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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Recruiting for the Temple of Elemental Evil – A Living Dungeon DND Greyhawk Campaign

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The Temple of Elemental Evil: A Constantly Growing Threat

The Temple of Elemental Evil (TOEE) isn’t just a static dungeon waiting to be looted—it’s an evolving force of darkness, constantly recruiting new followers, humanoid warbands, and monstrous allies to bolster its ranks. As Dungeon Masters, understanding how the Temple replenishes its forces allows for a more dynamic and immersive campaign. This article breaks down how the Temple secures new minions, how different factions contribute, and why adventurers may never truly "clear" the dungeon.

The Master Recruitment Plan

After extensive research and reference to Greyhawk lore, we've finalized the definitive article on TOEE recruitment. This analysis highlights:

  • The power struggles within the Temple’s hierarchy.
  • The networks of spies and recruiters working tirelessly to bring in new forces.
  • The sources of the Temple’s manpower, from river pirates to monstrous humanoids.

Recruitment Breakdown: A Living, Breathing Dungeon

One of the most overlooked mechanics in running TOEE is its living recruitment process. Every faction is constantly expanding its influence, drawing in more warriors, spellcasters, and creatures to replace losses.

Based on the module’s guidelines, the recruitment rates are:

  • Low-level humanoids (bandits, goblins, orcs, etc.): One per day, per faction.
  • Higher-level humanoids (bugbears, gnolls, ogres): One every three days, per faction.
  • Monstrous creatures (trolls, giants, special demons): One per week, per faction.

This means that if left unchecked, the Temple could grow by nearly 200 recruits per month! If players aren’t actively disrupting the recruitment process, they may find the dungeon becoming even more dangerous over time.

The Major Recruiters

Each faction and leader plays a distinct role in bolstering the Temple’s numbers. Some focus on brute-force warriors, others on magical assets or covert operatives.

1. Feldrin – Commander of the Bandits and Guards

  • Role: Oversees both defense and supply logistics.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • Brigands and cutthroats.
    • Black-market mercenaries.
  • Notable Allies: Dick Rentsch of the Waterside Hostel in Nulb helps smuggle in fresh recruits.

2. Lareth the Beautiful – The Moathouse Mastermind

  • Role: Frontline recruiter operating from the moathouse.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • Bandits and highwaymen.
    • Spies loyal to Lolth.
  • Tactics: Charismatic persuasion, offering wealth and power to new recruits.

3. Commander Deggum – Monster Handlers

  • Role: Ensures the ogre forces and monstrous humanoids remain loyal.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • Ogres and bugbears from the Blackthorn Tribe.
    • Monstrous creatures, trolls, and shock troops.
  • Allies: Garghuk the Bloodtooth, ogre warlord, keeps the monstrous forces in check.

4. Smigmal Redhand – The Surface Guardian

  • Role: Leads raiding parties from the ruined tower above the Temple.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • Highway bandits, brigands, and mercenaries.
    • Scouting forces for outer patrols.
  • Key Assets: Ruined Tower Bandits, the first line of defense for TOEE.

5. Captain Garik Marath – The Smuggler and Pirate

  • Role: Controls waterways smuggling and piracy operations.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • River pirates and smugglers.
    • Mercenaries seeking coin.
  • Notable Connection: Belsornig of the Water Temple funds his illicit trade.

6. Captain Marad Vesrek – The Crimson Trader

  • Role: Slaver and supplier for the Greater Temple.
  • Recruitment Focus:
    • Slaves for sacrificial rituals.
    • Mercenaries and corsairs from the Scarlet Brotherhood.
  • Base of Operations: The slaver ship Crimson Reaver.

Side Quests for Players: How to Disrupt Recruitment

Dungeons are not just for combat. A smart party should find ways to disrupt TOEE's supply chain. Here are some possible quests:

1. Assassinate a Key Recruiter

  • Who: Smigmal Redhand, Lucius Graeme (Temple Agent)
  • Outcome: Disrupt recruitment channels, delay new forces.

2. Infiltrate a Recruiting Cell

  • Who: Feldrin’s brigands or Dick Rentsch's smugglers.
  • Outcome: Feed false intelligence, sabotage efforts from within.

3. Cut Off Smuggling Routes

  • Who: Captain Garik Marath, Captain Marad Vesrek.
  • Outcome: Reduce the influx of fresh warriors.

4. Turn a Faction Against Itself

  • Who: Bugbear 'Iron Claw Clan' vs. Gnoll 'Jagged Fang Tribe'.
  • Outcome: Internal conflict weakens the Temple’s forces.

Final Thoughts for DMs Running TOEE

TOEE is not just a static dungeon; it’s an evolving fortress of evil. Every faction is active, every leader is scheming, and every battle influences the Temple’s long-term survival.

💀 Are your players disrupting recruitment? If not, the dungeon grows stronger.
🛡️ Do they think they "cleared" a level? Surprise! More recruits arrive.
🔥 How will they stop the Temple’s influence before it grows out of control?

For more NPC profiles, dialogue, maps, and quest hooks, visit Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576CY.
Want deep lore discussions on TOEE? Check out 3orcs YouTube channel for expert breakdowns!

Final Note

This article is based on deep research from Joseph Bloch’s work and T5: Beneath the Temple of Elemental Evil. The Elder Elemental God remains buried beneath TOEE’s lowest levels, subtly influencing events. Many clerics believe they worship this dark entity, but it is Zuggtmoy who grants them power. The layers of deception within TOEE are what make it one of the greatest D&D modules of all time.

Get your copy of the full guide at the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy website and follow 3orcs on Patreon for exclusive content, NPC profiles, and more.

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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