47. Nulb Constable
The Nulb Constable building, once a place of official authority, now lies in ruins — a shell of its former self. In the aftermath of decades of lawlessness, corruption, and the Temple of Elemental Evil’s growing influence, this once-important institution has devolved into a mere façade. The Constable is no longer an enforcer of justice but a powerless figurehead used to maintain the illusion of law and order in a town under the sway of pirates, cultists, and bandits.
"A man can only be broken so many times before he gives in. The badge, the uniform... they’re the last pieces of me that are still whole."
A Broken Tool of False Justice
The Nulb Constable building stands at the crossroads of the Low and High Roads, but the structure has fallen into neglect. Its once-pristine cobblestone walls are now weathered and cracked, and its iron gate, rusted and dilapidated, no longer serves to keep the chaos at bay. The building’s exterior seems to blend into the grime and disorder of the surrounding village. The once-proud emblem of justice is now tarnished, hidden behind layers of filth and corruption.
Inside, the Constable's office is dimly lit by flickering candles, casting long shadows across the dust-covered furniture. The once-organized desks are now cluttered with piles of unfiled papers, the walls adorned with faded posters that no longer hold any meaning. The smell of mildew hangs thick in the air, and the faint sounds of scuffling feet from the nearby docks or taverns filter in through the cracked windows.
"I used to be proud of this job... Now? It's a mask, a role I play to keep them from realizing I’m just as hollow as this village."
Character: Constable Edrick Malvaar
At the heart of the Constable’s building sits Edrick Malvaar, a once-proud figure of authority, now a broken man clinging to a title that has long since lost its meaning. Malvaar is a former soldier who served in Verbobonc’s military but was appointed to the position of Constable of Nulb when his career faltered. He arrived in Nulb years ago, eager to restore order to the chaotic village, but instead found himself drowning in corruption and deceit.
Once tall and broad-shouldered, Malvaar is now hunched, his face gaunt and pale from years of sleepless nights and deep-drinking. His eyes are clouded with a mixture of regret, fear, and frustration. He still wears his Constable’s uniform, though it is ragged and ill-kept, and he clings to his badge as though it were the only thing keeping him together. In truth, Malvaar’s position has become little more than a tool for the various factions that run Nulb: the pirates, the bandit lords, and, most notably, the agents of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Personality and Motivation
Malvaar is a man broken by the system he was meant to uphold. His heart yearns for justice, but he has long ago surrendered to the forces that control Nulb. He has made quiet pacts with local leaders, including Lady Nysera, the Tavern owner Lodriss, and even Dick Rentsch, in order to stay in power, though he knows these deals come at the cost of his soul. Despite the betrayal he faces, Malvaar still holds out hope for one final moment of redemption — to restore some semblance of order, even if only for a brief time. He desperately wants to believe that one day, true justice can be carried out in Nulb, though he knows in his heart it is a fantasy.
However, Malvaar knows that true power lies in the hands of others. The Temple of Elemental Evil’s agents have made it clear that his role is merely to act as a public figure while the real decisions are made behind closed doors. He is aware of his impotence but remains stubbornly clinging to his position.
Background and History
Edrick Malvaar’s rise to Constable of Nulb was a result of his connections with various influential figures in Verbobonc, especially Lord Marakios Willem Haxx , the mayor of Verbobonc and Viscounty tax collector. It was during the slow decay of the village, when banditry and piracy became rampant, that Malvaar was sent to oversee the area. He was seen as a man of potential, able to bring some semblance of law and order to a lawless place. Yet, despite his best efforts, the true power brokers of Nulb quickly made it clear that his presence was more symbolic than practical.
The Temple of Elemental Evil’s agents, especially those aligned with the Earth Temple, have turned the Constable into a puppet, one they can use to maintain a façade of order while they conduct their darker dealings in the shadows. Malvaar is fully aware of the Temple’s growing influence but feels helpless to do anything about it.
In addition, the pirates and bandits that frequent Nulb have taken advantage of Malvaar’s lack of true authority. They have used the Constable’s office as a place to launder stolen goods, negotiate underhanded deals, and mock the concept of law. As such, the Constable building has become a place of intrigue, false justice, and open corruption.
Connections and Relationships
Lady Nysera Krivaltis – The powerful owner of the Waterside Hostel. Though she uses Malvaar’s authority as a way to maintain appearances in Nulb, she holds the real power in the town. They share a strained and somewhat distant relationship, though Malvaar has a deep respect for her.
Dick Rentsch – The owner of the hostel and an agent for the Earth Temple. Rentsch and Malvaar have a mutually beneficial, if unspoken, relationship. Rentsch provides Malvaar with information about the happenings in Nulb in exchange for his continued compliance with the Temple’s will.
Wat – The bartender at the Waterside Hostel and a member of the Fire Temple faction. Wat has a more antagonistic relationship with Malvaar, seeing him as a weak tool that lacks the true power to maintain control. Though they share no direct animosity, Wat’s influence in the town is growing, which only reminds Malvaar of his helplessness.
Lodriss – The Tavern owner of the Boatman's Tavern, also deeply embedded in the Temple’s web. Lodriss and Malvaar have a tense working relationship, especially as they navigate their respective loyalties to competing Temple factions.
"Back in the day, the village feared me. Now they barely notice me. The fear’s been replaced with contempt... and that stings worse."
Adventure Hooks
- A Broken System: Malvaar calls upon the adventurers to assist in one of the few cases that require the Constable’s intervention — a case involving a corrupt merchant trying to sell off stolen goods. The adventurers must decide whether to expose the Constable’s weakness and the temple’s control over him or help him save face.
- The False Law: The adventurers are hired to carry out an investigation into a spate of mysterious deaths among the local serfs of Aldren Valegrave at 26. Valegrave Manor . The investigation will lead them into the dark dealings of the Constable and his relationship with Lady Nysera and other influential figures in Nulb. Can they topple the puppet masters and restore some semblance of true justice?
- Malvaar’s Last Stand: When the Temple decides to dispose of the Constable after he begins questioning his role in Nulb, Malvaar turns to the adventurers for help. He will offer them critical information about the Temple’s operations in exchange for their protection. Will the adventurers help him make a final stand, or will they let the corruption consume him?
- The Wererat Curse: Rumors swirl that Malvaar is being blackmailed by a shadowy figure within Nulb. The adventurers uncover a terrifying secret — the Constable is slowly being turned into a wererat by members of the Temple, and he may not be entirely in control of his actions. Will the adventurers expose his secret, or will they protect him from further ruin?
Conclusion
The Nulb Constable is no longer an institution of justice but a hollow figurehead, serving the dark powers that have claimed the village as their own. Edrick Malvaar is the last remnant of a law enforcement system that once held authority, now a broken man desperately trying to maintain the illusion of order. How the adventurers choose to interact with him will determine the fate of Nulb — whether they choose to aid him in his final moments or expose him for the weak and corrupted tool that he is. Regardless, the adventurers will become deeply entangled in the political intrigue, dark secrets, and shifting power dynamics that rule this corrupt village.
"I don’t care who you work for, who you kneel to—if you’ve got a problem in this town, it’s probably my mess to clean up. Whether I can or not... well, that’s another question."
Edrick Malvaar (CR 1)
Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral
Armor Class 14 (leather armor)
Hit Points 18 (3d8 + 3)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 12 (+1) | DEX 10 (+0) | CON 12 (+1) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 13 (+1) | CHA 9 (-1)
Skills Intimidation +1, Perception +3
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Flan
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Traits
Corrupt Authority: Can command minor underlings with a DC 12 Charisma (Persuasion) check once per day.
Disillusioned: Disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws against fear or charm.
Actions
Multiattack: One with shortsword, one with dagger.
Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, 5 ft., 1 target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.
Dagger: Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, 5 ft. or 20/60 ft., 1 target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.
Disarming Word (Recharge 5-6): DC 12 Wisdom save or disadvantage on next attack roll.
Equipment: Leather armor, shortsword, dagger, badge of authority, alcohol flask.
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