Grave-Soaked Secrets in the Shadow of Nulb, in the World of Greyhawk for the Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

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How the Village Graveyard Became a Cornerstone of My Temple of Elemental Evil Campaign When I first laid eyes on the crumbling, moss-covered tombstones of the Nulb Graveyard , I didn’t expect it to become such a pivotal piece of my campaign. But that’s what I’ve come to love about building out the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576cy —those small, seemingly forgotten places often reveal the most story-rich, atmospheric threads. Nulb , with its damp streets and looming threat of corruption, has always been a favorite location of mine when expanding upon the legendary Temple of Elemental Evil campaign by Gary Gygax. I’ve worked to bring this infamous, chaotic village to life—not as a cardboard cutout of evil, but as a living, breathing space of secrets, routines, and long-buried grief. The graveyard , tucked between Baroness Nysera’s Manor and the road to the old Temple ruins , is no exception. The Forgotten Heart of Nulb This is no grand cathedral graveyard. The Nulb Graveyard is winds...
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The Forest Rats – A Brotherhood of Young Survivors in Nulb for Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

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A Band of Misfits in the Shadows of Nulb

The village of Nulb is a wretched hive of scoundrels, smugglers, and cultists—all tangled in the shadowy tendrils of the Temple of Elemental Evil. Yet amidst the chaos, a band of boys has formed their own unlikely alliance, calling themselves The Forest Rats. In a town where power is measured in coin and cruelty, these young survivors have learned to navigate the dangers with cunning, speed, and an uncanny ability to disappear when things get rough.

As a Dungeon Master running The Temple of Elemental Evil, incorporating The Forest Rats into your campaign provides an immersive, low-level faction that can serve as allies, informants, or troublemakers. Whether your adventurers seek hidden paths, secret information, or even unexpected allies, these boys can become an invaluable part of the Nulb experience.

Who Are the Forest Rats?

The Forest Rats are a loose collection of boys from Nulb’s scattered homesteads—sons of millers, woodcutters, and herders, all bound by hardship and necessity. They spend their days slipping between the trees of the Gnarley Forest, dodging patrols, and observing the criminals and cultists that infest the village.

Meet the Gang:

  • Kiel Trosk (16, Bramblethorn Ranch) – The scout and strategist, always watching.

  • Gavrin Veyne (19, The Millhouse) – The de facto leader, hardened by years of struggle.

  • Edris Veyne (14, The Millhouse) – The quiet observer, keeping track of every deal made in Nulb.

  • Edric Thorne (14, The Woodcutter’s Cottage) – The bold spy, daring enough to eavesdrop on Lady Nysera’s men.

  • Tomas Thorne (9, The Woodcutter’s Cottage) – The dreamer, always carving small wooden animals, hoping for a life beyond Nulb.

The Role of the Forest Rats in Your Campaign

While these boys may seem like mere troublemakers, they can be a pivotal faction in your campaign. Here’s how they fit into The Temple of Elemental Evil adventure:

Scouting & Espionage

  • The Forest Rats keep tabs on Lady Nysera’s Iron Talons, river pirates, and cultists operating in Nulb.

  • They maintain a network of hidden trails in the Gnarley Forest, perfect for adventurers who need to move unseen.

Troublemaking & Sabotage

  • The boys love causing small but effective disruptions—loosening saddles, misdirecting smugglers, and moving supplies just enough to cause headaches for the Temple’s agents.

  • They might lead players to a hidden cache of supplies or an escape route—if they think they can trust them.

Adventure Hooks Involving the Forest Rats

  • "Rat Hunt" – Lady Nysera’s men are hunting for the boys, accusing them of stealing something valuable. Will the party help them escape?

  • "A Test of Trust" – The Forest Rats know about a hidden cult meeting but won’t share the information unless the adventurers prove themselves.

  • "The Vanishing Boy" – Tomas Thorne has gone missing in the woods. Did something supernatural take him, or is it a more mundane evil?

How Dungeon Masters Can Use the Forest Rats

The Forest Rats provide a low-stakes, morally grey faction in Nulb. They can serve as:

  • Allies: The players earn their trust and gain access to their hidden network.

  • Informants: They reveal key pieces of intelligence about rival factions.

  • Rivals: The boys see the adventurers as just another group of dangerous outsiders.

By weaving these boys into your story, you create deeper immersion, side quests, and emotional weight in a campaign often dominated by high-stakes cult warfare.


 

Bringing Greyhawk to Life

If you’re looking for a way to breathe life into The Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, The Forest Rats provide that gritty, lived-in feel that makes Nulb more than just a pit stop for adventurers.

For a full write-up on The Forest Rats, their individual stories, and how they tie into The Temple of Elemental Evil, visit the Verbobonc Campaign Guide 576 CY website. There, you’ll find original articles, artwork, and supplemental materials that will enrich your Greyhawk campaign.

Also, check out 3orcs’ YouTube channel, where we dive deep into campaign locations, NPC development, and how to make the world of Greyhawk feel more alive at your table.

Are you incorporating The Forest Rats into your game? Let us know in the comments!

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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