Zassil'torr 'Torfen'
Nestled deep within the shifting wetlands of the Fens of Tor lies Zassil'torr, a secluded lizardfolk village where ancient traditions and precarious neutrality have allowed its people to survive the encroaching dangers of a changing world. Its name, derived from the Draconic tongue, translates to "Waters of Survival." The humans of the surrounding lands call this village 'Torfen'. Cultures clash among the stilted houses on the Zassil’torr swampy islands—here trade is useful but the very presence of foreign trader spark tension with the tribes.
Zassil’torr maintains a delicate relationship with outsiders, trading rare swamp herbs, poisons, and medicinal mushrooms. The presence of human merchants, pirates, and adventurers is tolerated but heavily monitored. Export Goods
Hidden deep within the Fens of Tor, 1. Zis’drek’tor: The Trader’s Hollow serves as a secretive trading post where isolationist lizardfolk from the swamp barter rare herbs, poisons, and exotic fungi for steel weapons and foreign goods. Overseen by the shrewd Askivirin, the Apprentice Storyteller, the hollow is tightly guarded by scouts and giant lizards, ensuring outsiders tread carefully in this delicate yet vital economic hub of Zis’drek’tor.
Lizardfolk Village
Zassil'torr, serves as both sanctuary and trade hub for lizardfolk tribes and those daring enough to navigate the dangerous fens. The village is suspended above the marsh on stilts, with wooden walkways and rope bridges connecting homes and communal spaces. The humid air is alive with the sound of croaking frogs and buzzing insects, while lanterns made of bone and reeds cast an otherworldly glow during the foggy nights.Leadership and Worship
Leader: High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant
High Warden Ssalissar is a venerable and wise lizardfolk leader devoted to Semuanya, the god of survival and propagation. Ssalissar’s guidance ensures Zassil’torr remains balanced between its traditions and the practical necessity of dealing with outsiders. Known for their calm demeanor and piercing yellow eyes, Ssalissar often conducts rituals to honor Semuanya and fortify the community's resilience.Cultural Tensions
The Rise of the Demon CultWitch Doctor Ssarkosh, the Whispering Flame
While Ssalissar upholds the pragmatic ways of Semuanya, Ssarkosh, the village’s enigmatic witch doctor, has begun to sway younger, ambitious lizardfolk to the worship of Sess'innek, the tanar’ri lord of dominance and civilization. Preaching from hidden shrines in the swamp, Ssarkosh promises power and dominion over the fens, creating a rift within the village.Religious Strife
Ssalissar views Sess'innek’s influence as a corrupting force that jeopardizes the unity and survival of Zassil’torr. The tension between Semuanya’s quiet survivalism and Sess’innek’s aggressive doctrine threatens to fracture the village.Geography and Layout of Zassil’torr
Zassil’torr is built on a network of islands surrounded by murky waters and dense undergrowth. The village's design prioritizes practicality and survival:- Central Platform: A large, raised wooden structure used for gatherings, rituals, and trade.
- Ssem’thakka Shrine: A stone altar dedicated to Semuanya, adorned with offerings of fish and eggs.
- Hunter’s Roost: The communal armory and meeting place for hunters.
- Hidden Shrines: Scattered throughout the swamp, these secretive sites are where Ssarkosh gathers his followers.
Economy and Trade
Neutral Trade HubZassil’torr maintains a delicate relationship with outsiders, trading rare swamp herbs, poisons, and medicinal mushrooms. The presence of human merchants, pirates, and adventurers is tolerated but heavily monitored. Export Goods
- Herbal medicines and rare fungi.
- Poisons derived from swamp fauna.
- Lizardfolk-crafted tools and weapons.
Female Status and Privilege in Zassil’torr
In Zassil’torr, female lizardfolk occupy roles of great importance, particularly as caregivers, artisans, and spiritual leaders. Their status is easily recognized through their elaborate headwear, clothing, and ceremonial accessories. The brighter and more intricate a female’s appearance, the higher her rank and responsibilities within the community.1. Low-Tier Status: Marsh Mothers
These are the primary caretakers of hatchlings and maintainers of community sustenance. They are responsible for gathering herbs, preparing food, and tending to the breeding pool2. Mid-Tier Status: Matron Guardians
These females serve as intermediaries between the Marsh Mothers and village leadership. They are responsible for guarding the young and assisting shamans in minor rituals.3. High-Tier Status: Egg-Wardens
The most respected female lizardfolk, Egg-Wardens are spiritual leaders second only to the shamans. They are entrusted with the safekeeping of eggs and the education of hatchlings.Notable Locations
1. Zis’drek’tor: The Trader’s Hollow
The Trading Heart of Zassil'torrHidden deep within the Fens of Tor, 1. Zis’drek’tor: The Trader’s Hollow serves as a secretive trading post where isolationist lizardfolk from the swamp barter rare herbs, poisons, and exotic fungi for steel weapons and foreign goods. Overseen by the shrewd Askivirin, the Apprentice Storyteller, the hollow is tightly guarded by scouts and giant lizards, ensuring outsiders tread carefully in this delicate yet vital economic hub of Zis’drek’tor.
2. The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern
2. The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern is the heart of Zis’drek’tor’s social life, where lizardfolk gather to drink potent swamp-brewed concoctions and discuss village matters. Overseen by Szassk, Keeper of Brews, this elevated, stilted structure exudes rustic charm and serves as a hub for both camaraderie and ideological debate, especially between loyalists of Semuanya and followers of the Swamp Seer, Ssarkosh.3. The Hunters’ Perch
3. The Hunters’ Perch serves as the bustling heart of Zassil’torr’s hunting and trapping operations. Elevated on sturdy swampwood stilts, this large hut is both a workshop and a gathering place for the village’s skilled hunters. Under the leadership of Huntmaster Tazzirik, the Perch is where lizardfolk prepare skins, dry meats, and train their prized giant lizards for mounts and combat. Surrounded by reed pens and drying racks, the Perch exudes the essence of survival and resourcefulness, embodying the tribe’s connection to the Fens of Tor.4. Zassil'torr Reptile Pens
The 4. Zassil'torr Reptile Pens are a vital part of village life, serving as the breeding, training, and holding grounds for the village’s prized giant lizards and frogs. Located at the swamp’s edge, these open reed pens are half-submerged in murky water, reflecting the lizardfolk’s unique harmony with their environment. Here, giant war lizards are trained as fearsome mounts, and oversized amphibians are cared for, both critical to the survival and defense of Zassil’torr. The pens are a hub of activity, with handlers feeding, tending, and preparing these creatures for trade or battle.5. & 6. Watch Platforms of Zassil’torr
Perched high above the swamp, the 5. & 6. Watch Platforms of Zassil’torr provide vigilant oversight of the village’s surroundings. Built on sturdy wooden stilts and topped with reed thatch coverings, these platforms serve as lookout posts against intruders and predators. Equipped with primitive alarm systems like drums and signal horns, the platforms are manned by alert lizardfolk sentries who are ready to raise the alarm or defend their home.7. Zassil'torr Fishery
The 7. Zassil’torr Fishery is a bustling, open-air hub where lizardfolk process and preserve the swamp’s aquatic bounty. Elevated on stilts above the marsh, the fishery features reed baskets brimming with freshly caught fish, clay chimneys for smoking meat, and racks for drying. Skilled lizardfolk workers use ancient techniques, including pickling with swamp herbs and brines stored in clay jars. Always vigilant, the fishery workers are quick to defend themselves or retreat into submerged tunnels if danger arises.8. Crafting Huts of Zassil’torr
The 8. Crafting Huts of Zassil’torr are a bustling hub of lizardfolk ingenuity and resourcefulness. These modest reed huts serve as workshops for artisans shaping clay pots, weaving intricate reed baskets, and crafting tools and weapons from bone and wood. The rhythmic clatter of tools and the steady hum of activity make this location vital to the village’s survival and cultural identity.9. The High Warden’s Stilt Hut
9. The High Warden’s Stilt Hut is a commanding structure in the heart of Zassil’torr, elevated above the swamp to signify its importance. From here, High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant oversees the village’s operations, manages external relations, and enforces devotion to Semuanya, the lizardfolk god of survival. The hut serves as both an administrative center and a sanctuary for strategic planning, with maps, tribal records, and sacred artifacts adorning its interior. Its elevated position allows for a clear view of the village and surrounding marshlands, embodying the High Warden's watchful gaze over Zassil’torr.Subterranean Dens of Zassil’torr "The Rooted Sanctum"
10. - 13. The Rooted Sanctum: Breeding Chambers
Nestled deep within the submerged tunnels of Zassil’torr, 10. - 13. The Rooted Sanctum: Breeding Chambers are sacred chambers where the future of the lizardfolk is nurtured. Guarded by elite warriors and devoted caretakers, the dens symbolize the tribe’s commitment to survival and propagation, embodying the teachings of Semuanya. Outsiders are strictly forbidden, ensuring the sanctity of this vital location.14. The Guard Room of The Rooted Sanctum
14. The Guard Room of The Rooted Sanctum is situated just outside the sacred shrine of Semuanya in the submerged labyrinth of The Rooted Sanctum, this guard room serves as the first line of defense for Zassil’torr’s most sacred site. This cavernous chamber is half-filled with tepid swamp water and brims with the foreboding energy of vigilant guardians.15. The Rooted Sanctum: Semuanya’s Shrine
14. The Rooted Sanctum: Semuanya’s Shrine, a hallowed chamber carved from ancient stone. The walls depict the cycle of life through intricate carvings of lizardfolk thriving in the swamp. Here, offerings of swamp creatures, rare herbs, and carved idols are made to honor Semuanya, the deity of survival and propagation. The shrine is a place of prayer, divine connection, and ritual, where the faithful seek blessings for their tribe’s endurance.16. The Guard Barracks of Zassil’torr
16. The Guard Barracks of Zassil’torr in The Rooted Sanctum serve as the beating heart of Zassil’torr's subterranean defense. Positioned strategically between the Breeding Pools and the Guardroom leading to Semuanya ’s Shrine, this location acts as a vital muster point for the village’s elite defenders.17. The Shaman Dens of Zassil’torr
17. The Shaman Dens of Zassil’torr, located deep within the submerged network of The Rooted Sanctum, are sacred quarters dedicated to the minor shamans who serve as spiritual advisors and caretakers of the village’s traditions.18. High Warden Ssalissar's Meeting Den
The private chambers of 18. High Warden Ssalissar's Meeting Den serve as a central hub for leadership, spiritual training, and decision-making within the Rooted Sanctum. A balance of practicality and reverence defines this space, echoing the dual roles of Ssalissar as both a pragmatic leader and devout follower of Semuanya.19. High Warden Ssalissar's Sleeping Chambers
A secluded, elevated space within The Rooted Sanctum, these chambers serve as the private quarters for 19. High Warden Ssalissar's Sleeping Chambers. Decorated with woven reed furnishings and an ivory shrine to Semuanya, the room is both a sanctuary and a place for quiet reflection. Hidden within the shrine is a secret tunnel leading to deeper mysteries. Strictly off-limits to outsiders, the chambers embody the reverence and secrecy of lizardfolk culture.20. The Hidden Treasure Shrine of Semuanya
20. The Hidden Treasure Shrine of Semuanya. Deep within the subterranean network of The Rooted Sanctum, beyond the private sleeping chambers of High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant, lies a concealed treasure shrine. This secret chamber serves both as a sacred tribute to Semuanya and as a repository for the most valuable possessions of Zassil’torr.21. The Prison Cells of Zassil’torr
21. The Prison Cells of Zassil’torr are grim, foreboding chambers located deep beneath the lizardfolk village of Zassil’torr. Used sparingly and only for the most severe cases—whether intruders, traitors, or captives awaiting judgment by High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant—these cells reflect the lizardfolk’s pragmatic and survivalist nature.22. The Meeting Pools of Zassil’torr
22. The Meeting Pools of Zassil’torr serve as a natural convergence point where diplomacy, ritual, and secrecy intertwine. These flooded caverns are a crucial hub for the lizardfolk of Zassil’torr, hosting emissaries, negotiations, and clandestine meetings with the amphibious Bullywugs from the Fens of Tor.23. Guardroom to the Dens of Zassil’torr
The 23. Guardroom to the Dens of Zassil’torr is a critical defensive station designed to thwart any intrusion into the lizardfolk village. This location lies between the Meeting Pools and the sanctum itself, acting as a protective barrier against any uninvited outsiders or swamp-based threats.24. The Great Cavern of the Giant Lizard Breeding Pools
24. The Great Cavern of the Giant Lizard Breeding Pools is an essential location for the lizardfolk tribe of Zassil’torr. This vast, waterlogged cavern serves as both a breeding ground and a nursery for the giant lizards that are central to the tribe’s culture, economy, and survival.Life in Zassil’torr
Zassil'torr's unique daily rhythms and traditional structures are shaped by the swampy environment and the pragmatic ideals of Semuanya.Architecture
Stilted Wooden Buildings:- Elevated to avoid periodic flooding, most structures are perched on wooden stilts.
- Houses serve as homes for multiple related families and feature communal cooking fires underneath.
Daily Life and Basking Rituals
Basking- Morning and evening hours are marked by communal basking, as lizardfolk warm their bodies on rooftops or in small, secluded yards.
- These sessions last from 20 minutes to an hour, after which Lizardfolk begin their daily tasks.
- Under the oppressive heat of the afternoon sun, Zassil’torr’s streets are quiet, with only mammals lingering outdoors.
- Lizardfolk gather in close quarters or around fires for warmth after sunset but remain inactive for long stretches.
- If business must occur at night, it is conducted softly, with gestures like friendly arm pats or two-handed handshakes reinforcing camaraderie.
The Worship of Semuanya in Zassil’torr
Role of Semuanya in Lizardfolk Culture
Semuanya represents the neutral and pragmatic ideals of survival and propagation, the foundational tenets of civilized lizardfolk societies.Divine Ideals
- Survival of the tribe above all else.
- Practicality over emotion.
- Reproduction and continuity of the species as sacred duties.
- The Dawn Shrine, a holy site dedicated to Semuanya, serves as a hub for spiritual guidance and tribal governance.
DM-Only Secrets
Show spoiler
Adventure Hooks for Players
- Diplomatic Mission: Help Ssimneer restore balance to Zassil'torr by mediating disputes and uncovering Ssarkosh’s plans.
- Ritual Sabotage: Stop Ssarkosh’s dark rituals before he can awaken Rasskarth the Great Lizard King in the ruins of Zyssaneth.
- Pirate Ambush: Intercept Captain Marad Vesrek’s shipments of Daggercap Mushrooms to weaken the pirate-shaman alliance.
Secret Hooks
- Hidden Relics: The Dawn Shrine houses artifacts that could sway the balance of power between Semuanya and Sess'innek.
- Corrupted Allies: Ssarkosh’s influence may spread to trusted members of Kassarin’s council, creating opportunities for betrayal.
- Semuanya’s Silence: While Ssimneer communes with Semuanya, the god remains distant, testing the village’s resilience.
- The Fens’ Power: Ancient ruins and magical energies in the Fens could tip the scales in the players’ favor—or unleash further chaos.
Monstrous Inhabitants
- Lizardfolk Raiders: Fierce tribes protect their territory, though some are swayed by Zassil’torr’s call for trade.
- Undead: Restless spirits and shambling corpses haunt forgotten ruins.
- Black Dragon: Legends of a great wyrm rising from the depths fuel fear throughout the region.
Adventure Hooks
- Dragon’s Return: Seek the lair of the rumored Black Dragon Vorthlyxx and uncover its connection to Rasskarth the Great Lizard King at the ruins of Zyssaneth.
- Cult Unrest in Zassil’torr: Mediate between the factions in Zassil'torr or exploit the tensions for personal gain.
- Qalnossk’s Secrets: Investigate the ancient site of Zyssaneth and the growing influence of the Lizard King’s cult.
- Rescue from Nulb: Free captives destined for the Temple of Elemental Evil, navigating pirate-infested waters and lizardfolk ambushes.
Significant Locations
- The Black Pool: A shadowed, deep-water area said to be the lair of Vorthlyxx the Black Dragon.
- The Sinking Cathedral: Ruins of a Flannae Flan temple, filled with spectral guardians and dark relics.
- Pirate Coves: Hidden inlets along the Imeryds Run where raiders dock their plunder.
The Growing Threat of Ssarkosh and Sess'innek
Ssarkosh, the Swamp Seer
Ssarkosh, the Swamp Seer seeks to supplant Ssimneer’s leadership, introducing the worship of Sess'innek and a militarized vision for Zassil’torr.- Ambitions: To awaken Rasskarth, the Great Lizard King in the ruins of Zyssaneth, and lead Zassil'torr in conquest.
- Cult of Sess'innek: Ssarkosh’s followers embrace chaos and domination, rejecting Semuanya’s neutrality.
- Pirate Influence: Captain Marad Vesrek and his crew trade illicit goods, including Daggercap Mushrooms, which Ssarkosh uses to solidify his influence.
- Trade Impact: Captain Vesrek’s dealings introduce wealth but also erode Zassil’torr’s neutrality.
- Motivations: Vesrek views the Fens as a lucrative and exploitable frontier, aligning with Ssarkosh for mutual benefit.
Conclusion
Zassil'torr stands at a crossroads, torn between the pragmatic teachings of Semuanya and the ambitious, chaotic vision of Sess'innek’s followers. For adventurers, the village offers intrigue, danger, and the opportunity to shape the fate of the lizardfolk and the Fens of Tor. Whether players ally with Kassarin, confront Ssarkosh, or exploit the pirates’ schemes, Zassil'torr is a dynamic setting brimming with possibilities.Maps
-
Zassil'torr 'Torfen'
Lizardfolk Village. Nestled deep within the shifting wetlands of the Fens of Tor lies Zassil'torr, a secluded lizardfolk village where ancient traditions and precarious neutrality have allowed its Lizardfolk to survive the encroaching dangers
High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant by 3orcs
High Warden Ssalissar the Vigilant
venerable female lizardfolk druid 7- Medium Humanoid (Lizardfolk), Neutral
- Armor Class: 15 (natural armor, ceremonial robes)
- Hit Points: 68 (8d8 + 32)
- Speed: 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
- Saving Throws: Wis +7, Con +6
- Skills: Insight +7, Nature +4, Persuasion +5, Religion +5
- Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Draconic, Common
Show spoiler
Traits
- Amphibious. Ssimneer can breathe air and water.
- Calm Presence. Friendly creatures within 10 feet of Ssimneer gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.
- Divine Guidance. Once per day, Ssimneer can grant a creature within 30 feet a +10 bonus to an ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
- Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
- 1st level (4 slots): Bless, Cure Wounds, Sanctuary
- 2nd level (3 slots): Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon
- 3rd level (3 slots): Mass Healing Word, Spirit Guardians
- Multiattack. Ssimneer makes two melee attacks.
- Ceremonial Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage and 4 (1d8) radiant damage.
- Summon Swamp Beasts (1/Day). Kassarin summons 2d4 giant lizards or 1d4 crocodiles to aid her in combat. The creatures remain for 1 hour or until dismissed.
- Protective Ward. When a creature within 10 feet of Kassarin is hit by an attack, she can reduce the damage by 10 as a reaction.
This tall, but hunched, lizardfolk woman wears a tall, pointed hat and billowing bright white robes fringed with charred orange.
High Warden Ssalissar
- Appearance: A tall, aged lizardfolk woman with weathered scales and bright orange-fringed robes. She carries a staff adorned with sun symbols.
- Personality: Wise and patient, Ssimneer is a diplomat at heart, though her age and exhaustion sometimes leave her vulnerable to the village’s growing tensions.
- Leader of Zassil'torr: Ssimneer has guided the village for over six decades, mediating disputes and expanding trade with human merchants in Ashton.
- Reluctant Reformer: While Ssimneer values Zassil'torr’s neutrality and traditions, she has made compromises—such as restricting cannibalistic funerals—to maintain good relations with outsiders.
- With the Merchants of Ashton: Ssimneer oversees the trade of rare herbs and elixirs, ensuring Zassil'torr’s survival through diplomacy.
- With Ssarkosh: She views Ssarkosh’s rise with concern but hesitates to confront him directly, fearing a tribal schism.
- With Captain Prelos: Ssimneer distrusts Prelos and his crew of the Devil’s Song, suspecting their trade of Daggercap Mushrooms undermines Zassil’torr’s stability.
Type
Hamlet
Location under
Included Locations
- 1. Zis’drek’tor: The Trader’s Hollow
- 10. - 13. The Rooted Sanctum: Breeding Chambers
- 14. The Guard Room of The Rooted Sanctum
- 15. The Rooted Sanctum: Semuanya’s Shrine
- 16. The Guard Barracks of Zassil’torr
- 17. The Shaman Dens of Zassil’torr
- 18. High Warden Ssalissar's Meeting Den
- 19. High Warden Ssalissar's Sleeping Chambers
- 2. The Bitter Marshbrew Tavern
- 20. The Hidden Treasure Shrine of Semuanya
- 21. The Prison Cells of Zassil’torr
- 22. The Meeting Pools of Zassil’torr
- 23. Guardroom to the Dens of Zassil’torr
- 24. The Great Cavern of the Giant Lizard Breeding Pools
- 3. The Hunters’ Perch
- 4. Zassil'torr Reptile Pens
- 5. & 6. Watch Platforms of Zassil’torr
- 7. Zassil’torr Fishery
- 8. Crafting Huts of Zassil’torr
- 9. The High Warden’s Stilt Hut
Notable Folk
- Huntmaster Esskavril the Silent (location 3)
- Inskaraz (location 2)
- Second Lightkeeper Vassessar (location6)
- Storyteller Ssimneer (location 8)
This orange elixir sheds light as a candle. It tastes like honey and sunflower. The drinker benefits from regenerate, but regrowing body parts takes two days, or one day with full bed rest and one hour of sun. The drinker gains a permanent lizard-like quality, such as patches of fine scales on the regrown limb.
Costs 6,600 gp
Whispers & Rumors
Zassil'torr, cloaked in the mists of the Fens of Tor, is not immune to the whispers of treachery and danger that drift through its stilted walkways and shaded clearings. The village is rife with rumors, intrigue, and hidden agendas that pose challenges for outsiders and residents alike.
Show spoiler
The Riverrunner Company: Pirates in Disguise
- Hidden Truths: The Riverrunner Company, presenting itself as a legitimate merchant group, has established a campsite just outside Torfen despite warnings from lizardfolk about the dangers of the swamp at night.
- Pirate Connection: In reality, the Riverrunners are none other than Captain Garik Marath gang, posing as traders on behalf of the Belsornig Water Temple. They act as intermediaries, smuggling rare herbs harvested by lizardfolk to the temple.
- Weekly Trade: Garik makes a trade visit weekly to trade with the lizardfolk, exploiting their goods while gathering intelligence about Torfen’s secrets.
The Black Dragon Vorthlyxx the Shadowed Maw
- Secret Worship: A shadowy cult within Zassil'torr has begun venerating the black dragon Vorthlyxx, who is said to demand offerings of treasure stolen from visitors or sacrificial victims chosen from "lost" humanoid traders.
- Lair of Wealth: Rumors suggest that Vorthlyxx resides in the ruins of Zyssaneth filled with immense wealth and ancient magical artifacts.
- Temple Interests: The Riverrunners have passed this information to the Belsornig Water Temple, prompting the temple to begin plans to exploit the dragon’s resources.
Lore Behind the Name
- Vorthlyxx stems from ancient Draconic, meaning “Dark Guardian” or “Swamp Sentinel.”
- Shadowed Maw reflects the dragon’s ability to blend with the mists and shadows of the Fens, striking fear into those who dare trespass in its territory.
Role in the Lizard King’s Lore
Vorthlyxx has long served as the guardian of the Zyssaneth ruins where the Great Lizard King rests, driven by a pact forged during the king’s reign.- The dragon views the ruins not only as its lair but as a sacred duty, ensuring no mortal desecrates the site or disrupts the king’s eternal slumber.
- Its alliance with Sess'innek aligns it with the Witch Doctor’s plans, as Vorthlyxx sees the return of the Great Lizard King as a means to expand its own dominion.
The Hangmen’s Involvement
- Naelin’s Crew: The notorious brigand company called The Crimson Reapers, has learned of Vorthlyxx’s lair at the ruins of Zyssaneth from Riverrunner whispers.
- Planned Raid: The operations leader in Nulb, Rom Khavernus (company wizard) is organizing a crew led by Felix Fahnor to pillage the site, seeking both the dragon’s hoard and the power of its magical artifacts. This growing tension could draw Zassil'torr into direct conflict with pirates and outsiders.
Other Rumors and Tensions
- Spying on the Dawn Shrine: A mysterious, soggy humanoid has been seen observing the Dawn Shrine from a hiding spot along the southern riverbank. Their intentions remain unclear.
- Taboos and Fears: Visitors fear their bodies may be eaten upon death, while lizardfolk dread the dishonor of their corpses being left unconsumed.
- Storyteller Ssimneer’s Resentment: Ssimneer, the village’s chief storyteller, has been using his influence to obstruct the marriage of Inskaraz and Aurelian, citing technicalities. His bitterness at their happiness has cast a shadow over the village’s social dynamics.
Adventure Hooks for Dungeon Masters
Show spoiler
- Uncover the Riverrunner Plot: Adventurers are hired to investigate the Riverrunner Company’s true motives, uncovering their ties to Captain Garik Marath and Canon Belsornig High Priest of the Water Temple.
- Vorthlyxx’s Lair: Players learn of the black dragon Vorthlyxx’s hoard and must decide whether to confront the dragon, defend Zassil'torr, or exploit the lair for their own ends.
- Stop the Hangmen: Prevent The Crimson Reapers crew from raiding the swamp and clashing with Zassil'torr, potentially aligning with the village for mutual survival.
- Rasskarth’s Challenge: The party must quell the growing unrest stirred by Rasskarth, the Devourer, a long-dead lizard king who worshipped Sess'innek, perhaps through negotiation or by confronting the Dragon Vorthlyxx at the ruins of Zyssaneth.
- The Southern Watcher: Track the soggy humanoid spying on the Dawn Shrine, uncovering whether they are a scout, thief, or something more sinister.
Village Dressing
- Three lizardfolk wearing dark leather astride monitor lizards ford the river into Zassil'torr. They carry cleaned deer carcasses. Once the hunters dismount, the lizards wander back across the river.
- Several small lizardfolk children bask sleepily in the sun, on the back of a dozing horse-sized lizard. One motionless child curiously watches the PCs A lizardfolk drummer narrates a tense tale to rapt listeners. The expressive tone conveys high drama even for those who don't speak Draconic.
- An old lizardfolk tells younger lizardfolk scary stories about how dead lizardfolk who aren't properly eaten become vengeful undead.
- A half-orc complains loudly that insects and stirges never bite lizardfolk.
- Two warriors wearing black and silver scale-paint and carrying bone-toothed morningstars challenges you, calling you unworthy of Zassil'torr.
Comments