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

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 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!

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