The Free City of Greyhawk, also known as Greyhawk City and often called the Gem of the Flanaess, is a powerful city-state located in the central Flanaess. The word "Greyhawk" is often used in reference to those lands controlled by the Free City, though the proper term for the entire realm is the Domain of Greyhawk. Greyhawk is the largest city on Oerth, and as such is it seen as the world's capital.
The Free City of Greyhawk is divided into eight Quarters. The Thieves' Quarter, the Slum Quarter, the Artisan's Quarter, Clerkburg, the Foreign Quarter, the River Quarter, the Garden Quarter, and the High Quarter. Generally speaking, the poorest sections of town are to the south, on lower ground, while the wealthier quarters are to the north, at higher elevation. The Thieves' and Slum Quarters are known collectively as Old City, while the other six quarters are referred to as New City.
Economy[]
The Free City of Greyhawk controls most of the Cairn Hills, which provide the domain with great mineral wealth, such as iron, gems, and silver.
Nearby Castle Greyhawk, with its extensive dungeons, draws adventurers and traders to the Domain of Greyhawk from across the Flanaess. As such, the Castle generates significant economic benefits for the City in trade, taxation and treasure.
Government[]
Executive branch[]
Greyhawk's Directing Oligarchy elects one of its own as Lord Mayor, who serves as the head of state in addition to his Directorial duties. The current Lord Mayor, Nerof Gasgal, has held office since 571 CY. The Lord Mayor heads both the Directing Oligarchy and the Council of Mayors and Manorial Lords. The chief of state also officially heads the military, though actual command is most often left to the Captain General of the Watch.
Legislative branch[]
The Free City of Greyhawk is ruled by the Directing Oligarchy, an executive council of twelve to eighteen members representing the city's major professional guilds and the military. In some cases, the Oligarchy may include important wizards and/or clerics. New Directors are chosen by current council members when a vacency must be filled.
The Greyhawk Public Council, in theory, serves the interests in the citizenry-at-large. This popularly-elected advisory body consists of eight representatives, one from each of the city's quarters. The Public Council meets with the Directing Oligarchy on a quarterly basis.
Judicial branch[]
Major legal matters in the Free City of Greyhawk are adjudicated by a Judge of Greyhawk, one of eight such officials appointed by the Directing Oligarchy. One of these eight is chosen to serve as Chief Judge of Greyhawk. In cases of great import, three Judges of Greyhawk may preside. Appeals of major cases are always heard by a panel of three Judges of Greyhawk, though the Lord Mayor sometimes sits in place of one of the Judges.
Lesser matters in Greyhawk City are tried by magistrates from the Guild of Lawyers and Scribes.