38. Nulb Town Hall
Nulb Town Hall stands as a somber testament to the governance and community gatherings of the village. This structure serves multiple purposes, from administrative functions to public meetings and occasional banquets. Despite its significant role, the hall mirrors the overall grim ambiance of Nulb, under the stern oversight of Lady Nysera Krivaltis.
Court House Description
Physical Structure: The Town Hall of Nulb is a long structure with a height that speaks more of aspiration than achievement. Constructed from sturdy mud bricks, the hall boasts a distinctive green-tiled roof, under which a bronze bell hangs, used to summon the townsfolk to gatherings and announcements. The facade is marked by two large white oak doors that lead into a welcoming vestibule flanked by staircases ascending to a spectator balcony. The interior is relatively austere with hard-packed dirt floors and minimal decoration, emphasizing functionality over form.- Exterior Features: Green tiled roof, bronze bell, banner of Lady Nysera.
- Interior Layout: Main hall with a granite slab table, raised stone dais, and a high-backed chair for Lady Nysera.
Town Hall Background
Historical Significance: The Nulb Town Hall has been the civic center of the village for generations. It has witnessed numerous leadership changes and has been a silent spectator to the turbulent history that often sweeps through Nulb. Over the years, the building has deteriorated, reflecting the declining fortunes of the village it serves.- Construction Era: Built several decades ago, with various repairs over the years.
- Role in Community: Serves as the primary location for village governance and public meetings.
Relationships
Interactions with Local Entities: The Town Hall's proximity and functionality tie it closely to key locations and figures in Nulb, particularly the Waterside Tavern and Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness. While it stands as a symbol of order, its use and significance vary greatly depending on the current political climate and the level of control exerted by Lady Nysera Krivaltis.- Connection with Waterside Tavern: Often the venue for pre- or post-court gatherings.
- Influence of Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness: Serves as a venue for enforcing Lady Nysera's decrees and showcasing her authority.
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Secret Operations
Political Intrigues and Hidden Agendas: Unbeknownst to most, the Town Hall occasionally serves as a meeting point for covert operations, particularly those involving the Gillum Family and other clandestine activities in Nulb. Lady Nysera has also been known to conduct private negotiations here, especially pertaining to dealings with the Temple of Elemental Evil.- Surveillance: Unknown to most, parts of the hall are under constant watch by Lady Nysera's trusted agents.
- Secret Meetings: Used by Lady Nysera and her advisors for planning and strategy sessions, especially in matters concerning the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Treasure and Artifacts
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Concealed Wealth and Artifacts
A hidden compartment beneath the granite slab table contains documents and small treasures, including signed pacts with unknown entities and cursed items kept for safekeeping away from the prying eyes of the villagers and adventurers alike.- Hidden Compartment: Contains sensitive documents, a small cache of gold, and several minor magical artifacts.
- Security Measures: The hall is protected by subtle magical wards that alert Lady Lmag to any unauthorized entry or tampering with hidden assets.
Nulb Court Days
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Lady Nysera holds court every three days at the Nulb Town Hall. This is the primary time the building is officially in use. The court session begins at midday, signaled by three rings of the town bell. The turnout is generally low, with attendance fluctuating based on the day's agenda—usually between 4 to 14 villagers. The session starts with the herald announcing the court's opening and the presence of Lady Nysera or any notable figures from the surrounding regions if applicable.
Judgment Procedures
Court sessions primarily focus on the adjudication of accused criminals, presented by Constable Rizzi. Each accused is given a chance to defend themselves after Rizzi lays out the accusations and evidence. Lady Nysera, largely influenced by Rizzi's accounts, delivers verdicts and assigns punishments based on her judgment. Typical punishments include hanging, mutilation, forced slavery, public humiliation, or banishment under harsh conditions.Details of Punishments
- Hanging until dead
- Drowning in mud
- Mutilation (loss of limbs or other body parts)
- Slavery in the Pit (ranging from one month to a lifetime)
- Public humiliation (caged and nude until near starvation)
- Physical torment (such as boiling water poured by townspeople)
- Psychological punishment (wearing a mask made of dead animal skin for a week)
- Legal abandonment (victim’s rights and properties are unprotected for three days)
- Banishment under demeaning conditions (e.g., naked and covered in honey, cursed blind)
Grievances and Petitions
After criminal judgments, villagers may present personal grievances or requests, agreeing to abide by Nysera's decisions. This portion allows for direct interaction with Nysera, where villagers can seek favors or make suggestions regarding village affairs. Foolhardy individuals might even criticize Lmag’s rulings, though this is risky.Proclamations and Closing
The session concludes with any official announcements, followed by the herald closing the court. Villagers are then ushered out, and the hall is secured.Security and Presence at Court
Lady Nysera is guarded by Sir Torvel Hawke, along with two men-at-arms, during all court sessions.Constable Rizzi - A Hidden Wererat
Rizzi, the Nulb Constable, has been a wererat for the past eight years, a fact known only to a select few including Lady Nysera and a handful of her close associates. He commands loyalty from his infected deputies, Hedgre and Naezoth, who were turned after attempts to escape custody led to violent encounters with Rizzi. Despite his outward appearance as a disheveled and brash lawman, Rizzi holds considerable sway in Nulb due to his position. He remains pragmatic about his future, ready to abandon Nulb for larger cities like Dyvers or Greyhawk City if his circumstances in the village deteriorate.
Nulb Town Hall by 3orcs
Services and Motivation
Lady Nysera utilizes the Town Hall to hold court and address the administrative needs of Nulb. The hall is open to the public every three days when court is in session, beginning at midday marked by the ringing of the bell. The town hall's setup supports its use for both official duties and larger community gatherings such as banquets.- Court Sessions: Held every three days, sparsely attended by villagers.
- Community Events: Occasionally hosts banquets and other large gatherings.
- The Condemned: Are escorted and thrown into the cells at 47. Nulb Constable
Rizzi the Constable of Nulb by 3orcs
Type
Public hall / house
Parent Location
Owner
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
Lady Lmag icon by 3orcs
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