25. Skole’s Cottage

No one bothered to cover this mud brick cottage in plaster. Shattered crates, broken carts, and old wheels missing spokes litter the ground all around the house.

Nestled among the dilapidated structures in the heart of the village of Nulb, Skole’s House stands as a testament to faded hopes and lingering neglect. This modest mud-brick dwelling serves as a reflection of its owner, Skole—a man whose grand plans have crumbled into the muck of Nulb’s seedy streets.

Cottage Description

From the outside, Skole’s House is as unkempt as its surroundings. The mud-brick structure has never been plastered, leaving the bare clay walls exposed to the elements. The roof, patched haphazardly with warped wooden shingles, threatens to collapse under the weight of its own disrepair. Shattered crates, splintered cart wheels, and other debris litter the ground around the house, creating a scene of chaos and abandonment.

Interior Description

Inside, the house fares no better. The smell of urine, feces, and rot fills the air, a testament to years of neglect. A handful of rickety pieces of furniture—mostly a table missing a leg, a broken chair, and a bedframe with a sagging straw mattress—clutter the main room. Leaks in the roof allow rainwater to pool in grimy puddles, creating a damp, unwelcoming environment.
The only permanent resident is Dizzy, Skole’s malnourished dog. Often left alone for up to a week at a time, the poor creature survives on stagnant water that collects in the puddles and whatever scraps it can find.

Background

Once, Skole’s House was meant to be a home of hope and love. Skole, the supposed proprietor of the 43: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market bought the property with grand plans to settle down with a barmaid from The 3. Waterside Hostel of Nulb, a woman he’d fallen head over heels for. He envisioned a life of domestic bliss, far removed from the rough-and-tumble existence of Nulb’s taverns and pirates.
Unfortunately, the barmaid had other ideas. That spring, she ran off with a pirate, leaving Skole with a house he no longer cared about. From that moment, the house became more of a burden than a blessing, a place Skole avoids whenever possible, preferring to sleep in the back room of his tavern.

Current Use

A Forgotten Home

Skole’s House is barely more than a shelter for Dizzy the Dog, who serves as its sole guardian and unfortunate victim of neglect. The house has no proper upkeep or care, its walls crumbling and roof leaking in multiple places. For Skole, it is simply a place to avoid—a painful reminder of dreams gone wrong.

Potential for Renters

Despite its condition, Skole would consider renting out the property. For 25 gold pieces per month, adventurers or other brave souls might claim the house as their base of operations in Nulb. However, there’s a catch: renters would be required to care for Dizzy. Selling the house, however, is off the table; for reasons he himself may not understand, Skole refuses to part with it permanently.

Dizzy the Dog

Dizzy is a scrappy, mangy mutt whose survival in such conditions speaks to a tenacity far greater than Skole’s. Malnourished and lonely, Dizzy has become adept at scavenging and surviving in the harsh environment of Nulb. While the dog appears fierce at first glance, it is only due to hunger and fear. With proper care, Dizzy could become a loyal and even protective companion.

Secrets and Hidden Details (DM Only)

Hidden Cache

Show spoiler

Skole’s House may look like an abandoned wreck, but there are a few surprising details hidden beneath its grimy facade:

• Hidden Cache: Skole once stashed a small chest beneath the floorboards of the house, containing 15 electrum pieces, 50 gold pieces, and a polished emerald worth 500 gold pieces. He has long forgotten about this hidden treasure.
• Unwelcome Visitors: On occasion, vermin or small humanoids like goblins have been known to sneak into the house through its numerous holes and cracks. They occasionally leave behind minor loot or trinkets.
• Dizzy’s Loyalty: If the adventurers care for Dizzy, the dog becomes a surprisingly helpful ally, with keen senses and a nose for danger.

Adventure Hooks

Show spoiler

The House of Secrets (Level 2-4)

While renting the house, the adventurers might uncover a hidden letter tucked inside the broken bedframe. The letter details correspondence between a former pirate crew and Lady Nysera’s Men, implicating Skole in smuggling operations for the Temple of Elemental Evil. How the adventurers handle this revelation could either earn them favor with local authorities—or put them on the wrong side of Skole and his pirate friends.

Dizzy’s Escape (Level 1-2)

Dizzy has been spotted wandering the streets of Nulb, barking furiously. He seems to be leading anyone who follows to an abandoned shack near the docks, where a small gang of river pirates is hiding stolen goods. The adventurers must decide whether to help the dog or ignore him, potentially missing out on a valuable reward.

The Barmaid’s Return (Level 3-5)

The barmaid who broke Skole’s heart unexpectedly returns to Nulb, now a member of a river pirate crew. She claims to have important information about a plot involving the Temple of Elemental Evil but will only share it in exchange for a favor—such as helping her steal back treasure from Captain Tolub. Skole’s reaction to her return could lead to unexpected complications.

Conclusion

Skole’s House stands as a forlorn monument to its owner’s dashed dreams, offering a stark contrast to the lively and dangerous atmosphere of The Boatmen’s Tavern. While its exterior may seem unremarkable, this mud-brick house holds the potential for new stories—whether it’s a hidden treasure, a loyal canine companion, or an unwelcome visitor from the past. For adventurers willing to brave the stench and disrepair, Skole’s House offers a unique piece of Nulb’s seedy history.

Skole’s Cottage by 3orcs

A Lonely Shack in the Heart of Nulb

Notable Features of the House

• Rotting Furniture: Broken and sagging furniture occupies most of the main room.
• Leaking Roof: Large holes in the roof allow rainwater to pool inside.
• Mud-Brick Walls: The structure is poorly built, with no protective plaster or finish.
• Dizzy’s Corner: A pile of rags and straw near the wall serves as Dizzy’s resting place.

Type

Cottage

Parent Location

Nulb

Owner

Skole