49. Burnt House

The Burnt House is a stark reminder of the darker times in Nulb’s troubled history. Sitting as a skeleton of its former self, this ruin is nothing but a shell of charred timber and partially collapsed walls. Located on the outskirts of the village, it is a prominent landmark that draws curious glances from travelers but offers no warmth or welcome.

Physical Description

What remains of the Burnt House are jagged, blackened beams protruding like broken teeth from the overgrown earth. The faint smell of ash still lingers in the air, a haunting echo of the fire that claimed the structure. Half-standing walls crumble at the edges, and scorched wood lies scattered about in a chaotic mess.
A cracked stone chimney rises stubbornly, the only part of the building to survive the flames. Around the house, weeds and brambles have grown unchecked, encroaching upon the charred ruin. No roof remains, leaving the skeletal frame open to the sky. Rainwater pools in the uneven ground, turning the area into a muddy, desolate expanse.

Key Features

• Charred Wood: The beams and remains of the structure are dangerously brittle and fragile.
• Overgrown Grounds: Thickets of nettles and tall grasses surround the ruin.
• Cracked Chimney: The lone surviving structure, soot-stained and leaning slightly to the left.
• Empty Interior: No furnishings or salvageable materials remain; all were consumed in the fire.

History

The Burnt House is a relic of one of Nulb’s many misfortunes. Though its origins are shrouded in rumor, the story passed around by the villagers attributes its destruction to either a tragic accident or an act of deliberate arson during a time of strife. Some claim it was once home to a family that fell victim to a feud with pirates, while others whisper that it belonged to an outsider who crossed Lady Nysera Krivaltis
Regardless of its past, the site now stands as a silent testament to Nulb’s harsh and violent nature. No attempts have been made to rebuild, and the ruins have been left as they are, a warning or perhaps a monument to forgotten grievances.

Local Legends

• Feud with Pirates: Some villagers believe the fire was a revenge attack orchestrated by The River Pirates.
• Lady Nysera’s Wrath: A darker tale suggests that Lady Nysera herself ordered the house burned to make an example of its former occupants.
• Accidental Fire: A few elders recall rumors of a cooking fire gone awry during a storm, with wind carrying the flames.

Present Use

The Burnt House serves no practical purpose. Locals avoid it, seeing it as little more than a blight on the village. Children sometimes dare each other to explore the ruins, but the fragile beams and splintered debris make it dangerous. Occasionally, stray dogs or other animals use it for shelter, though even they tend to stay away during storms.
While it attracts little attention from adventurers or villagers, the Burnt House remains a sobering landmark, a visual reminder of Nulb’s precarious existence.

Notable Interactions

• Children's Games: Some children in Nulb challenge one another to run through the ruins without touching the walls.
• Superstition: Some locals avoid the area entirely, believing it to be cursed or haunted by the spirits of its former occupants.

Conclusion

The Burnt House is a haunting ruin that embodies the struggles and scars of Nulb. Though its charred remains hold no treasure or tangible worth, they contribute to the village's atmosphere, serving as a grim reminder of the precarious lives led by its inhabitants. It is a place of eerie quiet and lingering shadows, fitting for a town as dark and troubled as Nulb.

DM Only: The Burnt House's Sinister Secret

The Fire and Its Origins

Show spoiler

The charred remains of this house tell a grim story of power and destruction. The fire that reduced this home to blackened rubble was the result of a devastating spell duel a decade ago. At the heart of the conflict was Asmoroth Eastrife, the former Lord of Nulb and a high-ranking archmage of the Temple of Elemental Evil. His opponents were an elite force of wizards from Veluna, sent to dismantle his growing influence. The battle ravaged not only this house but also the morale of the Temple’s leadership. Some say the defeat and subsequent death of Asmoroth during this duel did more to weaken the Temple’s dominance than the famed The Battle of Emridy Meadows.
Asmoroth is not reincarnated and is now Rahmsoot the caretaker at the 44. Nulb Graveyard

The Hidden Basement and the Dragon’s Lair

Beneath the burnt-out remains lies a partially concealed basement, which serves as the lair of Iczhihal, an adult black dragon. A subdued and loyal servant of Sir Pale Anders, the dragon remains bound by her defeat in battle. She now serves as his enforcer, mount, and occasional spectacle in the fighting pit known as The Pit.
Iczhihal’s lair is damp and reeks of decay, filled with the stench of her acidic breath and the remnants of her meals. The dragon rests in the farthest corner of the basement, partially hidden behind piles of gold and treasure she’s been gifted by her master to maintain her loyalty.

The Dragon’s Role in Nulb

Though Iczhihal cannot speak or cast spells, her mere presence is enough to strike terror into those who know of her existence. Sir Pale Anders, a mysterious and cruel figure in Nulb’s underworld, uses the dragon both as a guardian and a symbol of power. On occasion, she fights in the Pit, thrilling the village with displays of carnage as she easily dispatches malnourished slaves or feral creatures. These fights are more a spectacle of her dominance than true combat. She treats them as a form of feeding, which keeps her in high spirits.
While she serves willingly for now, Iczhihal is not without ambition. If mistreated or slighted, the dragon could become a volatile force of destruction, unleashing her wrath upon Nulb.

Iczhihal Black Dragon by 3orcs

Personality and Behavior

Iczhihal is unusually subdued for a black dragon, her will broken by her defeat at the hands of Sir Pale Anders. However, her Chaotic Evil nature persists, and she takes pleasure in her dominance when permitted to fight in the Pit. While she serves Anders loyally for now, her suppressed independence simmers beneath the surface, and she could easily become a deadly force should her loyalty falter.

"Iczhihal may be a subdued dragon, but her acid breath alone can turn even seasoned adventurers into puddles of regret. Handle her lair with caution, lest you awaken a wrath unbound."

Iczhihal’s Hoard

Iczhihal has amassed a considerable hoard within the basement, thanks to Sir Pale Anders’ efforts to keep her appeased. Hidden among the ashes and ruins, her treasures include:

• 45 gems (each worth 10–100 gp)
• 20 pieces of jewelry (each worth 100–200 gp)
• Scroll of Protection from Magic
• Potion of Clairaudience
• Bag of Tricks
• Mace +2
• Treasure Map (leads to a hoard containing 40 gems)
• Treasure Map (leads to a stash containing a Cloak of Protection +4 and Studded Leather +1)

Sir Pale Anders' Influence

Sir Pale Anders, a cunning and enigmatic figure, has a tight grip on Iczhihal. His charisma and control, bolstered by his status in Nulb, keep the dragon in check for now. Should he ever falter, the balance of power could quickly unravel. Adventurers who dare explore the Burnt House must tread carefully, as they may inadvertently provoke the wrath of Iczhihal or attract the attention of Sir Pale Anders, both of whom are formidable foes.

Burnt House, Nulb by 3orcs

Type

House

Parent Location

Nulb

DM only Encounter

Iczhihal, Adult Black Dragon (Subdued)

Large dragon, Chaotic Evil (CE)

• Armor Class: 17 (Natural Armor, equivalent to AC 3 in older editions)
• Hit Points: 136 (16d10 + 48; adjusted for 5e compatibility, or 35 in simplified encounters)
• Speed: 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
• STR: 19 (+4) | DEX: 14 (+2) | CON: 17 (+3) | INT: 12 (+1) | WIS: 11 (+0) | CHA: 15 (+2)
• Saving Throws: Dex +6, Con +6, Wis +4, Cha +5
• Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +6
• Damage Immunities: Acid
• Senses: Darkvision 120 ft., Passive Perception 14
• Languages: Draconic (cannot speak due to magical restraint)
• Challenge: 9 (5,000 XP)

Traits

• Amphibious. Iczhihal can breathe air and water.
• Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Iczhihal fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

• Multiattack. Iczhihal makes three attacks: one with her bite and two with her claws.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
• Hit: 18 (3d6 + 4) piercing damage.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
• Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) slashing damage.
• Acid Breath (Recharge 5–6). Iczhihal exhales acid in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 35 (10d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.