Grave-Soaked Secrets in the Shadow of Nulb, in the World of Greyhawk for the Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

-
Image
How the Village Graveyard Became a Cornerstone of My Temple of Elemental Evil Campaign When I first laid eyes on the crumbling, moss-covered tombstones of the Nulb Graveyard , I didn’t expect it to become such a pivotal piece of my campaign. But that’s what I’ve come to love about building out the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy —those small, seemingly forgotten places often reveal the most story-rich, atmospheric threads. Nulb , with its damp streets and looming threat of corruption, has always been a favorite location of mine when expanding upon the legendary Temple of Elemental Evil campaign by Gary Gygax. I’ve worked to bring this infamous, chaotic village to life—not as a cardboard cutout of evil, but as a living, breathing space of secrets, routines, and long-buried grief. The graveyard , tucked between Baroness Nysera’s Manor and the road to the old Temple ruins , is no exception. The Forgotten Heart of Nulb This is no grand cathedral graveyard. The Nulb Graveyard is winds...
Post a Comment

The Free Alliance of the Kron Hills: A Resource for Dungeon Masters running Temple of Elemental Evil in Greyhawk

-

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 defense against outside threats.
  • Led by Clan Tulvar: Under the wise leadership of Urthgan Tulvar, this clan holds the political and cultural heart of the alliance in the village of Tulvar.
  • Representation in Verbobonc: "Prince" Jimm Pithriggen serves as the gnomes’ ambassador to the Viscounty, navigating the often-tense relationship between humans and gnomes.

This alliance provides an excellent backdrop for player interaction. Imagine your adventurers entering Tulvar, a vibrant hub of gnomish ingenuity and tradition, and discovering the layers of political intrigue woven into the alliance’s structure.

Motivations and Political Relationships

The Free Alliance exists to safeguard its people and resources, particularly the rich gem mines of the Kron Hills, which are coveted by the Viscount of Verbobonc and other human lords.


Key Motivations of the Free Alliance:

  • Protecting Autonomy: The alliance fiercely defends its right to govern its lands and resources.
  • Trade Relationships: While Verbobonc provides access to broader markets, disputes over trade regulations and mining rights create ongoing friction.
  • Political Isolationism: The gnomes prefer to maintain their independence, avoiding entanglements with Verbobonc’s politics whenever possible.

Relationships with Key Figures:

  • Urthgan Tulvar: A fair yet pragmatic leader, Urthgan balances diplomacy with a steadfast defense of gnome autonomy. His leadership style is simple but effective, emphasizing unity and security.
  • Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc: The Viscount’s ambitions to annex the Kron Hills create constant tension. His interest in the region’s gem mines poses a direct threat to the alliance’s independence.

  • Prince Jimm Pithriggen: This flamboyant diplomat bridges the gap between the gnomes and humans, but his methods often frustrate more reserved leaders like Urthgan.

In your campaign, these dynamics can spark quests and roleplaying opportunities. Perhaps the adventurers are hired to mediate a trade dispute, or they uncover a plot by Verbobonc to undermine the alliance.

Challenges Facing the Free Alliance

The alliance faces numerous threats that could destabilize the region and draw adventurers into the fray.

Major Challenges:

  • Banditry: Increased bandit attacks on trade caravans have disrupted commerce and strained the alliance’s relationship with Verbobonc.
  • Gem Mine Disputes: The human lords of Verbobonc continuously attempt to encroach on gnomish-controlled mines, creating tension and potential conflict.
  • Internal Clan Politics: Balancing the interests of powerful clans like Jillink, Keeleene, and Tillien tests Urthgan’s leadership.
  • Security Concerns: With the withdrawal of Verbobonc’s Mounted Borderers, the gnomes must rely on their militias to defend against both bandits and potential incursions by Verbobonc forces.

These challenges are ripe for Dungeon Master exploration. How will your players navigate the delicate political landscape? Will they ally with the gnomes or the Viscount?

Integrating the Free Alliance into Your Campaign

The Kron Hills provide a fantastic setting for both political intrigue and traditional adventuring.

Adventure Hooks:

  • Banditry and Trade: Task your players with protecting a trade caravan, only to discover the bandits are working for a rival human lord in Verbobonc.
  • Mine Heist: The gnomes hire the adventurers to secure a gem mine under threat of takeover by human forces.
  • Clan Diplomacy: Internal disputes among the gnome clans escalate, requiring neutral adventurers to mediate.

Player Character Inspiration:

Encourage players to create characters with ties to the Kron Hills. A gnome wizard from Tulvar, trained in illusion magic by Urthgan himself, or a human ranger sympathetic to the gnomish cause, could add personal stakes to the story.

My Candid Advice as 3orcs

Running the Kron Hills as part of a Greyhawk campaign allows you to explore themes of independence, cultural pride, and the costs of diplomacy. As a DM, lean into the unique flavor of the gnomes’ political structure and their tensions with Verbobonc. The alliance’s challenges offer countless opportunities for moral dilemmas, strategic decisions, and memorable NPC interactions.

For even more depth, check out my Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy and my YouTube Channel, where I discuss how to integrate these elements into your campaigns. Let’s make the Kron Hills a vibrant and integral part of the World of Greyhawk!

Final Thoughts

The Free Alliance of the Kron Hills is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the gnomish people. By weaving its rich history and complex politics into your campaign, you’ll create a setting that feels alive and deeply engaging for your players. So, grab your dice, gather your party, and let’s dive into the politics, intrigue, and adventure of the Kron Hills!

Let me know how you’re using the Kron Hills in your campaign—I’d love to hear about your adventures!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elon Musk, Rob Kuntz, and the Defense of Dungeons & Dragons’ Legacy

-
Image
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 ...
Read more

Falls Keep: The Last Bastion of Order in the Western Gnarley Forest in the World of Greyhawk DND Campaign

-
Image
Mounted Borderer Fort in the Gnarley Deep in the Gnarley Forest , standing as the last line of defense between civilization and chaos , Falls Keep is a key outpost of the Mounted Borderers . Strategically positioned near the village of Twilight Falls , this motte-and-bailey stronghold watches over the Forest Road , a vital trade route that connects Dyvers, the Wild Coast, and the Viscounty of Verbobonc . For Dungeon Masters running the Temple of Elemental Evil , Falls Keep is an essential location that brings in political intrigue, frontier law enforcement, and rising tensions between factions . Whether your players seek military aid, uncover dark plots, or test their combat prowess against roving bandits and orc raiders, this fortress serves as a gateway to adventure. 🏰 The History & Purpose of Falls Keep Built in the early 570s CY , Falls Keep was one of several military outposts constructed following the Battle of Emridy Meadows (569 CY) . Its mission? To pacify the law...
Read more

Humans of Greyhawk: Diversity in the Flanaess for your DND Temple of Elemental Evil campaign

-
Image
  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...
Read more