Deggum

Commander

Deggum, a half-elf with a dark and brooding presence, is a rising figure within the Greater Temple of Elemental Evil. As the commander of the ogre forces and temple guards, he holds significant sway over the defensive and offensive capabilities of the cult. Deggum’s rapid ascent to power is largely due to his cunning nature, willingness to carry out orders without question, and his key role in securing alliances with monstrous forces.

Commander of the Ogre Forces and Temple Guards

Deggum's gaunt frame, long lank black hair, and piercing green eyes give him an eerie appearance. His haggard and drawn face, combined with his pronounced limp, make him an unsettling figure. He is clad in dusky-hued studded leather armor, designed to offer both protection and mobility, while his arsenal consists of a morningstar, a crossbow, and a long hunting knife.

• Lean and wiry frame: Deceptively strong despite his thin appearance.
• Dusky-hued armor: Unique to Deggum, imbued with enchantments of protection.
• Predatory gaze: His green eyes seem to bore into those he interrogates.

Personality

Deggum is a cold and pragmatic leader, preferring to manipulate from the shadows rather than act overtly. He is fiercely loyal to Hedrack, viewing him as a mentor and model for his own ambitions. He lacks the flamboyance of some of his peers, instead focusing on efficiency and ruthlessness in his duties.

• Calculating and meticulous: Leaves no detail unchecked.
• Ruthless disciplinarian: Commands loyalty through fear and reward.
• Manipulative strategist: Masters the art of deception and intrigue.

Background

Originally from the Welkwood, Deggum abandoned his homeland after becoming seduced by the promises of power whispered by Lareth the Beautiful. Under Lareth’s guidance, he honed his skills in subterfuge and manipulation, eventually proving his worth to Hedrack by securing a vital alliance with the Blackthorn ogres under Chief Garghuk.

Key Events in His Rise to Power

• Betrayal of his kin: Left the elves of Welkwood to seek forbidden knowledge.
• Recruitment by Lareth: Learned the tenets of the Elder Elemental God.
• Alliance with Blackthorn Ogres: Brought Gloarok and his band to serve the Greater Temple.

"I didn’t leave Welkwood to cower in the shadows. I came to rise above those who scorned me, and I will." - Deggum

Motivations

Deggum is driven by a hunger for power and recognition within the Temple's hierarchy. He desires to ascend beyond his current station, hoping to one day rival even Hedrack in influence. His current focus is on consolidating his control over the temple guards and ogre forces, ensuring they remain loyal to him above all others. Additionally, as a devoted servant of the Elder Elemental God, he believes that elemental destruction will pave the way for the god’s awakening. Though he publicly worships the Elder Elemental God, he is aware of Zuggtmoy’s secret control over the Temple and carefully navigates his allegiance to maintain favor with its highest-ranking members.

Primary Goals

• Maintain discipline and loyalty among the ogres and guards.
• Eliminate any threats to his growing influence.
• Further strengthen ties with monstrous factions to expand the temple’s might.
• Prove his devotion to the Elder Elemental God through acts of destruction and conquest.

Political Relationships

Deggum’s role as commander places him at the heart of the temple's political struggles. He must balance his loyalty to Hedrack while fending off rivals within the Greater Temple. He is personally tutored by High Priest Hedrack and Senshock, both of whom see potential in him as a future leader. He carries his spellbook in a pack at all times, studying his craft whenever possible. His book contains many of the same first- and second-level spells as Senshock, ensuring that he can combine divine and arcane magic to further the temple's goals.

Allies and Relationships

• Hedrack, Supreme Commander: Deggum is one of his most trusted underlings and receives personal tutelage.
• Senshock, High Wizard: Deggum respects Senshock’s magical prowess but is wary of his ambitions.
• Romag, Earth Temple Leader: Maintains a tenuous alliance by supplying Romag with ogre reinforcements.

"Let Romag and Belsornig squabble over their petty rivalries. In the end, the one who controls the gates controls the Temple."

Rivals and Threats

• Belsornig, Water Temple Leader: The two compete for control over the temple's defensive resources.
• Commander Feldrin: Their differing approaches to leadership often place them at odds.

Role in the Temple of Elemental Evil

Deggum’s primary responsibilities involve ensuring the security of the temple's levels and responding to external threats. He often leads scouting missions into the surrounding lands and coordinates defenses against adventurers seeking to disrupt the temple’s operations. His influence extends to the monstrous factions of the Temple, whom he recruits in the name of elemental destruction and the Elder Elemental God's prophesied awakening.

Responsibilities

• Defense coordination: Ensuring all levels of the temple remain secure.
• Monster recruitment: Expanding the temple's ranks through alliances.
• Reconnaissance: Gathering intelligence on potential threats.
• Elemental Devotion: Conducting rituals to harness the destructive power of the Elder Elemental God.

"The Blackthorn tribe fights for us now. Loyalty bought with fear and blood is the only kind that matters." - Deggum

Recruitment of the Blackthorn Tribe

One of Deggum’s most significant contributions to the temple's strength is his recruitment and management of the Blackthorn tribe, a powerful and savage force of ogres, bugbears, and hobgoblins. With the influence of Iuz and careful negotiation, Deggum secured the tribe's allegiance by brokering a deal with their chieftain, Garghuk the Bloodtooth. This pact has provided the temple with a steady stream of brutal warriors who are fiercely loyal to Deggum—more out of fear than respect.

Key Responsibilities in Blackthorn Tribe Recruitment

• Negotiation with Garghuk: Maintaining a delicate balance of fear and reward to keep the chieftain and his tribe in line.
• Deployment of Forces: Strategically placing ogres within key positions across the temple’s various levels, including the Greater Temple and the outer defenses.
• Oversight of Ogre Leadership: Handpicking chieftains such as Gloarok, a particularly brutal ogre leader stationed in the Greater Temple, and Gerard, who assists High Priest Romag within the Earth Temple.
• Intelligence Gathering: Utilizing Blackthorn scouts to gather intelligence on rival factions, adventurers, and local threats around Nulb and Hommlet.

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Quest Hook: Shadow of the Ogre Warlord

The adventurers hear rumors of an ambitious half-elf leading monstrous forces within the Temple of Elemental Evil. They are tasked with infiltrating the temple and disrupting Deggum's influence before he can unleash his forces upon the surrounding countryside.

Primary Objectives

• Disrupt Deggum’s alliance with the Blackthorn ogres.
• Steal the black scarab amulet from his possession.
• Infiltrate Deggum’s command post and gather intelligence.

Secondary Objectives

• Sow discord among the ogre ranks to weaken their cohesion.
• Discover Deggum’s secret plans for a full-scale invasion.

Key NPC Encounters

• Gloarok, Ogre Chieftain: A brutal enforcer who is fiercely loyal to Deggum.
• Senshock: May provide misleading information to the adventurers.
• Romag: Might be willing to strike a deal in exchange for information.

Rewards

• Gold and loot stored within Deggum's quarters.
• The black scarab amulet, which grants access to restricted temple areas.
• Secrets that could turn the tide against the Greater Temple.

"Hedrack sees potential in me, and I will not disappoint. The ogres follow because they fear me... as they should." - Deggu

Deggum

Commander of the Ogre Forces and Temple Guards
Cleric 5th, Sorcerer 5th
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 9 (-1) 11 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 19 (+4)

• Armour Class 18 (natural armour, with mage armour)
• Hit Points 48 (5d8 + 5d6 +5)
• Speed 30ft.
• Saves: Int, +8, Wis +3
• Damage Resistance: Fire, Poison
• Skills Arcana +5, Deception +8, History +5, Persuasion +8
• Senses Passive Perception 13
• Languages Common, Elven, Draconic, Abyssal
• Challenge Challenge Rating 5 (1,800 xp)

Spellcasting

Deggum is an 9th level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma for Sorcerer spells (Spell Save 15, +6 to hit with spell attacks.) and Wisdom for Cleric spells (Spell Save 14, +5 to hit with spell attacks) Deggum has the following Cleric and Sorcerer spells:

• Cantrips (At Will): clr: guidance, light, thaumaturgy; sor: mending, message, mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
• 1st level (4 slots): clr: cure wounds, command, detect magic, sanctuary; sor: feather fall, mage armour, magic missile
• 2nd level (3 slots): clr: hold person, resist poison; sor: invisibility
• 3rd level (3 slots): clr: animate dead, dispel magic
• 4th level (3 slots): clr: freedom of moevement
• 5th level (2 slot): clr: heal; sor cloudkill, telekinesis

Equipment

Deggum's equipment reflects his practical approach to combat and leadership. His black scarab amulet grants him control over key temple mechanisms, and he carries several potions to aid him in battle.

• Black scarab of Zuggtmoy: Grants control over the main altar's hidden mechanisms. Marked with TZGY.
• Potion of Healing, Potion of Growth.
• Ring of fire resistace.

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Ethnicity

Half-Elves

Year of Birth

507 69 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

emerald green

Hair

sleek long black

Height

5'9"

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental God

Aligned Organization

Cult of the Elder Elemental God