Bugbear, Gnolls, Ogres Recruitment
The Temple of Elemental Evil is more than just a chaotic stronghold—it is a sprawling network of alliances, manipulations, and monstrous diplomacy. While its demonic overlords and high priests wield terrible power, they rely on key figures to expand their influence by enlisting the aid of monstrous humanoid warbands.
In our deep dive into the Temple’s leadership, politics, and recruitment tactics, we uncover which leaders were most likely responsible for bringing key monstrous factions into the Temple’s growing army.
The Temple’s War Machine: Who Recruited Which Tribe?
The Temple is not just a cult; it is a war machine built on the backs of ogres, gnolls, bugbears, and other savage creatures. These factions were brought into the fold by specific leaders based on their influence and skills. Here’s how these recruitment efforts most likely played out:
1. Deggum – Commander of the Temple’s Security Forces
Recruited: Blackthorn Tribe (Eastern Gnarley Forest) – Ogres & Monstrous Humanoids
As the Master of Security and Discipline within the Temple, Deggum is the ideal choice for forging an alliance with the Blackthorn Tribe, a faction composed of ogres, orcs, and other monstrous humanoids in the Eastern Gnarley Forest.
Deggum is already in charge of monster recruitment and discipline inside the Temple.
He has strong ties to ogres, a key element of Blackthorn's warbands.
His role requires expanding the Temple’s defenses, making the Blackthorn warriors essential reinforcements.
How He Did It: Deggum likely used promises of plunder, divine favor from the Elder Elemental God, and sheer brute force to bring the Blackthorn Tribe under the Temple’s banner.
2. Feldrin – Commander of the Temple’s Bandits and Raiders
Recruited: Iron Claw Bugbears (Southern Gnarley Forest) – Mercenary Warbands
Feldrin oversees the Temple’s human bandits, raiders, and mercenaries, making him the most logical choice to handle the Iron Claw Clan of Bugbears. This brutal faction operates as a ruthless warband, perfect for raiding caravans, villages, and military supply chains.
Bugbears respect strength, tactics, and rewards—qualities Feldrin embodies as a mercenary commander.
His raiders already operate in the Southern Gnarley Forest, making Iron Claw a natural ally.
He is a pragmatic leader who understands that gold, weapons, and battle opportunities are what bugbears value most.
How He Did It: Feldrin likely secured this alliance through well-placed bribes, promises of bloodshed, and the chance to raid freely under the Temple’s protection.
3. Lareth the Beautiful – Charismatic Prophet of Elemental Evil
Recruited: Jagged Fang Gnolls (Lortmil Mountains, Southwest of Moathouse) – Savage Warbands
Lareth the Beautiful is the Temple’s most enigmatic and charismatic figure. As the "Dark Hope of Chaos," he operates outside the Temple’s core but remains a crucial recruiter and diplomat. His domain? The Moathouse and the lands surrounding it—directly bordering the territory of the Jagged Fang Gnoll Tribe.
Gnolls are notoriously savage and bloodthirsty, making them difficult to control—except by a charismatic, manipulative leader like Lareth.
His zealotry and devotion to the Elder Elemental God make him the perfect prophet to convert the gnolls to his cause.
He operates in close proximity to the Jagged Fang, giving him direct access to their war leaders.
How He Did It: Lareth likely recruited the Jagged Fang Gnolls through fiery sermons, promises of endless slaughter, and religious fervor, convincing them that the Elder Elemental God’s awakening would bring about a world of carnage and chaos—a gnoll’s dream.
The Temple’s Recruitment Network: A Strategic Breakdown
| Tribe / Clan | Region | Recruited By | Why? |
|---|
| Blackthorn Tribe | Eastern Gnarley Forest | Deggum | Military commander, best suited for ogre diplomacy |
| Iron Claw Bugbears | Southern Gnarley Forest | Feldrin | Mercenary leader, perfect for organized warbands |
| Jagged Fang Gnolls | Lortmil Mountains (SW) | Lareth the Beautiful | Charismatic preacher, ideal for gnoll savagery
|
Final Thoughts: The Hidden Diplomacy of the Temple of Elemental Evil
Many Dungeon Masters running The Temple of Elemental Evil campaign may overlook the subtle politics and recruitment efforts of the Temple’s leadership. But if you look closer, you’ll see that these alliances are carefully orchestrated by different factions within the Temple, each leveraging its own strengths to bring powerful monstrous allies into the fold.
This division of recruitment responsibilities makes perfect sense given the leadership structure, and it adds an extra layer of depth to your Temple of Elemental Evil campaign.
🔥 Want more deep dives into the Temple’s inner workings? Check out the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576CY for more NPCs, locations, and secrets! And don’t forget to visit the 3orcs YouTube channel for more discussions on running an immersive Temple of Elemental Evil campaign! 🔥
Additional Resources
3orcs
Bringing traditional Dungeons & Dragons back to life, one story at a time. Happy adventuring, and may your dice roll true!
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment