D&D (2024) A Reintroduction to Greyhawk

[Parmandur]

I'm not sure I can find that anywhere, they seem pretty explicit in as recent as the DMG overview video from the other day that Greyhawk is the intended place to start, Perkins talking about not wanting to throw new players right into creating their own setting so Greyhawk is what they have to start with.

So again, if that isn't the default, I dont' know what is. Note, that's different from official. Any published setting is official.

No, 5E has never had a "default" Setting and thisnis no different. The Forgotten Realms have usually been the example used, and where they ofteb set Adventures until 2020 (they have not usually used the FR for that since Icewind Dale, ao it is odd that people keep insisting all the Adventures are in the FR: they are not).

The default assumption is homebrew, really, with the proposed multiverse frame Setting for DMs to pick what they like.

 

[DEFCON 1]

The "default setting" is whichever setting each individual chooses to BELIEVE WotC has made as the default setting... and is invariably the setting that they absolutely hate so that they get to complain about it.

 

[Charlaquin]

No, 5E has never had a "default" Setting and thisnis no different. The Forgotten Realms have usually been the example used, and where they ofteb set Adventures until 2020 (they have not usually used the FR for that since Icewind Dale, ao it is odd that people keep insisting all the Adventures are in the FR: they are not).

The default assumption is homebrew, really, with the proposed multiverse frame Setting for DMs to pick what they like.

5e has always had a default setting, and it still does: the multiverse. They even explicitly say in the DMG interview that this is the case, and that they’re being clearer about it in the 2024 books.

 

[TiQuinn]

I dunno - does it matter either way what the default setting is? I'm more concerned with whether Greyhawk is likely to see new material or just a very surface level retread. I'm a big setting fanboy. I love new settings and updates to old ones. Even if Greyhawk is not my favorite, I'd like to see it get a full refresh. I just worry if a chapter in the DMG really covers that.

 

[sevenbastard]

Against it.

The best advice I have is for DMs to start small. A small area that has adventure sites, factions, and mysteries.

Say what you will about 4e, but the sample setting ( something N valley) was a great example of how DMs should do it. Give the players a sandbox, highlight some cool spots, throw down some mysterious names and get them going. Lost Mines is good. A home base and lots of things to do on a manageable map you can give the players.

Providing a whole world and a major metropolitan area as a sample is in my opinion a disservice to DM laying out the expectations that they should aim big.

 

[OptionalRule]

Greyhawk is an example to help a DM understand how to homebrew a new setting.

In the 2014 DMs Guide, the Eladrin was an example to help the DM understand how to create new species.

I think that's a valid take. It's not mine though. Eladrin had a brief mention. Greyhawk has a full treatment.

How this is seen will really be shapped by any new modules. If none of them use Greyhawk sure, if most of them do then it is the default.

 

[Stormonu]

I'm happy to see attention paid to Greyhawk and it will be nice if this opens up Greyhawk-related content on DM's Guild. I'll still keep my Darlene maps and boxed set handy, but I'm curious to see how they approach or avoid several things (Scarlett Brotherhood, Dragonborn) in the new section.

It does makes me wonder if they'll ever be willing to tackle Mystara.

 

[TiQuinn]

I'm happy to see attention paid to Greyhawk and it will be nice if this opens up Greyhawk-related content on DM's Guild. I'll still keep my Darlene maps and boxed set handy, but I'm curious to see how they approach or avoid several things (Scarlett Brotherhood, Dragonborn) in the new section.

I always forget about that aspect. That's an important factor in this.

 

[Hatmatter]

I just published a blog post about Greyhawk's return as the default setting for D&D 2024, and I thought some of you might be interested.

I dive a bit into Greyhawk's history and explore what this comeback might mean for our games. I've tried to cover both the exciting possibilities and potential challenges - like how the new rules might clash with Greyhawk's classic gritty feel, or how the Bastion system could interact with the Flanaess' political landscape.

One thing I've always loved is how collaborative Greyhawk's creation was from the start. It's pretty cool to see how many of D&D's original crew left their mark on the setting. The community acts like shared-worldbuilding is a new invention, but it's been in the DNA of the hobby since the start to me.

I'm curious to hear what you all think about Greyhawk's return. Are you excited? Skeptical? What are your hopes or concerns? I've got mixed feelings myself, I love the political intrigue and the grittier nature of OG Greyhawk, but doubtful that can be maintained with the 2024 edition of DnD.

If you're interested in checking it out, you can find the post here.

Optional, I think this is a nice little article and I thank you for sharing. Your thoughts on the intersection of the evolved flavor of D&D (more "superheroic," might be the most succinct way of describing it) and the bastion system are provocative. At the same time, one can hope that through the continued publicization of Greyhawk (with an important acknowledgement of Ghosts of Saltmarsh, which is set in Oerth with the possibility of hosting it in different settings), the history and tone of the setting -- which you so well describe -- can influence the tenor of future D&D games to reach for such a tone, even if the game system may seem to not easily facilitate it upon first impression.

 

[Parmandur]

5e has always had a default setting, and it still does: the multiverse. They even explicitly say in the DMG interview that this is the case, and that they’re being clearer about it in the 2024 books.

True, but I interpret that to mean "homebrew, and we will offer you a menu of usable parts".