Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness

In the deceptive tranquility of Nulb, Lady Nysera has established a formidable and highly structured military force. Lady Nysera’s enforcers, known locally as Nysera’s Iron Talons, are a fiercely loyal band of mercenaries, loyalists, and hired swords. The Nysera's Iron Talonsare a disciplined yet unofficial militia under the command of Lady Nysera and her loyal seneschal, Sir Torvel Hawkes. Although not recognized as the legitimate rulers of Nulb, the Talons act as a de facto police force, patrolling the chaotic streets and vying for dominance against pirates, bandits, and rival factions. Their primary goal is to secure control over the village for Lady Nysera, laying the groundwork for her ascent as the rightful "Baroness" of Nulb.

"When the Iron Talons march through Nulb, even the pirates keep their heads down. They’re not here to ask nicely."

Key Military Figures

Structure and Dynamics

Nysera’s Iron Talons are not merely hired muscle; they are a disciplined and unified force, often clad in tunics bearing Lady Nysera’s chosen banner: the black raven on a white field. Their dual roles as protectors of her manor and enforcers of her political ambitions position them as a significant power within Nulb.

Functionality

This chain of command is not just about maintaining military discipline but also ensures loyalty and secrecy within the ranks, crucial for the execution of Nysera's hidden agendas.

• Sir Torvel Hawke: A noble from Veluna, known for his honor and leadership during The Battle of Emridy Meadows. His loyalty to Nysera, formed under duress, has since turned into a complex allegiance shaped by respect and a shared vision for Nulb.
• Grarg Ironhide: Second-in-command and enforcer. Brutal and intimidating, often used to handle “problematic” situations.
• Captain Torran Duskbane: A tactical leader with a magnetic personality, respected by his men for his fairness and strategic acumen.
• Lieutenants Finley and Reeves: Towering figures, both in stature and in their role as personal protectors of Lady Nysera.
• Sergeants Cafferty and Graves: While Cafferty brings a charismatic, youthful energy to his role, Graves adds a layer of quiet observation and strategic thinking, making them effective overseers of the troops.

"The Iron Talons don’t take sides; we enforce the Baroness’s law, nothing more."

Daily Operations and Patrols

The military’s daily operations are rigorously structured, with guards stationed at strategic points like the bridge entrance and 33. Baroness Manor to oversee and control movement and maintain security.

• Patrol Patterns: 24 seasoned Men-At-Arms divided into three 8-man squads. Regular patrols are not merely for show but serve as a tactical maneuver to assert dominance and deter any unrest or rebellion against Nysera’s rule, with sergeants rotating between static and mobile guard duties to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Bridge Garrison: A dedicated squad stationed at the cottage across the bridge leading into Nulb, controlling access to the village.
• Strategic Importance: The bridge cottage serves as a checkpoint, allowing the Iron Talons to monitor and challenge anyone entering Nulb from the direction of Hommlet.
• Tensions: The pirates and bandits of Nulb resent the Talons’ control of this vital chokepoint and frequently attempt to undermine their position.
• Patrol Squads: Two mobile squads that patrol the streets, monitor key locations, and engage with rival factions.
• Avoiding the Waterside Hostel: The Talons steer clear of the 1. Waterside Hostel of Nulb, aware of Dick Rentsch’s entrenched influence and the presence of his Temple of Elemental Evil agents.

"The Talons and the pirates are like two storms crashing against each other. We’re the ones drowning in between."

Baroness Manor

• Primary Stronghold: The Talons use 33. Baroness Manor as their headquarters, fortifying it as a base of operations and a symbol of Lady Nysera’s ambition.
• Close Protection: Sir Torvel, Grarg, and a small contingent of Talons provide personal security for Lady Nysera.

Appearance and Equipment

The Iron Talons are equipped with practical yet intimidating gear, blending mercenary utility with a hint of heraldry.

• Uniforms: Black and white tunics with a raven emblem, though many wear weathered cloaks suited to swamp conditions.
• Weapons: A mix of longswords, spears, and crossbows, with a handful trained in wielding shields emblazoned with the raven crest.
• Specialized Gear: Leather boots reinforced for swamp traversal, and signal horns for calling reinforcements.

Role and Motivation

Role in Nulb
Nysera’s Iron Talons act as both peacekeepers and predators. In a village as chaotic as Nulb, The Talons exist to help Lady Nysera consolidate power in Nulb, positioning her as the village’s leader in both name and practice.

• Law Enforcement: Quelling brawls and disputes, but only when it benefits Nysera.
• Revenue Collection: Collecting tariffs from traders and “protection fees” from local establishments.
• Military Muscle: Serving as a deterrent to rival factions like Dick Rentsch’s would-be militia or pirate crews.

"Her soldiers are loyal to her ambition, not the village. Nulb’s just the stepping stone they’re sharpening their blades on."

Motivations

• Loyalty to Nysera: Many of the Iron Talons genuinely believe in her vision of restoring order to Nulb.
• Ambition: Others see their service as a stepping stone to power or wealth.
• Fear: Some are bound by their fear of Sir Torvel’s discipline and Nysera’s wrath.

Relationships with Local Bandits and Pirates

The Iron Talons maintain a tense but functional relationship with Nulb’s lawless factions.

• Contentious Coexistence: While Nulb is a haven for various unsavory characters, Lady Nysera’s forces maintain a delicate balance of power, often using the bandit and pirate presence to their strategic advantage while ostensibly striving to keep their activities in check.
• Bitter Rivalries: There are underlying tensions between Nysera’s men and the local bandit crews, rooted in competition for control over Nulb’s lucrative illicit activities.
• The Iron Dagger Crew: Captain Tolub and Grud Squinteye  respect Nysera’s power but chafe under her authority. The Iron Talons maintain an uneasy truce with the Iron Dagger pirates. Both factions respect each other’s strength but clash over territorial control and resource acquisition.
• Dick Rentsch’s Militia: A brewing rivalry, as Dick seeks to challenge Nysera’s dominance. The Waterside Hostel owner openly opposes the Talons, aligning himself with the Temple of Elemental Evil to consolidate his power.
• Strategic Interactions: While there is an inherent hostility between Nysera’s forces and the local bandits, there is also a level of strategic tolerance, where Nysera’s men sometimes engage with these groups to manipulate outcomes that favor Nysera’s broader schemes.
• Underlying Tensions: The relationship is fraught with tension and occasional clashes, but also marked by a grudging respect stemming from mutual recognition of power and influence in the region.

Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market

The Iron Talons maintain an uneasy relationship with the 4: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market. Though they do not outright control this hub of commerce and debauchery, they view it as a critical location for maintaining their influence in Nulb.
Skole, Ex-Riverman and Smuggler

• Relationship with the Talons: Skole and his connections with the smugglers and rivermen often frustrate the Iron Talons’ efforts to impose control over trade. The Talons see him as an opportunist who thrives in Nulb's chaotic environment.
• Tension: Sir Torvel Hawkes tolerates Skole as a necessary evil but keeps a close watch on his dealings, often stationing a pair of Talons near the market during peak hours to monitor activities.

Lodriss, Barmaid and Mistress of the Tavern

• Relationship with Lady Nysera’s Men: Lodriss views the Iron Talons as rivals to Captain Tolub's hold over Nulb’s trade routes and power structure. The Talons, in turn, see her as a dangerous influencer with ambitions that clash with Nysera’s goals.
• Interactions: Talons frequent the tavern for reconnaissance, occasionally clashing with Lodriss’s loyal patrons. Despite these tensions, Sir Torvel Hawkes is cautious in escalating conflict, knowing the importance of Lodriss's influence.

The Tavern as a Battleground

• The Iron Talons' Presence: While not dominant, the Talons attempt to project strength at the tavern, subtly reminding everyone of Lady Nysera’s ambitions.
• Tactical Importance: The tavern serves as a key location for gathering intelligence and keeping tabs on competing factions like the pirates and bandit crews aligned with Lodriss and Captain Tolub.

Temple of Elemental Evil

Nysera’s Iron Talons are unwittingly enmeshed in the Temple’s web of influence. The Talons are aware of the Temple’s presence but tread carefully. Lady Nysera’s tenuous alliance with Temple agents ensures a measure of cooperation while maintaining plausible deniability.

• Lucius Graeme: A covert ally who uses the Iron Talons to further the Temple’s goals without their full awareness.
• Hedrack: His agents view the Iron Talons as useful pawns in Nulb’s power struggles.
• Smigmal Redhand and Bandits: While the Talons occasionally cooperate with bandit crews for mutual benefit, these alliances are fragile and fraught with betrayal.

Secret Military Endeavors

• Covert Operations: Beyond their overt military duties, certain members of Nysera’s forces engage in espionage, gathering crucial intelligence about political shifts, potential uprisings, and movements of rival factions, which Nysera uses to maneuver political landscapes to her advantage.
• Hidden Agendas: These secret endeavors are pivotal in maintaining Nysera’s grip on power and advancing her interests in the chaotic political environment of Nulb and beyond.

Conclusion

Lady Nysera’s military force is a crucial pillar of her power in Nulb, characterized by a strict hierarchy, disciplined operations, and a dual function of public order and private ambition. Their presence not only fortifies Nysera’s rule but also intricately weaves into the complex tapestry of Nulb’s daily life and its shadowy politics. As the visible arm of Nysera’s authority, they are a force of stability in the otherwise tumultuous environment of the village, balancing between enforcement and the strategic tolerance of Nulb's darker activities.

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Sir Torvel Hawkes Men-At-Arms

The Men-At-Arms serving under Lady Nysera in Nulb form a disciplined and formidable military unit. Led by Sir Torvel Hawkes, these 24 soldiers are crucial in maintaining order and enforcing Lady Nysera's rule over the village. Their adherence to a strict chain of command and their combat experience make them an effective force in managing both the internal dynamics of Nulb and external threats.

Operational Dynamics

• Leadership Oversight: The sergeants, Cafferty and Graves, play pivotal roles in operational oversight. One sergeant supervises the guardhouse, coordinating defenses and managing entry protocols, while the other supports mobile patrols, reinforcing security across key points like the grain tower and checking in periodically to maintain operational integrity.
• Close Protection: The lieutenants and Sir Torvel Hawkes, along with Grarg, Lady Nysera’s henchman, provide close protection to Lady Nysera. They ensure her direct security and accompany her during public appearances and private meetings, ready to act against any threat.

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Nysera’s Hidden Agenda

Nysera uses the Iron Talons not only to maintain order but to expand her influence over Nulb’s factions, all while shielding her deeper ties to the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Temple’s Puppet: The Temple of Elemental Evil funds some of the Iron Talons ’ operations, though neither the rank-and-file nor Sir Torvel is fully aware of this.
• Sacrificial Lambs: If Nysera’s schemes fail, the Iron Talons are expendable, serving as a buffer between her and her enemies.

Adventure Hooks

The Talons’ aggressive enforcement creates friction with other factions in Nulb, providing adventurers with opportunities to exploit or mediate these tensions.

• Rivalry with Dick Rentsch: The adventurers are hired by Dick to investigate and undermine the Iron Talons operations.
• Pirate Entanglement: The Iron Talons must escort a “sensitive” cargo to Nysera Haven Manor, drawing the ire of the Iron Dagger crew.
• Temple Schemes: Lucius Graeme covertly recruits the adventurers to infiltrate the Iron Talons and plant false intelligence.
• Spies and Saboteurs: Temple agents may seek to infiltrate the Talons or sow discord within their ranks.
• Leadership Challenges: Rival factions might attempt to bribe or assassinate key Talon leaders, including Sir Torvel or Grarg.
• Talons’ Loyalty: Players could test the loyalty of individual Talons, turning them against Lady Nysera or swaying them to their cause.
• Conflict at the Bridge: Adventurers traveling to Nulb may encounter the Iron Talons at the bridge checkpoint, sparking opportunities for negotiation or confrontation.
• Factions at Odds: Players could find themselves caught between the Talons and a rival faction, choosing sides or exploiting the chaos for their own gain.

"Strength from Shadows, Loyalty to the Raven"

Iron Talons Patrol by 3orcs

"Every corner of Nulb feels their eyes. The bridge, the market, even the taverns—they’re everywhere."

Nysera’s Iron Talons

• Leader: Sir Torvel Hawke, Loyal Knight and Commander
• Base of Operations: Nysera's Baroness Manor, Nulb
• Purpose: Enforce Baroness Nysera’s rule, protect her interests, and expand her influence
• Banner: Black raven on a white field.

Numbers and Training

• Total Strength: Approximately 30 enforcers, divided into squads.
• Training: Sir Torvel insists on drills and discipline, ensuring they outperform the typical ruffians of Nulb.

Nysera’s Drakes Leaders

• Second-in-command and enforcer Grarg Ironhide: Brutal and intimidating, often used to handle “problematic” situations.
• Captain Torran Duskbane: The capable captain who ensures the troops are disciplined and combat-ready.
• Lieutenants Finley and Reeves: Personal guards to Lady Nysera, tasked with her immediate security.
• Sergeants Cafferty and Graves: Manage daily operational details and ensure the guards' adherence to orders.

Captain Torran by 3orcs

Lieutenant Finley by 3orcs

Lieutenant Reeves by 3orcs

Founding Date

570

Type

Military, Crew

Alternative Names

Raven Cloaks

Training Level

Semi-professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Leader

Nysera Krivaltis

Location

Nulb

Controlled Territories

• 13. The Gallows Table
• 14. The Burnt House
• 26. Valegrave Manor
• 30. Millhouse
• 31. Bramblethorn Ranch
• 32. The Grain Tower of Nulb
• 33. Baroness Manor
• 37. Tailor & Netter
• 38. Nulb Town Hall
• 42. Ormund’s Cottage
• 44. Nulb Graveyard
• 47. Nulb Constable - Old Version
• 5. Nulb Guardhouse
• Marker’s Fieldstead
• Nulb

Notable Members

• Grarg Ironhide
• Pale Anders
• Torran Duskbane
• Torvel Hawke

Related Species

• Humans of Greyhawk

Related Ethnicities

• Flannae Flan
• Half-Elves
• Oeridian Oerid
• Suloise Suel

Related Plots

• DM Notes - The Role of Nulb in T1-4 Temple of Elemental Evil

Lady Nysera Wax Seal by 3orcs

Patrols and guards

In general, Iron Talons are kept stationed at a few different locations in the village.

• Guards : Guardhouse: Men-At-Arms (6) by the bridge entrance into Nulb.
• Guards: Baroness Manor: Men-At-Arms (4) men stand guard at the front entrance of Easthome.
• Guards: Baroness Manor: Men-At-Arms (2) men stand guard on the back balcony of the house.
• Guards: Nulb In addition to these static guards, Men-At-Arms (6) patrol the village.

Sergeant Cafferty

• humanoid (human), lawful evil
• Armor Class: 16 (Chain mail)
• Hit Points: 22 (4d8 + 4)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
• 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 10 8 (-1) 11

Equipment: Chain mail, broadsword, longbow, 20 arrows, raven cloak.

Sergeant Graves

• Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil
• Armor Class: 15 (Studded leather, shield)
• Hit Points: 15 (4d8)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
• 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 10 16 (+3) 6 (-2) 9 (-1)

Equipment: Studded leather, shield, longsword, dagger, raven cloak.