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 Leadership of the Temple of Elemental Evil: Power, Deception, and Chaos - Greyhawk DND Campaign

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 After weeks of in-depth research and analysis, I am excited to finally unveil the definitive guide to the Leadership of the Temple of Elemental Evil (TOEE). This article dives deep into the intricate power struggles, hidden agendas, and sinister ambitions of the Temple’s leadership, offering Dungeon Masters an invaluable resource when running the epic Temple of Elemental Evil campaign by Gary Gygax.

A key revelation in this study, inspired by Joseph Bloch's research and the T5: Beneath the Temple of Elemental Evil module, suggests that the Elder Elemental God (EEG) lies buried deep within the Temple’s dungeons, exerting its influence over its devoted cultists. Understanding the leadership structure of the Temple is crucial for DMs looking to fully immerse their players in the World of Greyhawk.

The Dark Hierarchy of the Temple

The Temple of Elemental Evil operates under a complex web of leadership where dark forces such as Iuz the Old, Zuggtmoy the Demon Queen of Fungi, and even the distant machinations of Lolth the Spider Queen converge. The leadership structure reflects these competing influences, resulting in an ever-present undercurrent of paranoia and betrayal.

Primary Goals of the Leadership

The Temple’s leaders are driven by a singular goal: to restore the Temple to its former power and unleash elemental chaos upon the Flanaess. However, individual leaders harbor their own sinister ambitions:

  • Iuz’s Objective: Expand influence into Furyondy and Veluna.
  • Zuggtmoy’s Agenda: Seek release from imprisonment while controlling the elemental cults.
  • Lolth’s Intrigue: Infiltrate the Temple and subvert it for her own purposes.
  • Factional Struggles: Each faction vies for supremacy, weakening the Temple from within.

Key Leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil

Hedrack – Supreme Commander, Mouth of Iuz

  • Role: Absolute ruler of the Temple under Iuz’s orders.
  • Personality: Ruthless, manipulative, fanatically devoted.
  • Rivalries: Constant power struggle with Senshock and Barkinar.

Barkinar – Commander of Greater Temple Troops

  • Role: Military leader and Hedrack’s ambitious second-in-command.
  • Personality: Calculating, disciplined, and always positioning for power.
  • Alliances: Works with Deggum but keeps an eye on his rivals.

Senshock – Lord Wizard of the Temple

  • Role: Arcane advisor and intelligence overseer.
  • Personality: Cunning and power-hungry.
  • Deception: Feigns loyalty to Hedrack while working with Falrinth in secret.

Deggum – Master of Security and Discipline

  • Role: Enforcer of order within the Temple.
  • Personality: Paranoid and sadistic.
  • Tactics: Ruthlessly roots out traitors and spies within the Temple ranks.

Smigmal Redhand – Assassin and Outer Defense Commander

  • Role: Oversees surface operations and espionage.
  • Personality: Ruthless and manipulative.
  • Secret Agenda: Works closely with Falrinth but remains wary of others.

The Elemental Factions

The Temple is divided into four elemental factions, each serving the Cult of the Elder Elemental God with the belief that their element is supreme.

  • Earth Temple (Led by Romag): Aims to crumble civilizations through earthquakes and structural sabotage.
  • Air Temple (Led by Kelno): Seeks dominance through weather manipulation and espionage.
  • Fire Temple (Led by Alrrem): Desires to burn away the weak and reshape the world in flames.
  • Water Temple (Led by Belsornig): Plans to drown opposition through infiltration and sabotage.

Each faction competes fiercely, seeking dominance over the others while furthering their own dark goals.

Temple Operations and External Influence

The Temple’s influence extends far beyond its walls, with agents infiltrating towns such as Nulb and Hommlet, smuggling operations along major trade routes, and recruitment centers in hidden outposts.

Key Operatives:

  • Lucius Graeme: A courier agent managing external affairs and Temple correspondence.
  • Lady Nysera Krivaltis: Mistress of Nulb's criminal underworld and a critical link in Temple logistics.
  • Lareth the Beautiful: Lolth’s secret agent operating the Moathouse as a recruitment center.

Key Locations of Influence

  • Moathouse in Hommlet: Recruitment and staging ground for raids.
  • Nulb Market: Smuggling hub for cult activities.
  • Hidden Hunting Cabin: Secluded outpost used for logistics and resupply.

The Elder Elemental God’s Influence

Though many within the Temple believe they serve the Elder Elemental God, the truth is far more insidious. Iuz and Zuggtmoy use the guise of elemental devotion to manipulate their followers into advancing their own ends.


Potential Campaign Twists for DMs:

  • A hidden rift beneath the Temple leading directly to the Elder Elemental God’s prison.
  • Political infighting forcing players to navigate dangerous alliances within the Temple.
  • The ultimate showdown with Hedrack as he attempts to fully awaken Zuggtmoy.

Using This Supplement in Your Campaign

For Dungeon Masters preparing to run the T1 Village of Hommlet as part of their Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, this supplement offers:

  • Expanded NPC backgrounds to make interactions more immersive.
  • Detailed side quests that tie into the Temple’s larger machinations.
  • Tactical advice for handling Temple encounters.

To further enhance your experience, check out the 'Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy' website where you can find original articles written by 3orcs, along with immersive artwork that brings Greyhawk to life.

Additionally, watch our 3orcs YouTube channel, where we delve deep into discussions about running this legendary campaign with practical DM tips and lore breakdowns.

Final Thoughts

The Temple of Elemental Evil offers Dungeon Masters a rich tapestry of intrigue and conflict to weave into their campaign. The leadership within the Temple is a carefully balanced house of cards—ready to collapse with the right pressure or thrive under the adventurers' missteps.

"Power within the Temple is fleeting, but chaos is eternal."

Are your players ready to uncover the dark secrets lurking within its halls?

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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