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

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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...
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The Iron Dagger: Navigating the Shadows of Nulb, World of Greyhawk for Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

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 Pirate River Galley

The murky waters of Nulb conceal more than just secrets—they hide a dangerous web of alliances, treachery, and power plays. At the center of this intrigue sails The Iron Dagger, a notorious pirate crew led by the cunning Captain Garik Marath. For Dungeon Masters looking to enrich their Temple of Elemental Evil campaign with dynamic encounters and compelling storylines, The Iron Dagger presents a rich vein of opportunity.

A Vessel of Secrets: The Iron Dagger and Its Role in Nulb

The Iron Dagger operates as more than just a pirate ship; it is a key player in the smuggling, espionage, and trade that defines the chaotic town of Nulb. Under Captain Garik’s leadership, the crew thrives on calculated risks and alliances. Garik’s strategic partnership with Lady Nysera Krivaltis places him at the heart of Nulb’s shadowy politics, where each handshake is laced with daggers.

The Iron Dagger crew delivers valuable contraband to various factions, including the elemental cults. Its dealings with the Temple of Elemental Evil are carefully orchestrated, ensuring that Garik remains indispensable to its operations.

Allies, Rivals, and the Factional Web

The Iron Dagger has forged uneasy alliances and bitter rivalries that shape its role in the town:

  • Lady Nysera Krivaltis: Though their relationship is more strategic than personal, Garik’s alliance with the “Baroness” of Nulb helps him maintain access to vital trade routes and protection against rivals.

  • Dick Rentsch: The tavern owner of The Waterside Hostel dreams of forming a militia to rival Nysera’s influence. This ambition puts him on a collision course with Garik, whose crew often frequents the hostel.

  • The Crimson Trader: Commanded by Captain Marad Vesrek, this half-elf rival embodies all the cunning and cruelty of Nulb’s pirate factions. The Iron Dagger frequently clashes with Vesrek’s ship over territorial dominance in the waters surrounding Nulb.

  • Temple of Elemental Evil Factions:

    • Water Temple: Garik’s crew regularly delivers goods to the river caves controlled by the Water Prophet Belsornig. Meetings at the Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market are frequent, often marked by subtle power plays.
    • Earth Temple: The Iron Dagger discreetly ferries supplies to the Earth Temple’s hunting cabin outside of Nulb.

The Crew of the Iron Dagger

Captain Garik leads a band of hardened pirates, each as dangerous as the waters they sail. Their motivations vary, but loyalty to their captain and survival in Nulb’s ruthless underbelly unite them.

  • Captain Garik Marath: A calculating and ruthless leader, Garik knows that staying relevant in Nulb means outmaneuvering both friends and foes. His cold demeanor belies a sharp mind always working several moves ahead.

  • Varg: A fierce and imposing first mate, Varg is as loyal as he is terrifying in combat. His ability to command respect among the crew and intimidate rivals makes him invaluable.

  • The Crew: From cutthroats to seasoned sailors, the Iron Dagger’s crew is a motley mix of personalities. They provide rich roleplaying opportunities for Dungeon Masters to flesh out the world of Nulb.

Encounters with The Iron Dagger

The Iron Dagger offers Dungeon Masters a plethora of narrative and combat possibilities:

  1. At the Waterside Hostel: The adventurers might overhear Garik negotiating with Dick Rentsch, or even find themselves caught in a barroom brawl instigated by the Iron Dagger crew.

  2. At the Boatman’s Tavern: A clandestine meeting between Garik and Belsornig could present an opportunity for players to eavesdrop or sabotage.

  3. On the River: A high-stakes river battle between the Iron Dagger and the Crimson Trader could force the adventurers to choose a side—or risk becoming collateral damage.

  4. Raiding the Hunting Cabin: Following the trail of contraband from the Iron Dagger to the Earth Temple’s hideout could lead to a dangerous confrontation.

Adding Depth to Your Campaign

As a Dungeon Master, incorporating the Iron Dagger crew into your Temple of Elemental Evil campaign can breathe life into Nulb. The crew’s political entanglements, shifting alliances, and ruthless ambition make them compelling adversaries or unlikely allies. For players, encountering the Iron Dagger is a chance to delve into the town’s layered politics and make decisions that ripple throughout the region.

Explore More in the World of Greyhawk

For more resources, NPCs, and side quests to enrich your campaign, visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy website. Dive deeper into the intrigue with videos on the 3orcs YouTube channel, where we discuss the Temple of Elemental Evil and how to weave its rich tapestry into your game.

Whether your adventurers ally with the Iron Dagger or oppose them, one thing is certain: Nulb’s murky waters hold secrets worth uncovering. Happy adventuring!

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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