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[[Image:Rift Canyon02.jpg|right]]
[[Image:Rift Canyon02.jpg|right|thumb|350px|[[Men of the Rift|Bandits]] of Rift Canyon, as depicted in the ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]'' (2000).]]
'''Rift Canyon''' is a deep canyon, over 180 miles long and 30 miles wide at its widest point.  In some places, the Rift is over a mile deep ([[Iuz the Evil|WGR5]]). The canyon, which was not created by river erosion, is surrounded by a rocky wasteland known as the [[Rift Barrens]], adding to the area's unnatural character. To the southwest of Rift Canyon can be found a solitary volcano known as [[White Plume Mountain]] and to the north can be found a forest called the [[Tangles]].
'''Rift Canyon''' is a deep canyon, over 180 miles long and 30 miles wide at its widest point, and 10 miles wide at its ends.{{csb|LGG|154}}{{csb|DMG2024|147}} In some places, the Rift is over a mile deep{{csb|WGR5|49}}. The canyon, which was not created by river erosion, is surrounded by a rocky wasteland known as the '''Rift Barrens''', adding to the area's unnatural character. To the southwest of Rift Canyon can be found a solitary volcano known as [[White Plume Mountain]] and to the north can be found a forest called the [[Tangles]].
 
==History==
Rift Canyon was formed in the [[Age Before Ages]] during the [[Battle of Pesh]], when the armies of Law, led by the [[Wind Dukes]] faced the forces of the [[Queen of Chaos]], led by her greatest general, [[Miska the Wolf-Spider]]. The rift was caused when the [[Rod of Law]] was used by the Wind Duke [[Qadeej]] to defeat Miska (DMG1; BoA; Ro7P; [[Dungeon|DNG]]#124; DNG#129).


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
Rainwater drains into this cavernous fissure throughout its expanse, but no known crops are grown here. The canyon is marked by massive sheer faces of rock, scrub-covered screes, and paths on which only the most sure of foot would dare set foot. The Rift is honeycombed with warrens, caves, and caverns, and it is therefore very probable that the Rift contains passages to the [[Underdark]]. Dark things are said to slither in the canyon's deepest recesses.
Rainwater drains into this cavernous fissure throughout its expanse, but no known crops are grown here. The canyon is marked by massive sheer faces of rock, scrub-covered screes, and paths on which only the most sure of foot would dare set foot. The Rift is honeycombed with warrens, caves, and caverns, and it is therefore very probable that the Rift contains passages to the [[Underoerth]]. Dark things are said to slither in the canyon's deepest recesses.


Rift Canyon contains a number of mines that provide silver to the region, mostly near Riftcrag. A jade deposit was also once discovered in the Rift, but has long since been exhausted ([[Iuz the Evil|WGR5]]).  
Rift Canyon contains a number of mines that provide silver to the region, mostly near Riftcrag. A jade deposit was also once discovered in the Rift, but has long since been exhausted ([[Iuz the Evil|WGR5]]).  
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Lizards, fish, and similar creatures can be found in the caves, springs, and pools of the Rift itself, while hardy goats can be found on the rocky surfaces of the ravine and the Rift Barrens beyond. Birds and small animals (such as hares) are sometimes caught by trappers.
Lizards, fish, and similar creatures can be found in the caves, springs, and pools of the Rift itself, while hardy goats can be found on the rocky surfaces of the ravine and the Rift Barrens beyond. Birds and small animals (such as hares) are sometimes caught by trappers.


In the deepest caves and on the Rift floor, carrion crawlers, [[behir]]s, giant lizards, gelatinous cubes, and cave fishers are among the more commonly encountered dangers, and some have reported dinosaur-like creatures and prehistoric beasts in a few of the very deep caves below the canyon.
In the deepest caves and on the Rift floor, carrion crawlers, [[behir]]s, giant lizards, gelatinous cubes, and cave fishers are among the more commonly encountered dangers,{{csb|WGR5|50}} and some have reported "[[dinosaur|dinosaur-like]] and prehistoric beasts in some of the very deep caverns below the Rift."{{csb|WGR5|50}}


==Inhabitants==
==Inhabitants==
[[Image:Veralos01.jpg|right]]
[[Image:Veralos01.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The ruins of [[Veralos]], as depicted in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #293 (2002).]]
Rift Canyon is populated by many of the former inhabitants of the [[Bandit Kingdoms|bandit kingdom]] which once ruled the Rift Canyon and surrounding barrens from the town of [[Riftcrag]]. Known as the [[Men of the Rift]], many of these bandits sought refuge in the Rift itself after abandoning the town to Iuz's forces in [[583 CY]]. Made up of chiefly [[human]]s, [[bugbear]]s, [[gnoll]]s, [[ogre]]s, and [[orc]]s, these forces are supplemented by thousands of refugees from other bandit kingdoms (chiefly men from [[Reyhu]], a bandit kingdom south of the canyon), who also fled here to escape Iuz's forces during the [[Greyhawk Wars]]. In [[585 CY]], these bandits numbered some 6000 humans (2000 original settlers, plus some 4000 refugees). Many of these bandits are worshipers of [[Erythnul]], and are quick to sacrifice any intruders into their realm to their evil god.
Rift Canyon is populated by many of the former inhabitants of the [[Bandit Kingdoms|bandit kingdom]] which once ruled the Rift Canyon and surrounding barrens from the town of [[Riftcrag]]. Known as the [[Men of the Rift]], many of these bandits sought refuge in the Rift itself after abandoning the town to Iuz's forces in [[583 CY]]. Made up of chiefly [[human]]s, [[bugbear]]s, [[gnoll]]s, [[ogre]]s, and [[orc]]s, these forces are supplemented by thousands of refugees from other bandit kingdoms (chiefly men from [[Reyhu]], a bandit kingdom south of the canyon), who also fled here to escape Iuz's forces during the [[Greyhawk Wars]]. In [[585 CY]], these bandits numbered some 6,000 humans (2,000 original settlers, plus some 4,000 refugees).{{csb|WGR5|49}} Many of these bandits are worshipers of [[Erythnul]], and are quick to sacrifice any intruders into their realm to their evil god.


The Men of the Rift are led by [[Durand Grossman]], Plar of the Rift, and plan a "dark revenge" against the Old One. The Plar is said to have a pair of trained hippogriffs, a number of hell hounds, and nearly a dozen displacer beasts at his service. In times of dire need, Durand is rumored to be able to call upon a "deep-laired gorgimera" for aid. The presence of such beasts in the Plar's forces may be partially due to the services of [[Menfri Rauveen]], an "ex-[[Aerdi]] mage," who has been researching the Rift's secrets for years.
The Men of the Rift are led by [[Durand Grossman]],{{csb|WGR5|49}} Plar of the Rift, and plan a "dark revenge" against the Old One. The Plar has a pair of trained hippogriffs, a number of hell hounds, and nearly a dozen displacer beasts at his service.{{csb|WGR5|49}} In times of dire need, Durand is rumored to be able to call upon a "deep-laired gorgimera" for aid.{{csb|WGR5|49}} The presence of such beasts in the Plar's forces may be partially due to the services of [[Menfri Rauveen]], an "ex-[[Aerdi]] mage," who has been researching the Rift's secrets for years.{{csb|WGR5|49}}


A tribe of roughly one hundred ogres make their home in a cluster of caverns north of [[Sheerwatch]] (a keep located south of the Rift), and are brutally hostile to all who approach their domain. A [[beholder]], a single annis, and (allegedly) a band of [[illithid]]s are some of the rarer threats offered in the most inaccessible reaches of the Rift.
A tribe of roughly one hundred ogres make their home in a cluster of caverns north of [[Sheerwatch]] (a keep located south of the Rift), and are brutally hostile to all who approach their domain. A [[beholder]], a single annis, and (allegedly) a band of [[illithid]]s are some of the rarer threats offered in the most inaccessible reaches of the Rift.{{csb|WGR5|50}}


In addition, a powerful undead [[dragon]], a [[dracolich]] named [[Dragotha]], makes its home in the [[Wormcrawl Fissure]] located near the Rift Canyon.
In addition, a powerful undead [[dragon]], a [[dracolich]] named [[Dragotha]], makes its home in the [[Wormcrawl Fissure]] located near the Rift Canyon.
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Many lawless folk inhabit Rift Canyon. Many menaces, dreadful and deadly monsters, inhabit the west end of Rift Canyon and seem to issue forth from multiple and various caverns.  
Many lawless folk inhabit Rift Canyon. Many menaces, dreadful and deadly monsters, inhabit the west end of Rift Canyon and seem to issue forth from multiple and various caverns.  


The ruins of the ancient Flan city of [[Veralos]] (of the pre-[[Great Migrations|migration]] era) sits on the northern edge of Rift Canyon, and the [[giant]]-occupied city of [[Kongen- Thulnir]] sits on the southern edge.
The ruins of the ancient [[Flan]] city of [[Veralos]]{{cite lgj|9|87-91|Mysterious Places}} (of the pre-[[Great Migrations|migration]] era) sits on the northern edge of Rift Canyon, as does the [[giant]]-occupied city of [[Kongen-Thulnir]].{{cite dungeon|133|55|Kings of the Rift}}
 
==History==
The formation of the Rift is lost to recorded history, though there are various legends surrounding it.{{csb|WGR5|50}}  The myths vary in details, but usually amount to a deific being of enormous power struck the ground in some way with a mighty artifact, often a greataxe or hammer.{{csb|WGR5|50}}
 
More specifically (thought it is not a fact known to most sages or historians), the Rift Canyon was formed in the [[Age Before Ages]] during the [[Battle of Pesh]], when the armies of Law, led by the [[Wind Dukes]] faced the forces of the [[Queen of Chaos]], led by her greatest general, [[Miska the Wolf-Spider]]. The rift was caused when the [[Rod of Law]] was used by the Wind Duke [[Qadeej]] to defeat [[Miska the Wolf-Spider]].{{csb|DMG1e}}{{csb|BoA}}{{csb|Ro7P}}{{cite dungeon|124}}{{cite dungeon|129}}


==Maps==
==Maps==
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[[Image:Rift Canyon01.jpg]]
[[Image:Rift Canyon01.jpg]]


==Bibliography==
== References ==
=== Notes ===
<references group="note" />
=== Citations ===
<references />
=== Bibliography ===
*[[Wolfgang Baur|Baur, Wolfgang]]. "A Gathering of Winds." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #129. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*[[Wolfgang Baur|Baur, Wolfgang]]. "A Gathering of Winds." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #129. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*[[David "Zeb" Cook|Cook, David]]. ''Book of Artifacts''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
*[[David "Zeb" Cook|Cook, David]]. ''Book of Artifacts''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
*[[Cordell, Bruce R]]. ''Dragotha's Lair''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999 and 2001. Available online:[http://wizards.com/dnd/files/Dragothas_Lair.pdf]
*[[Cordell, Bruce R]]. ''Dragotha's Lair''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1999 and 2001. Available online:[http://wizards.com/dnd/files/Dragothas_Lair.pdf]
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''The [[World of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''The [[World of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980.
*-----. ''[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
:———. ''[[World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
 
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]]. "Places of Mystery: Spinecastle and [[Veralos]]." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #293. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2002.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]]. "Places of Mystery: Spinecastle and [[Veralos]]." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #293. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2002.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA. Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*[[Gary Holian|Holian, Gary]], [[Erik Mona]], [[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Frederick Weining]]. ''[[Living Greyhawk Gazetteer]]''. Renton, WA. Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Dungeon Master's Guide''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979.
*[[Gygax, Gary]]. ''Dungeon Master's Guide''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979.
*[[Mona, Erik]]. "The [[Whispering Cairn]]." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #124. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
*[[Mona, Erik]]. "The [[Whispering Cairn]]." ''[[Dungeon]]'' #124. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2005.
 
* [[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[Ivid the Undying]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995. Published online. [https://greyhawkonline.com/download/16370/?tmstv=1727302323 PDF by William Allman with maps].  Original RTF archived:[http://web.archive.org/web/20081218001449/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/downloads Wizards.com]. WGR7 or WGRx
*[[Carl Sargent|Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
:———. ''[[Iuz the Evil]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
*-----. ''[[Iuz the Evil]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
 
*[[Simpson, Bill]]. "Lords & Legends: Dragotha." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #134. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
*[[Simpson, Bill]]. "Lords & Legends: Dragotha." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #134. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
*[[Vaughan, Greg A]].  "Kings of the Rift" ''[[Dungeon]]'' #133. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2006.
*[[Vaughan, Greg A]].  "Kings of the Rift" ''[[Dungeon]]'' #133. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2006.
*[[Williams, Skip]]. ''[[The Rod of Seven Parts]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
*[[Williams, Skip]]. ''[[The Rod of Seven Parts]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1996.
{{index}}




 
[[Category:Wastelands]]
[[Category:Greyhawk wastelands]]
[[Category:Valleys and basins]]

Latest revision as of 10:14, 12 May 2025

Bandits of Rift Canyon, as depicted in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000).

Rift Canyon is a deep canyon, over 180 miles long and 30 miles wide at its widest point, and 10 miles wide at its ends.[1][2] In some places, the Rift is over a mile deep[3]. The canyon, which was not created by river erosion, is surrounded by a rocky wasteland known as the Rift Barrens, adding to the area's unnatural character. To the southwest of Rift Canyon can be found a solitary volcano known as White Plume Mountain and to the north can be found a forest called the Tangles.

Ecology

Rainwater drains into this cavernous fissure throughout its expanse, but no known crops are grown here. The canyon is marked by massive sheer faces of rock, scrub-covered screes, and paths on which only the most sure of foot would dare set foot. The Rift is honeycombed with warrens, caves, and caverns, and it is therefore very probable that the Rift contains passages to the Underoerth. Dark things are said to slither in the canyon's deepest recesses.

Rift Canyon contains a number of mines that provide silver to the region, mostly near Riftcrag. A jade deposit was also once discovered in the Rift, but has long since been exhausted (WGR5).

The inhabitants of the Rift often venture out of their domain to procure both food and weapons. Iuz's commanders have tried, but are unable to block all of the exists from the Rift Canyon.

Climate

The generally temperate weather of the Rift has been described by some as "bizarre." Swirling, highly localized gales can sweep men from the canyon's rock faces in an instant. Bitter frosts during the winter months make traversing the canyon's rocky surfaces extremely dangerous. Drifting mists can also create slippery conditions on par with the ice and frost. Rockfalls commonly occur, and cave-ins somewhat less frequently.

Flora and fauna

Lizards, fish, and similar creatures can be found in the caves, springs, and pools of the Rift itself, while hardy goats can be found on the rocky surfaces of the ravine and the Rift Barrens beyond. Birds and small animals (such as hares) are sometimes caught by trappers.

In the deepest caves and on the Rift floor, carrion crawlers, behirs, giant lizards, gelatinous cubes, and cave fishers are among the more commonly encountered dangers,[4] and some have reported "dinosaur-like and prehistoric beasts in some of the very deep caverns below the Rift."[4]

Inhabitants

The ruins of Veralos, as depicted in Dragon #293 (2002).

Rift Canyon is populated by many of the former inhabitants of the bandit kingdom which once ruled the Rift Canyon and surrounding barrens from the town of Riftcrag. Known as the Men of the Rift, many of these bandits sought refuge in the Rift itself after abandoning the town to Iuz's forces in 583 CY. Made up of chiefly humans, bugbears, gnolls, ogres, and orcs, these forces are supplemented by thousands of refugees from other bandit kingdoms (chiefly men from Reyhu, a bandit kingdom south of the canyon), who also fled here to escape Iuz's forces during the Greyhawk Wars. In 585 CY, these bandits numbered some 6,000 humans (2,000 original settlers, plus some 4,000 refugees).[3] Many of these bandits are worshipers of Erythnul, and are quick to sacrifice any intruders into their realm to their evil god.

The Men of the Rift are led by Durand Grossman,[3] Plar of the Rift, and plan a "dark revenge" against the Old One. The Plar has a pair of trained hippogriffs, a number of hell hounds, and nearly a dozen displacer beasts at his service.[3] In times of dire need, Durand is rumored to be able to call upon a "deep-laired gorgimera" for aid.[3] The presence of such beasts in the Plar's forces may be partially due to the services of Menfri Rauveen, an "ex-Aerdi mage," who has been researching the Rift's secrets for years.[3]

A tribe of roughly one hundred ogres make their home in a cluster of caverns north of Sheerwatch (a keep located south of the Rift), and are brutally hostile to all who approach their domain. A beholder, a single annis, and (allegedly) a band of illithids are some of the rarer threats offered in the most inaccessible reaches of the Rift.[4]

In addition, a powerful undead dragon, a dracolich named Dragotha, makes its home in the Wormcrawl Fissure located near the Rift Canyon.

Features and settlements

Many lawless folk inhabit Rift Canyon. Many menaces, dreadful and deadly monsters, inhabit the west end of Rift Canyon and seem to issue forth from multiple and various caverns.

The ruins of the ancient Flan city of Veralos[5] (of the pre-migration era) sits on the northern edge of Rift Canyon, as does the giant-occupied city of Kongen-Thulnir.[6]

History

The formation of the Rift is lost to recorded history, though there are various legends surrounding it.[4] The myths vary in details, but usually amount to a deific being of enormous power struck the ground in some way with a mighty artifact, often a greataxe or hammer.[4]

More specifically (thought it is not a fact known to most sages or historians), the Rift Canyon was formed in the Age Before Ages during the Battle of Pesh, when the armies of Law, led by the Wind Dukes faced the forces of the Queen of Chaos, led by her greatest general, Miska the Wolf-Spider. The rift was caused when the Rod of Law was used by the Wind Duke Qadeej to defeat Miska the Wolf-Spider.[7][8][9][10][11]

Maps

References

Notes

Citations

  1. ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.154.
  2. ↑ Dungeon Master's Guide (2024), p.147.
  3. ↑ a b c d e f WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), p.49.
  4. ↑ a b c d e WGR5 Iuz the Evil (1993), p.50.
  5. ↑ "Mysterious Places".  Living Greyhawk Journal #9 (Dragon #293, Mar 2002), p.87-91.  
  6. ↑ "Kings of the Rift". Dungeon #133 (Apr 2006), p.55
  7. ↑ Dungeon Masters Guide (1979).
  8. ↑ Book of Artifacts (1993).
  9. ↑ The Rod of Seven Parts (1996).
  10. ↑ Dungeon #124 (Jul 2005)
  11. ↑ Dungeon #129 (Dec 2005)

Bibliography

———. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
———. Iuz the Evil. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Great Rift {Rift Canyon} Place Reference SEE Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon}
Red Road to Rift Canyon (Song) Item Book, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 113
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Against The Giants: The Liberation of Geoff 70
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess 19
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #063 14
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #191 68
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #270 75
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #276 84
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #293 90, 91
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dragon magazine #294 96
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Dungeon magazine #077 32
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess 21, 23, 56, 62, 73, 79
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Castles: Hart 26
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 17, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 61, 113, 142, 154, 157
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Living Greyhawk Journal #3 13
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Player's Guide to Greyhawk 6
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place Return to White Plume Mountain 3
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place S1-4 Realms of Horror, Adventure Booklet 23
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place S2 White Plume Mountain (1st-3rd printing), AD&D 1e 2
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place S2 White Plume Mountain {Expanded} (4th+ printing), AD&D 1e 2
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place WGA4 Vecna Lives! 24
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) 25
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place WGR5 Iuz the Evil 2, 21, 22, 25, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 73, 75, 86, 87, 94
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place WGS1 Five Shall Be One IBC
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 59, 60
Rift Canyon {Great Rift, Riftcanyon} Place World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) 2, 15, 30
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