29. Grud’s Cottage
Grud’s house serves as the modest residence of Grud Squinteye, a lieutenant to Captain Tolub and the acting captain of the riverboat Old Duck. This unassuming home is a reflection of Grud’s pragmatic personality and his balancing act between loyalty to Tolub, his ambitions, and his family. Its location in the heart of Nulb makes it a central hub for clandestine activities, minor diplomacy, and family life amidst the chaos of the river pirate trade.
Exterior Description
Grud’s House is a small, dingy wooden structure that lacks the charm or grandeur of more affluent homes. The yard is lifeless, with dead grass and scattered tree stumps, lending it an air of neglect. A sagging porch wraps around the house, offering a place for Grud to sit and survey the road.Interior Description
Inside, the house is cramped but functional, with minimal decoration. The scent of saltwater and mildew clings to the air, a reminder of Grud’s life on the river. The few personal touches—a well-worn chair, a rack of nautical charts, and a collection of small trinkets from the river—speak to Grud’s life of piracy.The Squinteye Family
Grud shares the home with his fiancé, Leesa, a former brothel worker who now acts as a homemaker, and her three children: Boa, Evans, and little Maarly. Although Grud is not their biological father, he has adopted a paternal role, especially toward the eldest son, Boa.“That boy of mine? He’s going to make something of himself. Maybe not here, maybe not now, but mark my words—he’ll make his own way, Grud or no Grud.” - Leesa
The Economy of Nulb
Grud’s house reflects the broader economic conditions of Nulb—a town sustained by smuggling, piracy, and black-market trade. Grud’s role in this economy is significant, as his boat, Old Duck, is used to transport stolen goods, illicit cargo, and occasionally passengers willing to pay for safe (or unsafe) passage.“Grud says he doesn’t want to be the top dog. He’s lying. That man’s got more ambition in his little finger than most of Tolub’s crew combined.” - Leesa
DM-Only Section: Secrets and Opportunities
Hidden Treasures
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Beneath a loose floorboard in Grud’s bedroom lies a hidden stash containing:
- 290 gp
- A silver-inlaid dagger (worth 75 gp)
- A flask of alchemist’s fire
- A coded logbook detailing Tolub’s and Grud’s smuggling routes.
Plot Hooks for Adventurers
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Quests for Grud's House
- Recruitment: Grud might hire the party to assist in a smuggling operation. Success could win them his loyalty, while failure could make them his enemies.
- Sabotage: Lady @nyserasuspect Grud of withholding profits. They could pay the adventurers to investigate or sabotage his operations.
- Family Matters: The party could be drawn into a rescue mission if Grud’s family is kidnapped by rivals or Temple agents.
Grud’s Dual Loyalties
Grud’s ambitions make him a wildcard. He could betray Tolub if the right opportunity arises or ally with the adventurers if they offer a way to protect his family or secure his future.Conclusion
Grud Squinteye’s house is more than just a residence; it is a microcosm of Nulb itself—a place of shadowy dealings, complex loyalties, and hidden agendas. Whether the adventurers approach Grud as allies, enemies, or something in between, his home and family offer a wealth of narrative potential in the dark and dangerous world of Nulb.
Grud's Cottage by 3orcs
“Look, I don’t trust you and neither does Grud. But if you’re here to help, I might consider not throwing you off the porch.” - Leesa
Grud Squinteye, Pirate Lieutenant
(Myrmidon, Level 6 Fighter) The Squinteye Family Grud shares the home with his fiancé, Leesa, a former brothel worker who now acts as a homemaker, and her three children: Boa, Evans, and little Maarly.- Leesa: Pragmatic and sharp-tongued, Leesa runs the household with efficiency. She has a past marked by hardship but remains loyal to Grud and fiercely protective of her children.
- Boa (14 years old): A towering youth already trained by Grud in combat. Boa has inherited his surrogate father’s love of the river and dreams of captaining his own boat one day.
- Evans (10 years old): Bookish and introverted, Evans prefers reading and tinkering with small mechanical toys over the rough-and-tumble life his brother enjoys.
- Maarly (6 years old): Bright and bubbly, Maarly is a cheerful counterpoint to the grim realities of Nulb. Her innocence softens even Grud’s hardened demeanor.
“They’re not his by blood, but Grud treats them better than their real father ever did. And Boa? That boy’ll be stronger than any pirate in Nulb before long.” - Leesa
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