Brewing Rebellion in Verbobonc – A Dungeon Master’s Glimpse Into Political Tensions During the Temple of Elemental Evil Campaign

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  By 3orcs – DM, Illustrator, and Worldbuilder When I first cracked open T1: The Village of Hommlet , I never imagined just how much depth I could layer into the classic Temple of Elemental Evil campaign. Sure, the moathouse and Nulb are iconic, but the real magic? It’s the tension building in the background—the rumors whispered in guildhalls, the quiet fury of disenfranchised gnome merchants, the clash between noble houses. That’s where the soul of a great campaign hides. That’s why I created “Political Tensions in Verbobonc – Spring 579 CY” —a dynamic Dungeon Master’s tool for injecting layers of intrigue into your Greyhawk sessions. If you’re a DM looking to breathe life into Verbobonc before your players ever reach Hommlet, then this supplement is a goldmine of factional drama, NPC motivations, and side quest hooks. Why Verbobonc Deserves Center Stage Before the Temple Awakens Every DM who’s run The Temple of Elemental Evil knows the opening act can feel disconnected fro...
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The Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame: A New Specialty Cleric for the Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

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 Fire Elemental Cult

Welcome, fellow Dungeon Masters! If you’re running The Temple of Elemental Evil in the World of Greyhawk, you know that the cultists of the Elder Elemental God are more than just standard clerics. They are fanatical elemental worshipers, each devoted to one of the four corrupting forces: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. Today, we’re diving into one of the most fearsome sects—the Cult of the Eternal Flame, and specifically, the Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame, a new Specialty Cleric developed by 3orcs to bring more depth and terror to your campaign.

Why Use Specialty Clerics in Your TOEE Campaign?

One of the challenges in running TOEE is keeping enemy encounters unique. While the original module provides a great foundation, having templated enemy clerics can make battles feel repetitive. Specialty Clerics offer:

  • Thematic Spells and Abilities: Tailored to their element, making them feel distinct.
  • Roleplaying Depth: Each cleric has specific motivations, rituals, and behaviors.
  • Expanded Combat Tactics: More than just “another cleric with Hold Person,” these cultists wield devastating elemental magic.

Now, let’s explore the Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame, their powers, and how to incorporate them into your game.

🔥 The Fire Temple & The Cult of the Eternal Flame

The Cult of the Eternal Flame is a faction within the Temple of Elemental Evil that reveres fire as both a destroyer and purifier. To them, all things must burn so that something stronger may rise from the ashes. Their zealotry fuels their every action—whether immolating their enemies, setting entire villages ablaze, or sacrificing their own ranks to feed the growing flame of chaos.

The Leader: Prefect Alrrem, Chief Cleric of the Fire Temple

Alrrem​is the master manipulator of the Fire Temple, but his grip on power is slipping. Once a rising force within the Temple of Elemental Evil, he now fights to reclaim his lost glory. Ruthless and paranoid, he has betrayed allies and rivals alike—including his own brother, Ashrem, whom he sacrificed to the Elemental Nodes.

Alrrem leads his cult with an iron fist, ensuring that no one questions his authority. However, his rivals within the Temple—particularly Canon Belsornig of the Water Temple and Romag of the Earth Temple—see his weakened state and may be waiting for the right moment to strike.

In combat, Alrrem is a dangerous foe, wielding fire magic, divine power, and political cunning. If the Fire Temple is in danger of falling, he may take extreme measures, including summoning fire elementals or triggering a catastrophic self-destruct ritual that could engulf the entire Temple in flames.

🔥 Specialty Cleric: Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame

Statblocks for Different Editions

3orcs has developed both traditional AD&D and 5E statblocks for the Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame, making it easier for DMs to implement these deadly fanatics.

🔥 AD&D 1E / OSR Statblock

  • Race: Human
  • Alignment: Chaotic Evil
  • Armor Class: 7 (Leather Armor)
  • Hit Dice: 5d8+10 (52 HP)
  • THAC0: 18
  • Weapons: Scimitar (1d6+2) or spell
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralyzation, Poison, Death Magic: 11
    • Petrification, Polymorph: 12
    • Breath Weapon: 14
    • Rod, Staff, Wand: 13
    • Spells: 15

🔥 D&D 5E Statblock

  • Armor Class: 12 (15 with Mage Armor)
  • Hit Points: 37
  • Speed: 30 ft
  • STR: 12 | DEX: 15 | CON: 14 | INT: 10 | WIS: 11 | CHA: 16
  • Damage Resistances: Fire
  • Spellcasting (5th-Level Cleric, Charisma-based):
    • Cantrips (At Will): Control Flames, Create Bonfire, Fire Bolt, Light
    • 1st Level (4 slots): Burning Hands, Expeditious Retreat, Mage Armor
    • 2nd Level (3 slots): Blur, Scorching Ray
    • 3rd Level (2 slots): Fireball
  • Abilities:
    • Flame’s Blessing – Resistant to fire damage and immune to non-magical fire.
    • Ignite Weapon – Once per day, wreaths their weapon in flames, adding +1d6 fire damage for one turn.
    • Fanatic’s Fervor – Gains +1 to attack rolls when within 10 feet of an open flame.

🔥 How to Use Fire Cultists in Your TOEE Campaign

Tactics in Combat

  • Fanaticism: These priests never retreat unless commanded by a higher-ranking cultist. They would rather die in flames than surrender.
  • Pyromaniacs: They actively set fires, creating dangerous environmental hazards.
  • Summoning & Support: Pair them with fire elementals, salamanders, or hell hounds for thematic encounters.

Roleplaying the Fire Cultists

  • They often speak in metaphors of fire and purification.
  • They are covered in ritual burns and flame tattoos.
  • They may try to convert enemies rather than immediately kill them, offering captives a chance to "embrace the flame."

🔥 Side Quests & Expanding the Fire Temple

For DMs looking to enrich their TOEE campaign, consider adding side quests that reinforce the theme of fire and fanaticism:

  1. The Trial by Fire – The PCs must save a town that the cultists plan to burn as an offering.
  2. The Burning Offering – A key NPC is kidnapped for sacrificial immolation.
  3. The Ashborn’s Betrayal – A rogue fire cultist seeks to overthrow Alrrem, and the PCs can ally with or stop him.
  4. The Cleansing Pyre – The Fire Temple attempts a grand ritual to summon a Fire Elemental Lord.

🔥 Bringing TOEE to Life: DM Resources

If you’re running The Village of Hommlet or Temple of Elemental Evil, you’ll want NPCs, dialog, artwork, and additional quests to expand your world. 3orcs has created an extensive supplement that enhances your campaign, making it more immersive and engaging for players.

🔥 Explore More TOEE Content

  • Read the full article on the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576CY: World Anvil
  • Watch 3orcs deep-dive videos on the Temple of Elemental Evil on our YouTube Channel
  • Get exclusive TOEE content on the 3orcs Patreon: Patreon.com/3orcs

🔥 Final Thoughts

The Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame adds depth, danger, and dynamic encounters to the TOEE campaign. Whether you’re running Hommlet or diving deep into the Temple of Elemental Evil, this specialty cleric brings thematic fire magic, zealotry, and destruction to your game.

Are you running TOEE? How do your players handle the elemental factions? Share your thoughts in the comments, and may the flames of inspiration burn bright! 🔥

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