51. The Nulb Stables

The Nulb Stables have been a vital hub for travelers, traders, and local gangs in this lawless village. Formerly known as Martel’s Stables, Varek Thorne took over the stables after Martel’s disappearance under mysterious circumstances. His vision was to transform the stables into more than just a place for horses; it’s now a thriving covert operation, a meeting ground for criminals, mercenaries, and agents of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

The stables are nestled at the edge of Nulb’s squalid streets, near the main road to the river’s edge, in a building that seems as weathered and broken as the village itself. Half of the stables are reserved for Lady Nysera’s personal horses and those belonging to various criminals passing through. The other half is used for the horses of pirates, bandits, and mercenaries who frequent the area. The stables may appear somewhat unkempt, but Varek keeps them in working order—just barely—ensuring his dark business runs smoothly.

"You think the Temple’s power is confined to the ruins? They’ve got agents all over Nulb, lurking in the shadows."

— Varek Thorne

Description

The stables consist of a wooden structure with 24 stalls, a tack room, and a loft where Varek and his hired hands sleep. Some of the stall doors are broken or mismatched, and the walls have been patched with crude wood. The stables’ condition mirrors the state of the village: neglected but still functioning in the shadows. A damp, musty smell lingers in the air, and rats scurry underfoot. The interior is dimly lit by flickering cressets and the occasional glowing lantern.

The loft is filled with stacks of hay and spare parts for the horses, and it's clear that Varek doesn’t just run the business; he controls the flow of information and goods in Nulb. He keeps a watchful eye on the comings and goings of each person, using his position to gain influence with those involved in illicit activities.

Varek Thorne - Stablemaster of Shadows

• Physical Description: Varek is a tall, lean man in his early 40s with weathered skin and sharp, calculating eyes. His features are a mix of cunning and charisma, always keeping a pleasant smile, though there’s something cold behind his gaze. His clothes are practical but worn, and he’s never without his weathered leather gloves, stained with horse blood and grease.
• Background: Varek Thorne is a former mercenary captain who sought refuge in Nulb after a botched job left him with few allies. Seeing an opportunity in the lawless village, he took control of the stables and quickly made a name for himself. Varek has a history of working with bandits, pirates, and cultists, always looking to expand his influence.
• Personality: Varek is smooth-talking and persuasive but never trusts anyone fully. He uses people and situations to his advantage, and while he may seem amiable at first, his real loyalty lies with whoever is in power. He’s willing to betray allies if it means securing his survival and profit. His knowledge of the political and criminal landscape of Nulb gives him an edge over other factions vying for control.
• Motivation: Varek seeks to strengthen his grip on Nulb by aligning with the Temple of Elemental Evil and other powerful figures in the region. His goal is to dominate the black market, control the horse trade, and rise above the petty criminals who operate in the village. He knows that his dealings with the Temple and pirates are dangerous, but the payoff is too tempting to resist.

"I’m not a man who makes friends, but if you want to stay alive in Nulb, you’ll learn to make allies."

— Varek

Gwenna Stormshade - Stable Hand & Spy

• Physical Description: Gwenna is a stocky woman in her late 30s, with short-cropped, messy dark hair. Her skin is rough from working outside in the cold, and she has a no-nonsense demeanor. Her sharp green eyes constantly scan her surroundings, always alert for any threats.
• Background: Gwenna was once a sailor, but after a disastrous mutiny, she fled to Nulb, seeking a new life. She found employment at the stables under Varek, but over time, she became more involved in his covert operations. Gwenna has a network of informants and spies, using her sailing background to track smugglers and pirate activities.
• Personality: Gwenna is direct and blunt, not one for small talk. She is fiercely loyal to Varek and the cause, but she’s also pragmatic. She understands the importance of information and often works behind the scenes, gathering intelligence for Varek.
• Motivation: Gwenna seeks revenge against the pirate captain who betrayed her, but for now, she works to strengthen her ties with the criminal underworld of Nulb. She hopes to one day take control of the stables herself, but she needs Varek’s support to do so.

"A job’s a job, but this one comes with too many dirty secrets. You learn quickly in Nulb—keep your mouth shut."

— Gwenna Stormshade

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Key Locations

The Stables:

• A large building with 24 horse stalls, including ones reserved for Lady Nysera’s horses and private horses for various pirates and mercenaries.
• The loft houses Varek and his hired hands, who live amongst the hay bales and spare equipment.
• The tack room is filled with old saddles, bridles, and other horse equipment, but it also serves as a place to store contraband and weapons.
• The backroom is where Varek meets with his informants and criminals, making plans and trading secrets.

The Hidden Tunnel:

• Beneath the stables lies a secret tunnel that connects to the greater network of hidden passages beneath Nulb. This tunnel is used by Varek to smuggle horses, weapons, and goods in and out of the village. It also serves as a hidden escape route in case of trouble.

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Relationships and Factions

Lady Nysera Krivaltis :

• Varek plays a dangerous game with Lady Nysera, keeping her happy by caring for her prized warhorses while secretly undermining her authority by aligning with bandits and the Temple of Elemental Evil. He knows that Lady Nysera is not to be trusted, but for now, her influence over Nulb keeps him safe.

The Temple of Elemental Evil (Earth Temple):

• Varek has made covert deals with agents of the Temple, especially the Earth Temple faction. He knows that the rise of the Temple offers him an opportunity to seize more power in Nulb. By aligning himself with the Earth Temple, he hopes to protect his interests, even as the factions of fire, water, and air vie for control.

Pirates and Bandits:

• Varek has a network of pirates and bandits who use the stables for their operations, offering protection in exchange for horses and supplies. Varek feeds information to the bandits, keeping the peace between them and the other factions in Nulb.

"You want to know the truth? Everyone in this village’s got their own damn agenda."

— Gwenna

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Key Quests

1. The Black Horse Trade:

• Varek recruits the adventurers to help him acquire rare and valuable horses from the bandit clans in the region. This quest involves traveling to remote locations to secure the horses, but Varek’s true intentions are murky, and there are dark dealings afoot.

1. The Rival’s Maneuver:

• Lady Nysera seeks to undermine Varek by offering the adventurers a deal. The players must choose whether to help Varek fend off Nysera’s influence or betray him and work for her in exchange for power and riches.

1. A Horse for Secrets:

• Varek asks the adventurers to acquire a particular horse from a rival pirate crew, but this mission is fraught with danger. As the players discover, the horse holds a secret: it’s the key to unlocking a hidden cache of weapons and treasure.

1. The Hidden Network:

• After proving their loyalty, Varek reveals the secret underground network beneath the stables. The players are tasked with protecting and securing this hidden route, which will become a vital part of Nulb’s criminal underworld.

Varek Conversation on Nysera's horses

Varek (wiping his hands on a rough cloth as he steps out of a stall): "Ah, welcome, travelers. Not often we get new faces around here that aren't looking to stir trouble. You're standing in perhaps the only spot in Nulb where a bit of order reigns—thanks to the beasts that require it."(He gestures broadly to the stalls, particularly to two that house noticeably finer horses.)

Martel: "Those two beauties there—Chestnut and Pride—they belong to Lady Nysera and Sir Torvel. High-profile clients, you understand. Their care? It's not just a job; it's a delicate art and, frankly, a bit of a political play."

(Varek leads the adventurers closer to the stall housing a large, robust warhorse.)

Varek: "See this big fella here, Chestnut? He's not just any warhorse; he's one offinest in the Viscounty. Sir Torvel's pride, if you will. Every strand of hair, every hoof, looked after with the precision only the best stablemaster can offer—which, modesty aside, is me."

(He chuckles softly, then his expression turns serious as he points to a sleek, white stallion in the next stall.)

Varek: "And Pride, that one belongs to Lady Nysera herself. Light as a feather but fierce as any storm on the battlefield. Taking care of him is more than feeding and grooming. It's ensuring he's battle-ready at a moment's notice, which suits her needs for both show and utility."

Varek: "It's a hefty responsibility, keeping these noble creatures in top form. They're not just animals; they're symbols of their owners' power and status. Neglect the horse, and you neglect the relationship, see? And in a place like Nulb, where alliances shift quicker than the river's current, maintaining good standing with folks like Lady Nysera and Sir Torvel is essential for survival."

(He pauses, looking each adventurer in the eye to gauge their understanding.)

Varek: "So, while you're here, respect the role these animals play in the delicate balance of power. And if you're wise, you'll learn that in Nulb, sometimes, the best way to understand the rulers is through the reins they hold their steeds with."

"A Horse for a Secret, A Stable for a Spy."

Nulb Stables by 3orcs

Varek Thorne by 3orcs

Varek Thorne

Stablemaster of Shadows

Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil

• AC 14 (Leather) | HP 38 (6d8+12) | Speed 30 ft.
• STR 12 (+1) | DEX 14 (+2) | CON 14 (+2) | INT 13 (+1) | WIS 12 (+1) | CHA 16 (+3)
• Skills Deception +5, Insight +3, Persuasion +5 | Senses Passive Perception 11 | Languages Common, Thieves' Cant
• Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Actions:

• Charm (Recharge 5-6): DC 13 Wisdom save or be charmed 1 hour.
• Shortsword: +4 to hit, 1d6+2 piercing.

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Gwenna Stormshade by 3orcs

Gwenna Stormshade

Stable Hand & Spy

Medium humanoid (human), neutral

• AC 14 (Leather) | HP 27 (5d8+5) | Speed 30 ft.
• STR 10 (+0) | DEX 15 (+2) | CON 12 (+1) | INT 14 (+2) | WIS 13 (+1) | CHA 10 (+0)
• Skills Investigation +4, Perception +3, Stealth +4 | Senses Passive Perception 13 | Languages Common, Elvish
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Actions:

• Dagger: +4 to hit, 1d4+2 piercing.
• Sneak Attack: 1d6.

Type

Stables

Parent Location

Nulb