Barkinar

Commander (a.k.a. The Heir Apparent of the Temple of Elemental Evil)

Commander Barkinar is a master of deception and military strategy, serving as the Commander of the Greater Temple's troops within the Temple of Elemental Evil. A former leader of the Earth Temple, Barkinar now operates as one of Supreme Commander Hedrack's most trusted subordinates. However, unlike many within the Temple, Barkinar has secretly forsaken the Elder Elemental Eye in favor of the demi-god Iuz, following a secret initiation into the Mysteries of the Greater Temple.
Barkinar’s calculated patience, cunning, and unwavering commitment to the Temple’s expansion have earned him Iuz's favor, and he stands poised to inherit Hedrack’s position should the Supreme Commander fall.

Background

Barkinar's journey began as a low-ranking cleric of Hextor, driven by an insatiable hunger for power and wealth. Seeking to unearth ancient treasures, he came to the ruined Temple of Elemental Evil with a band of mercenaries after the fall of the First Temple. After surviving the treacherous intrigues within the cult, Barkinar betrayed his former allies and joined the Earth Temple, rising swiftly through its ranks by ousting his predecessor, Landers.
Two years ago, recognizing Barkinar’s talents and ambition, Hedrack initiated him into the secret service of Iuz, the Old One. Pleased with his promotion, Barkinar renounced his allegiance to the Elder Elemental Eye, fully dedicating himself to Iuz. However, he skillfully maintains the illusion of loyalty to the Eye to those outside the Greater Temple, ensuring secrecy among the lesser temple factions.

• Formerly an adventuring cleric of Hextor turned to the service of the Elder Elemental God.
• Overthrew the previous Earth Temple leader, Landers, through betrayal and manipulation.
• Won Hedrack's favor through competence and unwavering loyalty.
• Secretly carries out Iuz’s will, advancing his dark ambitions in the Flanaess.
• Mentors the ambitious young warrior Oswald, son of Verrigan the Scarlord, as a potential champion.

Appearance and Personality

Barkinar is a middle-aged man with a soldier’s bearing. He wears blackened plate armor emblazoned with the flaming eye of the Elder Elemental God and carries himself with an air of command. His brown hair is cropped short, and his mustache is kept in strict order, though his face is often shadowed by days without shaving. A calculating and patient man, Barkinar embodies the belief that the strong prosper at the expense of the weak.

• Calculated Opportunist: Carefully balances his service to Iuz while maintaining Temple unity.
• Utterly Loyal, Yet Ambitious: He does not covet Hedrack's position but expects to inherit it in time.
• Pragmatic Leader: Balances discipline and reward to maintain troop loyalty.
• Skilled Military Strategist: Expert at logistics, siege warfare, and battlefield tactics.

Role in the Temple

Barkinar commands the Temple's military forces, overseeing recruitment, training, and deployment. His troops include a mix of mercenaries, cultists, and monstrous forces such as gnolls and ogres. He shares operational control of the Temple’s security with his close ally and rival, Commander Deggum, who manages the guards and internal security.

• Military Oversight: Commands all forces in the Temple’s ground-level tower and outer defenses.
• Recruitment and Training: Works with agents like Lucius Graeme to recruit and train new cultists.
• Operational Coordination: Collaborates with Deggum and Senshock on long-term strategic plans.
• Expansion Planning: Seeks to march the Temple's forces into Verbobonc and surrounding lands.
• Iuz’s Secret Agenda: Quietly shifts the Temple's focus to align with the Old One’s larger conquest plans.

"Iuz’s will guides my hand, but the fools will never see it coming." - Barkinar

Political Relationships

Barkinar’s position within the Temple is one of quiet power and careful maneuvering. He maintains a delicate balance of alliances and rivalries among the Temple's key figures.

Allies and Rivals:

• Hedrack (Supreme Commander): Respects and serves him faithfully, but carefully observes for weaknesses.
• Senshock (Lord Wizard): Views him as a dangerous schemer but too shortsighted for true leadership.
• Deggum (Security Chief): A pragmatic partnership exists between them, though both would betray the other if necessary.
• Romag (Earth Temple Leader): Sees him as weak but useful in maintaining order within the Temple.
• Smigmal Redhand (Assassin Leader): Works with her network of bandits and spies to secure military intelligence.

"The Eye blinds, but Iuz sees. And through him, I see everything that truly matters."

Notable Equipment

Barkinar is well-armed and prepared for both command and combat situations. His possessions reflect his need for both protection and strategic flexibility.

• Black Scarab of TZGY: Grants access to the Temple's secret chambers.
• Plate Armor +2: Heavy protection, inscribed with dark sigils of the Elder Elemental Eye.
• Potion of Extra Healing: Carried for emergencies on the battlefield.
• Potion of Speed: Allows him to outmaneuver and strike swiftly in combat.
• Mace of the Black Earth: A relic of the Earth Temple, rumored to be imbued with elemental power.

Key Quotes

"Strength alone is not enough; it must be guided by patience and tempered by wisdom."
"Hedrack is a great man, but even great men falter. I will be ready when he does."
"Victory is won before the first sword is drawn—by preparation and understanding your enemy."

Motivations and Goals

Barkinar’s ambitions are grand, though he is content to bide his time. He seeks to solidify the Temple’s military strength, expand its influence, and ensure his eventual rise to the highest position.

Primary Objectives

• Consolidate Power: Ensure the Greater Temple’s military superiority over the four lesser temples.
• Expand Influence: Use Nulb and the Moathouse as staging points for future campaigns.
• Maintain Order: Keep the mercenaries and bandits under firm control, preventing rebellion.
• Ascend to Leadership: Position himself as Hedrack’s natural successor without directly challenging him.

"Hedrack is a great man, but greatness fades. When it does, I will be there to carry the banner forward." - Barkinar

Tactics and Strategy

Barkinar is a master of defensive warfare and strategic offense, preferring calculated assaults and attrition over reckless engagements. He utilizes the Temple’s resources effectively, ensuring minimal losses and maximum gains.

Military Tactics:

• Layered Defenses: Uses fortified positions and ambush tactics to weaken intruders.
• Hit-and-Run Raids: Employs mercenaries and bandits for disruptive attacks on trade routes.
• Psychological Warfare: Spreads fear and misinformation to keep the Temple’s enemies off balance.

Conclusion

Commander Barkinar is a key player in the Temple of Elemental Evil’s power structure, a master manipulator, and a devoted servant of Iuz. His patience, cunning, and ruthless ambition make him a dangerous figure, poised to take control should Hedrack falter. Whether as a military strategist, political rival, or hidden enemy, Barkinar's influence continues to shape the future of the Temple and the region at large.

"A war is not won in battle, but in the choices made before the swords are drawn." - Barkinar

Commander Barkinar

Cleric Level 7 of Iuz

• AC: -1 | HP: 60
• MV: 12"
• #AT: 1 | Dmg: Staff of Striking or spell
• SA: Boots of Levitation | SD: Spells
• XP: 1680
• STR 11, INT 16, WIS 17, DEX 10, CON 16, CHA 8

Spells:

• 1st: Command, Cure Light Wounds (x2), Remove Fear, Sanctuary
• 2nd: Hold Person (x2), Resist Fire, Silence 15' Radius, Slow Poison
• 3rd: Dispel Magic, Prayer, Bestow Curse
• 4th: Cure Serious Wounds

Equipment: Plate +1, Shield +2, Staff of Striking, Boots of Levitation, Potion of Extra Healing, Potion of Speed, scarab marked with TZGY

Alignment

Neutral Evil

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Year of Birth

541 35 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

dark hazel

Hair

cropped brown moustache

Height

5'11”

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental God

Aligned Organization

Cult of the Elder Elemental God