Old Ferrond

At the center of the Flanaess and the eastern edge of this region is the Nyr Dyv, the Lake of Unknown Depths. This is the largest freshwater lake in the Flanaess, and despite its monsters and pirates it is a major avenue for commerce. The land around it was settled by Oeridians and Suel a millennium ago, but strong strains of Flan (and some Baklunish) occur in the population now, and Rhennee live on the waterways here. The Nyr Dyv is bordered on the north by Iuz's lands and on the east by the two Urnst states. To the south and west are more of the Flanaess's richest independent kingdoms and cities, "free lands" bordered by water, forest and mountain.

Much of the area was once part of the Viceroyalty of Ferrond, a portion of the Great Kingdom which dominated the Flanaess for centuries. Currently, the major threat to this region comes from the Empire of luz to the north.

South of the Nyr Dyv, the Free City of Greyhawk lies like a jewel at the heart of the Flanaess—a metropolis of mighty walls and dark alleys, alabaster spires and fetid cellars. Greyhawk's bustling wharf area gives the city its primary claim to strategic significance, lying as it does along the river Selintan, the only water route between the Nyr Dyv to the north and Woolly Bay to the south.

Originally a frontier settlement where traders from around the Flanaess met to exchange goods and buy local wool and woven garments, the town soon expanded and developed strong textile and meat-packing industries. The proximity of the Cairn Hills and other dangerous (but potentially profitable) locations brought adventurers to Greyhawk. Many died; others grew rich and settled here. Powerful wizards began great schools of magic, and now Greyhawk is a center of learning as great as any in the Flanaess.

At the westernmost end of the Nyr Dyv is the Free City of Dyvers, Greyhawk's primary rival for merchant traffic. South of Greyhawk is Hardby, a seaport city-state traditionally ruled by women, with access to Woolly Bay and the Solnor Ocean beyond.

One of the strongest states in this region is the Kingdom of Furyondy, west of the Nyr Dyv. As Ferrond, Furyondy broke from the Great Kingdom three and a half centuries ago. Now, threatened by the armies of luz since the Greyhawk Wars, it prepares to fight for its freedom. Immediately west of Furyondy is the Archclericy of Veluna, a theocracy upholding law, order and goodness. Veluna supports its eastern neighbor against their mutual enemy—even as it keeps an eye on Ket to the west.

Several smaller independent cities and realms dot this region. Among the most important are the Viscounty of Verbobonc, allied with Veluna, and the elf-ruled Town of Highfolk, allied with Furyondy. South of Greyhawk's lands are several independent towns on the Wild Coast, some of which are threatened by humanoid armies from the Pomarj.

The Kingdom of Celene is a powerful elven realm west of the Wild Coast. Long an ally of the Ulek states in their battles against humanoids in the Lortmils, in recent times this ancient state has chosen instead to stay isolated, refusing assistance to even its staunchest allies. Such isolationism angers many elves here. Those who disagree with the policy secretly support Celene's traditional allies with arms and money.