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

Greetings, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today I’m excited to dive into the Free Alliance of the Kron Hills —a fascinating political and cultural entity nestled in the heart of the World of Greyhawk. For those running the legendary Temple of Elemental Evil campaign or integrating the T1 Village of Hommlet , the Kron Hills and its gnomish inhabitants offer a treasure trove of opportunities for adventure, intrigue, and world-building. Let me share my insights on how to bring the Free Alliance of the Kron Hills to life in your campaign, from their rich history to their complex political relationships with Verbobonc and beyond. Follow along with the 3orcs Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy website. History and Structure The Free Alliance of the Kron Hills is a confederation of gnomish clans who banded together to protect their independence and cultural identity. Key Details About the Alliance: Founded in Unity: The alliance grew out of centuries of shared traditions and communal de...

  Greetings, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today, we’re diving into a cornerstone of the World of Greyhawk —the rich diversity of its human populations. One of the most striking aspects of this campaign setting is the fact that “human” isn’t just a singular race but a tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions woven together across the Flanaess .  If you’re preparing to run the legendary T1 Village of Hommlet or the sprawling Temple of Elemental Evil , understanding the distinctiveness of Greyhawk’s human races will add depth and immersion to your campaign. Let’s explore what makes the humans of Greyhawk a vibrant and essential part of this world! The Races of Humans in Greyhawk Unlike other settings that lump humans together, Greyhawk celebrates the distinctiveness of its six major human groups: Baklunish Appearance: Golden to olive skin, dark hair, and almond-shaped eyes. Cultural Vibe: Exotic mysticism and a deep spiritual connection to their pantheon. Regio...

Greetings, fellow Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today, I’m diving into one of the best resources I’ve come across for running a Greyhawk campaign: the Greyhawk Campaign Guide  by Joseph Bloch  the “Greyhawk Grognard” . If you’re looking to immerse your players in the rich history, geography, and intrigue of the Flanaess, this guide is your ultimate companion. Written with clarity and a keen respect for the setting’s old-school charm, it’s a must-have for both newcomers and seasoned DMs. The Greyhawk Campaign Guide can be purchased at the DMsGuild. Link: Greyhawk Campaign Guide Let me break down why this guide impressed me, how it enriches campaigns like the Temple of Elemental Evil , and why I’ll be reaching for it every time I sit down to plan a Greyhawk adventure. Why the Greyhawk Campaign Guide Stands Out Greyhawk is a setting brimming with complexity, and this guide captures it beautifully.  The guide is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to ...

 Greetings, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, ready to guide you into the terrifying depths of Greyhawk lore. Today, I want to delve into one of the most enigmatic and chaotic deities in the World of Greyhawk : The Elder Elemental God (often referred to as Rentaq). Whether you’re running the Temple of Elemental Evil or building your own narrative in this richly detailed world, the Elder Elemental God offers endless opportunities to challenge your players with cosmic horror, primal chaos, and morally complex storylines. So grab your dice, your DM screen, and let’s explore the dark majesty of this ancient deity! You can read more here on the Elder Elemental God and more on the 3orcs WorldAnvil Temple of Elemental Evil website. The Elder Elemental God: A History of Chaos and Power The Elder Elemental God is a being of unimaginable power and chaos, embodying creation, destruction, and the horrors that lie between. Known as Rentaq to his followers, his story begins with divine inter...

Greetings, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today, I want to talk about a group of characters that can add both grit and heart to your Temple of Elemental Evil campaign: Burne's Badgers . These mercenaries turned defenders of the Village of Hommlet are a fascinating addition to any campaign set in the World of Greyhawk . They’re not just a powerful faction—they’re a storytelling goldmine for side quests, moral dilemmas, and NPC interactions.  If you’re running the T1 Village of Hommlet module or planning to expand on the Temple of Elemental Evil , let’s dive into how Burne’s Badgers can enrich your game. Click here for the full Burnes Badgers article. Who Are Burne's Badgers? Once brigands roaming the outskirts of Hommlet, these rough-and-tumble mercenaries were given a choice by Lord Burne and Lord Rufus : face justice or reform. They chose redemption, and under the disciplined leadership of Burne and Rufus, they’ve become the village’s first line of defense against ...

Greetings, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today we’re hopping into the slimy, unsettling world of Wastri, the Hopping Prophet , a demigod whose doctrine of human superiority and amphibian veneration makes him one of the most bizarre and intriguing adversaries in the World of Greyhawk . If you’re running the legendary Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, Wastri offers an endless well of opportunities to challenge your players with moral dilemmas, thrilling encounters, and memorable side quests. Let’s dive into how you can incorporate Wastri’s cult and his twisted ambitions into your campaign, bringing both dread and depth to your Dungeons & Dragons world. Who Is Wastri? Known as the Hammer of False Humans , Wastri is a demigod who thrives in the Vast Swamp , spreading his doctrine of human supremacy while waging a campaign of hatred against demi-humans such as elves, dwarves, halflings, and gnomes. A grotesque hybrid of man and frog, Wastri’s image alone is enough to make ad...

Hello, adventurers and Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, bringing you a deep dive into the latest storm surrounding Dungeons & Dragons , sparked by none other than Elon Musk and Rob Kuntz. As someone who grew up with Gary Gygax’s brilliant World of Greyhawk and who runs traditional D&D campaigns, I felt compelled to address this controversy and what it means for fans of classic D&D. Musk’s fiery comments defending Gary Gygax and criticizing Wizards of the Coast (WotC) and Hasbro—calling out their perceived disrespect for D&D’s origins—have resonated with many fans. Rob Kuntz, a close collaborator of Gygax, has also voiced his frustration, accusing WotC of historical revisionism and sidelining the game’s creators. Let’s break this down and explore how these sentiments impact us as Dungeon Masters and fans of classic D&D. Elon Musk’s Defense of Gary Gygax When Elon Musk tweeted, “ Nobody, I mean nobody, gets to trash E. Gary Gygax and the genius who created Dungeons ...

Greetings, Dungeon Masters! I’m 3orcs, and today, we’re diving into the sinister world of the Cult of Orcus —a faction that adds layers of dread and complexity to the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. As a Dungeon Master running a campaign in the World of Greyhawk , weaving the Cult of Orcus into your narrative can create unforgettable moments for your players. From diabolical NPCs to harrowing quests, the Cult provides countless ways to challenge adventurers and immerse them in the depths of chaos and undeath. Click here to visit the 3orcs site to read the full article of Cult of Orcus . Let’s explore how you can bring this faction to life and use it to elevate your campaign. Who Are the Cult of Orcus? The Cult of Orcus serves the Demon Prince of Undeath, a being of immense power whose domain stretches across the Abyss. His followers are a vile mix of necromancers, undead, and mortal zealots who seek to spread death and decay. In the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, the Cult is ...

Ahoy, Dungeon Masters! It’s 3orcs here, and today we’re diving into the murky waters of Nulb , home to the infamous River Pirates who rule the waterways of the Velverdyva River and Imeryd’s Run. These swashbuckling rogues aren’t just another band of cutthroats; they’re integral to the evolving narrative of the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. From clandestine smuggling operations to brewing rivalries, these pirates are ripe with potential for intrigue, conflict, and adventure. Who Are the River Pirates? The River Pirates of Nulb are a loose confederation of smugglers, raiders, and outlaws bound by shared charters and an unspoken code. Their influence spreads far along the Velverdyva, but their true stronghold lies in Nulb—a lawless village teeming with shadowy deals and whispered secrets. Overseeing this chaotic alliance is Captain Tolub , a Level 8 fighter whose grip on Nulb’s port ensures tribute payments from every ship daring to dock there. But all is not smooth sailing. Rival...