2. The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern

Perched precariously above the swamp on thick wooden stilts, The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern is a central gathering place for the lizardfolk of Zis’drek’tor. This rustic, elevated structure is built entirely from local swampwood, its weathered exterior blending seamlessly into the surrounding marsh. The tavern is open to the humid air, with reed curtains providing some shelter from rain. Beneath the main structure, swamp waters lap gently against the stilts, the occasional croak of frogs or splash of fish adding to the atmosphere.
The tavern’s topside workshop is its pride and lifeblood, where exotic swamp flora and fungi are distilled into potent, intoxicating brews. The air is thick with the earthy, acrid aroma of fermentation, a scent beloved by the lizardfolk but unpleasant to most outsiders.

Where the swamp’s essence brews and loyalty is tested.

Role in the Village

The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern is a place for relaxation and camaraderie, where the lizardfolk of Zis’drek’tor gather to unwind after their duties. While the tavern serves as a hub for sharing stories, debates over the village’s future also brew here, fueled by the intoxicating drinks. With the rising influence of Ssarkosh, the Swamp Seer, and his call to worship Sess'innek, the tavern has become a battleground of ideologies.

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"A brew... not made in hhasste. Like sswwamp, it mussst grow, age, deepen itsss rootsss."

Drinks of the Bitter Marshbrew

The tavern specializes in swamp-based brews, known for their potent effects and unique ingredients:

• Mosswine (1 sp): A bitter, thick beverage brewed from swamp moss and fermented root paste. Provides a brief sense of euphoria.
• Croc Ale (2 sp): A strong, frothy drink made with crocodile bile and fermented river grasses. Favored by warriors for its energizing effects.
• Fenshimmer Elixir (5 sp): A rare, luminous drink distilled from Daggercap mushrooms. Known for its hallucinogenic properties.
• Semuanya’s Salve (8 sp): A thick, almost syrupy concoction said to improve stamina and focus, though its effects are short-lived.

"Balansssse key. Too much bile? Brew bites back. Too little? Lifelesss... like dried scale!"

Food

The food offering practical yet flavorful meals with a swampy twist.

• Burnt Crocodile Sausages (3 sp): Smoky, slightly charred, with a robust flavor.
• Hard Bread (included): Dense, long-lasting, and served warm from the fire pit.

"Ssswwamp air, ssstill waterss... no lie. Drink ssslow, and... listen to their ssssong."

The Proprietor

Szassk, Keeper of Brews

• Description: Szassk is a stout, older lizardfolk with earthy brown scales streaked with green. His muscular arms and scaled hands are stained from years of working with swamp flora, and his keen eyes sparkle with pride when discussing his creations. Szassk wears simple leather wraps, adorned with dried herbs and beads made of polished swamp stones.
• Personality: Patient and methodical, Szassk views his brewing as an art form and a sacred duty to Semuanya. Though he enjoys the lively debates that occur in his tavern, he subtly steers conversations toward unity and survival, remaining wary of Ssarkosh’s growing influence.
• Motivation: Szassk is fiercely loyal to High Warden Ssalissar and believes in Semuanya’s ideals of survival and propagation. He hopes to use his tavern as a unifying force, bringing the village together in the face of internal and external threats.

"Sssssah, Sssarkosh ssseeks power in blood, bone. True power? Patience. Life. Not hhaste or anger!"

DM Only: Secrets of the Tavern

Show spoiler

Szassk is aware of Ssarkosh’s attempts to sway patrons toward Sess'innek and carefully monitors discussions to report back to High Warden Ssalissar.

• The topside workshop occasionally produces experimental brews used for rituals, including a secret blend meant to boost clarity and resist the effects of Ssarkosh’s influence.
• Hidden beneath the tavern, in a submerged compartment accessible only to Szassk, lies a cache of supplies meant for emergencies, including rare herbs and weapons.

Adventure Hooks

• Bitter Arguments: Adventurers overhear a heated debate between loyalists to Semuanya and supporters of Ssarkosh. Tensions escalate into a brawl, requiring the party to intervene.
• Tainted Brew: A batch of Fenshimmer Elixir is rumored to have been tampered with by Ssarkosh’s followers, causing violent hallucinations. Szassk hires the adventurers to uncover the truth.
• Brewer’s Bargain: Szassk approaches the party for help gathering rare ingredients for a ceremonial brew meant to bolster unity in the village.
• The Secret Cellar: Beneath the tavern lies a small, concealed storage area where Inskaraz keeps rare herbs and swamp fungi for trade. Adventurers might discover contraband or evidence of dealings with the Riverrunner Company.

The Rise of Sess'innek’s Cult

• The Demonic Influence: Sess'innek, a tanar'ri lord of dominance and conquest, appeals to those lizardfolk who feel stifled by Semuanya’s passive doctrine. Ssarkosh, the Witch Doctor, preaches that Sess'innek offers power, transformation, and the promise of a greater future for the lizardfolk as conquerors rather than survivors.
• Conflict: Ssarkosh’s teachings subtly undermine High Warden Ssalissar’s leadership, portraying Semuanya’s ways as outdated and insufficient in a changing world filled with human encroachment and pirate incursions.

1. The Defiled Shrine

• Plot: The adventurers are approached by High Warden Ssalissar to investigate the defilement of a Semuanya shrine deep in the marsh. Strange carvings of Sess'innek’s hand have appeared, and offerings left for Semuanya have been destroyed.
• Twist: The culprit is not Ssarkosh himself, but a rogue human merchant seeking to destabilize the lizardman village of Zassil'torr for profit.

2. The Whispered Sermon

• Plot: The adventurers stumble upon a secret gathering of Sess'innek worshippers. Ssarkosh preaches of an ancient prophecy involving the revival of Rasskarth, the Great Lizard King.
• Objective: Will the adventurers report the meeting to High Warden Ssalissar or infiltrate Sess'innek’s cult to learn more about their plans?
• Twist: Ssarkosh reveals he has already begun opening a portal to the Great Lizard King’s tomb.

3. The Test of Faith

• Plot: A schism erupts as a young lizardfolk warrior loyal to Sess'innek challenges High Warden Ssalissar’s authority. A duel is demanded to determine who should lead Zassil'torr.
• Objective: The adventurers must either protect Kassarin, investigate the challenger’s motives, or uncover Ssarkosh’s influence behind the scenes.
• Twist: Ssarkosh uses dark magic to cheat the duel, endangering not just High Warden Ssalissar but the entire village.

4. The Shattered Balance

• Plot: Tensions boil over when one of Semuanya’s shrines is burned down, leading to an open confrontation between Kassarin’s and Ssarkosh’s followers.
• Objective: The adventurers are caught in the middle, tasked with either restoring peace or choosing a side in the conflict.
• Twist: The burning was orchestrated by outside forces, such as pirates or Temple agents, to weaken Zassil'torr’s unity.

Conclusion

The Basking Butterfly is a vibrant, complex location in Zassil'torr, serving as a haven for outsiders and a focal point for cultural evolution. Its blend of human and lizardfolk influences makes it a perfect backdrop for roleplay, intrigue, and exploration in any D&D campaign.

The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern by 3orcs

"Decadesss I sspent... learning sssecrets of marsh. Herb, fungusss... all have purpose, their ssstory."

Szassk, Lizardfolk Co-Owner

Szassk is a wiry lizardfolk male with earthy brown scales streaked with green that shimmer faintly in the firelight.
Lizardfolk, Fighter 2, CG

• AC 5 (natural scales + shield), HP 18
• MV 6"/12" (swamp/swim), THAC0 19
• #AT 1, Dmg 1d6+1 (spear)
• Str 17, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 12
• Traits: Can hold breath for 15 minutes; +1 to attack rolls in swamp terrain.
• Equipment: Spear, wooden shield, swamp-crafted trinkets, 6 sp, 10 cp.

Type

Pub / Tavern / Restaurant

Parent Location

Zassil'torr 'Torfen'

Szassk Keeper of Brews by 3orcs