"The Blasphemous Rod and the Rise of Elemental Evil"
Set in the year 576 CY, this campaign unfolds in the World of Greyhawk and follows a determined band of adventurers drawn into a dark and unraveling mystery. What began as a mission to protect caravans and root out brigands has led the party deep into the heart of an ancient evil—the Temple of Elemental Evil. The cults are stirring. The Rod of Six Parts is being reassembled. And now the only thing that stands between the mortal world and the return of a forgotten horror… is them.
Key Campaign Themes & Insights
Darkness Awakens: The Temple of Elemental Evil is no ruin—it is alive with corruption, its halls echoing with the memories of vile rites, twisted sacrifices, and elemental blasphemy. As the party delves deeper, they uncover evidence of growing cultic influence and organized resistance.
The Rod of Six Parts: A twisted counterpart to the legendary Rod of Seven Parts, the cult’s version is said to be the key to freeing the Elemental Eye. The party now holds one piece—tainted and cursed—and seeks to prevent the others from falling into enemy hands.
The Blood Moon Festival: The campaign took a dire turn as the group journeyed to Nulb on the cursed day of Coldeven 11. Prophecies whispered of increased cult activity—and they proved true.
Canon Terjon’s Secret Agents: TerryOr and Irving have confirmed there are active agents of the Church of St. Cuthbert operating against the Temple. Even so, the enemy is vast—and the Church’s resources are few.
Dungeons of Despair: The party has now reached the second level of the Temple dungeon, facing off against oozes, drelbs, su-monsters, trolls, and the corrupted priests of the Water Temple. The deeper they go, the more madness they risk.
Divine Intervention: Oleg and Slash both fell in the depths—but were brought back by the blessings of St. Cuthbert. These moments have only deepened their personal stakes in the unfolding conflict.
Main Party Members and Character Arcs
Slash the Bard
Starting Point: A wanderer and entertainer with an appetite for danger, more curious than cautious.
Development: Slash has become a spiritual bridge between the group and the natural world, learning healing from the Druid Jaroo and using magic to bolster morale.
Key Moment: Death at the hands of a chained owlbear—and his miraculous resurrection—have left him sobered but still showy.
Current Arc: Haunted by mortality and fate, but devoted to inspiring and protecting his companions. Lita, his groupie, now follows him into danger.
Dog the Ranger of the Gnarley
Starting Point: A stoic hunter familiar with the wilds of the Gnarley Forest, quiet and lethal.
Development: Dog has proven his worth in both leadership and tactical acumen, often taking point in dangerous situations.
Key Moment: Tracking the ice trolls to their lair on the cursed Blood Moon night solidified his place as the group’s guide and tracker.
Current Arc: Driven by a growing hatred of the Temple’s corruption of nature and intent on rooting it out, root and stem.
Dixon the Dwarven Fighter
Starting Point: A classic dwarven warrior—gruff, blunt, and eager to bury his axe in the enemy.
Development: Dixon has grown from comic relief into the hardened backbone of the group. His steadfastness and raw strength carry the party through some of the hardest fights.
Key Moment: Receiving a dwarven heirloom from his father reminded him of the legacy he bears.
Current Arc: Dixon is determined to see the Temple fall and honor his ancestors in the process.
TerryOr the Cleric of St. Cuthbert
Starting Point: An energetic and faithful priest, assigned to the party by Canon Terjon.
Development: TerryOr has grown from cheerful servant of Cuthbert to one of the party’s most reliable spellcasters and moral compasses.
Key Moment: Using a sacred scroll to bring Slash back from death showed TerryOr’s devotion and faith in action.
Current Arc: A light in the darkness, TerryOr believes the party is on a holy mission. His courage is tested at every turn.
Irving the Reluctant (Paladin of St. Cuthbert)
Starting Point: A paladin who struggles with the weight of expectation, torn between holy duty and personal doubt.
Development: Irving has slowly embraced his role as a protector and hammer of justice. His near-death experiences have only deepened his resolve.
Key Moment: Facing the undead alone in the Harpy’s chamber, Irving stood when all others fell.
Current Arc: Believes this quest is not just fate—it is a calling. He stands as a bulwark against the abyss.
Oleg Greenleaf (Half-Elf Magic-User/Cleric of St. Cuthbert)
Starting Point: A sly and clever half-elf with a rogue’s heart and a knack for magic.
Development: After falling in battle, Oleg was revived and had a vision. Now a dual-classed cleric/magic-user, he has pledged himself to the Church of St. Cuthbert.
Key Moment: Dying alone in the Room of Bones, and his divine resurrection by TerryOr, marked the end of his life as a thief.
Current Arc: Atonement and redemption—Oleg fights to earn the place he was given by grace.
Companions and Hirelings
Spugnior the Theurgist: A conjurer loyal to the group. Quietly gathering arcane power. Believes magical secrets lie deep in the Temple.
Zert the Fighter: Hired muscle from Hommlet. Once suspect, now proven dependable—though his true loyalty may still be questioned.
Lita of the Fjord: Once an admiring tavern singer, now a companion to Slash. Her presence reminds the group of what they fight to protect.
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