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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Hedrack, Supreme Commander of the Temple of Elemental Evil: A Dungeon Master's Guide DND Greyhawk

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Supreme Commander of the Temple of Elemental Evil

In the dark corridors of the infamous Temple of Elemental Evil, few names inspire as much dread and respect as Hedrack, the Supreme Commander of the temple’s chaotic forces. As the Mouth of Iuz, he serves as both emissary and puppet master, weaving a web of manipulation, intimidation, and ruthless ambition that keeps the cult factions in line—at least for now.

Dungeon Masters preparing to run the classic T1 Village of Hommlet and its sequel Temple of Elemental Evil in their World of Greyhawk campaign should consider Hedrack a key figure in shaping the depth of their campaign's intrigue and danger. Whether you’re using the original AD&D module or adapting it for Old-School Essentials (OSE) or Castles & Crusades, Hedrack is a villain who demands attention.

Who Is Hedrack?

Hedrack is a high-ranking cleric and enforcer of Iuz the Old, charged with overseeing the Temple's operations, but his ambitions extend far beyond simple stewardship. While he publicly serves the will of Iuz, his true devotion lies with the Elder Elemental God, a terrifying force of chaotic destruction that threatens to consume the very forces he manipulates.

As a Dungeon Master, presenting Hedrack as a multi-faceted villain offers endless roleplaying and encounter opportunities. He is:

  • Master Manipulator: Hedrack deftly balances the competing factions of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, ensuring none gain enough power to challenge his rule.
  • Relentless Strategist: From recruiting mercenaries in Nulb to negotiating secret pacts with bandits and pirates, his network is vast and well-informed.
  • Tactical Genius: Hedrack surrounds himself with powerful lieutenants and defenses, ensuring that any adventurers foolhardy enough to challenge him face more than brute force.

Hedrack’s Political Influence in the Viscounty of Verbobonc

Despite his sinister reputation, Hedrack’s influence extends beyond the temple walls into the political landscape of Verbobonc, where covert agents and cult sympathizers ensure that the temple's activities remain hidden from prying eyes.

Hedrack’s key political relationships include:

  • The Council of Lords of Verbobonc: He has spies in high places, including the village of Hommlet, ensuring that the council remains divided and indecisive regarding the temple’s threat.
  • Pirate Captain Garik Marath: The Iron Dagger, Garik’s infamous river galley, regularly transports goods and slaves to the temple under Hedrack’s orders.
  • The Elemental Cult Leaders: Hedrack plays the elemental priests against each other, fostering rivalries to maintain his iron grip.

Running Hedrack in Your Campaign

Encounters

Hedrack's presence in your campaign should be felt long before your players meet him in person. He is not merely a final boss; he is the orchestrator of countless events leading up to the party's eventual confrontation.

Some ideas for how to introduce Hedrack:

  1. Subtle Foreshadowing: Players may hear whispers of a “Supreme Commander” from captured cultists or intercepted documents.
  2. Indirect Confrontations: Hedrack’s agents, such as Lucius Graeme, manage temple operations in Hommlet and Nulb, providing excellent opportunities for espionage and intrigue-based side quests.
  3. The Grand Reveal: When the adventurers reach the Greater Temple, Hedrack should be waiting—fully aware of their plans and ready to strike.

Hedrack’s Combat Tactics

When it comes to combat, Hedrack is a formidable opponent who relies on both divine magic and strategic use of the temple’s defenses. Some key tactics include:

  • Magical Prowess: Hedrack wields powerful spells such as bestow curse, hold person, dispel magic, and death ward to cripple his enemies.
  • Psychological Warfare: He will demoralize the adventurers by invoking the power of Iuz and the Elder Elemental God, sowing doubt in their resolve.
  • Escape Plans: Hedrack never fights to the death if it can be avoided. He will retreat to deeper parts of the temple, setting deadly traps and summoning reinforcements.

Side Quests Involving Hedrack

While running the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, consider adding side quests that revolve around Hedrack’s schemes:

  • Disrupting Temple Operations: Have the party intercept Hedrack's shipments coming from Nulb.
  • Spy Games: Players might attempt to infiltrate the temple by impersonating cultists, with Hedrack constantly testing their loyalty.
  • A Dangerous Bargain: Hedrack may attempt to bargain with the adventurers, offering power or knowledge in exchange for their allegiance—or their betrayal of Verbobonc.

Bringing the Campaign to Life


To bring Hedrack’s character to life, check out the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy, featuring incredible artwork, detailed NPC backgrounds, and deep lore to enrich your Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. My 3orcs YouTube channel also hosts in-depth discussions about running the temple, exploring key characters like Hedrack and how to integrate them into your own D&D campaign.

Conclusion

Hedrack is more than just a high-level cleric with an evil agenda; he represents the machinations of darkness, constantly adapting and outmaneuvering his enemies. As a Dungeon Master, leaning into his cunning, cruelty, and sheer strategic prowess will leave your players constantly second-guessing their every move.

If you're looking for side quests, NPC dialog, and world-building inspiration, visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy website for more 3orcs content!

Let me know in the comments: How will you use Hedrack in your campaign? Will he be the scheming mastermind in the shadows, or will he confront the party head-on in a climactic battle for the fate of Verbobonc?

Additional Resources

3orcs
Bringing traditional Dungeons & Dragons back to life, one story at a time. Happy adventuring, and may your dice roll true!

 

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