30. Millhouse
The Millhouse, located southeast of the village of Nulb at the edge of the Gnarley Forest, is a key site for the community. Covered in yellowish plaster and featuring a waterwheel powered by a nearby stream. Run by Thadric Veyne, a pragmatic and weary miller, the establishment provides grain and flour for the village, yet beneath its unassuming exterior, it plays a role in the growing shadow of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
The Millhouse A Center of Industry and Intrigue
The Millhouse stands as a functional yet modest structure surrounded by open fields and forested edges.- Construction: A sturdy, rectangular building with walls coated in yellowish plaster.
- Waterwheel: The mill’s wheel creaks as it turns in the slow-moving stream, its rhythmic sound a constant in the area.
- Interior: The main floor houses the milling equipment, while the upper level contains a small living area for Thadric and his family.
- Political Alignment: Officially neutral, but increasingly pressured by the Iron Talons and Nysera Krivaltis’s growing influence.
"The mill’s stone grinds grain, but it also grinds people down. That’s life in Nulb." - Thadric
Relationships and Interactions
The Veyne family is caught in the shifting power struggles of Nulb, forced to navigate relationships with dangerous figures.- Lady Nysera Krivaltis: Thadric pays a tithe to the Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness to keep the mill running. He resents the arrangement but sees no other choice.
- The Temple of Elemental Evil: Though not a cultist, Thadric provides flour and foodstuffs to Temple agents under coercion, fearing retribution if he resists.
- Rival Factions: Dick Rentsch and Skole have attempted to bribe or intimidate Thadric into smuggling supplies, but he refuses to deal with them directly.
"Lady Nysera says the mill is hers, and I’ll not argue. The last man who did isn’t around to tell the tale." - Thadric
Community Perception
- Resentment from Some Villagers: Certain villagers view the family’s loyalty to Lady Nyaera with suspicion.
- Support from the Church: Lama Yatic and her followers see potential in Thadric’s dedication.
"I’ve seen the look in Lama Yatic’s eyes. Joining her church isn’t just about faith—it’s about survival." - Thadric
Dungeon Master Only: Secrets and Hidden Lore
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Adventure Hooks for Players
- Millhouse Defense: Bandits or lizardfolk threaten the millhouse, and the party is hired to defend it.
- Investigating the Previous Miller: What led to the former miller’s demise? Clues in the millhouse may reveal a darker truth.
- Church Trials: The family’s initiation into the Church of the Elder Eye may require a test, potentially drawing adventurers into a cultist plot..
"The forest whispers danger, the swamp murmurs secrets, but here at the mill, it’s just the steady creak of the wheel."
The Former Miller’s Fate
- Transformation: The previous miller resisted Lady Nysera’s claim and was cursed into becoming a hound in her kennel, a grim warning to others.
- Remnants of Rebellion: Hidden within the millhouse are papers revealing his defiance and possible allies.
"The old miller’s hound barks every night, as if it remembers. Makes me wonder what really happened to him."
Ollyo’s Private Concerns
- Conflict with Loyalty: While outwardly loyal, Thadric secretly worries about the morality of Lady Nysera’s rule.
- Hidden Wealth: Ollyo has saved 18 silver pieces and 25 copper pieces, which he hides in a small compartment beneath the millstone.
Dark Secrets of the Church of the Elder Eye
- Lama Yatic’s Influence: The family’s petition to join the church is seen as a strategic move by Lama Yatic to deepen control over the mill and its resources.
- Corrupt Rituals: Joining the church may require dark rites that could endanger Thadric's family or spark moral dilemmas for adventurers.
Adventure Hooks for DMs
- Cult Corruption: The family becomes unwitting pawns in a larger cultist scheme, drawing players into a web of intrigue.
- Haunting Apparitions: The spirit of the former miller manifests, seeking justice and revealing the truth about Lady Nysera’s rule.
- Treasure Hunt: Players discover hints about a hidden stash of resources or relics tied to the Church of the Elder Eye.
Ollyo and his three sons diligently working inside the Millhouse by 3orcs
Conclusion
The Millhouse stands as a cornerstone of Nulb’s industry and a focal point of its political and supernatural intrigue. Thadric and his family’s struggles, ambitions, and secrets offer rich opportunities for storytelling, creating a dynamic setting for adventurers to explore. Whether defending the family from threats, uncovering hidden truths, or navigating the murky waters of loyalty and survival, the Millhouse provides a compelling backdrop for any campaign.
The Millhouse of Nulb by 3orcs
"I keep the wheel turning, no matter what’s happening outside. It’s all I know how to do."
Thadric Veyne (Miller & Owner, Age 42)
Thadric is a hardworking, practical man who has found himself caught between survival and the politics of Nulb.- Description: A burly, weathered man with graying hair and calloused hands, always dressed in a dusty tunic and leather apron.
- Role: As the miller, Thadric ensures that the village's grain is processed efficiently.
- Personality: Hardworking, pragmatic, and deeply concerned for his family’s safety.
- Relationships: Resents Lady Nysera’s growing control but fears openly resisting her. Has no love for the Temple but provides supplies to avoid conflict.
- Motivation: Wishes only to provide for his family but is slowly being dragged into Nulb’s darker dealings.
Brina Veyne (Thadric’s Wife, Age 39)
Brina is the anchor of the family, ensuring their home remains functional and welcoming. A tired but kind-hearted woman, often seen tending to the household and occasionally helping with the mill’s accounts.- Personality: Practical, cautious, and fiercely protective of her children.
- Motivation: Wants to secure a future away from Nulb’s worsening corruption.
The Children
Gavrin Veyne (Eldest Son, Age 19)
A strong, defiant young man who resents the Temple and the Iron Talons. One of the The Forest Rats – A Brotherhood of Young Survivors- Role: Works at the mill but secretly considers fleeing to Hommlet or Verbobonc.
- Personality: Loyal to his family but reckless in his hatred of Nulb’s criminal elements.
- Relationship: Close friends with the Thorne boys of the Woodcutter’s Cottage (29. Thorne's Cottage ), often working together on supply runs and helping each other against common threats.
Edris Veyne (Younger Son, Age 14)
Sharp-eyed and observant, with a knack for numbers. One of the The Forest Rats – A Brotherhood of Young Survivors- Role: Oversees inventory and manages grain distribution, often eavesdropping on suspicious dealings.
- Personality: Quiet and calculating, he listens more than he speaks.
- Relationship: Frequently spends time with the younger Thorne boys, exchanging knowledge of the forest and learning survival skills from them.
Chiara (Youngest Daughter, Age 9)
The youngest child and only daughter, Chiara is imaginative and sensitive. The family’s dreamer, with a gentle demeanor and artistic inclinations.- Role: Keeps to herself but provides artistic touches to the millhouse.
- Personality: Creative and thoughtful, she observes more than she speaks.
Type
Mill
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
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