AD&D Greyhawk Adventures by James M. Ward: A Retro D&D Treasure?

Explore the rich world of Greyhawk Adventures by James M. Ward, where new deities, monsters, and spells bring fresh life to one of D&D’s most iconic settings.

If you're a fan of classic Dungeons & Dragons, then Greyhawk Adventures by James M. Ward is a book worth exploring. Released toward the end of AD&D’s 1st edition, after Gary Gygax had left TSR, this book offers another perspective on the beloved Greyhawk setting. While it may not be the ultimate Greyhawk resource—many fans still prefer Gygax’s original take—it does provide plenty of new material. Ward introduces custom monsters, new deities, and expands on the iconic spells of characters like Bigby and Drawmij. One standout feature is the detailed look at Greyhawk’s deities, with special cleric abilities and unique spells tied to each one. The book also includes adventures, magical items, and a section on zero-level characters, which gives players the chance to develop their heroes from the ground up. Though some of the artwork was recycled, and certain sections may feel a bit underwhelming, Greyhawk Adventures remains a valuable addition for collectors or anyone running a campaign in the Greyhawk world. It bridges the gap between the 1st and 2nd editions of AD&D, offering content that’s easy to incorporate into either system.

Highlights:

• 📖 Greyhawk Adventures was written by James M. Ward after Gary Gygax left TSR.

• 🐉 The book includes custom monsters unique to the Greyhawk setting.

• ⚔️ It provides new details on deities and their clerics, including deity-specific spells.

• 🌍 Offers a fresh perspective on the geography of Greyhawk from Ward's point of view.

• 🧙‍♂️ Expands on spells created by famous AD&D characters like Bigby and Drawmij.

• 🎨 Some artwork in the book was reused, which was a disappointment for some fans.

• 🗡️ Features zero-level characters and adventures designed to help develop them.

• 🏷️ Released during the transition from AD&D 1st edition to 2nd edition.

Key Insights:

• 💡 The book is a good addition for collectors but not considered the best Greyhawk resource.

• 🗺️ It provides new world-building ideas, though many fans prefer Gygax’s original take.

• ✍️ Ward’s version focuses more on world details like deities, but lacks the political intrigue favored by Gygax.

• 🎭 Special cleric abilities and unique deities add depth for campaigns centered in Greyhawk.

• ⚖️ Includes a balanced mix of new content, but some elements, like spells, may not appeal to every player.

• 📚 The book is useful for transitioning campaigns between AD&D editions but shows the growing shift away from Gygax’s influence.