3orcs D&D Blog: Greyhawk Guides, Campaign Tips, & Dungeon Master Resources

A Resource for DMs—and New Players Whether you're a veteran Dungeon Master looking to deepen the Temple of Elemental Evil with layered cultures, or a  new player  the song Battle of Emridy Meadows is heard in most Taverns.,   Visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide Explore all the loremasters, and see artwork of the village and its magical halls, visit: 🔗  The Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY  on World Anvil I also go into deep discussion on Oakvein and how to use it in your campaign on my YouTube channel: 🎥  3orcs on YouTube If you want  Greyhawk villages that live and breathe , that evolve with the players and remember the scars of past wars, I hope this song inspires your own creations. — 🛠️ Written by 3orcs 🎨 Creator of the  Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY 📺 Dungeon Master, Writer, Worldbuilder

  A DM’s Reflection on Bringing Elven Depth to the Temple of Elemental Evil Campaign By 3orcs When I first cracked open The Village of Hommlet —Gary Gygax’s legendary introduction to the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign—I saw an incredible foundation. But what I needed wasn’t just a dungeon map or encounter table. I needed a world that breathed , and villages that remembered . That’s where Oakvein was born. A City in the Boughs of Memory Oakvein is more than a tree—it's the sacred heart of Clan Enlanefel , the smallest and most contemplative of the elven clans of the Gnarley Forest. Nestled in the high limbs of a 240-foot ancient tree where the Gnarley meets the Welkwood, Oakvein is a living monument of elvenkind . I wrote Oakvein to be a city built not with hammers, but with song, memory, and divine whispers. It is home to six loremasters—each a master of a magical or spiritual discipline—and their sanctums are woven into the living wood of the tree: Naerion’s Aetheriu...

Welcome to the 3orcs YouTube Channel, where Greyhawk gets deadly deep! In this lore-heavy episode, David is joined by special guest Kostadis for an in-depth discussion on one of the most mysterious and dangerous aspects of the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign: How do the cults—and their shadowy leader Loreth—respond when adventurers threaten their plans? 🧠 Dive into the inner workings of the Temple's leadership structure, the power struggles between the elemental factions, and what Loreth really wants. This episode explores how a clever DM can make the Temple feel alive, reactive, and lethal. Your players kick the hornet's nest? Here's how the hornets fight back. 🔍 In This Episode: 🧝‍♀️ Who is Loreth? Myth, mage, or master manipulator? 💀 The four elemental cults: Water, Earth, Fire, and Air—how they compete and plot in the shadows 🧙‍♂️ The chain of command within the Temple and how it affects your campaign 🗡️ Real-time strategies for Temple retaliation, faction...

  By 3orcs – For Dungeon Masters who dream deeper A Quiet Clan with Loud Impact When you crack open The Temple of Elemental Evil , it’s easy to get swept into the pitched battles and dark dungeons of Hommlet and Nulb. But as a Dungeon Master, I found that the real magic—the lasting depth—comes when you bring the quiet parts of the world to life . That’s where Clan Enlanefel comes in. Featured in my latest lore article, Clan Enlanefel: The Quiet Flame of the Gnarley Forest , this reclusive and wise elven clan isn’t charging into battle with swords raised—they’re holding the ley-lines , nurturing ancient fey pacts , and whispering dreams of Sehanine Moonbow under the vast boughs of Oakvein , their mystic fortress-tree. Why I Wrote This Article for the Verbobonc Campaign Guide I created the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY to make the world outside the dungeon just as rich, real, and immersive as the chaos within. Temple of Elemental Evil is a masterclass in high-stakes adve...

In the realm of tabletop role-playing games, the intricate weaving of lore and player interaction is both an art and a challenge. Whether you're navigating through the tumultuous world of the Temple of Elemental Evil or exploring the mysterious depths of the Gnarly Forest, creating an environment that is both immersive and engaging demands careful attention to detail. In this post, we delve deep into the thought process and strategies behind building a rich campaign setting, drawing on existing lore and crafting new storylines for players to explore. Developing the Gnarly Forest The Gnarly Forest offers a rich tapestry of history and intrigue, ideal for any campaign seeking depth. The forest is divided into territories ruled over by four clans: Fealefel, Enlanefel, Sherendyl and Meldarin. Each clan brings its distinct flair to the table, offering myriad opportunities for players to interact, trade, and forge alliances. Engagement with Local Politics Navigating the local politics is...

Connect with 3orcs! If you enjoy what I’m building with the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy , check out more detailed articles, NPC writeups, custom artwork, and maps at the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy website ! I also host deep dive discussions on the 3orcs YouTube channel , and there's exclusive bonus material for members over on Patreon . Adventure on, friends — and beware the dark trails. 🚩 Quick Links: Visit: Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy Website Watch: 3orcs YouTube Channel Support: Join the 3orcs Patreon