war with the Baklunish came across the
Hellfires and moved north eastward toward what is now the area of the Frost
barbarians, and south eastward towards the Hepamonaland. Curiously, few of
them ever moved north of a line extending roughly from the Kron Hills to
Nyr Dyv to the regions of the Theocracy of the Pale. Perhaps it is
coincidence, but the limits of their migration include the area of
Hepamonaland, the Frost, Snow and Ice Barbarians, The Scarlet Brotherhood,
and the Wild Coast. With the exception of the last, they are the sole
settlers of these areas.
Other influences include the Baklunish who founded most of what is now the
Tiger and Wolf Nomadic lands, and everything north and east of the Yatil
Mtns and Barrier Peaks. There is a strange similarity between the
Baklunish and Oeridians, perhaps because of a common past. The original
Flan people have been pushed back to small areas including Ratik, the Duchy
of Geoff, and the Rovers of the Barrens. Nevertheless, their continue to
have a strong and proud tradition.
Much of the history of the migrations was influenced by the
Baklunish/Suloise war. The war started in CY-485 and ended 63 years later
with the Invoked Devastation and Rain of Colorless Fire. There is no clue
as to what started the war, or why it raged so long. It can be inferred
that the war was a draw, since the Suels resorted to powerful sorcery and
brought the Invoked Devastation upon the Bakluni. The most powerful
Baklunish magi responded with the Rain of Colorless Fire, which destroyed
most of original Suloise empire, turning it into the Sea of Dust.
Undoubtely there is still a thriving Baklunish civilization thriving in the
north eastern portion of the continent. I have found references to the
cities-states of Euroz, High Jeblinc, and several others thriving as little
as 750 years ago. Their location is not noted on any map. It is
inconceivable, short of a massive natural diaster, that these cities have
totally disappeared from the face of the Oerth. Conceivably, there are
even some surviving Suloise in the extreme south western portion of the
continent, but they are of no concern to modern Flan.

The World of Greyhawk Chronology chart.

As a rule of thumb, you should equate CY 576 with 1980 or 1979 AD. Both
are the year that the Greyhawk map and Gazetteer were first published. If
you are following the assumption that one game year equals one real year,
1994 is CY 590. There are equalivant years for Suloise, Olve, Bakluni,
Flannae, and Oerid. A brief conversion chart is shown.

CY SD OC BH FT OR
Common Suloise Olve Bakluni Flannae Oerid
1 5516 4463 2660 2151 645

Greyhawk citizens recognize a seven day week, with twelve 28 day months a
year, and four 6 day festivals between each group three months. This
results in a year being 12x28 + 4x6 or 360 days.
Note: in CY 579, TSR revised the length of festivals to be seven days long,
resulting in 364 days in a year.

The common days are Starday, Sunday, Moonday, Godsday, Waterday, Oerthday,
and Freeday. Of these, Godsday is the day of worship, and Freeday is the
day of rest.

The months and festivals are:

NEEDFEST
Fireseek
Reading
Coldeven
GROWFEST
Planting
Flocktime
Wealsun
RICHFEST
Reaping
Goodmonth
Harvester
BREWFEST
Patchwall
Ready'reat
Sunsebb

See appendix A for a rough translation of Oerth days to Earth days.

Appendix A
I've used a 7 day festival for this chart. Formatting is bound to be off.

NEEDFEST FireseekReading Coldeven

1 Jan 1 Jan 8 Feb 5 Mar 5
2 Jan 2 Jan 9 Feb 6 Mar 6
3 Jan 3 Jan 10 Feb 7 Mar 7
4 Jan 4 Jan 11 Feb 8 Mar 8
5 Jan 5 Jan 12 Feb 9 Mar 9
6 Jan 6 Jan 13 Feb 10 Mar 10
7 Jan 7 Jan 14 Feb 11 Mar 11
8 Jan 15 Feb 12 Mar 12
9 Jan 16 Feb 13 Mar 13
10 Jan 17 Feb 14 Mar 14
11 Jan 18 Feb 15 Mar 15
12 Jan 19 Feb 16 Mar 16
13 Jan 20 Feb 17 Mar 17
14 Jan 21 Feb 18 Mar 18
15 Jan 22 Feb 19 Mar 19
16 Jan 23 Feb 20 Mar 20
17 Jan 24 Feb 21 Mar 21
18 Jan 25 Feb 22 Mar 22
19 Jan 26 Feb 23 Mar 23
20 Jan 27 Feb 24 Mar 24
21 Jan 28 Feb 25 Mar 25
22 Jan 29 Feb 26 Mar 26
23 Jan 30 Feb 27 Mar 27
24 Jan 31 Feb 28 Mar 28
25 Feb 1 Mar 1 Mar 29
26 Feb 2 Mar 2 Mar 30
27 Feb 3 Mar 3 Mar 31
28 Feb 4 Mar 4 Apr 1

GROWFESTPlantingFlocktimeWealsun
1 Apr 2 Apr 9 May 7 Jun 4
2 Apr 3 Apr 10 May 8 Jun 5
3 Apr 4 Apr 11 May 9 Jun 6
4 Apr 5 Apr 12 May 10 Jun 7
5 Apr 6 Apr 13 May 11 Jun 8
6 Apr 7 Apr 14 May 12 Jun 9
7 Apr 8 Apr 15 May 13 Jun 10
8 Apr 16 May 14 Jun 11
9 Apr 17 May 15 Jun 12
10 Apr 18 May 16 Jun 13
11 Apr 19 May 17 Jun 14
12 Apr 20 May 18 Jun 15
13 Apr 21 May 19 Jun 16
14 Apr 22 May 20 Jun 17
15 Apr 23 May 21 Jun 18
16 Apr 24 May 22 Jun 19
17 Apr 25 May 23 Jun 20
18 Apr 26 May 24 Jun 21
19 Apr 27 May 25 Jun 22
20 Apr 28 May 26 Jun 23
21 Apr 29 May 27 Jun 24
22 Apr 30 May 28 Jun 25
23 May 1 May 29 Jun 26
24 May 2 May 30 Jun 27
25 May 3 May 31 Jun 28
26 May 4 Jun 1 Jun 29
27 May 5 Jun 2 Jun 30
28 May 6 Jun 3 Jul 1

RICHFESTReaping GoodmonthHarvester
1 Jul 2 Jul 9 Aug 6 Sep 3
2 Jul 3 Jul 10 Aug 7 Sep 4
3 Jul 4 Jul 11 Aug 8 Sep 5
4 Jul 5 Jul 12 Aug 9 Sep 6
5 Jul 6 Jul 13 Aug 10 Sep 7
6 Jul 7 Jul 14 Aug 11 Sep 8
7 Jul 8 Jul 15 Aug 12 Sep 9
8 Jul 16 Aug 13 Sep 10
9 Jul 17 Aug 14 Sep 11
10 Jul 18 Aug 15 Sep 12
11 Jul 19 Aug 16 Sep 13
12 Jul 20 Aug 17 Sep 14
13 Jul 21 Aug 18 Sep 15
14 Jul 22 Aug 19 Sep 16
15 Jul 23 Aug 20 Sep 17
16 Jul 24 Aug 21 Sep 18
17 Jul 25 Aug 22 Sep 19
18 Jul 26 Aug 23 Sep 20
19 Jul 27 Aug 24 Sep 21
20 Jul 28 Aug 25 Sep 22
21 Jul 29 Aug 26 Sep 23
22 Jul 30 Aug 27 Sep 24
23 Jul 31 Aug 28 Sep 25
24 Aug 1 Aug 29 Sep 26
25 Aug 2 Aug 30 Sep 27
26 Aug 3 Aug 31 Sep 28
27 Aug 4 Sep 1 Sep 29
28 Aug 5 Sep 2 Sep 30

BREWFESTPatchwallReady'reatSunsebb
1 Oct 1 Oct 8 Nov 5 Dec 3
2 Oct 2 Oct 9 Nov 6 Dec 4
3 Oct 3 Oct 10 Nov 7 Dec 5
4 Oct 4 Oct 11 Nov 8 Dec 6
5 Oct 5 Oct 12 Nov 9 Dec 7
6 Oct 6 Oct 13 Nov 10 Dec 8
7 Oct 7 Oct 14 Nov 11 Dec 9
8 Oct 15 Nov 12 Dec 10
9 Oct 16 Nov 13 Dec 11
10 Oct 17 Nov 14 Dec 12
11 Oct 18 Nov 15 Dec 13
12 Oct 19 Nov 16 Dec 14
13 Oct 20 Nov 17 Dec 15
14 Oct 21 Nov 18 Dec 16
15 Oct 22 Nov 19 Dec 17
16 Oct 23 Nov 20 Dec 18
17 Oct 24 Nov 21 Dec 19
18 Oct 25 Nov 22 Dec 20
19 Oct 26 Nov 23 Dec 21
20 Oct 27 Nov 24 Dec 22
21 Oct 28 Nov 25 Dec 23
22 Oct 29 Nov 26 Dec 24
23 Oct 30 Nov 27 Dec 25
24 Oct 31 Nov 28 Dec 26
25 Nov 1 Nov 29 Dec 27
26 Nov 2 Nov 30 Dec 28
27 Nov 3 Dec 1 Dec 29
28 Nov 4 Dec 2 Dec 30