Gefreid Patris

Gefreid Patris is a ruthless bandit and overseer of the Hunting Cabin, a critical node in the Temple of Elemental Evil's supply chain. As Commander Feldrin’s lieutenant, he manages the movement of supplies, prisoners, and slaves between Nulb, the Moathouse, and the Greater Temple. Gefreid operates with cunning efficiency and brutal pragmatism, ensuring the Temple’s operations run smoothly while keeping his own ambitions hidden under a veil of loyalty.

"The Temple doesn’t need heroes. It needs cogs in the wheel. Step out of line, and you’re ground to dust."

Appearance

• Face: Gaunt and sunken, with hollow cheeks and a skeletal appearance that unnerves even his allies.
• Hygiene: Neglects grooming; greasy, unkempt hair; dirty fingernails; and a musky odor.
• Clothing: Wears patched leather armor, stained with dirt and dried blood, and a tattered green cloak that blends with the forest.
• Aura: Radiates a sense of menace and unspoken authority, fitting for his role as a commander.

Personality

Key Traits

• Manipulative: Gefreid is cunning and quick to exploit others' weaknesses, whether they are gnolls, bandits, or his enemies.
• Pragmatic: Focused on results, Gefreid values efficiency above loyalty, and is willing to make sacrifices for the success of his operations.
• Callous: Treats prisoners and slaves as disposable resources, showing no empathy or remorse.
• Isolationist: Prefers the wilds and the company of gnolls over human settlements, finding solace in his solitude and savagery.

"I don’t like to kill for fun. But if you force my hand, I won’t lose sleep over it."

Behaviors

• Prefers to let others (such as his gnoll lieutenant, Gnongrin) do the talking, especially with strangers.
• Will pretend to be a hunter owning the cabin if approached by outsiders, offering a false air of friendliness to mislead or delay them.

Background and Role in the Temple Operations

Originally a member of a mercenary company, Gefreid was cast out for his excessive brutality. Recruited into the Temple of Elemental Evil by Feldrin, he found his calling overseeing the Hunting Cabin's operations. His primary responsibilities include:

• Assignment: Stationed at the Hunting Cabin, Gefreid views his role as both a privilege and an opportunity to profit from the Temple’s supply chain.
• Managing Supply Chains: Receiving shipments of prisoners, supplies, and loot from bandits and pirates.
• Enforcing Order: Keeping gnoll guards and bandit mercenaries disciplined and focused.
• Maintaining Secrecy: Ensuring no outsiders discover the covert operations leading to the Greater Temple.
• Slavery Logistics: Gefreid coordinates closely with Marad Vesrek, the Crimson Trader, who provides slaves from distant shores. Surplus slaves, or those deemed unfit, are sent to Lorveth "The Broker" Thrask, who operates the 23. The Iron Lash: Slave Dungeon, Gladiator Pit, and Brothel in Nulb.

"The Iron Lash always needs fresh blood—if they can’t fight, they can serve another purpose."

Role in the Temple Operations

• Oversees the supply chain from Lareth’s bandits and the River Pirates to the Greater Temple.
• Acts as the local enforcer, keeping order among the gnolls and ensuring wagons move smoothly through the hidden tunnel to the Temple.
• Works closely with the Temple Guards, led by Feldrin, to maintain the secrecy of the operation.

"Every wagon that passes through here brings more strength to the Temple. You're not stopping it, so why try?"

Motivation

• Maintain the Supply Chain: Ensure a steady flow of loot, prisoners, and supplies to the Greater Temple.
• Serve the Temple: Gain favor with the Temple hierarchy, especially Feldrin and Barkinar, by demonstrating his efficiency and loyalty.
• Avoid Direct Conflict: Gefreid values survival above all and will retreat or negotiate if the odds are not in his favor.

"The Temple doesn’t need heroes. It needs cogs in the wheel. Step out of line, and you’re ground to dust."

Relationships

Feldrin – Temple Commander

Gefreid is fiercely loyal to Feldrin, acting as his enforcer in the field. He ensures shipments reach the Temple unimpeded and enforces Feldrin’s will with brutality. Despite his loyalty, he harbors envy for Feldrin’s command and seeks opportunities to rise in rank.

Barkinar – Greater Temple Commander

While Gefreid respects Barkinar’s authority, he remains wary of his strategic mind and watches for any sign of replacement within the command structure.

Marad Vesrek – The Crimson Trader

• Role: River pirate and slaver supplying the Temple with fresh captives.
• Dynamic: Gefreid ensures Vesrek’s shipments are processed quickly, and the two maintain an uneasy partnership based on profit and secrecy.

Lorveth "The Broker" Thrask – Master of the Iron Lash

• Role: Oversees Nulb’s slave trade.
• Dynamic: Once Vesrek’s shipments arrive, surplus slaves are delivered to Lorveth for the gladiator pits or brothel. Gefreid ensures Thrask remains cooperative through intimidation and bribery.

Lucius Graeme – Temple Agent and Courier

Gefreid works closely with Graeme to ensure secure communications between the Hunting Cabin and the Temple’s leadership. He distrusts Graeme's silver tongue but respects his efficiency.

Gnongrin (Gnoll Druid)

Respects Gnongrin’s cunning and power, but is wary of the gnoll’s growing ambitions.

The Cabin's Operations

Supply Chain Management

• Bandit Deliveries: Gefreid coordinates with Gattas Void at the Moathouse, who sends wagons of loot and prisoners via the High Road. These goods are then sorted at the Hunting Cabin and sent through the tunnel to the Greater Temple.
• Pirate Support: Works with Tricky McCallister and Prelos to receive smuggled goods and slaves, ensuring the Temple’s sacrificial needs are met.

Daily Duties

• Oversees 20 gnoll guards and their lieutenant, Gnongrin, ensuring discipline.
• Manages incoming shipments, inspecting and prioritizing for sacrifice or labor.
• Keeps the tunnel system operational and free of outside interference.
• Liaises with Nulb contacts to offload unneeded slaves or surplus goods.

"Every wagon that passes through here brings more strength to the Temple. You're not stopping it, so why try?"

Relationships

Allies

• King Korvash Bonegnaw (Gnoll King of the Lortmil Fortress), ruler of the gnolls of the Fortress of Jagged Fangs in the Lortmil Mountains: Gefreid receives support from the gnolls, including elite warriors and beasts, ensuring his operations remain well-guarded.
• Lucius Graeme (Temple Courier): Relays orders from the Greater Temple to Gefreid, solidifying his role as a key figure in the supply chain.

Enemies

• The Adventurers: Anyone who threatens the supply line or the secrecy of the tunnel becomes Gefreid’s primary target.
• Potential Temple Rivals: Gefreid is cautious of figures like Gnongrin who may seek to usurp his authority.

The Hunting Cabin’s Defenses

Gnoll Guards

• Five Gnolls: Loyal to Gnongrin but answer to Gefreid’s commands.
• Hyenas & Giant Hyena: Trained for combat and patrol duties, ensuring no one sneaks up on the cabin.

Traps

• Magical Snares: Scattered around the cabin and its surroundings, creating a deadly perimeter.
• Hidden Tunnel Entrance: Camouflaged and guarded, this tunnel is the cabin’s most valuable secret.

Challenges and Threats

Despite his cunning, Gefreid faces several challenges:

• Gnoll Loyalty Issues: His command over the gnolls is tenuous at best, as their true loyalty lies with King Korvash Bonegnaw (Gnoll King of the Lortmil Fortress), ruler of the gnolls of the Fortress of Jagged Fangs in the Lortmil Mountains.
• Temple Politics: Internal rivalries between the elemental factions could see him replaced or discarded.
• Adventurer Threats: Increasing interference from local do-gooders threatens his operations.
• Slave Shortages: If shipments from Marad Vesrek decrease, the Temple will demand alternatives—at great risk to Gefreid.

DM-Only Section

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Secret Orders

Gefreid has been ordered by Feldrin to eliminate any bandits or pirates who threaten to expose the Temple’s operations, including Prelos if his dealings become too bold.

Adventure Hooks

• Infiltrate the Cabin: The adventurers must uncover the location of the hidden tunnel while evading traps and guards.
• Confront Gefreid: The party learns of Gefreid’s role in the Temple’s supply chain and seeks to capture or eliminate him.
• Free the Prisoners: Slaves held at the cabin offer a chance for the adventurers to rescue innocents and disrupt the Temple’s operations.

Hidden Treasure

A small cache of coins and valuables (100 gp, 200 sp, and a potion of healing) is hidden beneath the cabin floor, accessible via a trapped hatch.

Greater Temple supply staging

Show spoiler

Expanded Greater Temple Supply Operations

Gefreid Patris plays a critical role in the Greater Temple’s logistical network, acting as the linchpin for the delivery and distribution of supplies, loot, and prisoners between the Moathouse, Nulb, and the Temple of Elemental Evil. His command of the Hunting Cabin positions him as a key cog in the Temple's sinister operations.

Coordination with Gattas Void at the Moathouse

• Gefreid is in regular contact with Lieutenant Gattas Void, Lareth’s second-in-command at the Moathouse High Road Bandit Camp. Gattas oversees raiding parties that target merchant caravans and farms across the Viscounty of Verbobonc.
• Looted supplies, stolen livestock, and abducted prisoners are sent in guarded wagons to Gefreid at the Hunting Cabin. Once they arrive, Gefreid inspects the cargo and prisoners, sorting them for either the Greater Temple or further distribution to Nulb.

Supply Tunnel Operations

• The hidden supply tunnel running from the cabin to the Greater Temple is an essential part of the Temple’s covert activities. Gefreid ensures that wagons are unloaded and repacked efficiently, keeping the supply chain running smoothly.
• Slaves too weak to travel or deemed unfit for ritual sacrifice are disposed of here. Some may be left to die in the surrounding forest, while others are forced into the Pit fights in Nulb.

Expanded Merchant and Pirate Deliveries

Nulb Dock Operations

• Tricky McCallister, captain of the Tramp Queen, regularly unloads stolen cargo at Nulb’s docks. This cargo, often disguised as legitimate goods, is received by Temple priests and Gefreid’s bandits before being transported via wagon to the Hunting Cabin.
• Merchants in Nulb, particularly those aligned with Lady Nysera Krivaltis, sometimes receive portions of these goods in exchange for maintaining silence or providing other services to the Temple.

Captain Vesrek and the Slave Trade

• Captain Marad Vesrek, captain of The Crimson Trader, supplements the Temple’s supply of prisoners when raids fall short. His slaves—men, women, and children—are unloaded at Nulb and sent to the Hunting Cabin.
• These slaves are used to replenish the Greater Temple’s sacrifices or bolster the ranks of forced laborers. Occasionally, stronger captives are selected to fight in the 23. The Iron Lash: Slave Dungeon, Gladiator Pit, and Brothel, a gruesome entertainment run by Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask.

Hidden Threats and Opportunities

The Hunting Cabin's critical role makes it a potential point of disruption for adventurers seeking to destabilize the Temple’s operations. However, it is heavily guarded, and Gefreid’s shrewdness means he’s unlikely to be taken by surprise.

The Supply Ledger

• Gefreid keeps a meticulous ledger of all deliveries and shipments received and sent to the Temple. This ledger is stored in a locked chest within a secret compartment under the cabin floor.
• The ledger contains details of shipments from the Moathouse, including dates, quantities, and destinations, as well as coded instructions from Feldrin and Lareth.
• If the adventurers recover the ledger, it could expose the entire supply chain and force the Temple leadership to scramble.

Lucius Graeme’s Visits

• Lucius Graeme, a trusted courier and priest of the Greater Temple, periodically visits the Hunting Cabin to deliver instructions and assess operations. He uses the supply tunnel to travel between the Temple and the cabin, avoiding detection on the surface.
• Adventurers may encounter Lucius at the cabin or intercept him along the tunnel, gaining valuable intelligence about the Temple’s leadership.

Internal Tensions and Exploitable Weaknesses

Rivalry with Gnongrin

• Gefreid is deeply mistrustful of Gnongrin, the gnoll shaman who serves as his second-in-command. He resents Gnongrin’s growing influence and fears that the gnoll might be plotting to usurp his position.
• Adventurers could exploit this tension, turning Gefreid and Gnongrin against each other to weaken the cabin’s defenses.

Reliance on the Gnoll King

The gnolls guarding the cabin, including Gnongrin’s pack, King Korvash Bonegnaw (Gnoll King of the Lortmil Fortress), ruler of the gnolls of the Fortress of Jagged Fangs in the Lortmil Mountains are loyal to the Gnoll King Korvash Bonegnaw rather than the Temple. While they currently serve Gefreid, their allegiance could shift if the Gnoll King’s interests are threatened or if Gnongrin’s ambitions lead him to defy the Temple’s leadership.

Vulnerability of the Tunnel

Though well-hidden, the supply tunnel is a single point of failure in the Greater Temple’s operations. Adventurers who discover and sabotage the tunnel could cut off the Temple’s lifeline, forcing it to rely on riskier and less efficient methods of resupply.

Hooks for the Party

• Intercepting a Supply Wagon: Adventurers could encounter a wagon guarded by bandits on its way to the Hunting Cabin, providing an opportunity to uncover the Temple’s operations.
• Disguises and Infiltration: The party might disguise themselves as bandits or traders to gain entry to the cabin, using the ledger or other evidence to expose the Temple’s activities.
• Assassination of Gefreid: Eliminating Gefreid would throw the cabin’s operations into chaos, though adventurers would need to contend with Gnongrin and the gnoll guards in the aftermath.

By using Gefreid’s supply staging operations as a narrative focal point, the DM can weave a rich tapestry of intrigue, danger, and moral dilemmas that ties directly into the larger Temple of Elemental Evil storyline.

"This cabin is just a hunting lodge, nothing more. You’d best turn back before you see something you shouldn’t."

Gefreid (Bandit Leader)

Fighter level 4

• AC: 5 (scale, shield) | HP: 27 
• ATK: Longsword (+0, 1d8) or Longbow (+0, 1d6/1d6) | AL: CE
• Stats: S 12, I 8, W 8, D 9, Con 12, Ch 7
• Items: 16 gp, 20 ep, 15 sp, 24 arrows

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Current Location

55. Hunting Cabin - off map

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Suloise Suel

Year of Birth

541 35 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

dark hazel

Hair

greasy, unkempt hair

Height

6'2"

Quotes & Catchphrases

"I don’t like to kill for fun. But if you force my hand, I won’t lose sleep over it."

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental Cult

Ruled Locations

• 55. Hunting Cabin - off map