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 Iron Claw Clan – Bugbear Raiders in the Temple of Elemental Evil DND campaign

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 Bugbear Reinforcements for the TOEE

Greetings, Dungeon Masters! If you’re running The Temple of Elemental Evil and want to introduce a brutal, well-organized warband into your game, look no further than the Iron Claw Clan.

These vicious bugbears, hardened by years of guerrilla warfare, have transformed Varnifane, a former grugach (wild elf) settlement, into a heavily fortified war camp. Their alliance with Commander Feldrin, a leader of the Temple of Elemental Evil, makes them a key force in the region’s growing chaos.

In this post, we’ll explore:
⚔️ The history & fall of Varnifane
🏹 How the Iron Claw Clan operates in Welkwood & Nulb
🛡️ Their alliance with the Temple of Elemental Evil
🎲 How to use them in your TOEE campaign

🔥 The Rise of the Iron Claw Clan

The Iron Claw Clan was once a scattered band of bugbear mercenaries, raiding small villages along the Welkwood Forest. However, under the leadership of Braggok Iron-Claw, they conquered Varnifane, seizing it from the wild elves.

🏹 The Fall of Varnifane

Varnifane was once home to a small community of grugach elves, skilled survivalists who lived in treehouses deep in the forest. However, their downfall came when:

  1. A surprise attack by marauding kech (arboreal ambushers) weakened their defenses.
  2. The Iron Claw Clan struck at night, overwhelming the elves with their superior numbers.
  3. The bugbear vanguard breached their defenses, securing control of the settlement.

The Iron Claw warband now numbers 125 humanoid warriors, consisting of:

  • Bugbears (40) – Elite core, skilled in ambushes.
  • Orcs (30) – Heavy shock troops.
  • Goblins (25) – Scouts, messengers, and archers.
  • Gnolls (20) – Ferocious frontliners.
  • Clerics of Iuz (10) – Providing magical support.

💡 DM Tip: Varnifane isn’t just a camp—it’s a symbol of the Temple’s growing strength.

⛏️ The Dwarven Warren – A Forgotten Stronghold

Beneath Varnifane lies an ancient dwarven fortress, long abandoned. The grugach feared the cursed relics buried there, but the Iron Claw Clan sees only weapons and power.

⚔️ The Dwarven Battle Axes

Among their greatest treasures are five enchanted dwarven battle axes:

  • +3 magical axes (become +5 when wielded by dwarves).
  • Revered relics among the Ulek Dwarves, who would pay handsomely for their return.
  • Symbols of dominance among the Iron Claw Clan, ensuring their rule over the other humanoids.

💡 DM Tip: These axes could be a major quest hook, drawing adventurers into the war against the bugbears.

⚖️ The Leaders of the Iron Claw Clan

Braggok Iron-Claw – Warlord of the Clan

  • A ruthless strategist, wielding one of the stolen dwarven axes.
  • Respects discipline and organization—not just brute force.
  • Forged an alliance with Commander Feldrin, making his warband an extension of the Temple’s network.

💀 "Kill swift, feast long."

Urglash the Shadow-Tongue – Shaman of Hruggek

  • Bugbear priest of Hruggek, god of war and ambush.
  • Blessed the dwarven axes with dark rites, twisting them into tools of divine conquest.
  • Commands a small sect of Clerics of Iuz, offering magical support to the clan.

💡 DM Tip: Urglash could summon powerful spirits or curse enemies who dare defy the clan.

Gorz Blacktooth – The Enforcer

  • Braggok’s right hand, leading ambushes and night raids.
  • A terrifying warrior who enforces discipline through sheer brutality.
  • Takes pleasure in breaking enemies before executing them.

💡 DM Tip: If Braggok is the mind, Gorz is the fist—a relentless, violent enforcer.

🏰 Varnifane – The Bugbear War Camp

Defenses & Strategy

Varnifane is more than just a camp—it’s a fortified stronghold, with:

  1. Treehouse Lookouts – Scouts stationed high above, ensuring no one approaches undetected.
  2. Hidden Pitfalls & Traps – Camouflaged snares, spike pits, and alarm wires set throughout the woods.
  3. Warren Entrances – If attacked, the clan can retreat underground and fortify their position.
  4. Elite Warbands – Small squads of bugbears and orcs patrol the area, ensuring no army can gather against them.

💡 DM Tip: Varnifane should feel like a fortress—players can’t just walk in and fight their way through.

🏴 The Temple of Elemental Evil’s Influence

The Iron Claw Clan has become a major weapon for the Temple of Elemental Evil. Commander Feldrin, the Temple’s master of bandits and mercenaries, supplies the bugbears with:

  • Gold & resources to expand their forces.
  • Intelligence on elven patrols & merchant caravans.
  • Weapons & dark blessings from the Temple’s clerics.

In return, the Iron Claw Clan:
✅ Harasses the Welkwood elves, weakening their defenses.
✅ Raids trade routes, starving Verbobonc’s economy.
✅ Provides reinforcements to Lareth the Beautiful at the Moathouse.

💡 DM Tip: Feldrin and Braggok are allies for now—but who is really using who?

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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