Lareth

(a.k.a. the Beautiful)

Lareth the Beautiful commands the Moathouse, a critical outpost for the Greater Temple of Elemental Evil. As the epitome of chaotic evil, he is young, handsome, and capable, embodying both the charm and depravity of his dark masters. His influence extends throughout the surrounding lands, serving as a linchpin in the Temple’s schemes of dominance, raiding, and recruitment.

"Lareth the Beautiful is the dark hope of chaotic evil: young, handsome, well endowed in abilities and aptitudes, thoroughly wicked, depraved and capricious." - Gary Gygax.

The Paragon of the Temple of Elemental Evil

Lareth's appearance is striking, with a captivating beauty that masks the wickedness within.

• Appearance: Youthful, with flawless skin and chiseled features, Lareth's captivating visage is both disarming and unnerving.
• Hair and Eyes: His jet-black hair is always immaculately groomed, and his piercing gray eyes exude a mixture of charisma and cruelty.
• Clothing: He wears ceremonial black and crimson robes adorned with the golden burning eye symbol of the Temple of Elemental Evil, often layered with a chainmail shirt beneath for battle readiness.
• Presence: Lareth’s confidence and eloquence make him a figure of reverence to his followers and a dangerous manipulator to his enemies.

"Do you see? Even the weak can serve a purpose—for my amusement, if nothing else."

Personality

Lareth is the embodiment of chaos and evil, blending charm, cunning, and malice into a terrifying persona.

• Cunning: Lareth is a master manipulator, using his charisma and honeyed words to sway even the most skeptical of individuals.
• Cruelty: He delights in the suffering of others, viewing it as both entertainment and a demonstration of his power.
• Ambition: Lareth’s ultimate goal is to ascend within the ranks of the Temple and bring glory to the Elder Elemental God.
• Pragmatism: While loyal to his masters, Lareth is willing to bend the rules or betray alliances if it serves his long-term interests.

"Beauty is a weapon far sharper than any blade. How fortunate for me that I wield both."

Background

Born to unknown origins, Lareth’s rise to power within the Temple hierarchy has been meteoric, driven by his natural talents and devotion to chaos.

• Rise in the Temple: Selected by Hedrack, Supreme Commander of the Greater Temple, for his potential, Lareth quickly proved himself as an adept raider and recruiter.
• Connection to the Elder Elemental God: Lareth is ostensibly loyal to the Cult of the Elder Elemental God.
• Outpost Command: Lareth was assigned to rebuild and secure the Moathouse, transforming it into a staging ground for raids, recruitment, and resource distribution.

Motivation

Lareth’s ambitions are grand, and his actions are meticulously calculated to achieve them.

• Domination of the Region: Lareth aims to consolidate power over the surrounding lands, starting with Hommlet, and expand the Temple’s influence.
• Accrual of Power: Lareth constantly seeks to gain more magical and political power, eliminating any threats to his ascension.

"Chaos is not the absence of order. It is the supreme expression of power."

Operations at the Moathouse

The Moathouse serves as Lareth’s base of operations and a critical hub for the Temple’s activities.

Description of the Moathouse

The Moathouse is a decayed fortress located in the swampy lands near Hommlet.

• Architecture: A crumbling stone structure with moss-covered walls and a flooded moat, the Moathouse blends into the surrounding marshland.
• Defenses: Hidden traps, ambush points, and reinforced bandit patrols make it a difficult stronghold to penetrate.
• Supply Hub: The Moathouse receives shipments of slaves, loot, and supplies from bandit raids, which are then funneled to the Greater Temple through the 55. Hunting Cabin - off map.

Lareth’s Forces

Lareth commands a well-trained and loyal group of bandits, mercenaries, and humanoids.

• Lieutenant Gattas Void: Lareth’s second-in-command, responsible for organizing raids and maintaining discipline among the troops.
• Bandits: Eighteen guardsmen and sergeants form the core of his forces, bolstered by humanoid fighters such as gnolls and goblins.
• Henchmen: Lareth employs elite lieutenants and spellcasters to enhance his tactical capabilities.

"You think I am just a man? Then come closer. Let me show you how little you understand true power."

Relationships

Temple Leadership

• Hedrack and Senshock: Lareth maintains regular communication with these high-ranking leaders of the Greater Temple, who view him as a rising star.
• Lucius Graeme: This Greater Temple courier frequently visits Lareth to deliver orders and assess his progress.

Allies and Agents

Lareth's success as the commander of the Moathouse hinges on a network of loyal allies, cunning agents, and opportunistic spies. These individuals work to support his operations, ensuring the Temple of Elemental Evil's influence continues to expand across the Viscounty of Verbobonc. Some allies are aware of Lareth's affiliation with Lolth, while others remain loyal to the Cult of the Elder Elemental God.

DM Only Section

Show spoiler

Lucius Graeme – Greater Temple Courier and Spy Master

Lucius Graeme operates as a trusted courier and agent of the Greater Temple. Under the direction of Hedrack, Supreme Commander of the Greater Temple, Lucius oversees recruitment, intelligence gathering, and communication between Temple factions.

• Serves as a liaison between the Greater Temple and Lareth.
• Oversees recruitment efforts across Verbobonc, the Greenway Valley, and near Celene.
• Investigates the activities of Temple contacts and ensures operations stay aligned with the Cult’s goals.

"My allegiance is to Lolth, but do not mistake me for a pawn. Even the Spider Queen values my cunning."

Connection with Lareth

• Regularly delivers instructions to Lareth at the Moathouse.
• Coordinates supply chain logistics for slaves and loot flowing to the Greater Temple.
• Lucius often visits the 55. Hunting Cabin - off map to assess operations, using the secret supply tunnel to avoid detection.

Gefreid Patris – Overseer of the Hunting Cabin

Gefreid Patris manages the grim operations of the Hunting Cabin, a critical supply and slave transport point for the Greater Temple.

• Coordinates deliveries from Lareth's raiders and Lieutenant Gattas Void at the Trevil’s Fens Cottage.
• Inspects and organizes supplies, prisoners, and slaves for transport to the Greater Temple or distribution to Nulb.
• Enforces order with a force of gnolls and savage beasts, ensuring shipments are never delayed.

Connection with Lareth

• Acts as a critical link between the Moathouse and the Greater Temple.
• Receives wagons of supplies and prisoners raided by Lareth’s forces and prepares them for their final destinations.

Lieutenant Gattas Void – Second-in-Command at the Moathouse

Lareth's trusted lieutenant, Gattas Void, is responsible for organizing raiding parties and maintaining discipline among the Moathouse's bandits.
Role and Duties

• Oversees raids targeting merchant caravans and farmsteads throughout the Viscounty.
• Ensures supplies and prisoners reach Gefreid Patris at the Hunting Cabin.
• Handles training of new recruits to maintain Lareth’s growing force.

Connection with Lareth

• Lareth trusts Gattas to enforce his orders and maintain loyalty among the bandits.
• Acts as a field commander, ensuring raids are conducted efficiently and discreetly.

Rannos Davl and Gremag Gozlin – Spies at D&G Mercantile

Rannos Davl and Gremag Gozlin operate 13. D&G Dry Goods & General Mercantile in Hommlet, serving as spies and smugglers for the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Funnel information about Hommlet and nearby areas to the Temple.
• Smuggle goods and supplies between the Moathouse and Temple operatives.
• Maintain their cover as unassuming merchants to avoid suspicion.

Connection with Lareth

• Act as eyes and ears for Lareth within Hommlet.
• Facilitate recruitment and smuggling operations that support the Moathouse’s needs.

Zert – Spy in Hommlet

Zert is a mercenary and covert agent for the Temple, stationed in Hommlet to gather intelligence and eliminate threats.

• Monitors adventurers and other potential threats to the Temple.
• Sabotages efforts to strengthen Hommlet’s defenses, particularly 30. Doomwatch Keep Construction Site .
• Works covertly to destabilize the village from within.

Connection with Lareth

• Although Lareth is unaware of Zert initially, he will recruit Zert as an assassin should he learn of Zert’s capabilities.
• Zert could act as Lareth’s agent to eliminate adventurers posing a threat to the Moathouse.

Joseph Millar – Cultist Infiltrator in Hommlet

Joseph Millar is a laborer recruited by High Priest Romag of the Earth Temple. Disguised as a common worker, Joseph spies on the construction of Doomwatch Keep.

• Infiltrates the local workforce to monitor and sabotage the keep’s construction.
• Acts as a courier for information between the Earth Temple and the Moathouse.
• Collaborates with Rannos and Gremag for smuggling and intelligence sharing.

Connection with Lareth

• Joseph’s reports indirectly support Lareth’s efforts to undermine Hommlet’s defenses.
• May become a direct ally to Lareth if discovered by Lucius or Gattas Void.

The Gnolls: Warriors of the Bloody Maw

King Korvash Bonegnaw (Gnoll King of the Lortmil Fortress)

Korvash Bonegnaw, ruler of the gnolls of the Fortress of Jagged Fangs in the Lortmil Mountains, is a hulking gnoll of extraordinary size and ferocity. His matted fur is adorned with bone trinkets taken from his enemies, and his jagged teeth are stained crimson from years of ritualistic cannibalism. His piercing yellow eyes and a savage scar across his snout mark him as a warrior who has survived countless battles.

• Personality: Korvash is ambitious, bloodthirsty, and paranoid. While he seeks to expand his influence beyond the mountains, he constantly fears betrayal from his own lieutenants. This paranoia makes him cautious in his dealings with outsiders, but he respects displays of strength and cunning.
• Motivation: Korvash dreams of forging a gnoll empire stretching from the Lortmils to the Gnarley Forest. Sending gnolls to serve Lareth is both a gesture of good faith and a test of Lareth’s potential as an ally. If Lareth proves successful, Korvash hopes to use him as a pawn to weaken Verbobonc while consolidating his forces for a larger campaign.

Gnoll Leader: Fangmaster Gorrthak

Gorrthak is a hulking gnoll with bristling dark fur and jagged claws. He wields a massive glaive engraved with crude runes in tribute to Yeenoghu, the demon lord of gnolls. His armor is pieced together from scavenged human plate and gnoll-forged iron.

• Personality: Gorrthak is ruthless and cunning, but his loyalty is conditional. He respects strength and rewards loyalty but despises being overshadowed, especially by the bugbears under Lareth's command. His growing dissatisfaction with his lot at the Moathouse makes him a potential weak link in Lareth's operations.
• Motivation: Gorrthak agreed to serve Lareth to gain the favor of Korvash Bonegnaw and prove himself worthy of greater power within the Bloody Maw tribe. However, the poor loot from raids and the perceived favoritism shown to the bugbears have fueled resentment. He may betray Lareth if offered enough gold, power, or an opportunity to reclaim his pride.

Role and Status

Nine gnolls, led by Gorrthak, were sent by King Korvash to support Lareth. The gnolls are barracked in the lower level of the Moathouse near Lareth's chambers. They are tasked with raiding farms and merchant caravans, focusing on capturing slaves and supplies for the Temple. The gnolls are resentful due to their losses and diminished status compared to the bugbears. This dissatisfaction makes them prone to infighting and treachery.

Tactics

• Combat Role: Ferocious melee fighters who prefer ambush tactics.
• Morale: Fight to the death unless offered parley, which they may consider for a share of loot or a promise of greater status.

The Bugbears: Clan of the Iron Claw

Clan and Recruitment

Lareth forged an alliance with the Iron Claw Clan, a notorious bugbear tribe dwelling deep within the Gnarley Forest. Known for their brutal efficiency and lust for gold, the Iron Claws have earned a fearsome reputation as raiders and mercenaries. Lareth’s promise of riches and dominance over the gnolls convinced them to join his cause.

Bugbear Leader: Gorvash the Cruel

Gorvash is a towering bugbear with a muscular build and a menacing presence. His shaggy fur is dark brown, streaked with patches of gray. His one good eye burns with malice, while the other, a milky white orb, is covered by a jagged scar. Gorvash wields a spiked morningstar and carries a shield emblazoned with the Iron Claw emblem—a red claw slashing across a black field.

• Personality: Gorvash is brutal and pragmatic, valuing strength and results above all else. Unlike the gnolls, he is disciplined and methodical, though he enjoys taunting weaker foes. He relishes his clan’s elevated status within Lareth’s forces and takes every opportunity to belittle the gnolls.
• Motivation: Gorvash is driven by greed and ambition. He sees Lareth as a temporary benefactor whose patronage can elevate the Iron Claws to dominance over the region. Gorvash secretly plans to use Lareth's resources to expand his clan's territory, but he is wary of Lareth’s cunning and charisma.

Role and Status

• The Iron Claw bugbears are the elite enforcers of Lareth's raiding parties, often leading assaults on merchant caravans and farmsteads. They are housed in separate barracks from the gnolls, further exacerbating tensions between the two groups.
• Gorvash personally leads the bugbears in combat and coordinates their operations with Lareth. His clan’s efficiency and brutal tactics have made them indispensable to Lareth’s plans.

Tactics

• Combat Role: Stealth-based ambush specialists, excelling in hit-and-run tactics.
• Morale: Loyal to Gorvash first, Lareth second. They will retreat if outmatched but only if Gorvash orders it.

Gnoll and Bugbear Tensions

The gnolls and bugbears under Lareth’s command are in constant conflict, fueled by jealousy and competition for Lareth’s favor. The gnolls resent the bugbears’ superior status and better quarters, while the bugbears view the gnolls as undisciplined and expendable.

Possible Outcomes

• Dissension: If tensions escalate, Lareth may need to intervene to prevent open violence between the two groups.
• Exploitation: Clever adventurers could exploit this animosity to sow discord within Lareth’s ranks, weakening his forces before an assault on the Moathouse.
• Mutual Respect: A shared victory in battle could temporarily unite the gnolls and bugbears, making them a formidable combined force.

Impact on Lareth’s Plans

Lareth’s alliances with the gnolls and bugbears are critical to his success. These savage warriors provide the muscle needed to enforce his will and expand his influence. However, their volatile natures and conflicting ambitions make them a double-edged sword.

Key Points for the DM

• Gorrthak and Gorvash are potential wildcards. Their dissatisfaction or ambition could derail Lareth’s operations if manipulated by the adventurers.
• Both the gnolls and bugbears are aware of Lareth’s connection to the Temple of Elemental Evil, but only Gorvash knows the full extent of his plans.
• If Lareth falls, Gorvash may attempt to take control of the Moathouse, while Gorrthak would likely retreat to the Lortmil Mountains.

Future Plans for Allies and Agents

Spies in Hommlet

• Lareth’s network includes several operatives in Hommlet, all working to destabilize the village and prevent interference with the Temple’s plans.
• If Lareth gains control of Hommlet, these agents will play key roles in ensuring the town remains under Temple control.

Expansion of Influence

• Lareth hopes to recruit more spies and operatives to increase the Temple’s reach.
• Plans to use Lucius Graeme’s extensive network to identify new potential allies.

Role of Slaves and Supplies

• The constant flow of resources from the Hunting Cabin, through Gefreid Patris, and onward to the Greater Temple is crucial to Lareth’s success.
• Maintaining this supply chain is a top priority for all his allies.
• By leveraging his cunning and charisma, Lareth has forged a vast network of allies and agents, ensuring the Temple of Elemental Evil’s plans remain hidden while continuing to grow in power.

Enemies and Rivals

Hommlet Leaders: Lareth’s ultimate goal is the destruction of Hommlet’s leadership, including Lord Burne, Lord Rufus, Terjon, and Jaroo Ashstaff.

Plans and Goals

Immediate Goals

• Recruitment and Raiding: Lareth focuses on building his forces through bandit raids and recruitment of mercenaries and humanoids.
• Sabotage of Hommlet: He is gathering intelligence on Hommlet’s defenses in preparation for an eventual assault.

Long-Term Plans

• Control of the Temple: Lareth seeks to gain influence within the Greater Temple, potentially usurping his superiors with Lolth’s backing.
• Domination of the Region: His ultimate goal is to establish a kingdom of chaos under Lolth’s guidance.

Tactics and Combat

Lareth is a cunning and dangerous foe, both in combat and strategy.

• Bribery and Manipulation: Lareth uses his silver tongue to defuse dangerous situations or lure adventurers into traps.
• Combat Strategies: He prioritizes ranged and magical attacks, using his clerical spells to hinder enemies and heal himself.
• Escape Plans: If threatened, Lareth will offer his treasures as ransom or attempt to flee to the Greater Temple.

Secrets and Hidden Agendas

• Lolth’s Influence: Lareth’s secret allegiance to Lolth makes him a wildcard in the Temple’s hierarchy, as his ultimate loyalty lies with the Demon Queen of Spiders.
• Service to Lolth: Lareth seeks to increase Lolth’s control over the Elder Elemental God’s cult by leveraging his position in the Temple hierarchy.
• Falrinth’s Collaboration: Lareth’s covert partnership with Falrinth involves plans to seize control of the elemental nodes and the Orb of Golden Death. Lareth works covertly with Falrinth, a fellow agent of Lolth, to gain control of the Temple's elemental nodes and artifacts.
• Spy Network: Lareth has spies within Hommlet, including agents at the Traders, the Inn of the Welcome Wench, and the keep construction site.

Hooks for Adventurers

• Intercepting Shipments: Adventurers could disrupt Lareth’s supply chain, cutting off resources to the Greater Temple.
• Gaining Intelligence: Capturing Lareth or his lieutenants could reveal critical information about the Temple’s plans.
• Foiling an Attack on Hommlet: The party might discover Lareth’s plans to invade Hommlet and work to thwart the assault.

If Lareth Is Defeated

• Temple Retribution: The Temple will send assassins and spies to eliminate those responsible for Lareth’s demise.
• Power Vacuum: Lareth’s death could lead to infighting within the Temple’s ranks, providing opportunities for adventurers to strike.

Integrating Lolth, Lareth the Beautiful, and Falrinth into the Temple of Elemental Evil's Structure

Show spoiler

Lolth’s Influence on the Temple of Elemental Evil

Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders, has a vested interest in ensuring that the Temple of Elemental Evil never rises to its full potential. Her motivation is rooted in past betrayals by House Eilservs of the Dark Elves Drow, who abandoned her worship in favor of the Elder Elemental God. While she opposes the Temple's leadership, she is careful to work from the shadows, using spies and agents to manipulate events in her favor.

• Key Motivation: Ensuring that the Temple remains divided and never achieves its true potential.
• Methodology: Infiltration, subterfuge, and the use of key operatives such as Lareth the Beautiful and Falrinth.
• Artifact of Power: Lolth possesses the key to the Elder Elemental God's prison, making her one of the few beings capable of deciding the fate of this mysterious entity.

Zuggtmoy’s Secret Control Over the Temple’s Clerics

The clerics and priests of the Temple believe they are praying to the Elder Elemental God, but in truth, their divine powers and spells are granted by Zuggtmoy, the Demon Queen of Fungi. The Abyss itself acts as a conduit for chaotic power, allowing Zuggtmoy to masquerade as the Elder Elemental God without the priests realizing the deception.

• Key Deception: The Temple’s priests believe they serve the Elder Elemental God, but their power actually comes from Zuggtmoy.
• Reason: Zuggtmoy is imprisoned within the Temple and needs the cult to continue worshiping her to gain strength.
• Implication: If the truth were revealed, it could lead to massive schisms within the Temple's leadership.

Lareth the Beautiful – Lolth’s Hidden Pawn

Lareth the Beautiful is one of Lolth’s most promising agents. He controls the Moathouse, a stronghold designed to recruit new members to the Temple. However, his ultimate goal is to rise within the Temple’s ranks and convert it into a force that serves Lolth rather than Zuggtmoy.

• Role: Lolth’s primary infiltrator within the Temple's ranks.
• Long-Term Goal: To seize control of the Temple and redirect it toward the worship of Lolth.
• Secret Powerbase: The Moathouse, where he gathers forces loyal to him while feeding selective information back to Hedrack.

Falrinth – The Sorcerer in Service to Lolth

Falrinth is an 8th-level magic-user with a quasit familiar named Kriitch, which allows him to function as a 9th-level caster when nearby. As a secretive and ambitious figure, he serves Lolth but is ultimately self-interested, willing to betray her if it serves his purposes.

• Role: A powerful sorcerer acting as a spy and potential saboteur within the Temple.
• True Allegiance: Lolth, though he harbors personal ambitions that may lead to betrayal.
• Key Objective: Investigating the elemental nodes of the Temple on behalf of Lolth, while keeping much of his research hidden from both the Temple’s leadership and his own goddess.

Final Implications

Potential Conflict: If Lolth’s agents gain too much power, the Temple may split into warring factions—those still loyal to Zuggtmoy and those who turn toward Lolth.

Adventurer Hooks

• Discovering Falrinth’s hidden research on the elemental nodes.
• Exposing Lareth’s double-dealings and secret connections to the drow.
• Preventing or enabling Lolth’s ultimate plan to co-opt the Temple.

Conclusion

Lareth the Beautiful is a pivotal figure in the Temple of Elemental Evil, embodying its chaotic and depraved ambitions. As a manipulative and dangerous adversary, he presents a unique challenge to adventurers who dare to oppose the Temple’s growing influence.

"The world is filled with filth and frailty, but I am its dark perfection."

Lareth the Beautiful

• Cleric level 5, Dark Hope of the Temple
• AC: 20 (Plate Mail +1)
• HP: 44 (BtH: +2)
• #AT: 1 | Dmg: 1d6 (mace) or 4d6+3 (Staff of Striking, 20 charges remain)
• Abilities: S18, W18, D17, C16, I13, Ch18
• Languages: Common, Abyssal, Goblin, Giant
• CR: 4 (1,100 XP)

Special Abilities

Spells (Cleric):

• At Will: Guidance, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
• 1st (4 slots): Bane, Charm Person, Command, Disguise Self, Inflict Wounds, Shield of Faith
• 2nd (3 slots): Augury, Calm Emotions, Hold Person, Mirror Image, Pass Without Trace, Silence
• 3rd (2 slots): Bestow Curse, Blink, Dispel Magic, Magic Circle, Darkness

Possessions

• Mace of Smiting: +1 attack/damage, enhanced crits vs constructs and outsiders.
• Plate Mail +1.
• Ring of Freedom of Action (immune to restraint/paralysis effects).
• Staff of Striking (20 charges): +3 attack/damage vs constructs (×4 crit) or outsiders (×3 crit).
• Phylactery of Action: Immune to Paralysis
• 9pp, black opal, unholy symbol.

Lareth’s Diary (details on the Temple of Elemental Evil and implicates Rannos, Gremag, and Zert).
Tactics: Lareth uses Shield of Faith and Mirror Image early to bolster defenses, followed by Darkness or Pass Without Trace to evade combat if overwhelmed. He relies on his charisma and charm spells to manipulate enemies, only engaging directly if necessary.
Lareth'a Diary with more details on the Temple of Elemental Evil, and implicating Rannos and Gremag, or at least Zert.

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Suloise Suel

Year of Birth

550 26 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

piercing gray eyes

Hair

jet-black hair

Height

6'2"

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental God, Lolth

Aligned Organization

Cult of the Elder Elemental God

Related Plots

• The Return of the Temple: Hedrack’s Gambit and Lareth’s Insurgency

Ruled Locations

• Trevil’s Fens Cottage

Lareth the Beautiful by 3orcs

"Dont think this will end well! Did you imagine finding my base here at the Moathouse to freely loot and pillage then return as hero's to the Hommlet?!" Lareth laughs savagely. "What ever you thought, what ever you believe, you will find my new friends, very soon, how sadly you were mistaken!"

"Gods teeth! Worms, get your worthless hides to Nulb. We will get the Hanged Men to handle these heroes!"

The world seems to expand with pressure. It spreads from the north. Mounting power forming a bubble then it tears. Opening a hole in the fabric of this plane. Alien force flows through this tear then closes.