Tales from the Green Dragon Inn

Robilar Remembered: Lord Robilar and Co.

by
Robert J. Kuntz and Douglas J. Behringer
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The following information is derived from the original Greyhawk campaign, as conducted by E. Gary Gygax and Robert J. Kuntz. This information is presented for background and trivia's sake, and may not in some instances completely agree with the "official" Greyhawk setting, as published by TSR, Inc. Only TSR, which owns the rights to the Greyhawk setting, can decide what is "official" Greyhawk lore, but it is hoped that the reader will find this information from the original Greyhawk campaign of interest.

Lord Robilar: "The Master of Dragons"
Played By: Robert J. Kuntz (created in 1972)
Class/Level: Fighter/19th level
Abilities: Str: 18/78, Int: 11, Wis: 16, Dex: 16, Con: 18, Chr: 16, hp: 117
Race: Oeridian
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Items: Ring of spell turning, girdle of storm giant strength, +3 longsword, +3 plate mail, +3 shield, +1 bow, flying carpet, ring of invisibility, and a ring of regeneration (bought from a cleric, played by Don Arndt, who accidentally stumbled into Robilar's castle during an outdoor adventure).

Heraldry: A green dragon on a yellow shield. The yellow represents gold, which Robilar believes is a more powerful source of power than magic, for with it, one can utilize anything that can be bought.

Relatives: Module WG6, Isle of the Ape, introduces Terik (or Teric), Robilar's brother. In the Greyhawk Campaign, Teric was played by Theron "Terry" Kuntz, Rob's real brother, though the characters themselves shared no familial relationship (this having been added by Gygax during the writing of Isle of the Ape). Robilar was born in the City of Greyhawk. His mother died in childbirth, and he never knew his father. He grew up on the streets of the free city, an outcast from his mother's family.

Companions: Otto, Tenser, Teric and Quij. Otto the mage retained his laboratories/apartments on the third floor of Robilar's Castle, near Robilar's training halls. Robilar also counted three green dragons among his companions (note Robilar's coat of arms from the original Greyhawk boxed set). The dragons were a small family, consisting of a mother, father and baby. The creatures had no names, but Robilar spoke their native language, so all was understood between them. Robilar trained all three dragons as fighting steeds. They were frequently used on adventures and their breath weapon attacks were excellent for clean retrievals of treasure.

Patron Deity: None (although Robilar did occasionally give homage to Odin).

Stronghold: Robilar's Castle was located about 70 miles southwest of the City of Greyhawk, on the Wild Coast (Hex E4-89). The castle complex was surrounded by several villages, all of whom paid a tithe to Robilar for protection. The castle consists of a series of structures; a great keep surrounded by four walls with towers at the corners. The uppermost part of the keep had a collapsible roof allowing the dragons to take immediate flight up and out. The main gate was barred so that only a person with storm giant strength could lift the bar to gain entry (i.e., Robilar had a girdle of storm giant strength, so only he could enter).

Role-Playing Notes: Robilar started his career as neutral in alignment but over time has turned lawful evil. In many ways, attitude and treatment of others, Robilar is still neutral. Anyone other than his close friends, however, should be wary of trusting him. Robilar always plans on coming out on top. He is a tough, talkative and friendly individual, who enjoys adventuring, companionship and the many pleasures of life. Robilar fears nothing, and to prove that point, he often adventures alone, even when the odds appear greatly stacked against him. Three things drive him: magic, adventuring and information, three things he can never seem to get enough of.

Robilar secretly owns the Green Dragon Inn, in the City of Greyhawk. He uses the inn as a meeting place and as a means of ferreting out information and keeping up with the local happenings within the city. Robilar spent much of his earlier career adventuring in Castle Greyhawk, turning to outdoor adventures after about 9th level. Robilar usually adventures alone, though he has been known to explore with his djinni (or efreeti - though the efreeti was killed subduing Robilar's green dragons).

History: Robilar, along with Teric and Tenser, formed a triumvirate and took over the first level of Castle Greyhawk for a while. They barracked their respective forces there and guarded ingress and egress, using the location as a base for further adventures deep within the sprawling castle complex. During this time, Robilar was a perilous adventurer, often going without maps and using a ring of invisibility to adventure into the depths of the castle to investigate and ambush his enemies.

Robilar was one of the first to make it around the Oerth. By entering the lowest level in Greyhawk Castle, he was propelled by a magical slide to what would be modern day "China." Teric and Tenser followed, as they missed his return to the first level of the Castle, which, as a team, this trio held sway over. They caught up with him by scrying and they finished the adventure together. They all split later - Teric visited the southeast area around the Sea Barons (he was looking for Voodoo-type areas), Tenser went home, and Robilar trudged down into the southern jungles, far past the reach of Sea Prince slavers.

The warrior even introduced steel for the first time to Amedio jungle tribesmen. These worthies captured him, inheriting a +1 composite bow. Gary hinted that they would reproduce the thing (in non-magical form), and woe to the next series of invaders!

Robilar and the Nine Imprisoned Demi-gods: The freeing of Iuz and the other eight "demi-gods" imprisoned beneath Castle Greyhawk was instigated by Robilar, who released them (Robilar seems to like freeing things, being a free spirit himself!). This event occurred in the dungeons of Castle Greyhawk on an upper level of the East Wing, created by E. Gary Gygax.

Robilar, who was 10th level at the time, entered the containment room, and viewed the nine imprisoned creatures mounted a top pedestals VERY carefully before deciding to deal with the many-handed one first (i.e. Hextor). Robilar decided to dispatch (singly) the toughest melee capable of the lot first, in case all nine were to animate simultaneously (the nine imprisoned were: Iuz, Ralishaz, Trithereon, Erythnul, Olidammara, Heironeous, Celestian, Hextor, and Obad-Hai). In the ensuing melee with Hextor, the other eight "demi-gods" were "accidentally" released, as loosing one seemed to have a domino effect. As the nine "demi-gods" turned their attentions toward destroying each other, Robilar executed a tactical withdrawal (i.e. he ran for his life) to lick his wounds.

Robilar later returned to the room to investigate. Before returning, he heard the sounds of a great battle occurring (which was another reason for returning to investigate). Upon re-entering the containment room, he saw that all of the pedestals were empty, with no beings in sight. All nine of the gods were loosed upon the world.

Many readers will recognize that the "nine demi-gods" released by Robilar were later to appear in published Greyhawk materials as both demi-gods and lesser gods. Rob explains this discrepancy as follows: "What I remember about the demi-gods is that there were nine that Robilar set free. Gary later referred to them as demi-gods, as I sought more information about them. They essentially disappeared into the World of Greyhawk wilderness, never to be heard from again until Gary rewrote them for the World of Greyhawk Campaign Setting (Second Edition, 1983). That Gary later referred to them as lesser gods is understandable. In reshaping something that originally appeared in 1972 in his actual campaign, name changes and/or designations appeared and disappeared. Gary was defining his world as well as presenting it for the consumers and fans alike, so this was natural. Upon publication of the campaign setting he had (and we all had) a firm placement (and understanding) of demi-, lesser- greater-, gods, etc. I will add that Gary seemed very pleased when Robilar loosed these creatures, and I was to find out why much later in the Temple of Elemental Evil!"

Robilar and the Temple of Elemental Evil: The Temple of Elemental Evil campaign was designed by Gary Gygax to introduce new players into the Greyhawk campaign. During this period, a lot was happening in Hommlet, as a whole new breed of Greyhawk adventurers rose in levels. But the Hommlet campaign was a beginning campaign and most of the characters involved were low level. They were scared to death to go near the Temple. After hearing of the happenings in the Hommlet area, Robilar finally decided to investigate the Temple himself.

In CY 575, Robilar traveled with his henchmen Quij and Otto the Mage to the Temple of Elemental Evil. Robilar traveled on his flying carpet and Quij and Otto followed on griffons. Robilar entered the temple complex with Otto, leaving Quij behind to guard the griffons and flying carpet. While other adventurers raided the temple and then withdrew, Robilar entered the temple and fought his way through it. For two days he slew all he encountered. Eventually Robilar freed the demoness Zuggtmoy, who was imprisoned beneath the temple complex. (Artifact of Evil states that Mordenkainen was present and purposefully assisted in "freeing" Zuggtmoy in some scheme designed to preserve the Balance. This was a later literary addition by E. Gary Gygax.) Why did Robilar free Zuggtmoy? Robilar purposefully released the demoness, because too much good was going on around the place. In a manner, to balance the proceedings.

Alerted by the "freeing" of the demoness, a Force of Good rushed to the temple complex in an attempt to recapture the demoness and to punish her liberators. Tenser and his associates arrived, with Burne, Rufus, Otis and a great force of elves, paladins and unicorns. Upon seeing the destruction of her temple complex and the gathering Force of Good, Zuggtmoy departed in great haste. Robilar and Otto fled back to his castle, with the Force of Good in hot pursuit. The druid Jaroo, in falcon form, followed Robilar and Otto over 200 miles back to Robilar's castle. After they were informed of his whereabouts, the good war party eventually rallied outside of Robilar's castle. Robilar and Otto abandoned the castle and it fell to the Forces of Good.

Lessons learned: Seems Gary was none too happy with Robilar's adventure beneath the Temple of Elemental Evil. Robilar had a great time dismembering creatures, crunching things and watching Gary's look of consternation grow with every toppled column. The final straw was the releasing of Zuggtmoy. The DM's vendetta pursued Robilar all the way back to his castle, which he was forced to abandon. A valuable lesson was learned and Robilar's history starts being controlled by outside forces. Not much treasure was gained and with the fall of his castle, he lost more than he gained. He did make a friend of Zuggtmoy, though nothing transpired from that quarter.

Alternate Robilar History: Robilar's creator, Robert J. Kuntz, is unsatisfied with the "official" history of Robilar since his parting of the ways with TSR. He proposes the following "alternate history" to bring the "official" Robilar more into line with the Robilar as run by him.

Following the treachery of Rary and the deaths of Otiluke and Tenser, rumors began to circulate in the lands around Greyhawk of a secret meeting of the surviving members of the Circle of Eight. The rumors state that it was Otto who called this meeting, to attempt to divine the motives behind the treachery of Rary and Robilar.

Few could fathom how Rary, a trusted member of the Circle, and Robilar, a long time boon companion and friend to many, could have betrayed and attempted to murder their compatriots in the Circle. Mordenkainen was especially at a loss to explain the betrayal of Robilar, his close friend and adventuring partner of many years.

Otto reminded Mordenkainen that it was he and Robilar that had traveled to the fabled City of the Gods in the lands of Blackmoor. It was during this expedition in these strange lands that the pair discovered many ancient scrolls of formally unknown magics and powerful spells. Otto related that when Robilar returned, he gave him several scrolls that were found there, one of which contained the spell clone. Robilar freely gave these powerful magics to Otto in return for his promise to use the clone spell, on a piece of flesh provided by Robilar, should the need ever arise.

Otto went on to explain that following Robilar's release of Zuggtmoy during his adventures beneath the ruins of the Temple of Elemental Evil, Robilar was forced to flee as the forces of good sacked his castle in retaliation for his release of Zuggtmoy. Still being pursued, Robilar sent word to Otto that he was traveling beyond the Flanaess to the lands east of the Solnor Ocean, and that now might be a good time to use the clone spell, to cover his escape.

Obviously, Robilar hoped that those pursuing him would destroy the clone and he could return later when things had settled down. Much to the astonishment of the other members of the Circle, Otto related that he indeed used the clone spell to create a clone of Robilar, a fact that he kept secret from his friends for years. For many years the clone of Robilar behaved normally, so Otto assumed the "real" Robilar had perished in his eastern expedition.

Otto went on to say that he now believes this clone was slowly driven insane by presence of a very much alive "real" Robilar somewhere in the eastern lands across the ocean. This would explain Robilar's rather erratic behavior in the last few years (such as changing his Coat of Arms and joining Rary in a plot against his "friends"). Neither Otto nor any other members of the Circle have been able to locate the presence of Robilar in the eastern lands.

When questioned by the other members of the Circle about Robilar's trip to the east, Otto pointed to a map that Heward made for Mordenkainen and indicated that he believes that Robilar was headed to the Empire of Lynn, on the western shores of the continent of Oerik. It seems that Robilar had "acquired" a powerful relic called the Orb of Clerics (evil) and was taking it to a Temple of Zuggtmoy located there, for what purpose is unknown."

After delivering the Orb to the Temple of Zuggtmoy, Robilar made his way back to the Drachensgrab Mountains and is believed to have joined his forces located there. The force is reported to consist of 50 heavy cavalry (regulars), 100 medium cavalry (regulars), 50 light cavalry (regulars), 50 light horse crossbowmen (regulars), 100 heavy infantry (levied), 50 horse archers (elite orcish), 50 light crossbowmen (regulars), and 100 pole armed infantry (regular orcish). Most of the higher level associates of Robilar were killed during the fall of his castle. This force is mostly lawful evil, but trusted by few because of their chaotic tendencies.

Quij:
Played By: Henchman of Robilar (run by the DM, E. Gary Gygax, circa 1972)
Class/Level: Fighter/4th level
Abilities: Low Intelligence, high Strength, otherwise average statistics.
Race: Orc
Relatives: None ever mentioned.
Companions: Henchman of Robilar. Also associates with Otto and Tenser.
Patron Deity: Unknown.
Stronghold: Used to live at Robilar's keep, but since the Temple of Elemental Evil debacle and the subsequent sacking of Robilar's keep, Quij's current whereabouts are unknown.

Role-Playing Notes: Robilar seldom risks Quij's health, as he prefers to adventure alone, or in the company of his djinni or efreeti. Quij would take advantage of Robilar at times, such as the time he "stole" Robilar's flying carpet during the Temple of Elemental Evil episode.

History: Quij killed a troll while fighting side by side with Robilar and Teric in a tremendous battle that took place in the Troll/Orc level of Castle Greyhawk. Gary promoted Quij to Orc Hero (4th level) for killing a troll single handedly. After killing the troll, Quij became very faithful to Robilar but also very boisterous (showing his orcish pride).

In CY 575 Quij accompanied Robilar on an adventure to the Temple of Elemental Evil. Robilar traveled on his flying carpet and Quij and Otto followed on griffons. Robilar entered the temple complex with Otto, leaving Quij behind to guard the griffons and flying carpet. Upon seeing the arrival of Tenser and associates, Quij fled (he was an orc after all and the forces arriving didn't look friendly to his "kind").

Where Quij went after fleeing from the Temple of Elemental Evil complex is unknown. Many believe that he made his way to the Pomarj and rejoined the remnants of Robilar's forces that survived the sacking his keep and fled there.

Otto:
Played By: Robert J. Kuntz
Class/Level: Magic-user/18th level
Abilities: Above average, 18 Intelligence.
Race: Human
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Items: Staff of power, efreet bottle, crystal ball with clairaudience.
Relatives: None were ever recorded.
Companions: Robilar, Mordenkainen, Tenser, and Bigby. Otto seldom will be found too far from Lord Robilar's side.
Stronghold: None. Otto lived in Robilar's Castle near the Gnarley Forest. He had his own quarters, library and laboratory.

Role-Playing Notes: In the "official" TSR lore, Otto is a member of the Circle of Eight. In the original campaign, Otto was a henchman of Robilar. He served as Robilar's court wizard. The Circle of Eight was an adventuring group composed of characters run by E. Gary Gygax. Membership in Mordenkainen's Circle of Eight consisted of: Bigby, Yrag, Riggby, Felnorith, Siggby, Diggby (a dwarf), and the elves Vram and Vin.

Favorite Sayings: "Otto is my name; magic is my game," (a ditty created by E. Gary Gygax, which Otto would sing at the Green Dragon Inn).

History: Otto was originally an inhabitant of Castle Greyhawk. He lived on the second level. Robilar, Tenser and Teric were adventuring in Castle Greyhawk when they encountered Otto in a room on the second dungeon level. In the ensuing melee, Otto was subdued by Tenser. After a dispute involving the two mages, he decided to work for Robilar. Otto rose in level quite fast and was Robilar's court wizard - a very loyal and good friend. The pair shared hundreds of adventures and saved one another's neck on many occasions.

Sources:

Dragon Magazine, Issue #37, From the Sorcerer's Scroll, by E. Gary Gygax, May, 1980

The Rogues Gallery, TSR Games, 1980, Product # 9031.

Temple of Elemental Evil, Module T1-4, TSR, 1985, by E. Gary Gygax and Frank Mentzer, Product # 9147.

Isle of the Ape, Module WG 6, TSR, 1985, by E. Gary Gygax, Product # 9153.