Cult of the Elder Elemental God

The Cult of the Elder Elemental God (EEG) is a sinister and secretive religious organization that thrives on chaos, destruction, and forbidden knowledge. Centered within the Temple of Elemental Evil, the cult manipulates elemental forces and mortals to further the fractured god’s resurgence. Its influence spans across the Flanaess, seeping into societies and corrupting natural and spiritual orders alike.

Elemental Cults

Elemental Evil represents a perversion of the natural elements, corrupting their innate balance and reducing them to instruments of destruction. It seeks not only to annihilate physical structures but to tear down the moral, social, and natural orders that govern existence. Its ultimate goal is to return the world to an elemental state—a chaotic realm of madness and unending conflict. This malign force operates through mortal servants, spreading its influence in two insidious ways.

Corruption

Elemental Evil thrives by preying on the broken, the wronged, and the wicked, offering them the power to strike back. This corruption begins subtly, undermining institutions, twisting natural laws, and decaying the social fabric. As its influence grows, secret cults form, and the natural order unravels. The seasons falter, ecosystems decay, and once-stable civilizations crumble under the weight of their own decadence.

Madness

As the corruption spreads, it inevitably gives way to madness. Cultists lose their grip on reality, driven to acts of self-destruction or senseless violence. In the grip of their insanity, they trigger catastrophic elemental events, leaving ruin in their wake. A world dominated by Elemental Evil would be one of unending chaos, where nature itself becomes an agent of destruction and the elements wage a ceaseless war against one another.

The Call of the Elder Elemental Eye

Elemental Evil, personified as the Elder Elemental Eye, is a hidden force that whispers to the hearts of the vulnerable. Its allure is strongest among those consumed by hatred, greed, or despair, promising them power beyond comprehension. While its presence is subtle and its true nature remains veiled, the Elder Elemental Eye manipulates its followers to achieve its dark purpose. Those who heed its call—driven by a lust for power or an inability to resist the whispers in their minds—become the servants of Elemental Evil. These individuals sow chaos, corrupting everything they touch, and paving the way for greater destruction.

Temple Locations

The Cult operates a series of interconnected strongholds and sacred sites, each serving distinct purposes in its overarching goals.

Temple of Elemental Evil

• Main Temple: The heart of the cult lies in the Temple of Elemental Evil, a massive, twisted edifice built atop one of the EEG’s most potent shards.
• Architecture: Dark, leprous stone carved with grotesque motifs of writhing tentacles, elemental glyphs, and the cult’s unholy trisected triangle symbol.
• Elemental Nodes: Hidden beneath the Temple are four elemental nodes, miniature extraplanar domains tethered to elemental chaos. These nodes empower the cult’s rituals and spawn horrific elemental creatures.
• Greater Temple: At the lowest level, the Greater Temple acts as a focal point of worship for the EEG. It is the site of the most potent rituals and a nexus of corrupted elemental energy.

The Moathouse

Lareth the Beautiful: This ruined fortification near Hommlet serves as a satellite base for the cult. Under the command of Lareth the Beautiful, the Moathouse houses spies, mercenaries, and initiates. Its proximity to Hommlet allows the cult to keep a watchful eye on those who might oppose their plans.

Shrines of the Shards

The cult maintains scattered shrines throughout Oerth, each built around fragments of the EEG. These shrines, hidden in desolate places, are sanctified through dark rituals and act as foci for spreading the god’s corrupting influence.

Elemental Cults

The Elemental Cults within the Temple of Elemental Evil each operate semi-independently, pursuing their own interpretations of power and destruction. These factions are led by cunning and ambitious prophets, who serve as high priests and commanders of their respective temples. Their struggles for dominance within the Temple reflect the chaotic nature of their patron, the Elder Elemental God.

Cult of the Elemental Evil God (Greater Temple)

The Greater Temple, located at the heart of the Temple of Elemental Evil, oversees the elemental factions and serves as the focal point of the cult’s activities. The organization is detailed in the article: Leadership of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Supreme Commander Hedrack: The most powerful figure in the Temple, Hedrack is both a devout priest and a cunning tactician. His position as the Mouth of Iuz grants him unparalleled authority, but his loyalty lies with the Elder Elemental God, making him a dangerous wildcard.
• Barkinar: Once a leader of the Earth Temple, Barkinar has proven himself a capable and ruthless commander, earning a place in the Greater Temple. He is Hedrack’s most trusted lieutenant and the heir apparent to his position.
• Senshock: The Lord Wizard of the Temple, Senshock wields powerful arcane magic to support the Temple’s goals. He also serves as Zuggtmoy’s emissary, balancing her interests with the chaos of the EEG.
• Lucius Graeme: Known as "The Tentacle," Lucius is the Greater Temple’s courier and intelligence coordinator. His extensive network of spies and agents ensures the cult’s influence extends far beyond the Temple’s walls. A Priest of The Priesthood of Iuz and a leader of the Temple of Elemental Evil, Lucius was sent by Iuz to serve the supreme leader Hedrack, who was quickly subverted into following the Elder Elemental Eye.
• Falrinth: Rogue Wizard and Keeper of the Orb of Golden Death. Though not an official member of the Greater Temple, Falrinth is an important figure in the Temple's web of intrigue. A skilled and ambitious 8th-level magic-user, Falrinth operates independently, serving as both an ally and a potential liability to the Greater Temple.
• Commander Feldrin, Bandit Leader and Logistics Specialist: Feldrin serves as the commander of the Temple’s guards and bandits, managing its defense and supply chains. His leadership ensures the steady flow of resources and captives to the Greater Temple while maintaining an iron grip over the bandit forces.

Cult of the Eternal Flame (Fire Temple)

Specialty cleric: Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame

• Philosophy: Worships fire as a purifying force, reducing the world to ash so it can be reborn under the cult’s dominion.
• Leader: Alrrem, the Prophet of Fire, is a battle-hardened leader who played a direct role in the Battle of Emridy Meadows.
• Tactics: Fire cultists are aggressive and destructive, favoring overwhelming assaults and arson to spread terror.
• Symbolism: Their unholy symbol resembles a brazier emitting a roaring flame. Members often bear burn scars as marks of devotion.

Cult of the Crushing Wave (Water Temple)

Specialty Cleric: Water Temple Cultist of the Crushing Wave

• Philosophy: Reveres water as a destructive and transformative force, eroding the structures of civilization.
• Leader: Belsornig, the Prophet of Water, is a cunning and ambitious man who sees the cult as a means to his own ends..
• Tactics: Water cultists excel at ambushes, using floods, storms, and underwater strikes to surprise their enemies.
• Symbolism: The cult’s symbol is an X-shaped wave, representing water’s cyclical surge and retreat.

Cult of the Black Earth (Earth Temple)

Specialty Cleric: Earth Temple Cultist of the Black Earth

• Philosophy: Celebrates the unyielding strength of earth, aiming to shatter civilizations with landslides, earthquakes, and crushing pressure.
• Leader: Romag, the current Prophet of Earth, presides over one of the most powerful factions within the Temple.
• Tactics: Earth cultists employ tunneling and burrowing magic, using monstrous allies like bulettes and ankhegs.
• Symbolism: Members form a triangular gesture with their hands to symbolize stability and purpose.

Cult of the Howling Hatred (Air Temple)

Specialty cleric: Air Temple Cultist of the Howling Hatred

• Philosophy: Worships air as a destructive and liberating force, using storms and wind to devastate and subjugate.
• Leader: Kelno, the Prophet of Air, faces significant challenges in his leadership.
• Tactics: Air cultists favor stealth, deception, and hit-and-run attacks, often employing aerial mounts like hippogriffs.
• Symbolism: Their inverted triangle emblem represents a tornado funnel.

Inter-Cult Dynamics

While the four elemental cults share a common origin and purpose, their rivalry is fierce. Each cult believes its element to be the most powerful and worthy of worship, deriding the others as inferior. This division often results in infighting, hindering their ability to unite under a single banner. Only the most enlightened or magically gifted cultists recognize the unifying force behind all four elements: the Elder Elemental Eye. These rare individuals work to align the cults’ efforts toward their shared purpose of absolute destruction, though their success is limited by the inherent chaos and mistrust that defines the cults.

A Legacy of Destruction

From age to age, the cults of Elemental Evil rise and fall, yet their patterns remain disturbingly consistent. The four elemental factions reemerge in different forms across worlds, always driven by the same dark fate: to serve the Elder Elemental Eye and spread its chaotic influence.

Symbolism of the Cults

Each cult possesses its own sigil, representing the destructive power of its respective element. Together, these four symbols form a fifth emblem: the Eye of Elemental Evil, a trisected triangle that embodies the unifying chaos of the Elder Elemental Eye. This sigil serves as both a warning and a promise, marking the presence of Elemental Evil and its servants.

The Greater Temple of the Elder Elemental God

The Greater Temple, located on the fourth and lowest level of the Temple of Elemental Evil, serves as the epicenter of power for the cult. It is here that the most senior and dangerous members of the organization gather, overseeing the fractured factions and executing the will of the Elder Elemental God and its dark patrons, Iuz and Zuggtmoy. This level is shrouded in chaos and corruption, its leaders embodying the cruelty, ambition, and sinister schemes that define the cult.

Tactics

The Greater Temple acts as the central command for all cult activities, coordinating the elemental factions to maximize their destructive potential. Its leaders focus on strategic planning, espionage, and maintaining discipline among the unruly factions.

• Unified Strikes: The Greater Temple orchestrates combined efforts of the elemental cults, ensuring their strengths complement one another during large-scale operations.
• Espionage: Under Lucius Graeme’s direction, the Greater Temple manipulates external factions and spreads misinformation to protect its operations.
• Rituals: The Temple is the site of the most powerful rituals, performed to amplify the EEG’s presence and influence in the material plane.
• Symbolism: The Greater Temple’s emblem is the trisected triangle, representing the convergence of air, earth, fire, and water under the Elder Elemental God’s dominion. This symbol serves as a reminder of the cult’s ultimate goal: to unify the elements in service of chaos.

Current Activities

The Greater Temple’s leadership is currently focused on:

• Rebuilding the Temple’s Power: Hedrack and his lieutenants work tirelessly to restore the Temple’s former might, recruiting new agents and consolidating resources.
• Rescuing Zuggtmoy: Despite his shift in allegiance, Hedrack continues to seek a way to free Zuggtmoy, both to maintain Iuz’s favor and to unleash a powerful ally.
• Manipulating the Elemental Cults: The leaders of the Greater Temple play the elemental factions against one another, ensuring no single faction grows strong enough to challenge their authority.

Cult of the Black Earth

The Cult of the Black Earth venerates earth as the ultimate expression of strength, permanence, and inevitability. To its members, the ground beneath their feet is the foundation of all life and the harbinger of death, capable of crushing civilizations and reclaiming them into its unyielding embrace. The cult views earth not as a nurturing force but as a tool of domination, the weight of the world itself grinding all resistance to dust. The Cult of the Black Earth is also deeply tied to the principles of patience and inevitability. Its members are slow to act but devastating when they do, biding their time and building their strength until they can strike with overwhelming force.
Specialty Cleric: Earth Temple Cultist of the Black Earth
Core Beliefs:

• Stability is an illusion; strength lies in unyielding power.
• Civilization, artifice, and moral codes are frail veneers waiting to be buried by the earth’s inevitable dominance.
• Only those who submit to the earth’s supremacy can claim its power.

Romag: The Prophet of Earth

Romag serves as the current leader of the Earth Temple, though his rise to power was less a result of his own achievements and more a matter of fortunate inheritance. His predecessor, Barkinar, laid the groundwork for the Earth Temple’s dominance before his promotion to the Greater Temple.

• Personality: Romag is calculating and pragmatic, though he lacks the ambition and cunning of his predecessor. He maintains his authority through the sheer strength of the network Barkinar established, which he uses to bolster his position.
• Strengths: Romag is an expert at maintaining the status quo, ensuring that the Earth Temple remains stable and secure. His focus on fortification and defense makes the Earth Temple’s strongholds nearly impenetrable.
• Weaknesses: Lacks the charisma and ambition to expand the Earth Temple’s influence significantly. Struggles to keep the more ambitious members of the cult in line, leading to internal dissent.

Barkinar: Legacy and Oversight

Though promoted to the Greater Temple, Barkinar’s influence remains deeply embedded in the Earth Temple’s operations.

• Role: Barkinar acts as a mentor and occasional advisor to Romag, though his involvement is limited by his duties in the Greater Temple.
• Politics: Barkinar’s lingering presence creates tension within the Earth Temple, as many members remain loyal to him rather than Romag. This dynamic keeps Romag in check and prevents him from consolidating too much power.

Rising Threats

Within the Earth Temple, ambitious underlings occasionally challenge Romag’s authority. These dissenters, emboldened by the cult’s philosophy of strength, see Romag’s lack of ambition as a weakness to exploit. This internal strife keeps the cult from achieving greater heights but ensures that only the strongest members survive.
Tactics: The Cult of the Black Earth employs tactics that emphasize patience, overwhelming strength, and the unrelenting force of nature.

• Defensive Mastery: Earth cultists are experts in fortifications and ambushes, using their deep understanding of terrain to create seemingly impenetrable strongholds.
• Burrowing and Tunneling: The cult uses magic and monstrous allies, such as bulettes and ankhegs, to create hidden passageways and traps. These tunnels allow them to outflank their enemies and strike from unexpected angles.
• Unyielding Assaults: When the cult does attack, it does so with devastating precision, often combining elemental magic with brute force to overwhelm their enemies.

Symbolism

The Cult of the Black Earth’s symbol is a triangular icon representing the stability and dominance of the element. This emblem is often carved into stone or etched into the cult’s armor and weapons. Cultists also wear dark robes adorned with earth-toned patterns, reinforcing their connection to the ground. Members of the cult often display physical marks of their devotion, such as hands and arms stained with dirt or stone dust, symbolizing their subservience to the element of earth.

Politics and Rivalries

The Earth Temple is both a cornerstone of the cult and a source of friction within the Temple of Elemental Evil. While its philosophy of stability lends itself to a degree of cooperation, the Earth Temple’s leaders often clash with those of the other factions.

• Fire Temple (Cult of the Eternal Flame): The volatile and impulsive nature of the Fire Temple stands in stark contrast to the Earth Temple’s deliberate and methodical approach. Romag sees Alrrem and his followers as reckless, while Alrrem views the Earth Temple as overly cautious and stagnant.
• Water Temple (Cult of the Crushing Wave): The two factions share a mutual respect for patience and subtlety, though they differ in their ultimate goals. Belsornig often attempts to manipulate Romag into supporting the Water Temple’s initiatives, seeing him as a malleable leader.
• Air Temple (Cult of the Howling Hatred): The Air Temple’s chaotic and insubstantial nature makes it a natural adversary of the Earth Temple. Romag views Kelno as a weak and ineffective leader, unworthy of his position.

Current Activities

The Cult of the Black Earth is currently focused on:

• Fortifying the Temple Grounds: Romag is determined to ensure the Earth Temple remains an unassailable bastion within the greater complex.
• Gathering Resources: The cult is stockpiling weapons, magical items, and elemental energy, using its network of agents to acquire materials from nearby settlements.
• Consolidating Power: Romag seeks to root out dissent within his faction while maintaining the loyalty of Barkinar’s former supporters.
• Undermining Rivals: The Earth Temple employs spies and saboteurs to weaken the other elemental factions, ensuring its position as the most stable and powerful within the Temple.

Cult of the Crushing Wave

The Cult of the Crushing Wave worships water as a relentless, transformative force capable of eroding all opposition over time. To its members, water symbolizes the inexorable march of chaos: flexible and adaptive yet utterly unstoppable. The cult views destruction not as an immediate goal but as a patient, calculated process of wearing down the structures of civilization, leaving only the ever-changing tides in its wake.
Specialty Cleric: Water Temple Cultist of the Crushing Wave

Core Beliefs:

• Water is the embodiment of patience and power, destined to reshape the world through erosion and destruction.
• Subtlety and cunning triumph over brute strength; enemies are defeated not with a single blow but through unyielding persistence.
• Loyalty to the cult supersedes all other allegiances, as individual lives are as insignificant as drops of water in the ocean of the Elder Elemental God’s will.

Belsornig: The Prophet of Water

Belsornig, the cunning and ambitious leader of the Cult of the Crushing Wave, exemplifies the faction’s philosophy of calculated destruction. He is known for his strategic brilliance and vast network of external agents, which he leverages to expand the cult’s influence.

• Personality: Belsornig is calm and composed, rarely allowing emotion to cloud his judgment. He prefers manipulation and diplomacy over direct confrontation, though he is unafraid to unleash the full fury of water’s destructive power when necessary.

Strengths:

• A master manipulator, Belsornig often turns potential enemies into unwitting allies or tools.
• His extensive network of spies and agents ensures the cult is well-informed about threats and opportunities.
• He excels in long-term planning, allowing him to outmaneuver rivals both within and outside the Temple.

Weaknesses:

• Belsornig’s reliance on external agents leaves the Water Temple vulnerable to infiltration and betrayal.
• His manipulative nature breeds distrust among his followers, creating a fragile hierarchy.

Factional Dynamics
Belsornig’s leadership is not uncontested within the Water Temple. Several high-ranking cultists view his reliance on diplomacy as a sign of weakness, favoring more direct and aggressive methods. However, Belsornig’s ability to secure results has kept these dissenters in check—for now.

Tactics

The Cult of the Crushing Wave employs tactics that reflect the nature of water itself: subtle, persistent, and adaptive.

• Espionage and Sabotage: Water cultists excel at infiltrating enemy ranks and sabotaging infrastructure. They use floods, poison, and other indirect methods to weaken their foes before striking.
• Ambushes and Guerilla Warfare: Operating from hidden aquatic strongholds, the cult uses rivers, lakes, and underground water systems to stage surprise attacks.
• Monstrous Allies: The cult commands an array of aquatic creatures, including water elementals, merrow, and even the occasional sea serpent.
• Symbolism: The symbol of the Cult of the Crushing Wave is an X-shaped crest with stylized waves. This emblem, representing the cyclical rise and fall of water, is often etched onto armor, weapons, and ritual objects. Cultists frequently wear deep blue or sea-green robes, and high-ranking members adorn themselves with aquatic motifs like shells, coral, and pearls. Devotees sometimes mark their allegiance with scars or tattoos resembling crashing waves, signifying their submission to water’s transformative power.

Politics and Rivalries

The Water Temple operates in an uneasy alliance with the other elemental cults, though its goals and methods frequently clash with theirs.

• Fire Temple (Cult of the Eternal Flame): The most bitter rivalry exists between the Water and Fire Temples, reflecting the natural opposition of their elements. Belsornig sees Alrrem’s fiery zealotry as reckless and short-sighted, while Alrrem derides Belsornig’s patience as cowardice.
• Earth Temple (Cult of the Black Earth): Despite their differing philosophies, the Water and Earth Temples share a mutual respect for patience and strategy. Belsornig occasionally aligns with Romag to counterbalance the aggression of the Fire Temple.
• Air Temple (Cult of the Howling Hatred): The Water Temple views the Air Temple as unpredictable and disorganized. Belsornig often manipulates Kelno to serve his own ends, exploiting the Air Temple’s lack of unity.

Current Activities

The Cult of the Crushing Wave is deeply involved in both the rebuilding of the Temple and external operations to expand its influence:

• Reinforcing the Temple’s Defenses: Belsornig has dedicated significant resources to flooding and fortifying key areas of the Temple, making them nearly impassable to intruders.
• Expanding the Cult’s Reach: Through his network of spies and emissaries, Belsornig orchestrates attacks on nearby settlements, weakens trade routes, and spreads misinformation to destabilize the region.
• Undermining Rivals: Belsornig actively works to weaken the Fire Temple, viewing its rising influence as the greatest threat to his own. He has also begun recruiting disaffected members of the Air Temple to bolster his ranks.
• Elemental Rituals: The Water Temple regularly conducts rituals to summon water elementals and amplify the Elder Elemental God’s influence. These rituals often involve drowning sacrifices, symbolizing the cult’s philosophy of transformation through destruction.

Summary

The Cult of the Crushing Wave is a patient and methodical faction that embodies the destructive potential of water. Under Belsornig’s leadership, the cult leverages manipulation, espionage, and strategic precision to achieve its goals. However, internal dissent and external rivalries threaten to undermine its stability, creating an environment of constant tension and intrigue.

Cult of the Eternal Flame

The Cult of the Eternal Flame reveres fire as the purest and most destructive of the elements. To its followers, fire is both a force of annihilation and a symbol of rebirth, consuming the old to make way for the new. They see themselves as agents of this fiery renewal, wielding destruction as a divine mandate to reshape the world in their image.
Specialty cleric: Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame

Core Beliefs:

• Fire is purity, a cleansing force that destroys weakness and leaves only strength behind.
• Destruction is a sacred act, necessary to prepare the world for its rebirth.
• Devotion requires sacrifice; both physical and symbolic offerings are made to prove one’s loyalty to the flame.
• The cult is fanatically zealous, with its members often driven to reckless extremes in their pursuit of fiery destruction. They thrive on terror, spreading chaos and fear through their destructive campaigns.

Alrrem: The Prophet of Fire

Alrrem, the leader of the Cult of the Eternal Flame, is a seasoned warrior and devout fanatic. He embodies the cult’s fiery fervor, having fought on the front lines of The Battle of Emridy Meadows.

• Personality: Alrrem is a fiery orator and a ruthless commander, inspiring both fear and loyalty among his followers. His charismatic leadership has solidified the Fire Temple’s position as one of the most dangerous factions within the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Strengths:

• A master strategist, Alrrem combines military discipline with fanatical zeal, making his forces both efficient and relentless.
• His experience and connections from the Battle of Emridy Meadows provide him with a network of loyal allies, many of whom still serve the Fire Temple.

Weaknesses:

• Alrrem’s impulsive nature sometimes leads to overreach, exposing his forces to unnecessary risks.
• His rivalry with other cult leaders, particularly Belsornig of the Water Temple, often distracts from the Fire Temple’s larger goals.

Factional Dynamics

• Alrrem’s leadership is secure, but the Fire Temple is not without its internal challenges. His fiery temperament and demand for absolute loyalty create a high-pressure environment where dissent is met with brutal punishment. This harshness has solidified his control but fostered resentment among some of his underlings.
• Key figures within the Fire Temple jockey for his favor, each seeking to rise in the ranks by proving their zeal and effectiveness. However, any hint of disloyalty or failure is met with swift and fiery retribution.

Tactics

The Cult of the Eternal Flame is the most aggressive and overtly destructive of the elemental cults. Their tactics reflect their belief in fire’s cleansing power:

• Shock and Awe: Fire cultists favor overwhelming assaults, using flames and explosions to spread terror and confusion among their enemies.
• Arson and Sabotage: The cult employs arson as a weapon, targeting critical infrastructure and spreading wildfires to disrupt enemy forces and supply lines.
• Pyromancy and Summoning: The cult’s priests and spellcasters are skilled in pyromancy, summoning fire elementals and conjuring infernal flames to incinerate their foes.
• Fanatical Assaults: Fire cultists often fight to the death, viewing martyrdom as the ultimate act of devotion to their cause.
• Symbolism: The cult’s emblem resembles a brazier emitting a roaring flame, symbolizing their devotion to destruction and renewal. This symbol is often engraved onto weapons, armor, and ritual objects. Cult members bear physical marks of their allegiance, such as burn scars or tattoos of flames. These marks serve as both a badge of honor and a grim reminder of their sacrifices to the Eternal Flame.

Politics and Rivalries

The Cult of the Eternal Flame’s aggressive nature places it in constant conflict with the other elemental factions. Alrrem’s fiery personality exacerbates these tensions, as he views the other leaders as obstacles to the Fire Temple’s rightful dominance.

• Water Temple (Cult of the Crushing Wave): The fiercest rivalry exists between the Fire and Water Temples. Alrrem despises Belsornig, seeing his reliance on subtlety and manipulation as cowardly. The two frequently clash over resources and territory, with their battles leaving devastation in their wake.
• Earth Temple (Cult of the Black Earth): The Fire Temple’s impulsiveness contrasts sharply with the Earth Temple’s deliberate and methodical approach. Alrrem considers Romag weak and stagnant, while Romag views Alrrem’s recklessness as a liability.
• Air Temple (Cult of the Howling Hatred): While the Fire and Air Temples occasionally align due to their shared emphasis on destruction, Alrrem harbors disdain for Kelno’s chaotic and disorganized leadership.

Current Activities

The Cult of the Eternal Flame is actively working to expand its influence and spread its destructive philosophy:

• Fueling Chaos: Alrrem has ordered his followers to ignite wildfires across the region, targeting farms, forests, and settlements to sow chaos and disrupt local economies.
• Recruitment and Indoctrination: The cult actively recruits mercenaries, arsonists, and fanatics, offering them power in exchange for loyalty to the Eternal Flame. Initiates are subjected to brutal trials, often involving firewalking or other dangerous rituals.
• Seizing Resources: The Fire Temple is stockpiling incendiary weapons and magical artifacts to bolster its destructive capabilities.
• Undermining Rivals: Alrrem is focused on weakening the Water Temple, viewing Belsornig as his greatest rival. He has also begun pressuring the Air Temple to align with the Fire Temple’s goals, using both intimidation and fiery displays of power.

Summary

The Cult of the Eternal Flame is a fanatical and destructive faction, embodying the raw, purifying power of fire. Under Alrrem’s leadership, the cult pursues its goals with relentless zeal, leaving scorched earth and terror in its wake. However, internal pressures and external rivalries threaten to ignite conflict within the Temple itself, creating a volatile environment ripe for intrigue and danger.

Cult of the Howling Hatred

The Cult of the Howling Hatred worships air as the embodiment of freedom, chaos, and destruction. Its followers see the element not as a gentle breeze or nurturing force, but as a destructive gale that sweeps away the old and stagnant to make way for unbridled chaos. To them, the ultimate expression of air’s power is the storm—wild, unyielding, and devastating.
Specialty cleric: Air Temple Cultist of the Howling Hatred

Core Beliefs:

Chaos is liberation; the winds tear apart structures that bind, whether they be physical, societal, or moral.

• Destruction is an art form, and the storm is its greatest masterpiece.
• Only those who surrender themselves to the tempest can rise above the constraints of mortality.
• The cult values fluidity and adaptability, preferring to strike unpredictably and disappear into the wind, leaving confusion and devastation in their wake.

Kelno: The Prophet of Air

Kelno, the current leader of the Air Temple, is a cunning but embattled figure who inherited a weakened faction. His predecessor, Ashrem, was sacrificed to the elemental nodes, leaving the Air Temple fractured and disconnected. Kelno has struggled to consolidate power and rebuild the faction’s network of agents. Personality: Kelno is resourceful and pragmatic, though his leadership is often undermined by his faction’s disorganization. He has a temperamental streak, which sometimes clouds his judgment. Strengths:

• A skilled manipulator, Kelno excels at exploiting weaknesses in his enemies and rivals.
• His tactical mind allows him to stage precise, effective strikes, often leveraging the element of surprise.

Weaknesses:

• Kelno lacks the extensive network and resources of the other cult leaders, making his position tenuous.
• His insecurity often leads him to overcompensate with displays of power, which can backfire.

Internal Challenges Kelno’s authority within the Air Temple is far from absolute. The loss of Ashrem’s network left many agents unaccounted for, and Kelno has no means of contacting or controlling them. This disconnect has fostered dissent within the faction, with some members openly questioning his leadership.

Tactics

The Cult of the Howling Hatred employs tactics that reflect their chaotic philosophy: swift, unpredictable, and devastating.

• Hit-and-Run Raids: Air cultists strike quickly and retreat before their enemies can mount a response, using their mastery of speed and mobility to stay one step ahead.
• Aerial Superiority: The cult often employs flying mounts, such as hippogriffs or giant vultures, to dominate the skies and rain destruction from above.
• Weather Manipulation: Through arcane rituals and air elemental magic, the cult summons storms to devastate their enemies and sow chaos.
• Deception and Sabotage: Air cultists use their cunning to infiltrate enemy ranks, spreading misinformation and striking from within.

Symbolism

The Air Temple’s symbol is an inverted triangle with swirling lines that evoke the image of a tornado funnel. This emblem is often inscribed on armor, weapons, and ceremonial garb.

• Cult members frequently wear light, flowing robes in shades of gray, white, and pale blue, designed to resemble shifting clouds. High-ranking members sometimes adorn themselves with feathers or other motifs associated with flight and storms.
• To demonstrate their devotion, many cultists endure rituals involving exposure to high winds or lightning strikes, leaving scars or other marks as symbols of their commitment to the Howling Hatred.

Politics and Rivalries

The Air Temple’s fragmented state leaves it vulnerable to manipulation by the other elemental cults, but Kelno’s cunning and willingness to adapt have allowed him to maintain a foothold in the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Earth Temple (Cult of the Black Earth): Kelno views Romag as a slow and unimaginative leader, dismissing the Earth Temple’s philosophy of stability as stagnant and counterproductive. Conversely, Romag sees the Air Temple as erratic and weak, making their rivalry more disdainful than hostile.
• Fire Temple (Cult of the Eternal Flame): Kelno has a wary respect for Alrrem’s fiery zeal, but he considers the Fire Temple’s overt aggression reckless and unsustainable. Alrrem, for his part, sees the Air Temple as unreliable and prone to collapse under pressure.
• Water Temple (Cult of the Crushing Wave): The Air Temple and the Water Temple share a complicated relationship. While they occasionally cooperate due to their shared emphasis on fluidity and adaptability, Belsornig views Kelno as a liability, while Kelno mistrusts Belsornig’s manipulative tendencies.

Current Activities

The Cult of the Howling Hatred is focused on rebuilding its strength and reestablishing its network, even as it struggles with internal disarray:

• Recruitment and Training: Kelno has redoubled efforts to recruit new members, particularly those skilled in stealth, sabotage, or aerial combat.
• Raiding and Disruption: The cult conducts hit-and-run attacks on nearby settlements, targeting supply lines and spreading terror to weaken their enemies.
• Storm Rituals: High-ranking cultists are working to summon increasingly destructive storms, hoping to demonstrate the Air Temple’s power and attract new followers.
• Consolidating Power: Kelno is actively seeking to locate and reintegrate the agents who were disconnected after Ashrem’s death, though his efforts have met with limited success.

Summary

The Cult of the Howling Hatred is a faction defined by chaos, mobility, and adaptability. Under Kelno’s leadership, the Air Temple struggles to recover from its fragmented state while maintaining its reputation as a force of destructive freedom. Its internal instability and external rivalries create a volatile environment, making the Air Temple both a dangerous adversary and a potential weak link within the broader cult structure.

"All elements serve the Eye."

Rentaq, an Elder Elemental God by 3orcs

Key Figures in the Greater Temple

Hedrack Supreme Commander by 3orcs

Hedrack: Supreme Commander and High Priest of the Temple

Known as the Mouth of Iuz, Hedrack is the most powerful mortal figure in the Temple of Elemental Evil. He wields the fear and respect of every cultist, commanding the combined forces of the Greater Temple with an iron will.

• Background: Initially sent by Iuz to free Zuggtmoy, Hedrack was subverted by the Elder Elemental Eye and became privy to the secrets of the cult. This subversion served the true backer of the Temple’s evil, as Hedrack shifted his loyalty from Iuz to the Elder Elemental God while maintaining his role as Iuz’s emissary.
• Appearance: Draped in fine silks adorned with dark jewels, Hedrack exudes an aura of supreme confidence and menace. His presence alone is enough to cow even the bravest.
• Abilities: Hedrack is a powerful cleric, rivaled only by Zuggtmoy herself. His command of divine magic and tactical brilliance make him a nearly insurmountable foe.

Barkinar: Commander of the Temple Troops

Once a lowly cleric in the Earth Temple, Barkinar clawed his way to power through betrayal and bloodshed. Now, he serves as Hedrack’s most trusted lieutenant, commanding the Temple’s forces and ensuring their readiness.

• Background: Barkinar rose through the ranks of the Earth Temple, eventually becoming its leader. His cunning and ruthless nature earned him a place in the Greater Temple.
• Heir Apparent: Barkinar is widely regarded as Hedrack’s successor, though he harbors no immediate designs on the position.
• Loyalty: Though loyal to Iuz, Barkinar is a master manipulator, carefully balancing his allegiance to the Elder Elemental God.

Senshock: High Commander and Lord Wizard

Senshock is the most powerful mage within the Temple of Elemental Evil and a direct emissary of Zuggtmoy.

• Background: A cunning and ambitious spellcaster, Senshock has secured a place of authority by serving both Zuggtmoy and the Greater Temple’s interests.
• General: Senshock commands the Temple’s forces alongside Barkinar, offering magical support and tactical expertise.
• Zuggtmoy’s Agent: He ensures that Zuggtmoy’s interests are balanced against the cult’s internal ambitions and Iuz’s influence.

Lucius Graeme by 3orcs

Lucius Graeme: The Tentacle (Courier)

Lucius serves as a Priest of Iuz and the Greater Temple’s chief courier, overseeing communication and coordination between the Temple’s factions and agents in the surrounding regions.

• Background: Sent by Iuz to assist Hedrack, Lucius quickly adapted to the chaotic structure of the cult. His network of agents spans from Verbobonc.
• Courier: Lucius maintains communication between the Greater Temple and its agents, ensuring orders are executed and information flows smoothly.
• Deceiver: He directs the cult’s misinformation campaigns, redirecting the attention of organizations like the Mounted Borderers and exploiting local conflicts to the cult’s advantage.

Falrinth by 3orcs

Falrinth: Rogue Wizard and Keeper of the Orb of Golden Death

Though not an official member of the Greater Temple, Falrinth is an important figure in the Temple's web of intrigue. A skilled and ambitious 8th-level magic-user, Falrinth operates independently.

• Falrinth is loosely allied with Smigmal Redhand and her bandit crew, including Commander Feldrin, who operates out of the Broken Tower. However, his loyalty to the bandits is thin, as Falrinth is primarily concerned with his own interests.
• He reports to Senshock, the High Commander of the Greater Temple, though Senshock views him as a potential resource rather than a trusted subordinate.

Commander Feldrin by 3orcs

Commander Feldrin, Bandit Leader and Logistics Specialist

Feldrin serves as the commander of the Temple’s guards and bandits, managing its defense and supply chains. His leadership ensures the steady flow of resources and captives to the Greater Temple while maintaining an iron grip over the bandit forces.

• Feldrin oversees the staging and transport of loot and prisoners from locations such as the Moathouse and Hunting Cabin.
• Trusted by Hedrack, Feldrin also serves as an emissary to King Korvash Bonegnaw, forging alliances with the gnolls of the Fortress of Jagged Fangs in the Lortmil Mountains.

Type

Religious, Cult

Deities

• Elder Elemental God

Location

Nulb

Controlled Territories

• 48. Church of the Elder Eye

Notable Members

• Alber Guldenstern
• Alrrem
• Barkinar
• Belsornig
• Conner Bridgeforth
• Deggum
• Falrinth
• Feldrin
• Hedrack
• Kelno
• Lareth
• Lucius Graeme
• Romag
• Senshock
• Smigmal Redhand

Related Species

• Humans of Greyhawk

Related Ethnicities

• Dark Elves
• Flannae Flan
• Oeridian Oerid
• Suloise Suel

Related Plots

• Quest: Daughter of the River Wind
• The Orb of Golden Death: A Mage’s Betrayal
• The Return of the Temple: Hedrack’s Gambit and Lareth’s Insurgency

Specialty Cleric Classes for 1e and 5e

Specialty cleric: Air Temple Cultist of the Howling Hatred 
Specialty Cleric: Earth Temple Cultist of the Black Earth 
Specialty cleric: Fire Temple Cultist of the Eternal Flame 
Specialty Cleric: Water Temple Cultist of the Crushing Wave 

Chaos - tormentor of my dreams
And its eyes have all the clamoring
The disturbances came hammering
Quoth the cataclysm, 'Mind the gotterdammerung!'
The apocalyptic abyss attacking
The apocalyptic apocalypse attacking

Deep into that darkness griping
Immiseration - immiseration - immiseration!
The dispensability dislocation discording
I discovered the upheavals
Instead I uncovered the madness
Remembering many gruntled, raving insurrections
The despair smiled
And the madmen never locking

Canon Belsornig High Priest of the Water Temple by 3orcs

Lucius Graeme by 3orcs

Lucius (a.k.a. Aldren) Greater Temple’s courier and intelligence coordinator. A Priest of The Priesthood of Iuz and a leader of the Temple of Elemental Evil, Lucius was sent by Iuz to serve the supreme leader Hedrack, who was quickly subverted into following the Elder Elemental Eye.