22. The Brothel of Nulb

Nestled within the seedy confines of Nulb, directly across from the 4: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market and adjacent to 3. Mother Screng’s Herb Shop, the Brothel & Stands serve as a sinister hub of vice and exploitation. This establishment plays a crucial role in the underbelly of Nulb's economy, with deep ties to The River Pirates, bandits, and the leaders of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
The Iron Lash looms at the edge of Nulb like a festering wound, encapsulating the town’s vile essence. This sprawling compound, operated by Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask, is a cesspit of misery and cruelty. Serving as Nulb’s primary hub for the slave trade, illicit gambling, and debauchery, the Iron Lash attracts the scum of the Flanaess—pirates, bandits, and cultists.
The compound consists of three main areas: a decrepit brothel, a grim gladiatorial arena known as “The Pit,” and a dank dungeon used to break the spirits of its captives. This place epitomizes suffering and greed, its reputation spreading fear and disgust far beyond the bounds of Nulb.
This grim locale serves as a hub for the darker appetites of Nulb's villagers and river folk, offering both depravity and spectacle. The brothel caters to those seeking illicit pleasures, while the Pit provides a blood-soaked arena for brutal entertainment. The Pit stocks a rotating supply of slaves forced to fight for their lives in these savage contests. Gambling on these battles is rampant, and while the practice of buying and training slaves for profit in the arena hasn’t yet become widespread, it feels inevitable. For now, all slaves used in the Pit belong to the three gnomish brothers who manage both the arena and the brothel.

House of Repute

On the north-west side of the Pit stands a dilapidated two-story wooden structure. Its warped planks, crooked shutters, and flickering lanterns give it a foreboding air that matches its grim reputation. The brothel at The Iron Lash is a paradoxical place—a twisted blend of faded opulence and underlying misery. It exudes a veneer of allure that barely conceals the despair of those trapped within. Every corner of the establishment speaks to its dual purpose as a den of indulgence and exploitation.

Exterior

• Rundown wood-frame construction.
• A well-worn dirt path leading to the entrance.
• Smells of cheap ale and incense mingle with the metallic tang of blood.
• Mahogany double doors at the back lead to the balcony overlooking the Pit.

Interior

• Ground Floor: A common room filled with battered wooden tables and mismatched chairs. A bar staffed by a rough barman serves overpriced drinks, while the women of the brothel mingle with patrons.
• Second Floor: A series of small, poorly lit rooms where the women take clients.
• Basement: Accessed through a door near the bar, this area serves as a barracks for slaves and a staging ground for the Pit fighters.

Velvet Rooms

Lined with threadbare curtains and faded tapestries, these private chambers were once luxurious but now reek of decay. The beds are draped in worn silks, and low tables bear tarnished goblets and cheap wine.

• Purpose: These rooms serve as private spaces where patrons meet courtesans under the watchful eye of Elvanna Thorne’s enforcers.
• Mood: The rooms are oppressive, with their false glamour reinforcing the sense of entrapment.

Main Hall

The centerpiece of the brothel, this open space is both a drinking hall and a place where courtesans parade to entice patrons. Rickety tables and mismatched chairs clutter the floor, while a raised dais hosts performers or showcases new arrivals for auction.

• Activity: Patrons drink, gamble, and argue, while guards loom at the edges, ensuring no one steps out of line.
• Details: Worn rugs cover the splintering floorboards, and the walls are decorated with faded portraits of long-forgotten figures.

Overseer’s Lounge

Elvanna Thorne’s domain, this room is deceptively refined. A plush armchair dominates the space, surrounded by a collection of old books, ledgers, and an ornate silver mirror.

• Purpose: Elvanna uses this room to entertain important guests and negotiate deals. A hidden compartment in the desk conceals blackmail materials on influential patrons.
• Mood: Unlike the rest of the brothel, the lounge exudes cold control, reflecting its overseer’s calculating nature.

Courtesans’ Quarters

Hidden behind a locked door, this cramped space is where the courtesans sleep. Straw-stuffed mattresses line the walls, and personal belongings are crammed into wooden crates.

• Mood: The air is heavy with hopelessness, as the courtesans endure the harsh conditions in silence.
• Details: Despite the despair, a few personal touches—flowers in jars, crude sketches on the walls—hint at the resilience of those who live here.

Guards and Security

• Presence: Armed guards patrol the hallways, ensuring order is maintained and that courtesans remain under control.
• Iron Rules: No one enters the courtesans’ quarters or private chambers without Elvanna’s permission.

The Ladies of the Brothel

This is the local brothel run by the head mistress Elvanna Thorne. Inside is a common room with a bar and several tables where folks like to gather and gamble. Ladies mingle amongst the crowd, often sitting on laps, giggling, and whispering in ears. This would seem at first glance to be an enjoyable, if perhaps debauched, atmosphere. However, upon closer inspection, it is clear that the giggles (like the smiles) are forced. Some of the ladies here have bruises about their arms and legs, some with marks on their necks and eyes. At least two of the women have out-of-control cold sores growing on their lips, and they all seem drunken or drugged.

Drunken Ladies

Show spoiler

(Note: The ladies are only allowed to drink if a patron pays for their cup. Most of the women here push hard for drinks. They prefer to stay inebriated, and really, who could blame them? Other than this, they have access to perma leaves. Lorveth purchase small batches of these from Mother Screng’s Herb Shop. These leaves, when consumed or smoked, create a brief euphoric sensation followed by a long period of numbing. A high enough concentration of perma leaves can produce an out-of-body experience. The leaves are highly addictive.)

Atmosphere

• The common room is a mix of revelry and tension, with patrons gambling and drinking.
• Ladies appear to be flirting and charming, but closer observation reveals their discomfort and pain.

Appearance of the Ladies

• Some bear bruises on their arms, legs, and necks.
• Others have visible signs of disease, such as cold sores.
• Their laughter and smiles are clearly forced.

Alcohol Restrictions

• The ladies can only drink if a patron purchases it for them.
• They actively push for drinks to escape sobriety.

Perma Leaves

• A highly addictive drug acquired from 3. Mother Screng’s Herb Shop.
• Creates a brief euphoric high followed by numbing.
• Overuse can cause out-of-body experiences.

Forced Servitude

• The ladies are enslaved and controlled by Lorveth who own the brothel.
• Their actions and movements are heavily monitored.

Gambling and Drinking

• The brothel serves as a hub for illicit gambling and overpriced drinks.
• Patrons frequent the establishment for vice and entertainment, unaware or uncaring of the ladies' suffering.

The Staff

The brothel’s operations are tightly controlled by Lorveth. He employs a mix of human guards and a Verbeeg warrior to maintain order.

The Gladiater Pit

At the back of the brothel, a set of polished mahogany doors opens to a balcony overlooking the infamous 24. The Pit of Nulb. This balcony provides seating for 10 individuals, while a larger wooden platform adjacent to it can accommodate up to 50 more. The stands are a focal point for the weekly bloodsport, where slaves and captured prisoners fight for the crowd’s entertainment.

• Balcony Access: Patrons must pay a 1 sp fee to Emery for access.
• Seating Capacity: 10 on the balcony, 50 on the platform (with a risk of collapse if overcrowded).
• View of the Pit: Offers a clear vantage point for the fights below.
• Concessions: Rat meat skewers and mugs of ale are sold during events.

Relationships with Other Groups

River Pirates and Bandits

The brothel serves as a gathering place for Nulb’s unsavory elements, including The River Pirates and bandits. It acts as a neutral ground for deals and alliances.

Temple of Elemental Evil

• Hedrack uses the brothel as a source of intelligence through his informant Elsie.
• The Temple occasionally supplies perma leaves to the brothel in exchange for loyalty and information.

Mother Screng’s Herb Shop

Lorveth purchase perma leaves from 3. Mother Screng’s Herb Shop to maintain control over the women through addiction.

DMonly Section

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Secrets of the Brothel

• Elsie’s Double Role: She reports to Hedrack and may alert the Temple if adventurers begin investigating the brothel.
• Hidden Basement: Beneath the brothel lies a network of tunnels leading to the slave barracks and staging area for the Pit.
• Addiction Control: Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask use perma leaves not only to control the women but also to experiment with creating a more subservient workforce.
• Slaver Pirates: Captain Tolub is paid handsomely for taking attractive slaves to Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask and brothel.

Adventure Hooks

• Rescue Mission: A player character’s backstory could tie them to Lynntash, spurring a rescue attempt.
• Expose Lorveth: Players could work to dismantle the Lorveths’ operations, liberating the women and shutting down the Pit.
• Infiltrate the Brothel: Characters might pose as patrons to gather intelligence on the Temple’s activities.

Zari's Dialogue with the Adventurers

Show spoiler

(Zari leans against a battered wooden table, a half-empty goblet of sour wine in her hand. Her smile is alluring, but her piercing gaze betrays her sharp wit and hidden motives. She lowers her voice, ensuring only the adventurers can hear.)

"Well now, you don’t look like the usual lot stumbling through this place. You’ve got that... capable look about you. Good. I’ve got something worth your time, if you’ve got the nerve."
(She swirls the wine in her goblet idly, her eyes darting toward the stairs leading to the brothel rooms before locking onto the party.)
"Lynntash. Merchant’s daughter. She didn’t belong in this filthy hole to begin with. Pretty thing. Too innocent for Nulb. But there she is, caught in the claws of the gnomish brothers. Poor girl’s got a price on her head—a thousand gold for her safe return. Can’t imagine her family sleeps much, knowing where she is."
(Zari leans closer, her voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper.)
"Here’s the deal. I’ll help you. I know her schedule, where she’s kept, and who’s watching her. Lorveth don’t trust me much—they’re not as stupid as they look—but they underestimate me. You get her out of here, deliver her safely, and we split the reward fifty-fifty. Fair deal, no?"
(She flashes a sly smile, her tone softening just enough to sound genuine.)
"You’ve got a chance to do something decent for once in this gods-forsaken village. Save a life, fill your pockets, and maybe… just maybe… help me claw my way out of this place, too. So, what do you say?"
(Zari stands upright, giving them a moment to consider before adding with a wink.)
"But you’d better hurry—decent folks don’t last long in the Pit."

Ornub Enforcer and Pit Guard by 3orcs

The Wooden Guard Tower

The Wooden Guard Tower serves as a vigilant overseer of the Pit, ensuring order is maintained and any escape attempts are swiftly thwarted. Located on the west side of the Pit, this sturdy, if rudimentary, structure is an imposing deterrent to anyone daring to defy the gnomish overseers of the arena.

• Height and Build: A 10-foot-tall wooden structure reinforced with iron brackets and simple carpentry.
• Guarding Position: The tower overlooks the entire Pit, providing a clear vantage point for its occupants.
• Weaponry and Supplies: A crate stocked with 112 crossbow bolts is kept within the tower for the stationed guards.

Role in Pit Operations

• Preventing Escape: Guards stationed here are tasked with firing on any slaves or prisoners attempting to escape the Pit.
• Crowd Control: If chaos erupts in the stands, the guards are ready to restore order under the direction of Lorveth.
• Defensive Measures: The Verbeeg warrior stationed here during fights throws deadly spears to deal with larger threats.

Personnel

The tower is manned by two crossbowmen and one Verbeeg giant during combat events.

The Crossbowmen

Irenvel

Marksman keeping watch for escapees and unruly spectators.

• HP: 3
• Equipment: Crossbow, leather armor

Grady

Marksman supporting Irenvel in maintaining order.

• HP: 4
• Equipment: Crossbow, leather armor

Mirrog (Verbeeg)

A towering enforcer, Mirrog ensures that the Pit remains secure, using brute force and deadly accuracy to eliminate threats.

• AC: 4
• HD: 5 + 5
• HP: 21
• Equipment: 3 spears, broadsword

Key Features

• Vantage Point: Elevated structure provides an ideal view of the Pit and surrounding areas.
• Security Measures: Strategic positioning ensures a rapid response to any disturbances.
• Influence of Lorveth: All actions are directed by the gnomish brothers, demonstrating their tight control over the Pit’s operations.

Brothel of Nulb by 3orcs

The Ladies of the Brothel

The women’s stories can serve as hooks for player involvement. For example, rescuing Lynntash could draw the party into a larger plot involving her family’s trading interests.

• Zari: Charismatic and cunning, she uses her charm to gain favor with patrons and gather information. (HP: 2, Charisma: 14)
• Carolyx: Lorveth “The Broker” Thrask's favorite, often treated slightly better than the others. (HP: 1)
• Isnora: Fierce and resourceful, she secretly hides a knife in her belongings. (HP: 1)
• Lynntash: A kidnapped merchant’s daughter, with a 1,000 gp reward for her safe return. (HP: 2)
• Nemora: A former novice mage with a sharp mind but no current spells. (HP: 4, Intelligence: 16)
• Feebs: A skilled thief, nimble and quick-witted. (HP: 4, Dexterity: 16)
• Elsie: An informant for Hedrack, secretly feeding information to the Temple. (HP: 3)

Lynntash by 3orcs

Notable Staff

The Verbeeg warrior Ornub’s presence is a significant deterrent against trouble.

• Elvanna Thorne: Oversees the brothel with cruel efficiency.
• Emery (Guard): Keeps watch over the mahogany double doors leading to the stands. (HP: 5, Armor: Leather, Weapon: Short Sword)
• Gilldac (Guard): Patrols the common room to ensure compliance. (HP: 4, Armor: Leather, Weapon: Club)
• Larz (Barman): Serves drinks while keeping an eye on the patrons. (HP: 2, Weapon: Dagger)
• Ornub (Verbeeg): A towering and brutish enforcer stationed within the brothel. (AC: 4, HP: 26, Weapon: Broadsword)

Type

Brothel / Whorehouse

Parent Location

Nulb

Related Plots

• Quest: Daughter of the River Wind

Wooden Guard Tower and Pit by 3orcs

The Ladies Talk

• Zari: "A coin for a smile, a drink for a laugh, but freedom? That’s far too expensive here."
• Carolyx: "Lorveth may think he owns me, but dreams can’t be caged. Someday, I’ll fly from this pit."
• Isnora: "One day, this knife will do more than carve bread… it’ll carve my way out."
• Lynntash: "My father’s gold could rescue me, but does he even know I’m here? Does he even care?"
• Nemora: "I used to cast spells that bent reality. Now, I can barely bend my will to survive another day."
• Feebs: "Quick hands and quicker words—those are my only allies in this wretched place."
• Elsie: "Every whispered secret I hear could buy me freedom, but Hedrack would never let me live to spend it."
• Zari: "We giggle, we twirl, we flirt. It’s all an act, but for some, it’s the only escape they’ll ever know."
• Carolyx: "Lorveth calls me his favorite, but favorites don’t live long in a place like this."
• Isnora: "They say the Pit takes everyone eventually. Let it come—I’d rather fight than waste away."

Emery

Role: Guard
A grizzled, scarred man with a weathered face, Emery serves as a guard for the brothel. His steely gaze and no-nonsense attitude make him an imposing figure among the patrons.
Personality: Emery is stoic and dutiful, doing his job with grim efficiency. He is loyal to Lorveth, though not out of respect but fear of retribution.

• AC: 7 (Leather Armor)
• HP: 5
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR: 13 | DEX: 12 | CON: 11 | INT: 9 | WIS: 10 | CHA: 8
• Attack: Short Sword (+2 to hit, 1d6+1 piercing damage)
• Alignment: Neutral Evil

Gilldac

Role: Guard
Gilldac is a burly, slow-witted enforcer whose strength outweighs his intellect. Always seen clutching a heavy club, he serves as a muscle to intimidate unruly patrons.
Personality: Gilldac is aggressive and enjoys throwing his weight around. He is quick to anger but easily manipulated by those clever enough to appeal to his pride.

• AC: 7 (Leather Armor)
• HP: 4
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR: 14 | DEX: 10 | CON: 12 | INT: 8 | WIS: 9 | CHA: 7
• Attack: Club (+3 to hit, 1d6+2 bludgeoning damage)
• Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Larz

Role: Barman
Larz is a wiry, timid man who runs the bar at the brothel. His clothes are perpetually stained with spilled ale and grime, and he avoids eye contact with everyone.
Personality: Nervous and subservient, Larz does what he’s told and keeps his head down. He is too afraid of Lorveth to speak up against the injustices he witnesses.

• AC: 10 (Unarmored)
• HP: 2
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR: 9 | DEX: 12 | CON: 10 | INT: 11 | WIS: 10 | CHA: 8
• Attack: Dagger (+1 to hit, 1d4 piercing damage)
• Alignment: Neutral

Ornub (Verbeeg)

Role: Enforcer and Pit Guard
Ornub is a hulking Verbeeg, a giant-kin with towering strength and a cruel disposition. He serves as muscle for Lorveth, patrolling the Pit and brothel to intimidate slaves and patrons alike. His broad shoulders and brutish face strike fear into all who cross his path.

• AC: 4 (Hide Armor)
• HP: 26 (5d8+5)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR: 18/80 | DEX: 12 | CON: 14 | INT: 10 | WIS: 8 | CHA: 9
• Alignment: Neutral Evil

Combat

• Multiattack: Ornub can make 2 melee attacks per turn.
• Broadsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+4 slashing damage.
• Spear: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6+4 piercing damage (melee) or 1d6+4 piercing damage (ranged).

Special Features

• Giant Strength: Ornub’s 18/80 Strength gives him significant power in combat and allows him to carry heavy objects or opponents with ease.
• Intimidation: Ornub has advantage on checks to intimidate those smaller than him.

Treasure

52 gp, 18 ep, 35 sp

Personality

Ornub is a brutish and sadistic enforcer who revels in violence and thrives on the fear of others. He is loyal to the gnomes only because of their payments and their promise of constant bloodsport.