42. Ormund’s Cottage
Ormund Trosk’s Cottage
"The land ain't loyal to anyone. You work it, fight for it, and sometimes, bleed for it. But it ain't yours. Not really."
Location & Description
Nestled on the outskirts of Nulb, near the treeline where the Gnarley Forest gives way to the marshy banks of Imeryd’s Run, Ormund Trosk’s cottage serves as both home and refuge. A simple but sturdy structure, the cottage is built from rough-hewn timber, its thatch roof patched with scraps of old tarp, showing the wear of years of hardship. A small corral sits to the side, where a handful of ailing livestock are kept—animals too sick or injured to be returned to Bramblethorn Ranch, the herding outpost that Trosk oversees.
Inside, the cottage is functional, not comfortable. A rough wooden table, a stone hearth, and a single shelf filled with tools and dried foodstuffs make up the living space. A weathered cot against the back wall serves as Trosk’s bed, while a locked chest beneath it holds the last remnants of a life spent fighting for survival.
Ormund Trosk – The Hardened Herdsman
A man of scarred hands and weary eyes, Ormund Trosk has spent his life driving cattle, breaking horses, and defending his land from thieves, cultists, and worse. As the overseer of 31. Bramblethorn Ranch , he’s one of the last independent herdsmen left in Nulb—a fact that puts a target squarely on his back.
Appearance:
- Broad-shouldered, but showing the wear of hard years.
- Greying hair, often hidden beneath a stained woolen cap.
- Sun-worn skin, lined with scars from old battles.
- Wears a faded leather coat, patched together with whatever he could scavenge.
Personality:
- Blunt and Practical – Has no patience for fools or dreamers.
- Loyal to His Own – Protects those who work the land alongside him.
- Suspicious of Outsiders – Trust must be earned, not given.
"I've had my fill of men with silver tongues and empty hands. You want my trust? Work for it."
Ties to Bramblethorn Ranch
While Ormund oversees the daily operations at Bramblethorn Ranch, he sleeps at his cottage in Nulb, unwilling to risk an ambush at the ranch itself. The ranch is under constant threat—bandits, pirates, and the ever-growing influence of the Temple of Elemental Evil all seek to claim the land or its resources.
- Lady Nysera Krivaltis – Ormund begrudgingly pays bribes to her men, but refuses to swear fealty.
- The Church of the Elder Eye – Cultists have pressured him to supply livestock, but Ormund refuses.
- The River Pirates – Smugglers have offered protection in exchange for cattle, but Ormund knows better than to trust men who live by the sword.
"They call it ‘tribute.’ I call it extortion."
The Cottage’s Secrets & Conflicts
Hidden Stockpile
Beneath a loose floorboard, Ormund keeps a small stash of stolen livestock brands—proof that Lady Nysera’s men have been rustling cattle from Bramblethorn Ranch and selling them to the River Pirates. He hasn’t dared act on it yet, but if adventurers gain his trust, he might share the evidence.
The Failing Livestock
The animals corralled near the cottage aren’t just injured—some show signs of unnatural sickness. Ormund suspects foul play but has yet to prove whether it’s poisoning, a curse, or something worse.
The Old Blade
Ormund keeps an old cavalry saber hidden beneath his cot—a relic from his younger days as a militiaman in Verbobonc. He hasn’t drawn it in years, but if things in Nulb get worse, he might have to.
"I ain't much for fightin' anymore, but if you push me, you'll learn why I lasted this long."
For Dungeon Masters Only – Secrets & Plot Hooks
The Livestock Conspiracy (Roleplaying & Investigation Hook)
Ormund has evidence that the Iron Talons are stealing cattle and selling them to fund their operations in Nulb. If the adventurers agree to help, they might uncover a smuggling ring that stretches deep into Lady Nysera’s inner circle.
The Sickness in the Herd (Mystery & Supernatural Hook)
Something is tainting the livestock—a slow sickness that won't heal, no matter the remedy. If the adventurers investigate, they might discover a dark ritual at the Church of the Elder Eye, a necrotic parasite, or even a cursed relic buried beneath the ranch.
Protect the Herdsman (Combat & Survival Hook)
The Iron Talons, River Pirates, or Cultists might decide that Ormund is more useful dead than alive. If the adventurers are nearby, they could be the only thing standing between him and a gang of hired killers.
Conclusion
Ormund Trosk’s Cottage is more than just a herdsman’s home—it is a battleground for survival in a town where power shifts like the tide. Whether the adventurers ally with him, expose his secrets, or exploit his vulnerabilities, one thing is certain:
In Nulb, no one stays neutral forever.
“Livestock is simple. Feed them, protect them, and they give back. People? People are far more dangerous.”
Ormund Trosk – The Hardened Herdsman
A man of scarred hands and weary eyes, Ormund Trosk has spent his life driving cattle, breaking horses, and defending his land from thieves, cultists, and worse. As the overseer of Bramblethorn Ranch, he’s one of the last independent herdsmen left in Nulb—a fact that puts a target squarely on his back.
Comments