I know this is an age-old subject that I wouldn't be surprised to learn has already been discussed! here to death already, but I recently discovered and started enjoying this site which has some really great little details about the Greyhawk universe from the owner's own campaign. It got me interested in Greyhawk again and specifically in the differences between the respective two universes' own versions of the Underdark.
Here are just some of my own thoughts about the two campaign settings regarding interesting ways that they contrast each other.
- The two obviously have a very different "feel". Greyhawk of course seems much older (which it is) and more austere or authentic to me. FR brought a new and exciting flavor to D&D in its time but has quickly worn out its welcome with many fans, myself as well I have to admit.
- FR seems to be more highly varied in its climates and population types. Greyhawk almost certainly contains most if not all the same types of cultures as the Realms, but they don't seem as prominently featured, which is more proper to me, the more exotic locations and cultures remaining so.
- Both worlds have their VIP's and Who's Who's, but at least with Greyhawk they're somewhat restrained, whereas in Faerun it seems like there are 20+ level archmages and super characters hanging out on every street corner. FR magic also seems to grow on trees (and probably literally does somewhere).
- With the Underdark regions, I find Toril's more fascinating than Oerth's. It is much more extensive, and mysterious. The more highly alien societies like the Aboleths are featured more prominently there, whereas in Greyhawk's version there is much more of an unknown factor, which is certainly how its creators intended to keep it. The Drow are certainly overdone in FR, but some of their cities and the detailed and amazing way some of them have been fleshed out (e.g. Ched Nasad) are fascinating.
If the commercial success of FR hadn't run so amok, what with all the ridiculous novels and overhyping of things like Drizzt' career and all that stupid shit, as a setting it would remain much more appealing in many ways. With Greyhawk, that hasn't happened so it still retains its authenticity IMO and may never grow stale.
Admitting this is a completely cursory overview and apologies for sticking this in GRPG, but hoping for some interesting insight and very jaded opinions. :D
Here are just some of my own thoughts about the two campaign settings regarding interesting ways that they contrast each other.
- The two obviously have a very different "feel". Greyhawk of course seems much older (which it is) and more austere or authentic to me. FR brought a new and exciting flavor to D&D in its time but has quickly worn out its welcome with many fans, myself as well I have to admit.
- FR seems to be more highly varied in its climates and population types. Greyhawk almost certainly contains most if not all the same types of cultures as the Realms, but they don't seem as prominently featured, which is more proper to me, the more exotic locations and cultures remaining so.
- Both worlds have their VIP's and Who's Who's, but at least with Greyhawk they're somewhat restrained, whereas in Faerun it seems like there are 20+ level archmages and super characters hanging out on every street corner. FR magic also seems to grow on trees (and probably literally does somewhere).
- With the Underdark regions, I find Toril's more fascinating than Oerth's. It is much more extensive, and mysterious. The more highly alien societies like the Aboleths are featured more prominently there, whereas in Greyhawk's version there is much more of an unknown factor, which is certainly how its creators intended to keep it. The Drow are certainly overdone in FR, but some of their cities and the detailed and amazing way some of them have been fleshed out (e.g. Ched Nasad) are fascinating.
If the commercial success of FR hadn't run so amok, what with all the ridiculous novels and overhyping of things like Drizzt' career and all that stupid shit, as a setting it would remain much more appealing in many ways. With Greyhawk, that hasn't happened so it still retains its authenticity IMO and may never grow stale.
Admitting this is a completely cursory overview and apologies for sticking this in GRPG, but hoping for some interesting insight and very jaded opinions. :D