Return to the World of Oerth: D&D Announces Greyhawk: Crown of the Witch Queen

Dungeons & Dragons is heading back to where it all began. Revealed during Gen Con, Wizards of the Coast unveiled Greyhawk: Crown of the Witch Queen, an upcoming 160-page campaign adventure set in the legendary world of Oerth.

Slated to arrive in the second half of 2027 as the anchor release for the new Season of Sword & Sorcery, this dark, antagonist-driven campaign pits players against one of the deepest cut villains in Greyhawk history.

Here is everything revealed so far about Crown of the Witch Queen.

The Plot: A Dark Legacy Arises

At the center of Crown of the Witch Queen is Drelnza, a bloodthirsty vampire warlord seeking to claim her birthright and ascend on Oerth.

For modern D&D fans unfamiliar with the deep lore, Drelnza has direct ties to key figures in 5E:

• The Daughter of Tasha: Drelnza is the daughter of the archmage Iggwilv the Witch-Queen—better known to 5E players as Tasha (of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything and Tasha’s Hideous Laughter).

• Classic Origins: Drelnza originally debuted in Gary Gygax’s iconic 1982 module The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth.

• The Bloodline: She is also the half-sister of the infamous dark wizard turned demigod, Iuz. Often depicted in golden full plate armor wielding the magical blade Heretic, she represents a formidable primary antagonist.

Wizards of the Coast described the campaign as a darker, operatic, and highly antagonist-focused narrative that updates classic Greyhawk themes for modern 5E tables.

Visual Tone and Aesthetics

During pre-Gen Con press briefings, WotC Product Architect Andy Chilton previewed concept art for the book—including sweeping shots of Castle Greyhawk, the Yatil Mountains, and ancient ruins.

“Visually we’re going for operatic, thrilling, archetypal, big, dramatic silhouettes on bold impactful shapes that feel like classic Greyhawk but reimagined and updated for today’s adventures.”

— Andy Chilton, WotC Product Architect

Release Timeline & Tie-In Products

While character level ranges have not yet been announced, WotC confirmed key details regarding the product lineup:

• Release Window: Second half of 2027 (anchoring the Season of Sword & Sorcery).

• Format: Available as a 160-page physical hardcover and digital release on D&D Beyond.

• Accessories: The main campaign book will be accompanied by an official Crown of the Witch Queen Map Pack (physical and digital) as well as a dedicated DM Screen featuring custom art and reference tables.

A Golden Age for Greyhawk

After years of minimal setting support, Greyhawk is undergoing a major revival. Between its inclusion in the 2024 Dungeon Master’s Guide, organized play programs, Luke Gygax’s upcoming Melf’s Guide to Greyhawk, and the new D&D Icons line, Crown of the Witch Queen gives Oerth fans plenty of dark fantasy to look forward to in 2027.