Gomeldon is a fictional village, primarily known for its appearance in the fantasy tabletop role-playing game The Temple of Elemental Evil, originally published by TSR, Inc. in 1985 for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons system. In the context of the game setting, Gomeldon is a small, isolated village situated near the notorious Temple of Elemental Evil.
The village's significance lies in its vulnerability and its proximity to the Temple, which acts as a source of evil and chaos. Gomeldon serves as a starting point for adventurers investigating the resurgence of evil emanating from the Temple. It is typically depicted as a place of simple folk, farmers, and traders, largely unprepared to deal with the threats posed by the Temple's influence.
Within the game, Gomeldon usually contains a few key locations, such as an inn (often called "The Welcome Wench" or a similar name), a church or shrine, and possibly a trading post or blacksmith. The villagers are often wary and suspicious of outsiders, but will generally assist adventurers who demonstrate trustworthiness and a willingness to help defend the village.
The village of Gomeldon has become a fairly well-known location within the Dungeons & Dragons community, representing a classic example of a starting village caught in the crosshairs of a larger, more dangerous conflict. The events surrounding Gomeldon and the Temple of Elemental Evil are frequently re-imagined and re-used in different campaigns and adaptations of the original adventure. Its enduring appeal stems from its blend of rural simplicity juxtaposed against overwhelming, supernatural evil.
