The Secret War Beneath the Hills: Temple Logistics at the Hunting Cottage

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  As Dungeon Masters building immersive worlds in Greyhawk, we often focus on the sprawling dungeons and cursed temples—but what makes a setting breathe are the living villages, the secret roads, and the nameless lieutenants that oil the gears of evil. With this latest update to the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY , the Hunting Cottage south of Nulb becomes more than just a footnote on a wilderness map—it becomes the nerve center of the Temple of Elemental Evil’s underground war effort. A Cabin Cloaked in Secrecy Located deep in the Kron Hills, buried beneath the dark canopy of the Gnarley Forest, this "innocent hunting lodge" masks the Temple’s most critical logistical node. Thanks to expanded lore and character development from recent articles, the cottage now connects the surface world to the Greater Temple’s lower levels through two secret tunnel entrances—one canon (a vertical shaft through a water well) and one newly developed (a limestone cave reinforced for priso...
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Unleashing the Cult of Orcus: DND Dungeon Master's Guide for Temple of Elemental Evil in Greyhawk

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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 an excellent antagonist faction, operating in the shadows as both a threat to Verbobonc and an ally to the Temple’s dark forces.

The Cult’s goals are simple but horrifying:

  • Raise armies of the undead.
  • Desecrate holy sites to weaken the forces of good.
  • Expand Orcus’ influence through rituals and sacrifices.

In your campaign, the Cult’s presence can manifest in ways both subtle and overt, from mysterious disappearances to full-scale zombie uprisings.

Integrating the Cult into the Temple of Elemental Evil

The Temple of Elemental Evil is a sprawling, multi-layered campaign, and the Cult of Orcus is a perfect addition to its tapestry. Here’s how you can incorporate them:

1. Side Quests

  • A Plague of Undeath: The villagers of Hommlet are plagued by mysterious disappearances, and rumors swirl of undead lurking in the nearby woods. Players uncover a necromancer working for the Cult, whose experiments fuel the Temple’s growing power.
  • The Desecrated Shrine: Deep in the Gnarley Forest, a forgotten shrine to St. Cuthbert has been overrun by Cultists. Restoring it could provide the players with a powerful blessing—or reveal a deeper connection to the Temple.
  • A Whisper in the Crypt: In Verbobonc, a noble family reports that their ancestors’ crypts have been disturbed. Players discover the Cult has been raising the dead for their own sinister purposes.

2. Key NPCs

  • Cardinal Redond (Sister Mercy): As a prominent member of the Cult, Redond can serve as both a recurring villain and a source of information about the Temple’s larger plans.
  • Necromancer Maelis Vorath: A secretive mage operating out of Nulb, Vorath’s experiments on the undead could lead to horrific encounters and valuable intel.
  • Brother Haelrik: A repentant cultist hiding in Hommlet, Haelrik knows key details about the Temple but fears retaliation from his former allies.

Role-Playing the Cult of Orcus

One of the joys of introducing the Cult is the moral dilemmas they create. Here are a few ways to engage your players:

  1. Fear and Suspicion
    The Cult’s modus operandi is stealth and terror. Use them to create a sense of unease in your campaign. Perhaps townsfolk are too afraid to talk, or trusted allies begin acting strangely.

  2. Moral Dilemmas
    Orcus’ influence can corrupt even the purest souls. Present your players with choices that test their values—will they destroy an artifact that could turn the tide of battle but risk letting it fall into the wrong hands?

  3. Dynamic Combat Encounters
    Incorporate undead hordes, necromantic traps, and terrain that shifts as the Cult’s magic corrupts the land. These encounters should feel oppressive and otherworldly, reflecting Orcus’ power.

A Personal Note from 3orcs

When I created this guide, my goal was to give Dungeon Masters tools to bring the Cult of Orcus to life in ways that enhance the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. The Cult is an excellent opportunity to explore themes of corruption, loyalty, and the struggle against overwhelming darkness. They’re more than just a faction—they’re a lens through which your players can experience the stakes of their adventure.

Explore More with 3orcs

Looking for more resources to bring your campaigns to life? Visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY for detailed articles, maps, and artwork that expand the World of Greyhawk. For in-depth discussions and creative insights, check out the 3orcs YouTube channel.

Final Thoughts

The Cult of Orcus isn’t just a side element—they’re a game-changer. Whether your players are uncovering their plots, battling their minions, or confronting their leaders, the Cult adds layers of depth and danger to your Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. Let’s make Greyhawk unforgettable—one dark ritual at a time!

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