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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dim_darknight" data-source="post: 2686700" data-attributes="member: 37734">The following is quoted almost word for word from The Temple of Elemental Evil:--The Village of Hommlet is situated in the central part of the Flanaess, a portion of western Oerik Continent. The hamlet-sized village is located some 30 leagues southeast of the town of Verbobonc on the fringe of the territory controlled by the noble Lord the Viscount of Verbobonc.Hommlet is a crossroad into several areas. It grew from a farm or two, a rest house, and a smithy. The roads brought a sufficient number of travelers and merchant wagons to attract tradesmen and artisans to serve those passing through. The resthouse became an inn, and a wheel and wainwright settled in the thorp. More farmers and herdsmen followed, for grain was needed for the passing animals, and meat was in demand for the innfolk.Prosperity was great; trade was good; and the land was untroubled by war, outlaws, or ravaging beasts. The area was free, beautiful, and bountiful - too much so, in the eyes of some. At first it was only a few thieves and bandits molesting the merchant caravans; then came small bands kobolds or goblins raiding the flocks and herds. Local militia and foresters checked but could not stop the spread of outlawry and evil.A collection of hovels and their slovenly inhabitants formed the nucleus for the troubles which were to increase. A wicked cleric established a small chapel at this point. The folk of Hommlet tended to ignore this place, Nulb, even though it was but 6 miles distant.But its out-of-the-way position was ideal for the fell purposes planned for this settlement, as was its position on a small river flowing into the Velverdyva. The thickets and marshes around Nulb became the lair and hiding place for bandits, brigands, and all sorts of evil men and monsters alike. The chapel grew into a stone temple as its faithful brought in their ill gotten tithes.In but three years, a grim and forbidding fortress surrounded the evil place, and swarms of creatures worshipped and worked their wickedness therein. The servants of the Temple of Elemental Evil made Hommlet and the lands for leagues around a mockery of freedom and beauty. Commerce ceased, crops withered; pestilence was abroad. But the leaders of this cancer were full of hubris and in their overweaning pride, sought to overthrow the good realms to the north, who were coming to the rescue of the land being crushed under the tyranny wrought by the evil temple. An immense battle was fought.So great was the slaughter, so complete the victory of good; that the walled stronghold of the Temple of Elemental Evil fell within a fortnight, despite the aid of a terrible demon. The place was ruined and sealed against a further return of such abominations by powerful blessings and magic.Life in Hommlet quickly returned to a semblance of its former self. For five years afterward, the village and the surrounding countryside have become richer and more prosperous than ever before. A monstrous troll who plagued the place for a time was hunted down by a party of passing adventurers. Carrying the ashes and a goodly fortune as well, the adventurers returned to the village. Before going elsewhere to seek their fortunes, the adventurers also returned a portion of the villagers' losses. Other adventurers, knowing of the evil that had once resided in the area, came to seek out similar caches, and several did find remote lairs and wealth - just as some never returned at all.After a time, adventurers stopped coming to the area. It seemed that no monsters were left to slay, and no evil existed here to be stamped out. The villagers heaved a collective sigh - some pained at the loss of income, but others relieved by the return to the quiet, normal life - and Hommlet continued its quiet existence for four years more.But then, a year ago, the bandits began to ride the roads again - not frequently, but to some effect. To the good folk of Hommlet, this seemed all too familiar, so they sent word to the Viscount that wicked forces might still lurk thereabouts. This information has been spread throughout the countryside, and the news has attracted outsiders to the village once again. Who and what these men are, no one can be quite sure. All claim to be bent on slaying monsters and bringing peace and security to Hommlet; but deeds speak more loudly than words, and lies cloak the true purposes of the malevolent.--</blockquote>

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