“The nicest feeling in the world is to do a good deed
anonymously – and have somebody find out.”
―
 |
| Otis |
Why did people come and go? You’re guess is as good as
mine. Some died – although there is only the most vague mention of that ever happening
– but as I said, most just… left. I
suppose those that did preferred to make their own way in the world –
Mordenkainen would appear a my-way-or-the-highway sort of leader to my mind.
Mordenkainen: There is perhaps no
individual in all Oerik who sees himself as embodying the spirit of Balance as
do you. Your philosophies are one-sided on the matter, and many a worthy cause
has gone unanswered because of your neutral-minded convictions. Your view of
balance is no tit-for-tat equality but a highly detailed and extremely
theoretical philosophy. You will fight ardently for the forces of good, but
could with equal vigor work as a shadow player for malevolence. In all things,
you prefer to maneuver behind the scenes, subtly manipulating events to ensure
that no side gains the upper hand. [COR1 – 00 The Citadel PCs – 1]
If this were true, then you can’t blame them in that
regard that they should decide to push on after a time, can you.
One assumes, then, that that variable eighth member would
become progressively younger as the years passed. The last to join this august
troop of adventurers, nine years after the Citadel’s inception, was a young
ranger by the name of Otis.
Why did he join?
I suppose he joined because the thought that in doing so
he could do greater good….
534 CY
Otis is born in
Hommlet.
Otis hails from the village of Hommlet, in the Kron
Hills south of Verbobonc;
Age: 26 [COR1 – 00 The
Citadel PCs – 12]
[Date calculated from his date of joining (560 CY), and
not 551 CY {LGJ#0 – 4}; reasons follow.]
Hommlet as it is commonly called-is situated in the
central part of the Flanaess, that portion of eastern Oerik Continent which is
known and "civilized". The village (actually hamlet-sized, though
local parlance distinguishes it with the term "village") is located
some 10 or so leagues southeast of the town of Verbobonc, on the fringe of the
territory controlled by its noble Lord, the Viscount of Verbobonc. It is at a
crossroads. To the north is the mighty Velverdyva River, along whose south bank
runs the Lowroad. [T1The Village of Hommlet – 2]
It is a prosperous place, for the most part, in its small
way.
Hommlet grew from a farm or two, a rest house, and a
smithy. The roads brought a sufficient number of travellers and merchant wagons
to attract tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The rest
house became a thriving inn, a wheel and wainwright settled in the thorp, and
more farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the passing
animals, and meat was in demand for the innfolk. Prosperity was great, for the
lord of the district was mild and taxed but little. Trade was good, and the
land was untroubled by war or outlaws or ravaging beasts. [T1 – 2]
540s CY
Farming did not interest Otis much. He preferred
exploring nearby woods, tracking animals and observing them unobserved, if he
could manage it.
[Y]ou grew up the eldest son of simple farming folk,
who taught you to respect the land and others. When you were very young, you
became lost while camping in the Gnarley Forest. You became fast friends with
the elves who rescued you, returning often to learn of the woods and what they
had to teach you. [COR1 – 00 – 13]
Population: 12,000
Demi-humans: Sylvan Elves (7,000), Gnomes (3,000),
others
Humanoids: Some
Parts of the Gnarley Forest are claimed by Celene,
Dyvers, Verbobonc, and Greyhawk. Most is generally considered as part of the
Wild Coast region, however, and the inhabitants of these woodlands are
free-spirited-folk, so no formal government is ever likely to hold sway as long
as there are deep woods to shelter resisters. The Viscount of Verbobonc is well
liked by the folk dwelling in northeastern portions of the Gnarley, while the
Queen of Celene is favored by those in the south. The forest is home to many
fierce creatures as well, and many humanoid bands rove about seeking to murder
and loot. These invaders work their way up from the Pomarj, through the Suss
and Welkwood. Some come via the mountains and hills from the north. [Folio
– 22]
551 CY
 |
| Mordenkainen |
[N]early thirty years ago,
Mordenkainen debated with his young apprentice, Bigby, the merits of taking an
active hand in maintaining the celestial balance of power. Thereafter, the two
struck upon a plan to gather a group of like-minded individuals that would act
to hinder advances by those who would dominate the Flanaess. That their
expected exploits would impart upon the mages no small amount of lost magical
lore only served to hasten the alliance. [LGJ#0 – 4,5]
That group of
like-minded individuals became the Citadel of Eight.
Within months, Mordenkainen had brought the renowned
warrior Robilar to his cause, as well as the cleric Riggby, and his zealous
assistant, Yrag. From the shores of the Nyr Dyv, Mordenkainen recruited the
righteous Tenser, who in turn introduced the dim-witted though well-meaning
Serten to the assembly. [T1-4 Temple of Elemental Evil – 34]
They called themselves the Citadel of Eight, taking
the name from Mordenkainens renowned Obsidian Citadel, in the Yatil Mountains.
[LGJ#0 – 5]
555 CY
 |
| The Young Woodsman |
Eventually, you learned to be a ranger from those
elves, and advanced in the ranks of the Gnarley Rangers faster than any of your
peers. The elves solitary, chaotic nature appealed to you, and you still
consider more elves your friends than humans. [COR1 – 00 – 13]
Otis begins
training as a Ranger. [see 560 CY]
…becoming the young woodsman, Otis [LGJ#0 – 5]
Otis is 21 years of age. [DMG 1e
– 12]
Late 550s CY
Over the years, the Citadel played home to such
luminaries as Prince Melf Brightflame, of the Olvenfolk, the half-orc Quij,
Felnorith, Robilar's brother Terik, and even, at one point, the Quasi-Deity
Murlynd, in disguise. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Would Otis have
heard of the Citadel? Probably not.
In the years that followed, their adventures focused
on Greyhawk and the Selintan valley, and the crags of the Cairn Hills and
depths of the Suss Forest were opened to their prying vision. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Those places
were far removed from where Otis trekked. Indeed, those names were likely mere
names to him, places of mystery he would likely never see, he believed.
And likely never
would, what with so much banditry plaguing the roads about Hommlet to
date. It was getting that hard-working farmers could not bring their crops to
market without being accosted, lately.
The area was too free, too beautiful, too bountiful,
at least in the eyes of some. Whether the evil came west from Dyvers as
is claimed by one faction, or crept up out of the forestlands bordering the
Wild Coast as others assert, come it did. At first it was only a few thieves
and an odd group of bandits molesting the merchant caravans. Then came small
bands of humanoids – kobolds or goblins – raiding the flocks and herds. [T1
– 2]
But his vigilance went a long way to help make the
surrounding counties safe.
Local militia and foresters of the Waldgraf of Ostverk
apparently checked, but not stopped, the spread of outlawry and evil. [T1 –
2]
556 CY
Hommlet and the
fields of Emridy safe, Otis decided that he would like to see a little more of
the Viscounty. Perhaps he would even cross the Lortmils. Or travel as far as
Veluna and the Vesve. He heard that the forest was the most beautiful to behold
there.
 |
| Leaving Hommlet |
Reserved in front of humans, you are nonetheless
friendly when drawn out. You are not garrulous, but you can maintain a
conversation. You like listening, though; the elves taught you that listening
was more important than speaking. The motivations of others are revealed in
their words, and the person who is sensitive to that goes far.
Though you carry such equipment as you think you need,
you are equally ready to rely on your own skills. Others have called you
independent, and that is what you are. You like being that way. When you feel a
personal quest is necessary, you bravely set off by yourself to accomplish it,
not really needing others most of the time. You have run from your share of
monsters when alone, but you have survived, and usually prevailed in the end. [COR1
– 00 – 13]
Otis, a man-at-arms
ex-mercenary […] NG
S 18/07 115 W15 D17 Co 18 Ch 13
[T1-4 – 32]
Otis is 22.
559 CY
Otis did indeed
behold the Vesve. And he crossed the Lortmils. But the fields and forests there
were not his. He grew homesick for Hommlet, the Gnarley, and the fields of
Emridy.
A year or two ago, a wizard named Mordenkainen and his
apprentice Bigby helped you defeat a band of trolls near Hommlet, and you
remember them as good allies. [COR1 – 00 – 13]
Otis is 25.
560 CY
How did Mordenkainen’s Citadel of Eight
fare? People came. People went.
[T]he Citadel of Eight, was a known
opponent of darkness in its many guises. Its members stood, and fell,
protecting the balance and defending Oerth from the influence of malign beings
and, rarely, benevolent interlopers, as well. [LGJ#0 – 4]
It just so happened that the Citadel was
just then shy of its optimal eight.
When Mordenkainen asked you to join his
adventuring group, you agreed. It will be a chance to practice working with a
team. [COR1 – 00 – 13]
So, only a year after returning home, Otis
was off again. Mordenkainen must have convinced the receptive young ranger that
his talents were better suited suppressing even greater evils abroad than at
home.
Finally, the young woodsman, Otis,
rounded out the group. [LGJ#0
– 5]
Who
actually recruited the idealistic young Otis? Mordenkainen, officially. It says
so above.
How’d they meet? By chance. Perchance.
Mordenkainen and Bigby just happened to be in the vicinity to help Otis defeat
that band of trolls.
I
wonder. It’s possible, I suppose. But as Mordenkainen and Bigby were hitherto
concerned mainly with, and engaged mostly in, the environs adjacent to the Free
City of Greyhawk, why might they have been in the vicinity of so tiny a town?
Might someone have brought the young woodsman to their attention? That seems
likely, doesn’t it? Who might hail from around there, then? Serten. This seems
likely, doesn’t it, that Serten might be familiar with goings-on so close to
his home, if he might hail from Verbobonc.
Whomever
took notice of the young woodsman, Otis took his leave of the Kronn Hills and
the Gnarley Forest. And his beloved sleepy village of Hommlet.
Otis […] took
service with some gentlemen and is away seeking his fortune. [T1-4 – 7]
[Otis is] a
ranger [.] [T1-4 – 34]
 |
| Otis |
Race: Human
Class: Ranger
Level: 7
Align: NG
Height: 5 ft. 7 in. Weight: 170 lb Age: 26
S18, I15, W15, D17, Co18, Ch13
Thus Otis became a member of the Citadel of – once again
– Eight.
What did Otis think of the others in the group:
Mordenkainen (10th level human male
wizard): This man is fueled by ambition, and you know that he will one day be a
great archmage. Though you consider him a friend, that thought troubles you, as
you are not sure if he will use his powers to benefit others, or to benefit
himself. Mordenkainen, you are certain, operates under a very clear agenda. He
has strong beliefs that the Balance of power in the world must be maintained
actively, and that this adventuring group was the tool to do it. You don't like
being used as a "tool," even if it means ridding the Wild Coast and
Gnarley Forest of evil creatures. Your continued support of Mordenkainen as
leader of the group will cease the moment his concept of "Balance"
tips to the side of evil.
 |
| Robilar |
Bigby (7th level human male wizard):
Gaunt and monk-like, Bigby seems to push himself way beyond what is reasonable.
You know that he is not trying to impress Mordenkainen, as the master is well
pleased with his student. So you think there is something in his past which
drives him. That could be dangerous, and you hope that when his past catches up
with him that he is prepared (or the whole group could suffer). He is capable
as a wizard, and seems to be more adept at strategic use of magic (especially
defensive magic) than other wizards you have met.
 |
| Riggby |
Yrag (8th level human male fighter):
This cautious man is good to have around, because he always plans for alternate
contingencies. The elves taught you that things don’t work out according to the
first plan more often than not, but you have not mastered the idea of
considering backups and consequences the way you should. Watching Yrag, you
hope to learn more. He is otherwise friendly, but you don’t know much about
him. He is a close friend of Riggby, and does not seem to open up to anyone
else in the group. [COR1 – 00 – 13]
 |
| Serten |
But no sooner had the idealist young ranger joined the
Citadel did half of his new companions fly of on a magic carpet, without so
much as a how-you-do, or where-you-going.
Events of WG5 Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure
The adventure is assumed to take place before 570 CY,
perhaps as early as 560, because of the lower levels listed for Mordenkainen
and Bigby. [TAB – 3]
Did they tell Otis what they’d been up to while absent?
They did not.
560s CY
 |
| Bigby |
In the years of their companionship, both Robilar and
Yrag were ennobled by Greyhawk, and Riggby was promoted speedily within the
church of Boccob in Verbobonc. Tenser, Bigby, and Mordenkainen likewise
advanced in their own wizardly ways, gaining arcane knowledge and power. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Otis did get to
know the Selintan Valley and Cairn Hills quite well while they were out and
about. He spent a fair time patrolling the northern Wild Coast, too; more and
more time, as the years crept by, all the while gazing into the Gnarley Forest,
hearing it call to him.
He began to
wonder why he had ever left it. The Citadel of Eight was not what he imaginined
it to be; it was rife with politics, and personality conflicts. Not cohesive,
by any stretch of the imagination.
For a group that so decisively defeated its enemies,
there remained several problems. Robilar never quite bought into Mordenkainens
philosophy, and he and Tenser often bickered over matters of morality. Serten,
though seen as useful, was never truly respected and Otis, tired of underground
excursions and forays into urban territories, left the group, decrying his
friends as cave-delvers and treasure seekers blind to the real problems of the
world. [LGJ#0 – 5]
And all the
while he was gone, rumours of evil doings in the Gnarley and the fields of Emridy
filled his ears.
The thickets and marshes around Nulb became the lair
and hiding place for bandits, brigands, and all sorts of evil men and monsters
alike. The chapel grew into a stone temple as its faithful brought in their
ill-gotten tithes. Good folk were robbed, pillaged, enslaved, or worse. In but
three years a grim and foreboding fortress surrounded the evil place, and
swarms of creatures worshipped and worked their wickedness there. The
servants of the Temple of Elemental Evil made Hommlet and the lands for leagues
around a mockery of freedom and beauty. Commerce ceased, crops withered,
pestilence was abroad. But the leaders of this cancer were full of hubris, and
in their overweaning pride sought to overthrow the good realms to the north who
were coming to the rescue of the land being crushed under the tyranny wrought
by the evil temple. [T1 – 2]
There were others doing his work while he was whiling
away the years patrolling lands he cared little about.
 |
| Burne and Rufus |
Canoness Y'dey—Level 6 Cleric [of St. Cuthbert]
[LG] [T1-4 – 34]
Canon Terjon (6th level cleric [of St. Cuthbert])
[LN] [T1 – 6]
Jaroo Ashstaff (7th level druid […] [TN] [T1
– 6]
Burne: "His Most Worshipful Mage of
Hommlet": 8th level magic-user [LN] [T1 – 7] [Burne] is clever and a
trifle on the greedy side. […] He Is a follower of St. Cuthbert [.] [T1 – 7]
Rufus: 6th level fighter [T1 -7] Rufus is also
lawful good [.] [T1 – 7]
[Some alignments are noted in T1, others surmised.]
Otis wondered what in the Nine Hells he was doing in the
Domain of Greyhawk.
569 CY
The fellowship of the Citadel of Eight was
not to last. Some of their number were not as dedicated to their cause as
others – if they ever were.
Robilar never quite bought into
Mordenkainen’s philosophy, and he and Tenser often bickered over matters of
morality. Serten, though seen as useful, was never truly respected [,] and
Otis, tired of underground excursions and forays into urban territories, left
the group, decrying his friends as cave-delvers and treasure seekers blind to
the real problems of the world. [LGJ#0 – 5]
Otis
decided that it was high time he went home.
Otis
is 35.
 |
| Homeward Bound |
Battle
of Emridy Meadows
Nearly
a decade after the Citadel's formation, Otis' critical words took on the air of
prophecy. In 569 CY, when the first arrow flew at Emridy Meadows, the Citadel
was noticeably absent. Whether investigating magical secrets far to the west or
unearthing lost passages in Urnst's Maure Castle, these self-absorbed
celebrities were too preoccupied to influence one of the century's most
critical battles. All were absent save Serten, who fought valiantly at the side
of Prince Thrommel against the hordes of Elemental Evil. [LGJ#0
– 5]
Where was Otis? En route. Still in the
Gnarley. Delayed by all manner of Evil that had infested his beloved forest
while he was away.
Gnarley
Forest
 |
| Ogre 1e |
An
enclave of ogres, gnolls, and orcs (Blackthorn) is hidden within [the forest],
and roving orcs from the Pomarj annually attempt to use the forest a s cover
for a massive flanking maneuver against Narwell and Safeton. [LGG – 140]
Otis did not arrive in time.
Perhaps that was because the odds of his
doing so were tacked against him. Rangers, for the most part, are a solitary
sort.
Rangers
may not hire men-at-arms, servants, aides, or henchmen until they attain 8th or
higher level.
No
more than three rangers may ever operate together at any time. [PHB 1e –
24]
And
there must have been innumerable evils lurking in the forest betwixt him and
Hommlet just then.
All the while he fought his way through the
Gnarley, a far greater drama was unfolding upon the fields of Emridy.
A
great battle was fought to the east, and when villagers saw streams of
ochre-robed men and humanoids fleeing south and west through their community,
there was great rejoicing, for they knew that the murderous oppressors had been
defeated and driven from the field in panic and rout. [T1 – 2]
When
he did, the battle was long done.
When
Serten fell, none of his friends stood at his side. [LGJ#0
– 5]
I imagine Otis wept when he heard the news.
Were they tears of grief. Certainly. They were also tears of rage.
Upon learning of Serten’s death, Otis
discovered that, while he’d been left to keep the home fires burning, Robilar
had become mixed up in the goings-on in his home turf! And Tenser too!
 |
| The Temple of Elemental Evil |
He
found and confronted Tenser. Tenser as contrite. The Citadel had wronged the
young ranger, he realised that. Serten was dead; there was nothing to be don
about that. But there was still the Temple to be put to rights.
And
perhaps Robilar too.
Robilar's
ravages were followed by the army of enraged Good folk, led by Tenser and
associates—including Otis, Burne, Rufus, et al. [T1-4 – 28]
Robilar
freed the demoness Zuggtmoy, who was imprisoned beneath the temple complex. [OJ#7
– 42]
Robilar
left with pursuit hot on his tail, Quij wearing a new poncho he'd made from
"master's flying rug" (two days being a long time to wait in the
cold)! [T1-4 – 28]
Robilar
and Otto fled back to his castle, with the Force of Good in hot pursuit. The
druid Jaroo, in falcon form, followed Robilar and Otto over 200 miles back to
Robilar's castle. After they were informed of his whereabouts, the good war
party eventually rallied outside of Robilar's castle. Robilar and Otto
abandoned the castle and it fell to the Forces of Good. [OJ#7 – 42]
Though
the good townsfolk of Hommlet spoke kind words to him when he arrived home, he
could not help but see what lay behind those word, the question, “Where were
you when we needed you most?”
Otis
vowed he would never leave them again.
He
resumed his vigilance.
Life
quickly returned to a semblance of what it had been before the rise of the
temple, and in the decade since, the village and surrounding countryside have
in fact become more rich and prosperous than ever before. A monstrous troll
which plagued the place for a time was hunted down by a body of passing
adventurers. With its ashes, these fellows returned a goodly fortune as well,
leaving a portion with the villagers to repay them for their losses before
going elsewhere to seek their fortunes. [T1 – 2]
 |
| Yrag |
Though most [of
what remained of the Citadel] attended [Serten’s] ostentatious funeral service
in Verbobonc, a crucial rift had been torn in the organization. The Citadel was
crumbling. [LGJ#0 – 5]
And
Tenser was none too kind in his appraisal of Mordenkainen and his Citadel.
Tenser
blamed Mordenkainen for the death of his friend, and retired inward to his
castle. Terik and Yrag vanished, some said to the anonymity of the Bandit
Kingdoms. Even the loyal Bigby left the side of his one-time master and
returned to Oldridge, where he adventured for a time with a band of boyhood
friends. Mordenkainen, the man who had brought the Citadel together, simply
shrugged and returned, with cold eyes, to his studies. [LGJ#0
– 5]
Otis was pleased to know that others were as
critical of Mordenkainen and his pursuit of “Balance.”
574 CY
 |
| Vigilance |
And on occasion,
he beheld that dour edifice, the Temple of Elemental Evil. And wondered, might
he have prevented such a thing if he had remained where he ought to have?
After some five years, adventurers stopped coming to
the area, as it seemed that no monsters were left to slay, no evil existed here
to be stamped out. [T1 – 2]
Otis is 39.
c. 576 – 578 CY
Regardless his vigilance, few laid eyes on Otis in the
coming years. Not some few wondered if he had left the Viscounty in shame.
Indeed, there were rumours that he had.
 |
| Tenser |
- Heavy Cavalry: 50 (Guards)
- Medium Cavalry: 100 (Elite)
- Light Cavalry: 50 (Regulars)
- Medium Horse Archers: 100 (Regulars)
- Armored Infantry: 50 (Guards)
- Heavy Infantry: 100 (Regulars)
- Light Infantry: 100 (Levied)
- Heavy Archers: 50 (Regulars)
- Light Archers: 50 (Levied)
Tenser is accompanied by a high-level cleric and
various other figures of relatively high level, some reported to be demi-human.
Some say that the ranger, Otis, is with him. The force is Good in
alignment, but its exact disposition is unknown. It is suspected that troops
from the surrounding area will join with Tenser in time of need. [Dragon #37 – 11,30]
Such is the way
of rumours. Of course, Otis was not with Tenser. Why would a woodsman be so
cloistered within Tenser’s tall tower? But there are those who believe he was
to this very day.
578 CY
But evil was not done with the Temple of Elemental
Evil. Slowly, over years, its creatures and servants returned to the place and
brought with them the taint of evil that hung like a shadow over Hommlet a
second time. [RttTEE – 9]
He realised he needed help.
[B]andits began to ride the roads again – not
frequently, but to some effect. This seemed all too familiar somehow to the
good folk of Hommlet, so they sent word to the Viscount that wicked forces
might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread throughout the
countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the village once again.
Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure, although all claim to be
bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Hommlet, for deeds
speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak true purposes of the malevolent.
[T1 – 2]
They were
malevolent, indeed.
[A]s the temple was rebuilding itself, a particularly
devious and vile cleric named Lareth the Beautiful took control of the
moathouse. Lareth commanded a small number of troops, mostly humans and
bugbears, who occupied only the dungeon of the moathouse. [RttToEE – 19]
The Moathouse
 |
| The Moathouse |
Lareth the Beautiful is the dark hope of
chaotic evil: young, handsome, well endowed in abilities and aptitudes,
thoroughly wicked, depraved, and capricious. Whomever harms Lareth had better
not brag of it in the presence of one who will inform the Demoness Lolth! He
has been sent into this area to rebuild a force of men and humanoid fighters to
gather loot and restore the Temple of Elemental Evil to its former glory. Of
course. Lareth is but one of many so charged, but he is looked upon with
special favor and expectation. [T1 – 16]
Evil to the core, Lareth is cunning, and if the
situation appears in doubt, he will use bribery and honeyed words to sway the
balance to his favor. [T1 – 16]
[W]hen Lareth the Beautiful commanded the moathouse
(the outpost for the Temple of Elemental Evil), both Zuggtmoy and Lolth
believed him to be their priest—when really he served none other than the Elder
Elemental Eye (and Tharizdun). [RttToEE – 5]
7. BRIGANDS: There are 8 normal men and
a 2nd level lighter leader holed up in the "Block Chamber", the
quarters of the former lord of the castle. [T1 – 13]
9. PRIVATE ROOM: This place houses a
strange pair, a hulking fighter of 2nd level [,] Kobort by name; and his
associate, a small and thin monk of 3rd level [,] called Turuko, a Bakluni from
unknown parts. Kebort was passing through and fell in with the monk, and Turuko
convinced the huge fellow that he could make them wealthy and famous. The
fighter is neutral (for he isn't bright enough to be any alignment), while
Turuko is lawful evil. [T1 – 9]
The brigands are merely pawns, easily discarded, easily
replaced.
Agents roam near and far to bring all sorts of evil
humans and humanoids into service. River pirates and brigands are major
sources. Humanoids come from all quarters. [T1-4 – 43]
Lareth is the only true concern.
Lareth has been sent to this area to rebuild a force
of men and humanoid fighters to gather loot and restore the Temple of Elemental
Evil to its former glory. [T1-4 – 26]
Evil had learned its lesson. Lareth was far more cunning
than the Temple masters then.
Of course, Lareth is but one of many so charged, but
he is looked upon with special favor and expectation. He and his minions have
been careful to raid far from this area, never nearer than three or four
leagues, traveling on foot or being carried in wagons of the traders from
Hommlet. None of the victims are ever left alive to tell the tale, and
mysterious disappearances are all that can be remarked upon, for no trace of
men, mounts, goods, wagons or draft animals is ever found. [T1 – 16]
Help us, the good people of Hommlet cried. Otis tried,
but he could do little, operating alone as did most rangers. He set trips to
trip up the brigands, all for not. More often than not, he would arrive to
discover his traps tripped, and caravans and wagon trains burning. He buried
the dead, and wondered what he might do next.
He came to the
obvious conclusion that he could not defeat this evil alone. He needed help; so
he sent a plea to Verbobonc for aid.
His Lordship the Viscount of Verbobonc (Fighter, 10th
level)
Verbobonc, Viscounty and Town of: Wilfrick, F 10
[WoGG – 17]
Lord Wilfrick was only too willing to answer Otis’ plea.
He had no wish to repeat past perils again. And so, His lordship tracked down Y’dey and asked her to return to Hommlet.
This time, however, the inhabitants of Hommlet chose
to get involved. A young man named Elmo and his brother Otis worked with
Canoness Y’dey of the Church of St. Cuthbert to spy on the temple’s activities.
[RttTEE – 9]
 |
| Canoness Y'dey |
Y’dey called for her steadfast companions, who were only
too willing to answer.
Rufus the fighter, and Burne the
magic-user […] came to Hommlet some three years ago, had some considerable
success in adventuring, including the defeat of a large bandit force which had
plagued Verbobonc, and it is rumored that they gained considerable treasure in
killing a green dragon which preyed in the Kron Hills to the west. It is well
known that these two men are tough and very cautious but willing to give some
aid to adventurers for a price. [T1 – 7]
Rufus leads a squad of men-at-arms and
has been appointed as the overall commander of the village troops as well.
[T1 – 7] [W]hen he reaches 8th level he has been Instructed to return to
Verbobonc for special service In the Viscount's behalf. [T1 – 7]
[Burne is] very conscious of his duty to
protect the village and to watch for evil [.] [T1 – 7]
Jaroo is an agent of the Druids of
Gnarley Wood, sent to Hommlet to see if the Temple of Elemental Evil is totally
destroyed, and to help repress any rise of evil of this sort. [T1 – 6]
The villagers say that Terjon is not
particularly friendly and his sternness is a cause of some speculation.
Actually, this cleric is not a bad fellow at all, but he is rather displeased
at being called to care for the church while Y'dey is on a quest, for Terjon is
desirous of being off adventuring himself, and ONLY the request of the
Archcleric of Veluna keeps him on station. [T1 – 6]
They each
arrived in haste, and began their watch.
Little did they
know that they too were being watched by Rannos Davi (10th level
thief) and his partner Gremag (7th level assassin).
Rannos Davi is chaotic evil and highly suspiclous.
Gremag Is as evil and even more chaotic. Both are servants of the Temple of
Elemental Evil, report activity In Hommlet to a brigand courier, and aid any
and all other evil creatures who come In Temple service. [T1 – 4,5]
579 CY
It’s been a long
time since we’ve visited Hommlet. Things have changed, what with its renewed
siege of evil.
Hommlet
Think of the day-to-day life in these small villages,
and imagine the needs of the local folk. A new mill or winery would not find
much welcome, as these are already represented in Hommlet. But a new blacksmith
might provide a convenient excuse, in drawing off business, for Elmo and/or
Otis to become a bit more active in their secret tasks. [T1-4 – 6]
Otis’ family is
still in residence. His parents are far older than they were.
2. MODEST FARMHOUSE AND BARN
An elderly couple herein are master and mistress [.] [T1-4
– 7]
The elders say that their son Elmo would be interested
in talking with strangers—he's at the inn having a jack of ale. [T1-4 – 7]
Although young
Elmo has grown up. Some wonder about him, though.
 |
| Elmo |
Elmo's speech is slow and halting. He often appears
tipsy and jovial, frequenting the Inn of the Welcome Wench much of the time.
[T1-4 – 7]
Elmo will reveal his status (man-at-arms) to any who
ask. While in town 'carousing', he is unarmored but carries (as always) his
dagger +2. If asked about it, he proudly proclaims "My brudder Otis gave
it to me!" [T1-4 – 7]
He is not what he seems, however.
Elmo only pretends his inebriation; he is a 4th level
ranger, and an agent of the Viscount of Verbobonc. His town visits are for the
purpose of observing newcomers, to insinuate himself in their expeditions.
[T1-4 – 7]
He is Otis’ eyes and ears within Hommlet.
Elmo: […] Level 4 Ranger […] S 18/43 115 W 16 D 16 Co
17 Ch 11 [T1-4 – 8]
If anything untoward befalls Elmo, his brother Otis
will eventually hear of it and seek redress. [T1-4 – 8]
Because Otis and Y’dey are away.
Otis is a 10th level ranger away on a quest with
Y'dey, the Canoness of the local church, and an elven accomplice named Murfles
[.] [T1 – 4]
[Canoness] Y'dey, the Canoness of the
local church [T1 – 4] [has] left [Hommlet] unexpectedly and has not returned.
[T1 – 6]
Where? In the local heart of scum and villainy: Nulb.
Nulb
The Evil and Good factions in the village of Nulb are
not isolated groups who act randomly and ignore events elsewhere. If one place
is attacked, someone is likely to see or hear, and spread the word. [T1-4 –
31]
Otis, Y'dey, and Murfles, as agents of Good, must be
handled as rational, clever, intelligent, thoughtful individuals. They do
nothing foolish, nor offer aid to unproven groups. They will not risk losing
their cover identities, let alone their lives, for no purpose. [T1-4 – 31]
[I]n most cases do not help even Good individuals— for
that would reveal their true identities and betray their greater purpose.
[T1-4 – 31]
[P]articipation in a death-stroke to the Temple (an
expedition with purpose, planning, sure goals, and solid chances for success)
is logical and reasonable. [T1-4 – 31]
Otis will accompany adventurers to the Temple of
Elemental Evil if the opportunity arises. [T1-4 – 34]
They are undercover.
2. SMITHY AND STABLE
 |
| The Smith/Otis |
[Otis is] a ranger knight (Level 10), an agent of the
King of Furyondy, a Knight Bachelor of Veluna, and formerly a watcher of
activity in Hommlet. [T1-4 – 34]
He slays or misleads evil creatures and helps those of
Good while not unduly risking his life. [T1-4 – 34]
Otis is Neutral Good, and cooperates with Y'dey and
Murfles (see area 3, seven special followers— Murfles […], two giant owls, and
four sprites. [T1-4 – 34]
[Canoness] Y'dey is the chief cleric of the church of
St. Cuthbert in Hommlet, away on this 'sabbatical'. [T1-4 – 34]
Mother Screng: An herbmonger (also Canoness
Y'dey—Level 6 Cleric [T1-4 – 34]
Hruda: Mother Screng's daughter (a.k.a. Murfles, Otis'
fellow – adventurer and follower, an elven warrior-footpad, Level 2/2
Fighter/Thief [.]) [T1-4 – 34]
There is great evil brewing in that foul edifice, the
Temple of Elemental Evil, again. And they mean to put an end to it before the
forces of weal need rise again, as they had to all those years ago.
It was fortuitous then, that other adventurers had
arrived, hard on the same scent that drew Otis and Y’day there.
If Otis requests aid, Burne (at Hommlet) assists
magic-users, furnishing them with spells for their books at the cost of 1,000
gp per spell level. [T1-4 – 31]
Furthermore, if Otis happens to be along on an
adventure during which the true numbers and power of the Temple are revealed,
he informs Burne. The latter will, in turn, summon powerful characters from
Veluna and Verbobonc. [T1-4 – 31]
And none too soon. Lareth the Beautiful was prepared to
succeed where prior masters of the Temple had failed. Otis and Y’dey and the
newly arrived adventurers stuck just as final preparations were taking place.
They soon discovered that Lareth was not alone in his
schemes.
Supreme Commander Hedrack, [Cl 9] High Priest
and Most Honorable Emissary of Iuz Himself. [T1-4 – 101]
Ashren: This bitter old man was once the chief
cleric of the air temple [of the Temple of Elemental Evil.] [T1-4 – 111] He
wears ill-fitting and damaged chain mail, taken from the body of a larger
fighter, and carries a scarred shield bearing the symbol of Sir Robilar (a
green dragon on yellow field). [T1-4 – 111]
Barkinar [Cleric 7] worked his way up
through the ranks over the last six years. He came to the Temple ruins to
scavenge treasure, and stayed to serve and earn even greater wealth. [T1-4
– 97]
Deggum [Cleric/Magic-User 5/4] is
a half-elf, a renegade and runaway from his people in Welkwood. Drawn by rumors
of the resurrection of evil might, and by the promises of Lareth […] and others
like him, Deggum has found success and a fast rise in power through his Temple
position. [T1-4 – 97,98]
Falrinth, an 8th level magic-user […] is
very evil and power-mad. [T1-4 – 87]
Smigmal Redhand, a half- orc
Fighter/Assassin [7/7]. She is the leman of Falrinth […] and leader of the band
of brigands in the outer ruins (Tower). [T1-4 – 87]
There were others, many others, all evil, all ambitious, not
all of whom were friendly to one another [.] [RttToEE – 6] Such is the way
of evil, though, isn’t it?
Otis and Y’dey took good advantage of that distrust and
hatred they held for one another.
[Y’dey] and [Otis] fought together against the second
rise of the Temple of Elemental Evil. [RttTEE – 10]
[T]he Temple of Elemental Evil was discovered before
its forces could fully prepare. Instead of armies, parties of adventurers made
quick but painful strikes against key personnel and winnowed down the number of
guards. The heroic bands were given succor by the locals, who at times even
lent a sword arm or a spell to bring down the evil temple. [RttToEE – 6]
After clearing out all of the Temple's agents in the
Hommlet area, [Burne and Rufus, Jaroo, Terjon, Otis, and Y'dey] banded together
to assault the Temple itself. [T1-4 – 28]
 |
| Assaulting the Temple |
They succeeded in thwarting Lareth’s plans, defeating
him, the wizard Falrinth, [and] Barkinar the commander [.] [RttToEE – 6]
[Lareth] and his servants were slain by the small band
of heroes who helped defeat the temple, with the aid of locals such as Y’dey
and Elmo [.] [RttToEE – 19]
But at such a cost.
Y’dey was not able to get to Otis’s body quickly
enough to raise him. [RttTEE – 10]
Otis was 45 when he died.
 |
| To Fight Another Day |
Smigmal Redhand is a half-orc assassin who wears a
half-elf disguise most of the time. She is the associate of Falrinth the wizard
[…] and they have worked together since the days of the old Temple of Elemental
Evil. [RttToEE – 141]
Hedrack slipped the noose as well.
While Lareth was indeed slain by adventurers in this
room, an even more powerful cleric of the Elder Elemental Eye, named Hedrack,
raised him from the dead soon afterward and spirited him away. Now Lareth lives
as a recluse in the nearby village of Nulb [.] [RttToEE – 30]
So, one might say that Lareth escaped that day, as well.
591 CY
Otis may be
gone, but he is not forgotten.
Elmo […] does not interact with Canoness Y’dey or
anyone associated with the Church of St. Cuthbert [.] He still blames Y’dey for
the death of his brother Otis twelve years ago [.]
Elmo: Male human Rgr6
[RttTEE – 10]
Elmo is not the only one to mourn his loss. The druids
and rangers of the Gnarley honour his memory, still. How could they not? He was
one of them. Most importantly, so too does the village of Hommlet. They, if
anyone, will always light a candle for their native son, who sacrificed all in
their defence. They light candles to Saint Cuthbert for him; but they also
raise great bonfires, dance about them, and fair maidens wear crowns of holly
on the day he died. And always will.
“You have not lived today until you have done
something for someone who can never repay you.”
―
One must always give credit where credit is due. This History is made
possible primarily by the Imaginings of Gary Gygax and his Old Guard, Lenard
Lakofka among them, and the new old guards, Carl Sargant, James Ward, Roger E.
Moore. And Erik Mona, Gary Holian, Sean Reynolds, Frederick Weining.
The list is interminable.
Special thanks to Jason Zavoda for his
compiled index, “Greyhawkania,” an invaluable research tool.
The Art:
Village of Hommlet map, from T1 The Village of Hommlet, 1979, 1981
Map detail, by Darlene, from World of Greyhawk Folio, 1980
Mordenkainen detail, by McLean Kendree, from Mordenkainen's Tome of Marvelous Magic II, 2020
Robilar, by Kristoph Nolen, from Oerth Journal#29, 2019
Riggby, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Serten, from Finger of the Wind, 2000
Bigby, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Burne and Rufus, by Jeff Dee, from T1 The Village of Hommlet, 1981
Ogre, by David C. Sutherland III, from Monster Manual 1e, 1977
The Temple of Elemental Evil, by Keith Parkinson, from T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil, 1985
Yrag, by Jeff Easley, from WG5 Mordenkainen's Fantastic Adventure, 1985
Regional map, by Dave Sutherland, from T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil, 1985
The Moathouse, by David A. Trampier, from T1 The Village of Hommlet, 1979, 1981
Dungeon Level Three illustration, by Jack Fred, from T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil, 1985
Temple illustration, by David Roach, from Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, 2001
Sources:
1015 World of Greyhawk Boxed
Set, 1983
2011 Players Handbook 1e, 1978
2011A Dungeon Masters Guide, 1979
9025 World of Greyhawk
Folio, 1980
9026 T1 The Village of
Hommlet, 1979,1981
9147
T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil, 1985
9577 The Adventure Begins,
1998
11843 Return to the Temple
of Elemental Evil, 2001
Dragon
Magazine #37
LGJ
#0
Oerth
Journal #7
Greychrondex, Wilson, Steven
B.
Greyhawkania, Jason Zavoda
