Belsornig

Canon

Canon Belsornig is the cunning and ambitious High Priest of the Water Temple within the Temple of Elemental Evil. A master of political intrigue and manipulation, Belsornig seeks to expand his influence and eliminate his rivals, particularly Alrrem of the Fire Temple and Kelno of the Air Temple. With a network of spies and agents both inside the Temple and in Nulb, Belsornig's reach extends far beyond the flooded halls of his temple. His ultimate goal is to claim dominance over the entire Temple of Elemental Evil and shape it in his image of destruction and rebirth through water.

High Priest of the Water Temple

• Appearance: Canon Belsornig is a wiry, middle-aged man with an aquiline nose and piercing blue eyes that seem to see through any facade. His silver-threaded black hair is usually slicked back, and his robes are embroidered with aquatic motifs and subtle hints of elemental power.
• Personality: Arrogant and manipulative, Belsornig delights in outsmarting his enemies and peers. He thrives on chaos and views the struggles within the Temple as a proving ground for his superiority. While capable of extreme cruelty, he can feign kindness to manipulate those around him.

“The water bends for no one, but it can break any stone.”

Personality

• Arrogant and Manipulative: Belsornig thrives on controlling others, viewing his rivals as mere pawns in his game of domination.
• Strategic and Calculating: Every action he takes is designed to expand his power or weaken his enemies.
• Vengeful and Patient: Holds grudges against those who cross him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back.
• Charismatic and Cunning: Knows how to present himself as an ally while secretly plotting betrayal.

Background

Born in Hardby, near the Woolly Bay, Belsornig was drawn to the Temple of Elemental Evil after years of political maneuvering in his homeland. He saw in the Water Temple a chance to wield true power and establish himself as a dominant force. He quickly rose through the ranks by exploiting rival factions and eliminating threats within the Temple.

• Rise to Power: His knack for building alliances and exploiting weaknesses quickly propelled him through the ranks. He gained favor with the Greater Temple leadership by delivering key victories in their covert operations, solidifying his position as head of the Water Temple.
• Philosophy: Belsornig believes the world must be reshaped through destruction and cleansing floods, a vision aligned with his patron elemental powers.
• Secretly orchestrated attacks on the Air Temple to further destabilize Kelno's rule.

“Only through destruction can the errors of this world be mended. The coming flood shall wash away all who are unworthy.” - Canon Belsornig

Role in the Temple

As High Priest of the Water Temple, Belsornig commands a significant force and works tirelessly to expand his influence.

• Leadership: As the Prophet of the Water Temple, Belsornig commands a significant faction within the Temple of Elemental Evil. His charisma and cunning make him a dangerous rival to the other elemental factions.
• Factional Politics: Belsornig is actively working to undermine the Air Temple by sowing discord among its members. Constantly undermines the Fire and Air Temples while seeking an alliance with Romagof the Earth Temple. He also maintains a careful alliance with the Fire Temple, leveraging their shared disdain for the Earth Temple.
• Logistics: Oversees the transport of supplies, slaves, and wealth through contacts such as Captain Tolub and Captain Marad Vesrek.
• Espionage: He utilizes an extensive network of agents, including spies within Nulb and the surrounding regions, to monitor threats and opportunities.

“My rivals drown in their own hubris—I merely expedite the process.” - Belsornig

Relationships

Belsornig maintains a facade of loyalty to the Greater Temple but secretly plots to usurp its leadership, believing that the power of elemental water is the key to dominance. He views his rivals within the Temple as obstacles to be manipulated or removed and uses his extensive network of agents to further his ambitions. His alliances are based solely on pragmatism, and he will betray anyone if it serves his interests.

Hedrack (Supreme Commander of the Greater Temple)

Public Stance: Feigned loyalty

• Private Thoughts: Sees Hedrack as an overindulgent ruler whose distractions leave the Temple vulnerable to internal coups.
• Strategy: Belsornig remains outwardly deferential, presenting himself as a loyal supporter of the Greater Temple’s goals. In truth, he works behind the scenes to weaken Hedrack’s influence, seeking to eventually replace him as supreme leader. He uses agents within the Greater Temple to sow discord and ensure that Hedrack remains distracted by indulgences and external threats.

“Hedrack sits atop this Temple like a fat frog on a lily pad. Sooner or later, the pond will dry up.”

Romag (High Priest of the Earth Temple)

Public Stance: Pretends to consider an alliance

• Private Thoughts: Views Romag as a narrow-minded zealot who lacks the vision to wield true power.
• Strategy: Belsornig manipulates Romag by offering false promises of alliance against Kelno and Alrrem while simultaneously ensuring the Earth Temple remains too weak to act independently. He uses Romag's desire for stability to stall any real threat from the Earth Temple while keeping him reliant on Water Temple resources.

“Romag is like the stones he worships—slow, dull, and easily eroded with the right pressure.”

Kelno (High Priest of the Air Temple)

Public Stance: Dominating pressure and threats

• Private Thoughts: Considers Kelno weak and easily manipulated; views him as a tool to be used against Alrrem.
• Strategy: Belsornig enjoys intimidating Kelno, using both political maneuvering and military pressure to keep the Air Temple subservient. He encourages Kelno’s paranoia by planting false information about threats from Alrrem while also bribing his bugbear guards to consider defection. Belsornig sees Kelno’s failure to maintain influence as proof of his inferiority.

“Kelno is a gust of wind—bluster and noise, but with no lasting impact.”

Alrrem (High Priest of the Fire Temple)

Public Stance: Open hostility and political undermining

• Private Thoughts: Views Alrrem as his most dangerous rival and actively seeks to destroy him.
• Strategy: Belsornig works tirelessly to subvert Alrrem’s remaining forces, spreading dissent among his troops and funding spies to report on his every move. He has been working to turn Alrrem’s own bugbear mercenaries against him with promises of greater wealth and fewer risks. If given the opportunity, Belsornig will not hesitate to expose Alrrem’s weaknesses to Hedrack to hasten his downfall.

“Fire consumes quickly, but water always wins in the end.”

Senshock (Lord Wizard of the Greater Temple)

Public Stance: Polite but distant cooperation

• Private Thoughts: Recognizes Senshock’s value but distrusts him deeply.
• Strategy: Belsornig carefully avoids confrontation with Senshock, instead seeking to use the wizard's desire for power against him. He provides false leads and misinformation to keep Senshock focused on other targets while securing his own interests within the Temple. Belsornig knows that Senshock’s loyalty is to power alone, and should the opportunity arise, he would gladly strike a deal with the wizard if it served his purposes.

“Senshock is useful, but one never trusts a mage who smiles too much.”

Falrinth (Temple Diviner and Occultist)

Public Stance: Cordial but dismissive

• Private Thoughts: Considers Falrinth a madman of little consequence.
• Strategy: Belsornig largely ignores Falrinth, viewing him as obsessed with arcane mysteries that have little bearing on Temple politics. However, he keeps an eye on Falrinth’s discoveries, recognizing that the wizard’s obsession with forbidden knowledge could eventually produce something valuable—or dangerous.

“Fools who peer into the void often end up falling into it.”

Smigmal Redhand (Temple Assassin and Spy, Lover of Falrinth)

Public Stance: Cautious neutrality

• Private Thoughts: Views Smigmal Redhand as an unpredictable threat and potential asset.
• Strategy: Belsornig regards Smigmal with a mix of wariness and intrigue. As Falrinth’s lover, she holds influence over the Temple’s enigmatic diviner, making her a valuable pawn in his schemes. Belsornig has approached Smigmal with offers of wealth and power in an attempt to turn her against her lover, subtly feeding her doubts about Falrinth’s true loyalty. However, he remains cautious, knowing that she is a deadly assassin with her own agendas.

“Smigmal is like a viper—beautiful, deadly, and always seeking the perfect moment to strike.”

Commander Barkinar (Temple Troops Commander)

Public Stance: A necessary ally

• Private Thoughts: Sees Barkinar as a dangerous yet pragmatic soldier who can be swayed.
• Strategy: Belsornig keeps Barkinar close, offering tactical resources and logistical support in exchange for loyalty. He understands that Barkinar ultimately serves whoever offers the greatest advantage, and Belsornig intends to ensure that he is always the most appealing option.

“Soldiers follow gold and strength—both of which I have in abundance.”

Commander Feldrin (Sub-Level Security Chief)

Public Stance: Contemptuous but professional

• Private Thoughts: Considers Feldrin a threat, given his deep loyalty to Hedrack.
• Strategy: Belsornig takes care to avoid open conflict with Feldrin, recognizing that the security chief’s vigilance could prove problematic. Instead, he ensures his agents remain out of Feldrin’s sight while quietly working to undermine his position through carefully planted accusations and rumors.

“Watchdogs eventually tire, and when they do, the wolves move in.”

“The adventurers? Fools playing in waters too deep for their understanding.”

Temple Operations

Clerics of the Water Temple
Belsornig's under-priests are devout and disciplined, embodying the patience and persistence of water itself. These clerics serve as his primary enforcers within the temple, conducting rituals, overseeing the temple’s operations, and acting as a first line of defense against intruders or rival factions. Each under-priest wears cowled green robes with a gold circle on the front and back, symbolizing the eternal cycle of water. Beneath their robes, they wear plate mail armor for protection, and they wield hammers in combat as a symbol of their crushing faith.

Under-Priests (2)

Each of Belsornig's under-priests has been handpicked for their unwavering loyalty and combat prowess.

Expanded Activities and Contacts

Belsornig's reach extends beyond the Temple, with numerous agents stationed in Nulb who provide intelligence and resources.

• Wat (Bartender of the Waterside Hostel): Acts as Belsornig's key informant, feeding him crucial information about adventurers, rival factions, and potential recruits. This is a base of operations for his informants.
• Captain Tolub and Lieutenant Grud Squinteye (The Iron Dagger): These smugglers ensure a steady supply of goods and personnel, making sure the Water Temple remains well-funded and supplied. Belsornig uses this bustling hub of pirate and mercenary activity to negotiate deals, gather intelligence, and meet with key figures.
• Adventurers: Belsornig is pragmatic and willing to bargain for survival. He offers information about the Greater Temple or his rivals to secure his safety, and might even betray his allies if it guarantees his continued influence.
• 23. The Iron Lash: Slave Dungeon, Gladiator Pit, and Brothel: Here, Belsornig liaises with Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask to secure prisoners, slaves, and strong recruits for the Water Temple’s operations.

“Nulb’s chaos is but a ripple in the coming storm.” - Belsornig

Key Contacts

Captain Tolub

• Role: Tolub is a brutal and ambitious pirate leader who controls much of the river trade along the Velverdyva River and Imeryd's Run.
• Relationship with Belsornig: As a high-ranking member of the Cult of the Crushing Wave, Tolub is one of Belsornig’s most valuable allies. He frequently transports supplies, wealth, and personnel for the Water Temple.
• Motivations: While Tolub isn’t a true believer in the cult’s doctrine, he uses his alliance with Belsornig to enrich himself and solidify his influence over the waterways.
• Meetings: Tolub prefers to meet Belsornig at neutral locations like the Boatman’s Tavern, where negotiations and deals can be conducted discreetly.

Captain Marad Vesrek of The Crimson Trader

• Role: Vesrek is a slaver operating out of the Wild Coast, running the mobile prison ship Crimson Trader that navigates the Selintan River, the Nyr Dyv, and the Velverdyva River.
• Relationship with Belsornig: Vesrek supplies the Water Temple and its allied factions with slaves, captives, and other “cargo,” delivering them to locations like the Iron Lash in Nulb.
• Motivations: Vesrek’s focus is profit, and he has no qualms about dealing with the Temple or its sinister operations as long as it ensures a steady flow of gold.

Recruitment and Logistics

Belsornig’s influence in Nulb and beyond relies on a steady stream of recruits, wealth, and captives to sustain the Water Temple’s power. To achieve this, he employs a layered network of agents and collaborators, each playing a role in the larger scheme.

Recruitment Networks

Temple agents scout for potential recruits, particularly among pirates, brigands, and desperate mercenaries.

• The Iron Lash serves as a proving ground for the strongest captives, who may be conscripted into the Temple’s ranks after surviving brutal gladiatorial trials.
• Belsornig often uses promises of wealth, power, or vengeance to lure individuals into the cult.

Transportation Operations

• Captain Marad Vesrek ensures the seamless transport of captives from far-flung regions to Nulb, minimizing interference from outside forces.
• Captain Tolub provides critical river transportation for supplies and Temple agents, ensuring the Temple’s operations remain uninterrupted.

Allocation of Captives

• The Gladiator Pit: Physically strong captives are sent to the Iron Lash’s pit to fight in gruesome trials. Survivors may be recruited by the Temple or its allied factions as enforcers or warriors.
• The 22. The Brothel of Nulb: Attractive captives are forced into servitude at Nulb’s brothel under grim conditions, contributing to the town’s economic lifeblood.
• Temple Offerings: The weakest or most expendable captives are sacrificed to the elemental forces or used to create undead minions for the Temple.

Belsornig’s Manipulative Tactics

• Undermining the Air Temple: Belsornig actively works to subvert the Air Temple’s leadership by sowing discord among its humanoid followers. He secretly uses Alrrem of the Fire Temple to pressure Kelno, the Air Prophet.
• Exploiting Rivals: Belsornig is adept at using his agents to destabilize the other elemental factions. His promises of wealth and power often lead gullible rivals into traps.
• Double Agents: Many of Belsornig’s agents work indirectly, meaning they operate without knowing who they ultimately serve. This layered approach ensures his schemes remain concealed even from those within the Temple.

Adventure Hooks

• Spy Game: Adventurers uncover Wat’s connection to the Water Temple, leading to a deadly game of cat and mouse with Belsornig’s agents.
• Sabotage: The Air Temple hires the party to sabotage the Water Temple’s operations, provoking a violent conflict between the factions.
• Final Showdown: Belsornig becomes aware of the adventurers’ growing influence and orchestrates an ambush, forcing a dramatic confrontation within the Water Temple’s flooded halls.
• Intercept the Cargo: The adventurers hear rumors of the Crimson Trader and must stop the ship before it delivers a shipment of captives to Nulb.
• Infiltrate the Gladiator Pit: A missing noble’s heir is discovered to be a prisoner in the Iron Lash’s pit, and the adventurers must stage a daring rescue while avoiding Belsornig’s agents.
• Expose the Network: Wat, the barman at the Waterside Hostel, is overheard discussing Temple activities, leading the party to uncover Belsornig’s recruitment operations in Nulb.

Conclusion

Belsornig’s influence and network of collaborators make him a dangerous and dynamic foe, whose machinations touch every corner of the region. For Dungeon Masters, he provides a central antagonist whose cunning and reach ensure that no adventurer’s path will remain untouched by the shadow of the Water Temple.

“Only through the flood can we cleanse this corrupted world.”

Canon Belsornig, High Priest of the Water Temple

Cleric level 8, (Elder Elemental God)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 16 (+5) 14 (+2)

• Armour Class 18 (half plate +1)
• Hit Points 44 (8d8 +8)
• Speed 30ft.
• Saves: Wis +8 Cha +5
• Skills Arcana +4, Insight +9, Intimidation +6, Religion +4
• Senses Passive Perception 15
• Languages Common, Aquan, Abyssal, Goblin
• Challenge Challenge Rating 4 (1,100 xp)

Mace of Smiting: Melee weapon attack: +6 to hit, 5ft. reach,
Spellcasting: Belsornig is an 8th level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (Spell Save 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks.) Belsornig has the following cleric spells prepared.

• Cantrips (At Will): guidance, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
• 1st level (4 slots): charm person, create or destroy water, cure wounds, disguise self, sanctuary
• 2nd level (3 slots): calm emotions, hold person, protection from poison, mirror image, pass without trace, silence
• 3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, bestow curse, blink, dispel magic, protection from energy, spirit guardians, water walk
• 4th level (2 slots): control water, dimension door, divination, polymorph

Possessions: ring of free action, mace of smiting, half plate +1, gold belt set with lapis and malachite (500gp), 21gp, 14pp, key to chest in 215, gold ring w/ peridot bezel (500gp)

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Suloise Suel

Year of Birth

536 40 Years old

Sex

male

Presentation

robes are embroidered with aquatic motifs and subtle hints of elemental power.

Eyes

piercing blue eyes

Hair

silver-threaded black hair

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental God

Aligned Organization

Cult of the Elder Elemental God

Minions and Followers

Belsornig’s forces are well-trained and loyal, bound to him through bribery, blackmail, and fear.

Temple Underpriests

(Clerics Level 3-5)
Arvik Tidecaller: A devout zealot who believes Belsornig is the chosen prophet of the Elder Elemental Eye.
Under-Priest 1

• AC: 1 (plate & shield, Dex 15) | MV: 6" 
• Cleric 3 | HP: 21
• #AT: 1 | Dmg: 2-5 (hammer) | SA: Spells | XP: 168
• Spells: Command, Cure Light Wounds, Light, Hold Person

Eronis Wavebinder: Oversees the ritual sacrifices conducted within the temple.
Under-Priest 2

• AC: 2 (plate & shield) | MV: 6"
• Cleric 3 | HP: 16
• #AT: 1 | Dmg: 2-5 (hammer) | SA: Spells | XP: 153
• Spells: Command, Cure Light Wounds, Protection from Good, Sanctuary, Chant
• Equipment: Gold rings (750 gp each), ceremonial and combat hammers.

Tactical Behavior

Belsornig’s cunning extends to his combat strategies, ensuring that he maximizes his advantage in any conflict. If he hears fighting or suspects an attack, he approaches cautiously, often sending minions or summoning creatures to assess the situation before exposing himself.
Pre-Combat Preparations:

• Resist Fire: Casts this spell to protect himself against fire-based attacks.
• Prayer: Uses this spell to bolster his allies if a battle seems imminent.

Combat Tactics:

• Silence: Targets spellcasters to neutralize their magic.
• Dispel Magic: Identifies and disrupts opponents benefiting from magical enhancements.
• Escape Tactics: If the tide turns against him, Belsornig retreats to the safety of the Water Temple (Area 216), using his network of underpriests and minions to cover his escape.

Treasure and Key Details

Belsornig’s attire and possessions reflect both his wealth and his connection to the Water Temple.
Clothing and Accessories:

• Robe: Plain green velvet with a gold belt adorned with lapis and malachite (value: 750 gp).
• Ring: A gold ring set with a peridot bezel (value: 1,000 gp).
• Purse Contents:
• 21 gold pieces and 14 platinum pieces.
• An iron key with the word "D'LYSS" inscribed in runes:
• Function: Serves as the command to stop the juggernaut in Area 213.
• Chest Access: Opens Belsornig’s personal chest.
• Chest Contents: While not described in detail, the chest is expected to contain additional valuables and possibly important documents related to his plans.

Milestone Experience

Defeating Belsornig and his Underpriests is a significant achievement in the campaign. Reward the party with:

• Experience Award: 2,800 XP, reflecting the challenge posed by Belsornig and the strategic importance of his defeat.