3. Mother Screng’s Herb Shop

Mother Screng's Herb Shop, located at the heart of Nulb, is a quaint and unassuming establishment brimming with secrets. Known by locals as the go-to place for medicinal herbs and spices, the shop's true importance lies in its role as a front for clandestine operations tied to the forces opposing the Temple of Elemental Evil. The shop exudes a peculiar charm, from its weathered exterior to its aromatic interior, and is staffed by the enigmatic crone Mother Screng and her equally peculiar "daughter," Hruda Murfles.

Exterior

The shop is a small, weathered frame building nestled along the bustling center of Nulb. The faded paint on its exterior struggles to cling to the wood, but a shingle sign hanging above the door reads, “Mother Screng’s Herb Shop.” The building leans slightly to one side, as if burdened by years of weather and neglect. Vines crawl up the walls, and a small chicken coop at the rear hosts clucking hens.

Interior

Upon stepping inside, visitors are greeted by a labyrinth of shelves, countertops, and drying racks. The air is thick with the mingling scents of herbs, spices, and alchemical concoctions. Herbs dangle from the rafters, their dried leaves whispering as they sway. Jars, bottles, and small boxes dominate every available surface, their faded labels scrawled with illegible handwriting. A small fireplace at the back of the shop keeps a cauldron perpetually bubbling, emitting the faint aroma of sage and mint.

Background and Ownership

The Proprietor

Mother Screng is a stooped, elderly woman with wisps of gray hair escaping from beneath her shawl. Her demeanor alternates between cantankerous and warm, depending on the visitor. Known for her skill in herbal remedies, she provides the village with everything from common poultices to potent draughts.

"My daughter may not have my charm, but she’s sharper than you’d expect. Watch your tongue around her, or she’ll cut you with hers."

Hruda Murfles

Her “daughter,” Hruda Murfles, is a sharp-tongued and disagreeable woman who tends the counter. With her perpetually sour expression, Hruda seems more like a taskmaster than a shopkeeper.

History

The shop has existed for decades, always run by the same “Mother Screng.”

"The ravens gather for a reason. They see what we cannot, and perhaps they know more than they let on."

Relationships

Lady Nysera

While Lady Nysera tolerates the shop as a source of revenue for Nulb, she regards Mother Screng as little more than a harmless crone. This misjudgment serves Y’dey’s purposes perfectly, allowing her to operate without interference.

The River Pirates

Though The River Pirates occasionally visit the shop, they are wary of Mother Screng. Her remedies are useful, but her sharp tongue and no-nonsense demeanor discourage loitering.

Economy of Nulb

The herb shop serves as a vital yet understated part of Nulb’s economy. With the Temple of Elemental Evil draining resources and the banditry disrupting trade, the shop provides crucial goods for both locals and travelers.

DM Only Section

Secret Identities

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Mother Screng: Canoness Y’dey

Y’dey operates under deep cover as Mother Screng. Her true mission is to observe and report on the activities of the Temple of Elemental Evil, ensuring that Verbobonc, Veluna, and Furyondy remain informed. She is also tasked with aiding any good-aligned adventurers who seek to disrupt the Temple’s plans.

Otis and the Opposition

Hruda, in her role as an agent of Veluna, communicates regularly with Otis, another undercover operative working in Nulb. Together, they gather intelligence on the Temple and coordinate with Verbobonc and Furyondy.

Hruda Murfles: Agent and Adventurer

Hruda is not Mother Screng's biological daughter. She is an elven adventurer and operative for Veluna. Her role is to assist Y’dey in intelligence gathering and provide additional security for the shop. Hruda Murfles is a sharp-tongued and disagreeable woman who tends the counter. With her perpetually sour expression, Hruda seems more like a taskmaster than a shopkeeper. Few suspect that Hruda is an elven adventurer and an agent for Otis, operating under the guise of Mother Screng's daughter.

Homing Pigeons and Messages

In the rear of the shop is a small coop with six homing pigeons. These birds carry messages to Veluna, Verbobonc, and Furyondy, ensuring critical information reaches allied forces even if the village is compromised.

Hidden Compartment

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Behind the cauldron at the back of the shop is a hidden compartment containing:

• A Scroll of Commune (allows communication with St. Cuthbert).
• A small chest with 300 gp for emergency bribes or expenses.
• A Potion of Healing (greater) and a Potion of Heroism.

Potential Encounters

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Pirate Confrontation

The River Pirates might storm the shop, demanding rare herbs for treating wounds. Y’dey and Hruda will defend the shop, relying on adventurers to assist.

Bandit Interception

If players deliver supplies to the shop, they may be intercepted by bandits, leading to a tense negotiation or combat scenario.

Secret Letter

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To the Watcher in the Hills, The ravens fly thick tonight. One bore a message not from the sky, but from the mud. Three names scratched in salt: the Thief, the Chain, and the Laughing Flame. All were seen near the Lash—one entered, none returned. The Hand stirs.
Package delivered to the Iron Ones was refused. Second vial broken. The red root spoiled the mix. Compensation demanded.
The spider hides near the grain tower. Tail marked in ash. Do not speak aloud what your eyes record.
Prepare the pigeon with the silver ring if the Moon-Walker confirms.
Under veil and vine, —M.S.

In-Game Meaning (For the DM)

The Thief, the Chain, and the Laughing Flame are aliases for cult agents operating out of the Iron Lash and Crimson Reapers.

• The Hand stirs = movement or orders from the Temple of Elemental Evil.
• Package = coded term for a dangerous potion that was tampered with.
• The spider hides near the grain tower = someone is hiding near The Grain Tower of Nulb, marked with an ash sigil.
• Pigeon with silver ring = send a critical warning to Veluna via one of the coop birds.
• alchemical glyphs meaning “Air,” “Earth,” and “Fire” — likely referencing the elemental cults' involvement.

Conclusion

Mother Screng’s Herb Shop is far more than it appears, serving as both a cornerstone of Nulb’s economy and a critical base for opposition to the Temple of Elemental Evil. Adventurers who visit the shop may find themselves drawn into deeper plots, uncovering secrets that could alter the course of their campaign. [/spoiler]

Mother Screng’s Herb Shop by 3orcs

"Herbs, potions, and powders—more than you’ll ever know what to do with. But if you’re desperate enough, I’ll find what you need."

Mother Screng by 3orcs

Mother Screng, the Herbalist an old and bent crone.

Hruda the Hag by 3orcs

Hruda—the sharp-tongued daughter of Mother Screng in the seedy village of Nulb

Type

Apothecary

Parent Location

Nulb

Owner

Canoness Y'dey

Characters in Location

• Canoness Y'dey
• Murfles

Operations and Offerings

Herbal Remedies

Mother Screng offers an array of common remedies, including:

• Antiseptic Salve (5 gp): Heals minor wounds and prevents infection.
• Sleeping Draught (15 gp): Induces restful sleep for up to 8 hours.
• Clotting Powder (10 gp): Stops bleeding and stabilizes wounds.

Rare and Exotic Goods

Behind the counter and available only to trusted customers are rare and exotic goods:

• Elixir of Vitality (50 gp): Restores vigor and cures exhaustion.
• Spiderwort Decoction (75 gp): Neutralizes poison.

"Don’t trust those potions from the pirates. What I sell will heal you; what they sell might pickle you."

Mother Screng Inventory — Week 7, Low Summer by 3orcs

DM Only Quest

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Decoded Meaning for Observant or Aligned PCs:

• “White raven” = Temple agent sighted in Nulb
• “Traveler’s Grace” = a healing potion left for a contact
• “Visitors from the East” = River Pirates or Iron Lash agents sniffing around
• Hruda’s warning = PCs may be under suspicion
• Closing line = Message to allies: danger is near, but they are welcome here