Western Nyr Dyv

Western Nyr Dyv

1. Furyondy

The noble Kingdom of Furyondy was founded centuries ago by the Great Kingdom to administer its western provinces. Eventually, with the Malachite Throne in disarray, these western states began to secede, led by Furyondy which has maintained alliances with some of its former protectorates including its former capital the Free City of Dyvers. However, the kingdom is now constantly at war with those lands it abandoned long ago, now ruled by Iuz, the Horned Society and also the Bandit Kingdoms. Situated on the fertile plains between Whyestil Lake and the Nyr Dyv, this rich nation is known for its dual navies and the formidable Knights of the Hart whom defend their borders, if not all the Flanaess, from the advance of evil.

2. Veluna

The wealthy Archclericy of Veluna is a former Aerdy state, now ruled by the pious and just clergy of Rao. Situated between the Highfolk Valley and the Lortmil Mountains, Veluna enjoys a substantial population of demi-humans who help work the land and take part in its defense. Ever since the Short War turned back Keoland, Veluna has traded fairly with its neighbors, acting as a force for good; assisting in the defeat of the Horde of Elemental Evil and also helping Furyondy face the rise of Iuz. A potential marriage between Furyondy and Veluna would’ve brought the two good nations together if not for the mysterious abduction of Prince Thrommel  IV.

3. Highfolk

The independent town and valley of Highfolk also called Highvale, (or Fairdells to the elves) is a 100-mile long valley nestled between the Yatil Mountains and Vesve Forest. Rich with many natural resources, this serene realm has been predominantly demi-human for centuries, ruled in name by the Lord of the High Elves. Humankind mainly resides in the trade town at the southern end of the vale while numerous elves, gnomes and haflings dwell in peaceful hamlets, farmsteads and forest villages along the banks of the Velverdyva River. Though the vale is quiet it is not defenseless. The local Knights of the High Forest enlist the best warriors of elvenkind and can call volunteers from all over the valley, while many veterans from Highfolk can also be found in the service of Perrenland mercenary companies.

4. Shield Lands

The Shield Lands are a union of small provinces north of the Nyr Dyv, formed to mutually protect against the rise of the neighboring Bandit Kingdoms following the fracture of the Great Kingdom’s rule in the west. This commonwealth of nobles is led by a hereditary knight commander who rules their combined army and navy from the large, well-defended fortress city of Admundfort on the Isle of Walworth. The core of the Shield Lands military is the Knights of Holy Shielding, a highly religious order whose rivalry with the Knights of the Hart is well known, though both cooperate against common foes such as the Horned Society and Iuz.

5. Greyhawk

The Free City of Greyhawk was only a minor trading post on the Selintan River until a petty noble established his keep nearby to exploit the areas abundant mines and caravan traffic. Through taxes, political marriage and sheer force, the landgraf grew the village of Greyhawk into a proper domain spanning the river and hills, from the Nyr Dyv to Hardby. Affectionately called the “Gem of the Flanaess”, the city of Greyhawk was greatly expanded upon during the rule of the wealthy yet eccentric archmage Zagig Yragerne whose famous Castle Greyhawk fell into ruin after his sudden disappearance. In Zagig’s absence, Greyhawk was declared a free city however it fell into a short decline until a new influx of wealth from the mad mage’s ruins began to attract people of all trades, classes and cultures, turning it into the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the Flanaess.

6. Wild Coast

The Wild Coast is a broad strip of countryside along the Woolly Bay containing several free towns and villages each ruled by various petty nobles, guilds and bandit lords. Encircled by three dense forests, parts of this territory have been controlled over the years by neighboring states such as Celene and Greyhawk though the free-willed folk of the Wild Coast always manage to regain their autonomy. The Wild Coast has no appreciable resources or common alliance, yet it is a haven for people of all races, backgrounds or temperaments. Indeed many famous mercenaries and adventurers hail from the Wild Coast including Robilar, Tenser and Mordenkainen.

7. Verbobonc

The Viscounty of Verbobonc is a rich, semi-independent vassal of Veluna found along the Velverdyva River, bordering the Kron Hills and the Gnarley Forest. Due to its position on the river the viscounty sees frequent trade from across the Flanaess. This domain unfortunately is most famous for the fortress-like Temple of Elemental Evil that was raised near the village of Hommlet. After dealing with rampant banditry, an alliance of good nations rallied to Verbobonc to end this growing horde of evil at the Battle of Emridy Meadows. Even with the temple sacked and its demoness ruler imprisoned below, there are some who keep watch to ensure peace remains in Verbobonc.

8. Dyvers

The Free City of Dyvers is a very large trade hub for river and lake traffic, located on the coast of the Nyr Dyv at the mouth of the Velverdyva River. Formerly the capital of Furyondy before both broke away from the Great Kingdom, Dyvers is now a large domain in its own right maintaining good ties with its neighbors in the west while servicing merchants from far and wide. Dyvers’ extensive dockyards in addition to trade, specializes in all manner of ship-building. Known as the “City of Sails”, the rivalry between older Dyvers and younger Greyhawk is vital to the security and economies of both free cities.

Want to know more?

5 Reasons to Visit Furyondy at Greyhawkery.
Battle of Emridy Meadows at Canonfire by Mike Bridges.
The Free City of Greyhawk maps at Melkot by Denis Tetreault.
Temple of Elemental Evil at Wikipedia.