The Waterside Hostel of Nulb: A Tavern of Whispers and Knives for Temple of Elemental Evil Greyhawk DND campaign

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A blog post by 3orcs for Dungeon Masters running the Temple of Elemental Evil In the backwaters of the Viscounty of Verbobonc , nestled against the murky banks of Imeryd’s Run , lies the festering hive of Nulb —and at its heart, the Waterside Hostel . It isn’t just an inn. It’s a cauldron of scheming pirates, cutthroats, cultists, and desperate adventurers, each seeking something—coin, glory, or power. If you're a Dungeon Master running T1: The Village of Hommlet and eyeing a deeper dive into the seedy roots of evil in Greyhawk, this is the side location to breathe life into. And trust me—when your party walks into this place, the adventure won’t wait until morning. A Note from 3orcs: How I Use the Waterside Hostel in My Campaign When I first ran Temple of Elemental Evil for my players, I knew I wanted the village of Nulb to feel like a slow-motion ambush. Everyone is watching. Everyone has a knife behind their back. That’s why I love the Waterside Hostel—it’s a tavern wi...
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Elon Musk, Rob Kuntz, and the Defense of Dungeons & Dragons’ Legacy

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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 & Dragons. What the fuck is wrong with Hasbro and WotC?? May they burn in hell,” he didn’t hold back. This bold statement highlights a broader frustration among long-time fans of D&D who feel disconnected from its current direction.

Musk’s words are significant for several reasons:

  1. Cultural Influence: Musk’s involvement brings attention to the ongoing tension between honoring D&D’s roots and adapting it for a modern audience.
  2. Tech Industry Connection: Musk’s history as a gamer ties him to a generation of tech leaders who were shaped by Gygax’s creation. His criticism underscores how D&D’s legacy transcends gaming.

Rob Kuntz’s Criticisms of WotC

Rob Kuntz, one of Gygax’s collaborators, shares Musk’s sentiment but dives deeper into the specifics. He accuses WotC of marginalizing the original creators and rewriting history, particularly with their handling of the 50th-anniversary book. Kuntz has called out the following issues:

  • Exclusion of Original Creators: Kuntz argues that WotC deliberately ignored him, the last surviving author from the early days of D&D, when creating their anniversary content.
  • “Woke” Agenda: He accuses WotC of sanitizing D&D’s history and labeling the original creators as insensitive or problematic.
  • Rewriting Legacy: Kuntz views this as an erasure of the context and creativity that birthed D&D, replacing it with a sanitized corporate version.

Kuntz’s call to action resonates with many fans: protect the legacy of Gygax and the original creators while resisting corporate overreach.

The Broader Debate: Honoring Legacy vs. Modernization

The divide in the D&D community stems from a clash of ideals:

  • Preserving the Original Vision: Fans of traditional D&D, like myself, value the historical context and creativity of Gygax’s world. We see the World of Greyhawk as a living testament to the game’s origins, not something to be rewritten.
  • Adapting to Modern Audiences: WotC has leaned into inclusivity and modernization, which some see as an attempt to appeal to broader audiences at the cost of alienating long-time fans.

As a Dungeon Master and creator, I believe there’s room for both approaches. However, the erasure of the original creators’ contributions crosses a line. Gygax’s vision gave us the foundation for the adventures we love today, and that legacy must be respected.

How This Impacts Your Campaigns

For Dungeon Masters running campaigns in the World of Greyhawk or using traditional modules like The Temple of Elemental Evil, here’s my advice:

1. Honor the Original Lore

Dive into the material created by Gygax and his collaborators. Modules like T1 Village of Hommlet are rich with story, lore, and depth that remain relevant for modern campaigns.

2. Create NPCs Inspired by History

Use this controversy as inspiration for your campaigns. Perhaps a powerful figure in Verbobonc mirrors the plight of Gygax’s legacy—an unsung hero who must fight against erasure by those in power.

3. Embrace Greyhawk’s Complexity

The World of Greyhawk is a world of nuanced politics, shifting alliances, and layered storytelling. Use this depth to engage your players in moral dilemmas that mirror the real-world tensions between tradition and modernization.

Why 3orcs Supports the Legacy of Gygax

When I created the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY, my goal was to provide a resource that celebrated the World of Greyhawk in all its glory. From detailed maps to vivid NPCs and rich lore, I strive to keep Gygax’s vision alive for Dungeon Masters like you.

I believe that the World of Greyhawk offers a depth and richness that modern games often lack. By grounding our campaigns in this legacy, we can honor the creators who shaped D&D while crafting unforgettable adventures for our players.

Explore More with 3orcs

Want to dive deeper into classic D&D campaigns and lore? Check out these resources:

Final Thoughts

The legacy of Gary Gygax and the original creators of Dungeons & Dragons deserves respect and celebration. While modernization has its place, it should never come at the expense of erasing the game’s roots. As Dungeon Masters, we have the power to preserve this legacy through the stories we tell and the worlds we build.

Let’s continue to honor the genius of Gygax and the spirit of D&D—one epic adventure at a time!

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