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

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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...
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Wastri: The Hopping Prophet and a Dungeon Master’s Dream Greyhawk Villain

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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 adventurers uneasy. His bulging eyes, green-gray skin, and amphibious features are unsettling, but his Skewer of the Impure, a deadly glaive-guisarme, solidifies him as a terrifying opponent.

Wastri’s Core Beliefs:

  • Human Superiority: Humans are the pinnacle of evolution.
  • Amphibian Reverence: Frogs and toads are divine creatures to be revered.
  • Purification Through War: The eradication or subjugation of demi-humans is necessary to achieve a perfect world.

Bringing Wastri into Your Campaign

As a Dungeon Master, Wastri offers layers of storytelling and conflict that fit perfectly into the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. Here’s how to use him effectively:

1. Side Quests

  • The Sacred Polystery: Rumors swirl of a swamp temple where Wastri’s followers perform rituals to transform humans into amphibian hybrids. Players may need to infiltrate the temple to rescue prisoners or retrieve a stolen artifact.
  • Swamp Ambushes: Wastri’s bullywug minions and clerics launch surprise attacks on travelers, sparking rumors of a growing cult presence near Verbobonc.
  • Artifact Hunt: An ancient relic tied to Wastri’s dogma lies hidden in the swamp, its retrieval offering power to whoever claims it.

2. The Cult’s Role in the Temple of Elemental Evil

Wastri’s followers are natural allies to the Temple of Elemental Evil, sharing its penchant for chaos and destruction. Imagine players uncovering a dark alliance between Wastri’s priests and the Temple’s cultists, with plans to spread amphibian monstrosities across the land.

Encounters and NPCs

Wastri and his followers provide endless possibilities for memorable encounters. Here are some ideas:

Memorable NPCs:

  • Baranabas: The high priest of Wastri’s cult, guarding the Sacred Polystery with an iron will.
  • Immaculate Image: A monk who serves as both spiritual leader and enforcer, blending martial prowess with amphibian-themed divine magic.
  • Lesser Servants: Ambitious acolytes who see transformation into a human-amphibian hybrid as the ultimate gift.

Dynamic Encounters:

  • Swamp Combat: The party must navigate treacherous, boggy terrain while fighting Wastri’s bullywug servants and amphibian monstrosities.
  • Temple Assault: Players infiltrate Wastri’s temple to confront Baranabas and sabotage the cult’s plans.
  • A Battle with Wastri: Facing Wastri himself in his swampy lair is a climactic encounter that tests the players’ strategy, courage, and resources.

Role-Playing Wastri and His Cult

The Cult of Wastri isn’t just a group of mindless zealots; they’re fanatical, self-deceiving, and terrifyingly human. Here’s how to role-play them effectively:

  • Hypocrisy: Despite their hatred for demi-humans, Wastri’s followers show blind reverence to their amphibian "betters," often acting in ways that contradict their rhetoric.
  • Bigotry as a Plot Device: Use the cult’s intolerance to create moral dilemmas for your players. Will they ally with a demi-human faction to stop Wastri’s plans?
  • Amphibian Transformation: Introduce NPCs who’ve been partially transformed, creating unsettling body horror elements in your campaign.

A Personal Note from 3orcs

When I designed the Wastri supplement for the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY, I wanted to highlight just how deep and bizarre Greyhawk’s lore can go. Wastri is one of those deities who isn’t just an antagonist—he’s a storytelling opportunity. His doctrine of bigotry and self-deception mirrors real-world conflicts, offering a chance to explore themes of intolerance and the consequences of blind faith in your campaign.

As a Dungeon Master, I find Wastri’s cult to be a fantastic tool for creating tension and dread. Whether your players are exploring the Vast Swamp, unraveling the cult’s plans, or facing Wastri himself, this demigod will leave a lasting impression on your table.

Explore More with 3orcs

Want to dive deeper into Greyhawk’s lore? Here’s how to stay connected:

Final Thoughts

Wastri, the Hopping Prophet, is more than just a demigod—he’s a reminder of how deep and strange Greyhawk’s lore can be. Incorporating him into your campaign will challenge your players in ways they won’t expect, creating unforgettable moments of adventure, horror, and triumph. Let’s keep the legacy of Greyhawk alive, one slimy swamp battle at a time!

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