1. Nulb Guardhouse

The Nulb Guardhouse serves as the primary security post for Lady Lmag’s forces, strategically positioned at the entrance to Nulb. This old mud brick building, covered in golden-yellow plaster and topped with green tiles, is more than just a functional military outpost; it's a critical first line of defense and surveillance for the village. Its guards, clad in ring mail armor and donning the black raven on white tabards, are tasked with scrutinizing all who enter, maintaining a vigilant watch over Nulb’s gateway.

The Guardhouse

• Structural Details: The guardhouse, originally a simple home, has been adapted to its current role due to its advantageous location by the village bridge. Its exterior is somewhat weathered but sturdy, with a wild, unkempt front yard that adds to its less conspicuous appearance.
• Strategic Position: Located by the bridge that serves as the main entry point into Nulb, the guardhouse is ideally positioned for monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic, making it difficult for anyone to enter or leave the village unnoticed.

As the adventurers approach the rustic, somewhat foreboding entrance to the village of Nulb, they are immediately stopped by two rugged-looking guardsmen. The guards, standing broad-shouldered and menacing, lean away from the walls of the aged guardhouse, stepping into the path with deliberate intimidation. Their expressions are grim, and their tone is aggressive as they challenge the newcomers.

• Guard 1 (scowling, arms crossed): "Hold there! You’re not just wandering into Nulb without good reason. This place ain’t a tourist trap. Speak up, what's your business here?"
• Guard 2 (gritting his teeth, hand resting on the hilt of his sword): "Yeah, spit it out quick. Lady Lmag doesn't take kindly to strangers poking around. Who sent you here? Who are you planning to meet in our village?"

As the adventurers respond, the guards exchange suspicious glances, clearly skeptical of any answers provided.

• Guard 1 (interrupting, voice raised): "And just keep in mind, we don’t like trouble here. Any funny business, and you’ll find yourselves on the wrong end of our blades. So, best keep your intentions clear and your actions cleaner."
• Guard 2 (leaning forward, sneering): "Consider this your only warning. Nulb has its own way of dealing with nosy outsiders. Now, move along and remember, we're watching every step you take."

Background and Function

• Conversion to Military Use: The transformation of this home into a guardhouse was a strategic decision by Lady Lmag to bolster the village’s defenses against potential threats.
• Operational Role: It serves as the operational base for the guards who manage the security protocols for entry into Nulb, ensuring that all who enter are scrutinized and vetted.

Motivation and Duties

• Vigilance and Security: The primary motivation of the guards stationed here is to ensure the safety and security of Nulb by closely monitoring and controlling access to the village.
• Enforcement of Orders: Guards are ordered to question all visitors about their identity and purpose in Nulb, using their judgment to handle potentially dangerous or interesting visitors appropriately.

Personality and Team Dynamics

• Guard Characteristics: The guards are typically described as bored due to the routine nature of their duties, but they remain alert and ready to engage with any situation that disrupts the monotony.
• Team Interaction: Inside the guardhouse, the atmosphere is one of casual vigilance, with the guards often sharing duties and staying prepared for any signs of trouble.

Political Relationships and Opinions

• Alignment with Lady Lmag: The guards are loyal to Lady Lmag, upholding her orders and maintaining her rule within Nulb through their diligent service at the guardhouse.
• Views on Bandits and Pirates: The guards harbor a bitter disdain for the bandits and pirates who frequent Nulb. They view these groups as threats to the stability and safety of the village, though they also recognize the necessity of dealing with these elements as part of their duty.

Secret Treasure Stash

Show spoiler

Hidden Loot: Behind the guardhouse is a neglected dock with a sunken rowboat. Unknown to all, an old iron box containing 125 silver coins and a valuable ruby worth 200 gold pieces lies submerged with the wreckage, hinting at forgotten tales and untold riches just beneath the surface.

Conclusion

The Nulb Guardhouse is not just a sentinel post; it is a pivotal institution within the village’s security apparatus, manned by guards who play an integral role in the enforcement of Lady Lmag’s authority. Their constant vigilance and readiness to act make them a formidable barrier against the threats lurking around Nulb, ensuring the village remains a stronghold under Lady Lmag’s control.

The adventurers, wary but undeterred, pose their questions to the guards, seeking to understand the governance and the notorious reputation of Nulb. The guards, though initially dismissive, respond with a blend of pride and scorn.

• Guard 1 (with a mocking chuckle): "Who runs Nulb? That would be Lady Lmag, the iron fist in the velvet glove around here. Don't let the size of this place fool you; her reach and her rules weave through every alley and back door."
• Guard 2 (nodding with a grim smile): "As for the bandits and pirates, sure, they try to make this place their playground. But don't think for a second they run wild. They’re here because Lady Lmag allows it, and they follow her rules or they find themselves out on their ears—or worse."

The guards seem to take a certain enjoyment in detailing the control exerted by Lady Lmag and her forces.

• Guard 1 (leaning closer, lowering his voice): "Keeping order in Nulb isn’t like your fancy cities with their laws and guards at every corner. Here, we do it with an understanding. You respect the rules, you pay your dues, and you don’t cross Lady Lmag or her men."
• Guard 2 (with a sneer): "And if someone decides to stir up trouble or step out of line, well, let’s just say we handle things... efficiently. No need for courts and judges. Lady Lmag’s justice is swift and final."
• Guard 1 (straightening up, fixing his gaze on the adventurers): "Remember, in Nulb, you're under her eye from the moment you step in till you leave—if you leave. So keep your heads down, go about your business, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get to enjoy your stay without any... complications."

Nulb Guard House by 3orcs

Men-at-arms (4)

Name HP Armor Weapons

• Welz 4 Ring mail Crossbow, short sword
• Livick 3 Ring mail Crossbow, short sword
• Keeton 5 Ring mail Crossbow, short sword
• Allaway 3 Ring mail Crossbow, short sword

Sergeants Cafferty and Graves

Manage daily operational details and ensure the guards' adherence to orders.

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.

Raven Cloak

• Raven Cloak: While wearing this cloak, the wearer can use an action to turn into a raven for up to 10 minutes once per day. They can revert to their original form earlier by using an action.

• Tactics: Both sergeants are experienced combatants used to working in teams. They are familiar with the use of tactics like flanking and know how to utilize their environment in combat.

Note: these men-at-arms appear disciplined. Each is outfitted in the same manner, and each wears the black raven symbol of Lmag on a white tabard.

Type

Guard post / house

Parent Location

Nulb

Owner

Lady Lmag

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Pale Anders

Owning Organization

Lady Lmag's men

Lady Lmag icon by 3orcs