![[Ogremoch.png|400]] **Archomental, Prince of Evil Earth Creatures** **Alignment:** Neutral Evil **Home Plane:** Elemental Plane of Earth **Realm:** Stonemire **Also Known As:** The Stone Tyrant, Tyrant of Black Earth, the Mountain of Doom, the Mountain that Walks ### Overview Ogrémoch, the Prince of Evil Earth Creatures, is an ancient and immensely powerful archomental who embodies the destructive, oppressive, and unyielding aspects of elemental earth. As one of the Princes of Elemental Evil, he commands powerful creatures of stone and soil and seeks to extend his dominion throughout the Inner Planes and the Material Plane. While Grumbar represents the fundamental power of elemental earth, Ogrémoch personifies its capacity to crush, entomb, and destroy. His ambitions are driven by an overwhelming desire for domination, and he regards the earth and everything contained within it as possessions subject to his authority. Ogrémoch appears as a colossal humanoid composed of stone, rock, and crystalline formations. His body is covered with mineral deposits and glittering fragments of mica, while his eyes resemble pieces of chipped obsidian. His enormous fists are capable of crushing creatures and structures beneath their weight. The size of his manifested form varies considerably between accounts, with some describing a stone giant approximately ten feet tall and others depicting a mountainous colossus standing fifty feet in height. When he speaks, his voice resembles the grinding of enormous stones against one another. Unlike the more impulsive elemental princes, Ogrémoch is capable of considerable patience. His apparent slowness conceals a calculating mind that frequently prepares several schemes before committing himself to action. He is exceptionally stubborn and rarely abandons an objective once he has determined that it serves his interests. Rather than relying entirely upon sudden destruction, Ogrémoch is willing to endure opposition until his enemies weaken, allowing him to overwhelm them through strength, persistence, or the gradual accumulation of power. Ogrémoch possesses an obsessive sense of ownership over the treasures of the earth. He considers valuable metals, gemstones, and other mineral resources to belong to him, regardless of where they are found. Mortals who mine precious metals, extract gemstones, or shape stone into buildings offend his belief that these resources are his possessions. He does not require such treasures for his own survival or enrichment, but regards their removal as an intolerable challenge to his authority. Although Ogrémoch receives worship from numerous mortal and elemental creatures, he is not a true deity. Nevertheless, his immense supernatural power provides a source of magic for those who devote themselves to elemental earth. His influence is particularly strong among subterranean peoples, earth elementals, and cultists who admire the strength, endurance, and destructive potential of stone. ### Domain and Influence Ogrémoch resides within the Elemental Plane of Earth, an immense realm of solid stone, mineral deposits, subterranean caverns, and vast expanses of compressed earth. Unlike the open skies of the Plane of Air or the endless waters of the Plane of Water, much of this realm consists of continuous rock extending in every direction. Its inhabitants travel through natural passages, tunnels, and caverns, or possess the supernatural ability to move through stone itself. His principal stronghold is Stonemire, an enormous fortress built upon a great mesa rising from a rocky plain within a vast cavern. The stronghold lies near the boundary of the Paraelemental Plane of Magma, where elemental earth approaches the intense heat of molten stone. Accounts describe the surrounding cavern as unbearably hot, with fountains of molten rock, clouds of smoke, and streams of steam forming part of the fortress's imposing surroundings. Stonemire serves as the centre of Ogrémoch's authority, although he does not remain confined within its walls. He frequently wanders the Plane of Earth, searching for new subjects to intimidate, creatures to enslave, and opponents whose defeat might strengthen his dominion. His unexpected appearances are feared by many inhabitants, particularly those who lack the power to resist his demands. Ogrémoch also maintains his presence within deep caverns containing black crystals and jagged formations of stone. Such places provide natural seats of power for the archomental, allowing him to exercise his command over the surrounding earth. His influence becomes especially dangerous within regions saturated with elemental energy, where the boundary between his home plane and the Material Plane can be weakened through powerful magic. Despite his claim to supremacy, Ogrémoch does not rule the entire Elemental Plane of Earth. Numerous independent powers maintain their own domains, including Grumbar, the great elemental power of earth, and the dao who inhabit the Great Dismal Delve. Ogrémoch has maintained a reluctant association with the dao in pursuit of access to their territories, but such dealings do not place their rulers beneath his authority. His greatest rival is Sunnis, the Princess of Good Earth Creatures. She represents the benevolent and protective aspects of elemental earth and stands in direct opposition to Ogrémoch's tyranny. Their conflict has endured since ancient times, and their confrontations are said to shake the very foundations of the Plane of Earth. Many creatures who fear Ogrémoch seek protection from Sunnis, whose realm offers an alternative to his violent domination. Ogrémoch also maintains an enduring hostility toward Yan-C-Bin, the Prince of Evil Air Creatures. Their opposing elemental natures have made them enemies, although their rivalry is generally less fierce than the hatred between Imix and Olhydra. Ogrémoch regards the power of earth as superior to air and seeks to overcome those who challenge its supremacy. Beyond his native plane, Ogrémoch seeks opportunities to establish his power within the Material Plane. When summoned through a sufficiently powerful elemental earth node, he begins methodically destroying mines, quarries, settlements, and fortifications. His attacks are not indiscriminate acts of violence alone, but expressions of his determination to punish those who extract, possess, or shape the resources he considers his property. ### Symbols and Icons  Ogrémoch's recognised symbol is an equilateral triangle with a short line crossing each of its three sides. This emblem identifies the Prince of Evil Earth Creatures and is associated with his worshippers and elemental authority. His followers also employ the imagery of mountains, stone, and subterranean strength. Among the Cult of the Black Earth, the element of earth is represented through symbols and religious objects associated with the cult's devotion to destructive elemental power. The established triangular emblem should be distinguished from the symbols used by individual cults of Elemental Evil, whose iconography may represent the element they serve rather than Ogrémoch personally. ### Worship and Tributes Ogrémoch receives worship from numerous creatures associated with stone, earth, and subterranean environments. His followers include evil dwarves, duergar, gnomes, galeb duhr, stone giants, ettins, gargoyles, grimlocks, ogres, troglodytes, trolls, and other underground inhabitants. Some of these worshippers regard him as a divine patron, while others acknowledge his power as a means of gaining protection, strength, or authority over their enemies. The worship of Ogrémoch is associated with physical strength, endurance, domination, and the treasures concealed beneath the earth. His followers frequently admire the ability of stone to withstand destruction and regard weakness as something to be crushed or exploited. Certain cults emphasise the mysteries of the earth and its hidden riches, while others openly embrace violence and tyranny. Some cult leaders deliberately conceal the true nature of their patron. Among farming communities, priests of Ogrémoch have been known to portray him as a benevolent power of the earth, encouraging ordinary people to seek his protection against natural disasters. Such deception allows his worship to spread among those who might otherwise reject the Prince of Evil Earth. Offerings and practices associated with his worship include: - **Living Sacrifices:** Certain cults dedicated to Ogrémoch offer living victims to their patron. Such sacrifices reflect their devotion to the destructive power of earth and their willingness to employ cruelty in pursuit of his favour. - **Offerings of Precious Materials:** Gold, gemstones, and other valuable minerals are associated with Ogrémoch's worship. His clerics have been known to wear amulets decorated with precious metals and gems, reflecting the importance of the treasures concealed within the earth. - **Destruction of Mines and Quarries:** The Cult of the Black Earth considers the extraction of stone and minerals an offence against the earth. Its followers seek to destroy mines, quarries, and other works that they regard as violations of elemental earth. - **Earthquakes and Landslides:** Followers of the Black Earth seek to demonstrate the irresistible strength of their element through destructive geological events. Earthquakes, sinkholes, and landslides are regarded as manifestations of the power they revere. - **Submission Through Strength:** Ogrémoch's worshippers frequently embrace the belief that strength grants authority over weaker beings. Their devotion is expressed through conquest, intimidation, and the subjugation of those unable to resist them. These practices are not universal among all worshippers of Ogrémoch. His cults exist among different peoples and traditions, and their particular customs vary. Their common allegiance lies in their reverence for his immense power and the destructive supremacy of elemental earth. ### Clergy and Temples The clergy of Ogrémoch consists of priests, elemental spellcasters, and religious leaders who serve the Prince of Evil Earth. His followers draw upon the supernatural power associated with elemental earth, using magic to strengthen their bodies, manipulate stone, and overcome their enemies. Certain priests wear robes trimmed with yellow and carry amulets set with gemstones and precious metals. These ornaments identify their association with the treasures of the earth and the power of their patron. Among the older cults of Elemental Evil, some clerics are eventually introduced to the worship of the Elder Elemental Eye, whose influence is closely connected to the schemes of the elemental princes. Temples dedicated to Ogrémoch are ordinarily established beneath the ground. Smaller cults may occupy abandoned cellars, caverns, and ancient dungeons, while more powerful religious organisations establish their sanctuaries deep within extensive subterranean complexes. These temples may employ ogres, giants, ettins, gargoyles, and other formidable creatures as guardians. Certain cults also make use of dangerous subterranean monsters, including basilisks, ropers, and bulettes. Among the known religious organisations devoted to Ogrémoch are the Fists of the Stone Tyrant, a sect of dwarves whose members believe their people were abandoned by the gods during an ancient period of enslavement. Rejecting the divine powers they hold responsible for that suffering, these dwarves have turned to Ogrémoch in pursuit of vengeance against the gods. Other servants include the rukarazylls, malicious and deceptive creatures associated with elemental earth. These beings employ trickery and corruption to influence others, gradually drawing unsuspecting followers toward the worship of Ogrémoch. One of the most notorious organisations devoted to the Prince of Evil Earth is the Cult of the Black Earth, which established a powerful presence within the Dessarin Valley of Faerûn. Under the leadership of Marlos Urnrayle, the cult occupied ancient dwarven ruins beneath the Sumber Hills and prepared to summon its patron into the Material Plane. Marlos Urnrayle, known as the Earth Prophet, was once a wealthy and vain human nobleman from Cormyr. His obsession with beauty and the preservation of his appearance eventually led to his transformation into a medusa. After wandering for years, he received visions that guided him to the Fane of the Eye, where he discovered Ironfang, a magical war pick containing a fragment of Ogrémoch's elemental essence. Through this weapon, Marlos gained considerable power and became the leader of the Black Earth cult. The cult established its principal stronghold within the Temple of Black Earth, a section of the abandoned dwarven city of Tyar-Besil. The ruins lay beneath the Sacred Stone Monastery, which served as a concealed entrance and a public disguise for the cult's activities. The monastery was occupied by the Sacred Stone monks, whose discipline and outward appearance concealed their allegiance to Elemental Evil. Within the deeper temple, Black Earth priests, guards, burrowsharks, and stonemelders served the cult's ambitions. These followers employed elemental magic and subterranean creatures to defend their stronghold, imprison captives, and pursue the destruction of nearby settlements. The cult's greatest undertaking was the creation of the Black Geode, a powerful elemental earth node linked to Ogrémoch's home plane. Through this location and the magic of Ironfang, Marlos sought to establish a permanent passage through which the Prince of Evil Earth could enter Faerûn. ### Powers and Abilities Ogrémoch possesses extraordinary strength and supernatural command over stone, soil, and the destructive forces of the earth. His elemental body provides immense resilience, while his ability to reshape the surrounding terrain makes him particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces, subterranean environments, and regions saturated with elemental energy. - **Colossal Physical Strength:** Ogrémoch possesses enormous stony fists capable of crushing powerful creatures and destroying structures. His blows carry tremendous force, allowing him to shatter fortifications and overwhelm enemies who attempt to confront him directly. - **Mastery of Earth and Stone:** Ogrémoch can manipulate enormous quantities of earth, move rock, and create walls of stone. His command over the ground allows him to reshape the battlefield, obstruct movement, and trap enemies behind barriers of solid rock. - **Earthquakes and Tremors:** Ogrémoch can produce powerful earthquakes capable of disrupting the terrain around him. By striking the ground, he can generate tremors that throw creatures from their feet and threaten nearby structures. - **Petrification:** Ogrémoch possesses the ability to transform living creatures into stone through elemental magic. This power allows him to remove dangerous enemies from battle and demonstrates his authority over the transformation of flesh into mineral matter. - **Summoning Earth Creatures:** Ogrémoch can summon earth elementals and other subterranean creatures to aid him. Among those he has been known to call are khargra, umber hulks, and xorn. His corrupting influence can permanently alter the nature of summoned creatures, turning them toward evil. - **Creation of Gargoyles:** Ogrémoch can break fragments from his own stony body and transform them into living gargoyles. These newly created creatures obey his commands and fight on his behalf, allowing him to produce additional servants from his own substance. - **Crystalline Radiance:** The crystalline growths covering Ogrémoch's body can emit supernatural light. This radiance reveals nearby creatures and interferes with their ability to remain concealed through invisibility. - **Stone Meld and Burrowing:** Ogrémoch possesses the ability to move through earth and stone. Within his native element, his supernatural connection to the surrounding terrain allows him to traverse solid material that would obstruct ordinary creatures. - **Supernatural Resilience:** Ogrémoch's elemental body is exceptionally difficult to injure. He possesses considerable resistance to ordinary weapons and magic, while his nature protects him against poison, petrification, paralysis, and other effects that commonly threaten living creatures. - **Resistance to Elemental Harm:** Ogrémoch possesses formidable resistance to hostile elemental forces. Fire and poison are particularly ineffective against him, while other forms of elemental damage are diminished by the extraordinary durability of his stony form. - **Command of Elemental Earth Nodes:** Ogrémoch becomes particularly formidable within regions connected directly to the Elemental Plane of Earth. He can manipulate the surrounding terrain, create fields of treacherous mud, cause jagged crystals to erupt from the ground, and unleash violent tremors that endanger creatures throughout his domain. - **Destruction of Structures:** Ogrémoch possesses an exceptional capacity to damage buildings, walls, and fortifications. His immense physical strength allows him to demolish works of masonry and other constructed defences with frightening efficiency. When Ogrémoch establishes himself within an elemental earth node on the Material Plane, the surrounding environment begins to reflect his destructive influence. Earth tremors become increasingly frequent, magnetic disturbances interfere with navigation, and sinkholes and fissures appear throughout the region. Natural caverns may also develop temporary passages to the Elemental Plane of Earth, allowing elemental creatures to enter the affected territory. The longer Ogrémoch remains, the more severe these disturbances become. Minor tremors eventually strengthen into earthquakes capable of damaging ordinary buildings and heavily fortified structures. His presence can therefore endanger entire settlements even before his armies begin their attacks. ### Treatment of the Chosen and Faithful Ogrémoch regards most creatures as potential subjects, slaves, or enemies. He possesses little concern for the welfare of those who serve him and expects submission from beings he considers inferior. His willingness to accept worship does not imply affection or protection, and followers who fail to satisfy his demands may suffer the same violence he inflicts upon his opponents. The Prince of Evil Earth frequently travels throughout his domain searching for creatures to intimidate or enslave. His sudden appearances spread fear among inhabitants of the Elemental Plane of Earth, many of whom seek refuge under the protection of Sunnis. Even creatures already within his dominion remain vulnerable to his demands for obedience. Ogrémoch is not known for carefully rewarding every act of devotion. He is indifferent to much of the worship directed toward him, regarding the ambitions of lesser creatures as insignificant unless they offer some advantage to his own plans. His cultists may nevertheless obtain access to powerful elemental magic and command formidable servants through their association with his power. The Cult of the Black Earth reflects its patron's attitude toward strength and weakness. Its followers prize endurance, discipline, and unyielding determination, treating compassion and friendship as weaknesses that interfere with the exercise of power. Those who demonstrate sufficient resolve may rise within the cult, while captives and weaker creatures are frequently exploited for labour or sacrificed. Marlos Urnrayle's authority illustrates the influence that can be gained through service to Ogrémoch. Possessing Ironfang and the ability to command destructive elemental magic, he secured the loyalty of numerous followers who believed him to stand high in their patron's favour. His position was sustained through power, fear, and the promise that the Prince of Evil Earth would eventually enter the Material Plane. Ogrémoch's treatment of his followers is therefore consistent with his broader ambitions. He values strength and submission, but the lives of individual servants hold little importance when measured against his desire to establish the supremacy of elemental earth. ### Myths and Legends Ogrémoch's history stretches into the ancient conflicts of the Inner Planes, where his ambitions brought him into opposition with powerful elemental beings and the forces of Law. His association with the Elder Elemental Eye has also connected him to schemes that extend far beyond the borders of his native plane. - **The Elder Elemental Eye:** Ogrémoch believes himself to be a son of the Elder Elemental Eye, a mysterious power associated with the Princes of Elemental Evil. His belief is encouraged by the entity itself, although the true nature of their supposed relationship remains uncertain. The Elder Elemental Eye has also been associated with Tharizdun, the imprisoned god whose schemes have repeatedly involved the corruption and manipulation of elemental forces. - **The Age Before Ages:** Ogrémoch is counted among the most ancient of the elemental princes. His existence reaches back to the Age Before Ages, when the great conflict between Law and Chaos threatened the foundations of existence. During this era, Ogrémoch became involved in the struggle between the Queen of Chaos and the Wind Dukes of Aaqa. - **The Battle of Pesh:** During the war between Law and Chaos, Ogrémoch fought alongside the forces of the Queen of Chaos. His participation was influenced in part by his hostility toward Yan-C-Bin, who had aligned himself with the forces of Law. At the Battle of Pesh, Ogrémoch encountered Sunnis, the Princess of Good Earth Creatures, and the two engaged in a tremendous struggle. Their conflict helped occupy Ogrémoch while the Wind Dukes employed the Rod of Seven Parts against Miska the Wolf-Spider, bringing a decisive change to the course of the war. - **The Eternal Rivalry with Sunnis:** The conflict between Ogrémoch and Sunnis has continued since their ancient confrontation. Sunnis represents the protective and nurturing aspects of elemental earth, while Ogrémoch seeks to dominate and enslave its inhabitants. Their battles are said to shake the foundations of the Plane of Earth. Some tales claim that Sunnis intends to lure Ogrémoch into a bottomless pit beneath her fortress of Sandfall, although no established account confirms that such a plan has been carried out. - **The Conspiracy of Gazra:** Ogrémoch has maintained dealings with Gazra, a powerful pit fiend associated with the infernal court of Fierna. Their alliance has been connected to a mysterious portal, although the purpose of their cooperation remains uncertain. The full extent of their plans has not been established. - **The Temple of Elemental Evil:** Ogrémoch became involved in the schemes surrounding the Temple of Elemental Evil upon Oerth. He was intended to manifest within an elemental earth node as part of a greater effort associated with the release of Tharizdun. The activities of the temple demonstrated the manner in which the elemental princes could be drawn into schemes serving the Elder Elemental Eye. - **The Fists of the Stone Tyrant:** Among Ogrémoch's followers is a sect of dwarves who believe their people were abandoned by the gods during a period of enslavement. These dwarves rejected the divine powers they held responsible and turned instead to Ogrémoch. Their devotion is motivated by a desire for vengeance against the gods rather than simple admiration for elemental earth. - **The Rise of Marlos Urnrayle:** Marlos Urnrayle was a wealthy human nobleman whose obsession with beauty led to his transformation into a medusa. After years of wandering, he received visions that brought him to the ruins beneath the Sumber Hills. There he discovered Ironfang, a magical war pick containing a fragment of Ogrémoch's essence. The weapon granted him the means to establish the Cult of the Black Earth and prepare for the arrival of his elemental patron. - **Ironfang:** Ironfang is a powerful magical war pick containing a spark of Ogrémoch's elemental essence. Its power allows the wielder to manipulate elemental earth and serves as the key to opening or closing a great elemental portal. In the hands of Marlos Urnrayle, the weapon became the principal instrument through which the Black Earth cult sought to bring Ogrémoch into Faerûn. - **The Black Geode:** Beneath the Sumber Hills lies the Black Geode, a vast cavern system containing luminous violet crystals and an elemental earth node. Marlos used Ironfang to transform the caverns into a place where the influence of the Elemental Plane of Earth could enter the Material Plane. At the heart of the Black Geode stood a portal leading toward Ogrémoch's realm. The cult intended to complete the necessary ritual and allow the Prince of Evil Earth to emerge into Faerûn. ### Encounters with Ogrémoch's Influence Ogrémoch's influence is encountered wherever destructive elemental earth threatens settlements, subterranean communities, or the natural stability of the land. His cultists, elemental servants, and attempts to establish portals between the planes present dangers both above and below the surface. - **The Armies of Stonemire:** Ogrémoch commands earth elementals and various subterranean creatures, including khargra, umber hulks, and xorn. His servants enforce his authority within the Plane of Earth and assist in his efforts to subjugate independent inhabitants. His ability to corrupt summoned creatures increases the danger posed by forces gathered under his command. - **The Wandering Stone Tyrant:** Ogrémoch frequently leaves his stronghold to search for new subjects and opponents. Those who encounter him may be threatened with enslavement, forced submission, or destruction. His unpredictable appearances have contributed to the fear surrounding his name throughout the Plane of Earth. - **The Cult of the Black Earth:** Followers of Ogrémoch seek to destroy settlements and demonstrate the irresistible power of elemental earth. They employ landslides, sinkholes, earthquakes, and powerful subterranean creatures against their enemies. Their methods favour patience, preparation, and overwhelming force rather than reckless attacks. - **The Sacred Stone Monastery:** Within the Sumber Hills, the Sacred Stone Monastery served as a concealed stronghold for the Cult of the Black Earth. Its monks maintained the appearance of an isolated religious community while protecting the approaches to the underground temple complex. - **The Temple of Black Earth:** Beneath the monastery lie the ruins of Tyar-Besil, where the cult occupied a fortified underground sanctuary. The temple contained priests, warriors, earth elemental servants, subterranean monsters, and prisoners held for the cult's purposes. Marlos Urnrayle established his authority here while preparing the means to summon Ogrémoch. - **The Black Geode:** The elemental earth node beneath the Sumber Hills provides a direct connection to the Elemental Plane of Earth. Its crystal-filled caverns contain a portal associated with Ogrémoch's realm. The weakening of the boundary between the planes allows elemental creatures and supernatural geological disturbances to affect the surrounding region. - **The Influence of Earth Nodes:** When Ogrémoch gains access to the Material Plane through an established earth node, the surrounding land becomes increasingly unstable. Earthquakes intensify, sinkholes form, and magnetic disturbances interfere with navigation. Nearby mines, quarries, buildings, and fortifications become targets for his destructive attention. - **Rukarazyll Corruption:** Rukarazylls associated with Ogrémoch employ deception to influence other creatures and draw them toward his worship. Their methods allow the Prince of Evil Earth to gain followers through manipulation rather than open conquest alone. - **The Opposition of Sunnis:** Creatures threatened by Ogrémoch may seek protection from Sunnis and her followers. Their longstanding rivalry remains one of the principal conflicts within the Plane of Earth, where Ogrémoch's ambitions are opposed by those who reject his tyranny. ### Conclusion Ogrémoch is among the most formidable archomentals of the Inner Planes, commanding destructive elemental earth and numerous creatures associated with stone, soil, and subterranean environments. His immense physical strength, supernatural resilience, and ability to reshape the surrounding land make him a dangerous opponent capable of devastating entire settlements. His dominion within the Elemental Plane of Earth is substantial, although it remains contested by independent powers and creatures who refuse to acknowledge his authority. His hatred of Sunnis and Yan-C-Bin, his association with the Elder Elemental Eye, and his involvement in the ancient struggles of the Inner Planes have made him an enduring force among the Princes of Elemental Evil. Through mortal cults such as the Black Earth, his influence has extended into Faerûn, where his followers have attempted to bring him into the Material Plane through powerful elemental magic. Ogrémoch's ambitions are driven by his belief that the earth and its treasures belong to him alone. Mines, quarries, cities, and fortifications represent challenges to that authority, while creatures who resist his demands become obstacles to be crushed or outlasted. From Stonemire and the depths of the Elemental Plane of Earth, the Stone Tyrant continues to pursue dominion over all who inhabit the ground beneath the worlds.