9. Lodriss’ Cottage
This “house” is actually a small dry-docked ship that is no longer river worthy. A line of laundry is strung across the deck on a line to dry. Four young children scamper about in play. One is climbing the broken single mast while two are jumping off the poop deck and yet another is throwing rocks over the side of the ship.Nestled on the west end of Nulb near the sluggish waters of the Imeryd's Run, Lodriss’ dwelling stands out even among the haphazard structures of the village. This cottage with creaking timbers and sagging floor seem a strange choice for a home, yet they perfectly encapsulate the chaotic charm of its owner, Lodriss, and her chaotic life with Captain Tolub.
Exterior Description
The cottage, is in a sorry state, the ship serves as both home and smuggling depot. Laundry flaps in the breeze, strung between the remains of the rafters. The lively sounds of children echo through the area as Lodriss’ young brood dart about in play. One child teeters dangerously on the broken mast, another hurls rocks into the muddy bank of the river, and two more are locked in a mock wrestling match on the deck.- Construction: A cottage now in disrepair, its hull patched with mismatched wood.
- Atmosphere: The dry-dock side cottage exudes a strange blend of family life and piracy, underscored by the faint clinking of concealed weapons below deck.
- Notable Features: Laundry lines across the dock, children playing noisily, and the faint scent of river muck mingled with old timber.
Interior Layout
The interior of the ship reflects the duality of Lodriss’ life: domestic chaos blended with a veneer of Tolub’s smuggling operations.- Captain’s Quarters: Lodriss’ private space, cluttered with her belongings, some modest jewelry, and the tools of her trade. Poison vials and concealed daggers are tucked amidst laundry and children’s toys.
- Guest Quarters: These cramped rooms serve as sleeping areas for her five children. Bedding made of mismatched cloth and barrels serve as makeshift furniture.
- Cargo Hold: This space belongs to Captain Tolub. It is filled with smuggled goods—primarily weapons and barrels of ale destined for the Earth Temple. The stronghold of Tolub's supplies.
- Lodriss: While Lodriss outwardly presents herself as the sharp-witted mistress of the Boatman’s Tavern, her life on the dry-docked ship reflects her deeper connection to Tolub’s smuggling operations. She views the house as a gift from Tolub, though she often grumbles about its poor condition and lack of permanence.
- Captain Tolub: Though Tolub provides for Lodriss and their children, his affections are split between his piracy and his lover. The cellar hold doubles as a storage space for his smuggling operations, making the dwelling a target should his enemies catch wind of his dealings.
- Children: They bring both joy and frustration to Lodriss’ life, their antics occasionally making her question her choices. While she genuinely loves them, she isn’t above enlisting them to fetch her daggers or run errands to the tavern.
- Smuggling Operations: The cellar hold of the cottage is critical to Tolub's dealings with the Earth Temple. Lodriss knows enough to keep her distance from the more dangerous aspects of this work but is fully aware of what lies below the cottage.
DM only: Secrets and Hidden Details
Smuggling Cache
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The cottage holds more than meets the eye, making it a location of interest for adventurers and rival factions alike.
- Smuggling Cache: The cargo hold contains a significant stash of weapons and ale kegs. These items are marked for delivery to the Earth Temple but could easily be diverted if discovered.
- Hidden Compartments: Tolub has hidden a small fortune in gold and gems beneath false boards in the captain’s quarters. Only Lodriss and Tolub know the exact location.
- Potential Encounters: Adventurers who stumble upon the ship may find themselves caught in a standoff with Lodriss or even Tolub himself, depending on the timing of their visit.
Adventure Hooks
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Adventure Hooks
- Rescue the Children: During a raid on the smuggling operation, the adventurers may have to protect Lodriss’ children from harm, earning her reluctant gratitude.
- Discover the Smuggling Cache: Clues about the Earth Temple’s operations could lead adventurers to search the cargo hold, forcing a confrontation with Tolub or his crew.
- Coerce Lodriss: Characters could attempt to leverage Lodriss’ frustration with Tolub to gain information about his operations, though this could backfire if she perceives a threat to her children.
Conclusion
Lodriss’ dwelling reflects the life of a pirate’s mistress, chaotic and filled with contradictions. Though she struggles to maintain a semblance of normalcy for her children, the shadow of Tolub’s smuggling operations looms large over her home. This cottage is more than just a quirky home—it is a hub of intrigue, danger, and opportunity for those brave enough to step aboard.
Lodriss’ Cottage by 3orcs
Lodriss’ Dwelling: A Dry-Docked Relic
Family DynamicsLodriss lives in a whirl of chaos, raising her children while navigating her entanglements with Captain Tolub and his smuggling empire.
The Children
- Lorne (9, male): The eldest, a bold and mischievous boy who idolizes Tolub.
- Karmie (8, female): Often the ringleader of games, with a streak of cleverness.
- Tolub Jr. (6, male): One of Tolub’s sons, energetic and defiant.
- “Skunk” (4, female): A fiery-tempered child with a penchant for trouble.
- “Lil’ Bastard” (2, male): Possibly Tolub’s child, though even Lodriss isn’t entirely sure.
Notable Details
- Location: West end of Nulb near Imerydy Run.
- Condition: Dilapidated but functional as both a home and a smuggling base.
- Occupants: Lodriss, her five children, and occasionally Tolub.
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