Bringing Greyhawk to Life: Side Quests and Story in Hommlet for Temple of Elemental Evil DND Campaign

-
Image
By 3orcs | A DM's Perspective on Creating a Living World in Verbobonc When I first started building my Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, I didn’t just want to run the module—I wanted to bring the World of Greyhawk to life. I wanted villages that felt alive, not just as a backdrop for battles, but as places where characters could belong . Over time, that ambition led to the creation of the Hommlet Campaign Guide: Main Plotline and Side Quests , a resource designed to expand the scope of T1: Village of Hommlet into a full-on narrative engine for your campaign. This post is a personal look at how that project came to be, and why I believe it will help new and veteran DMs transform the classic Temple of Elemental Evil into something unforgettable. The Missing Link Between Plot and Place If you've read the T1 module by Gary Gygax , you know that Hommlet is more than a village—it's the staging point for an epic battle against evil cults. But in many campaigns, it ris...
Post a Comment

Patreon Quiz Recap: The Temple of Elemental Evil – A Lesson in Anonymity in a DND Campaign

-

 Calling all Dungeon Masters and adventurers! The 3orcs Patreon quiz for the legendary Temple of Elemental Evil campaign has concluded, and we have our winner! After two days of strategic pondering and old-school D&D wisdom, the answer is clear—but let’s dive into the question, the winning answer, and why it matters for your campaign.

The Question:

What is the biggest protection for a player character group against the leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil?

The Winning Answer:

Anonymity.

The best way for adventurers to protect themselves is by ensuring the Temple’s leaders don’t even know they exist. It’s the ultimate defense against their overwhelming power and insidious schemes.

A huge congratulations to our winner, Gabriel Perez, who will be contacted via Patreon to select their FREE copy of one of the 3orcs Dungeon Masters Guild modules for the Temple of Elemental Evil adventure in the World of Greyhawk.

Why Anonymity Matters in the Temple of Elemental Evil Campaign

Imagine this scenario:

Your party boldly storms Lareth the Beautiful’s base in the Moathouse, dispatching his bandits and slaying the infamous “Beautiful One.” Victory is theirs! They return to the Inn of the Welcome Wench in Hommlet, boasting of their exploits, celebrating with drinks, and perhaps even showing off their loot.

Big mistake.

Within days, word spreads, and before long, it reaches the ears of Hedrack, the ruthless Priest of Iuz, or Senshock, the cunning Supreme Commander of the Temple. These powerful foes command not only an army of cultists but also access to deadly 18th-level spells, demonic allies, and a vast intelligence network of spies and assassins. With that knowledge, they wouldn't just retaliate—they would obliterate the adventurers with precision and deadly intent.

How to Stay Off the Temple's Radar

The key to survival in the Temple of Elemental Evil is discretion. The adventurers must be cautious:

  1. No Boasting: Avoid discussing victories in public spaces like taverns or markets.
  2. Eliminate Loose Ends: Ensure no bandits or cultists escape encounters to spread word of the party’s interference.
  3. False Identities: Consider using aliases and disguises when operating near the Temple’s reach.
  4. Controlled Allies: Limit who knows your true goals—only trustworthy NPCs should have full knowledge.
  5. Avoid Predictable Patterns: If the Temple suspects their raids follow a pattern, it won’t take long for them to set an ambush.

Anonymity isn't just a passive strategy—it’s an active effort that allows the party to continue their guerrilla warfare against the Temple, striking at their strongholds and disrupting their dark plots without fear of immediate retribution.

Expanding the Adventure with 3orcs

If you're diving deep into the T1 Village of Hommlet and the Temple of Elemental Evil, consider checking out 3orcs Dungeon Masters Guild modules, packed with additional side quests, detailed NPCs, dialogue options, and immersive artwork to bring your Greyhawk campaign to life.

For even more insights, lore discussions, and campaign tips, be sure to visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY website. And don’t forget to subscribe to the 3orcs YouTube channel, where we explore every corner of this epic adventure with in-depth analysis and Dungeon Master guidance.

Stay Tuned for More Quizzes and Rewards

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Patreon quiz! Your strategic guesses and engagement make this community thrive. More challenges, rewards, and in-depth content are on the way, so stay tuned for the next opportunity to test your Temple of Elemental Evil knowledge and win awesome prizes.

Want to Join the Next Quiz?

Follow us on Patreon to stay updated on upcoming events, exclusive content, and insider tips for running your Dungeons & Dragons campaigns like a pro.

Additional Resources

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

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