31. Bramblethorn Ranch
Just outside the dilapidated village of Nulb, near the southeastern edge of the Gnarley Forest, lies Bramblethorn Ranch, a struggling yet vital facility where livestock are raised and traded to keep the village’s black markets, inns, and residents supplied with meat, hides, and wool. Run by Ormund Trosk, a hardened herdsman, and his family, the ranch operates under constant pressure from bandits, smugglers, and the rising power of Lady Nysera Krivaltis . Though officially neutral, Bramblethorn Ranch is caught in the shifting currents of power, desperate to maintain its independence amidst the growing influence of the Temple of Elemental Evil and its agents.
Bramblethorn Ranch: A Struggle for Survival
Once a prosperous trade hub for livestock and agricultural goods, Bramblethorn Ranch now teeters on the edge of ruin as outside forces tighten their grip on Nulb.
- Layout: A modest homestead with a central ranch house, a corral for livestock, a dilapidated barn, and an outlying storage shed.
- Livestock: Bramblethorn’s cattle, goats, and sheep provide meat and leather to Nulb’s residents, including the inns and various black-market trades.
- Condition: The fences are in disrepair, evidence of recent raids, and the barn shows signs of fire damage from an attack the family barely survived.
- Security: Ormund and his sons work tirelessly to defend their land, while hired hands and local trappers offer occasional protection—for a price.
"The Church says we’re all part of a greater plan, but I haven’t seen much greatness in Nulb lately."
Political Relationships and Influence
Bramblethorn Ranch is in a precarious position, forced to navigate the demands of multiple factions while attempting to remain independent.
- Lady Nysera Krivaltis : Ormund pays taxes and bribes to Nysera’s Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness to avoid outright hostility but refuses to fully align with her.
- The Church of the Elder Eye: Cultists have pressured Ormund to house operatives or provide livestock for their dark rituals, but Rhia has strongly resisted their influence.
- Nulb’s Criminal Elements: Bandits and smugglers see the ranch as a convenient target for raids, stealing livestock to trade with Temple agents or the river pirates.
"You think you own your land, until someone stronger comes to take it."
Kiel and the Thorne and Millhouse boys
Friendships: Kiel has grown close to the boys of Thorne’s Cottage and the Millhouse, called The Forest Rats – A Brotherhood of Young Survivors , forming a strong bond through shared hardship. Together, they explore the edges of the forest, watch each other’s backs, and trade information about the ever-growing dangers in Nulb. Their camaraderie serves as both a source of strength and a potential weakness, as enemies of one household often threaten them all.
Dungeon Master Only
Secrets and Hidden Lore
Beneath the surface, Bramblethorn Ranch holds secrets that could alter its fate and that of the village.
The Forgotten Cache
- Hidden Supplies: Ormund has stashed a cache of weapons and supplies in an underground root cellar, originally stockpiled by an old rebel group resisting the Temple years ago.
- Potential Use: The party could discover this cache and use it to aid resistance efforts, or a rival faction might seek to claim it.
The Cult’s Interest
- Forced Compliance: Cult agents have begun targeting the ranch, offering "protection" in exchange for loyalty.
- Dark Omens: Kiel has witnessed strange lights and symbols appearing in the forest at night, suggesting the Church of the Elder Eye may already be watching them.
Adventure Hooks
- Defend the Ranch: Ormund hires the party to fend off a bandit raid that is more than it seems—Temple forces may be behind it.
- Expose the Cult: Rhia seeks help in proving that the Church of the Elder Eye is manipulating events in Nulb, leading to a deeper conspiracy.
- Secure the Cache: The party is tasked with finding Ormund’s hidden cache before the cult or Nysera’s forces seize it.
Hired Hands’ Allegiances
- Ramsdale’s Past: Ramsdale is a former bandit, keeping a low profile by working on Ormunds property.
- Taggert’s Ambition: Taggert is eager to rise above his station and may betray the family for the right price or opportunity.
Conclusion
Bramblethorn Ranch is more than just a herding outpost—it is a battleground for survival in Nulb’s web of corruption. Whether the adventurers choose to protect it, exploit its resources, or expose its hidden secrets, the ranch stands as a testament to those struggling to remain free in the shadow of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
"The fields don’t care who rules the village, so long as the crops grow and the herd is fed."
The Trosk Family
THe Semje Family lives on the west side of Nulb along the Imerydy Run at 42. Ormund’s Cottage .
Ormund Trosk (Herdsman & Owner, Age 48)
A wiry but strong man with sunbaked skin, greying beard, and piercing brown eyes, always carrying a well-worn shepherd’s crook.
- Role: Oversees the livestock, directs his family and hired hands, and coordinates with the village regarding animal care.
- Personality: Gritty, pragmatic, and fiercely protective of his land.
- Motivation: To keep his family and ranch afloat, regardless of the forces vying for control over Nulb.
- Relationships: Reluctantly pays Lady Nysera’s men to avoid trouble but refuses to fully bend the knee to her rule.
Rhia Trosk (Ormund’s Wife, Age 44)
A kind but firm woman with a no-nonsense attitude, Nolla is the backbone of the household.
- Role: Manages domestic tasks and assists in tending to the smaller livestock.
- Personality: Fiercely protective of her family, Nolla maintains a calm exterior but is not afraid to speak her mind when needed.
A ranch like ours doesn’t last in Nulb without blood, sweat, and a few well-placed bribes."
The Children
Erik Trosk (Eldest Son, Age 22)
- Description: A broad-shouldered, no-nonsense young man, carrying a sheathed hunting knife and a perpetual scowl.
- Personality: Hot-headed and loyal, quick to anger but fiercely devoted to his family.
Kiel Trosk (Younger Son, Age 16)
- Description: Lanky and observant, often seen tending to wounded livestock or keeping watch from the roof.
- Personality: Cautious and calculating, keeping tabs on the forces moving through Nulb.
- Boys group: The Forest Rats – A Brotherhood of Young Survivors
Hired Hands
Ramsdale Age: 32
A gruff, sturdy man who prefers work over conversation.
- Role: Tends to the larger livestock and handles nighttime security.
- Wealth: Carries 7 copper pieces.
Taggert Age: 26
A lean and agile worker with a quick wit.
- Role: Manages field repairs and assists with herding.
- Wealth: Carries 8 copper pieces.
Erik Trosk (Eldest Son, Tough Ranch Hand)
Medium humanoid (human), neutral
Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 22 (4d8+4)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 11 (+0) | 10 (+0) |
Skills Athletics +4, Intimidation +2, Perception +2
Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Actions
Hunting Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.
Reckless Strike (1/Short Rest). Erik can attack with advantage, but attacks against him also have advantage until his next turn.
Kiel Trosk (Younger Son, Watchful Scout)
Medium humanoid (human), neutral
Armor Class 12 (padded armor)
Hit Points 17 (3d8+3)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4, Animal Handling +3
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Actions
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.
Hide. Kiel can take the Hide action as a bonus action if he is in light cover or greater.
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