11. The Gillum
This grey and drab building is fashioned from weather worn planks of wood. It was once obviously white, but most of the original paint has chipped off over the years leaving a run-down appearance that fits the overall atmosphere in Nulb. A sturdy front porch holds a table and two benches along with an exotic green plant that appears to be sprouting needles. Along the stone walkway leading to the home is a standing wood sign. The wood itself is a single piece, planed and lacquered smooth, with the original rings and knot still apparent. A stylistic image of a living tree has been wood-burned onto the surface. The sign’s natural off-center knot appears to be a dark sun overlooking the tree. This is the Gillum family crest (a living tree under a dark sun), which means this must be the moneylender.Nestled within the ever-mysterious town of Nulb, the establishment known as The Gillum serves as more than just a cobbler’s shop. It is a critical hub of financial and informational exchange for a family deeply entrenched in the regional economics of power and secrecy. The grey, weather-worn building with its drab appearance belies the intricate network of influence and surveillance operated by its proprietors.
Description of The Gillum
The building known as The Gillum stands out due to its significant disrepair, a testament to the harsh environmental conditions of Nulb and perhaps a symbol of the neglect seen in broader societal structures here. Originally painted white, the structure is now stripped of much of its paint, revealing the bare, warped wood beneath. A distinct sign featuring a living tree under a dark sun signifies the establishment, marking the presence of the influential Gillum family within this decrepit town.The Gillum Family Background
Originating from Dyvers, the Gillum family has expanded its reach to encompass critical financial operations across multiple regions including the Viscounty, Veluna, and Furyondy.- Profession: Known predominantly as bankers and moneylenders, the Gillum name has become synonymous with financial dealings, wielding influence through wealth and extensive networks.
- Local Presence: Represented by Kasper, a shrewd agent, the family seeks to capitalize on the unrest and potential war profits stirred by the activities surrounding the Temple of Elemental Evil.
“Go into town and see if the Gillum can help you out.”
Kasper: The Agent in Nulb
Kasper presents a rugged appearance, with deep-set eyes and a frequently broken nose, dressed typically in loose silk shirts paired with leather pants.- Role and Motivation: As the family’s agent, Kasper’s role extends beyond mere financial transactions to include gathering intelligence on local developments, especially those related to the Temple of Elemental Evil.
- Neutral Stance: While his primary allegiance is to the financial gains of the Gillum family, Kasper maintains a neutral stance in local conflicts unless his life or the family’s interests are directly threatened.
- Elemental War: Kasper anticipates making coins off of the Temple of Elemental Evil clergy as well as even more coins from the surrounding lands should the whole mess escalate into outright war. No matter what happens, the Gillum family is prepared to come out on top.
"Watch closely, listen carefully, and speak rarely."
DM-Only Section: The Secrets of The Gillum
The Machinations of Kasper
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Kasper, the agent of the Gillum family in Nulb, operates with a calculated neutrality. His primary allegiance is to the Gillum family, and his actions are dictated by their interests, which he serves diligently under the guise of a mere moneylender. Here's a deeper look into Kasper's covert activities and relationships:
- Strategic Neutrality: Kasper maintains a neutral stance in the ongoing conflicts involving the Temple of Elemental Evil, ready to shift alliances as dictated by the Gillum family's directives. His neutral facade allows him to interact freely with various factions without arousing suspicion.
- Romantic Manipulations: While publicly fostering a romantic connection with Lmag, mayor of Nulb, Kasper remains emotionally detached. This relationship serves as a strategic ploy to gather intelligence. He is acutely aware of the power dynamics in Nulb and uses his relationship to monitor Lmag's plans and allegiances.
- Intelligence Gathering: Kasper’s role extends beyond financial transactions. He is a skilled spy for the Gillum family, tasked with collecting information about the political and economic shifts in Nulb, especially any movements related to the Temple of Elemental Evil. He discreetly reports all significant findings back to his superiors.
- Potential Villainy: To the players, Kasper might emerge as a villain if they discover his intricate dealings with temple leaders and his exploitation of local conflicts for monetary gain. His willingness to profit from the unrest may cast him in a morally ambiguous or outright nefarious light.
- Hidden Agendas: Despite his involvement with Lmag, Kasper's loyalty to the Gillum family remains unshakeable. His relationship is a calculated measure to further his espionage, making him a dangerous player in the game of shadows that envelops Nulb.
The Secrets of The Gillum
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Deeper Motives
The Gillum family, through Kasper, actively engages with various factions including potentially nefarious ones linked to the Temple of Elemental Evil, aiming to profit from the chaos.- Surveillance and Influence: Kasper’s interactions, especially with influential figures like Lady Lmag, are meticulously documented and reported back to his superiors, ensuring that the Gillum family remains several steps ahead in the political games of the region.
- Prepared for War: The Gillums are poised to exploit the situation irrespective of the outcome of the rising tensions around the Temple, ensuring their continued dominance in the financial landscape.
- Current Events: Kasper’s awareness of the potential escalation into war informs his strategies, aligning the family’s interests with those likely to offer the highest return on involvement, positioning The Gillum as a pivotal player in the unfolding regional drama.
Gillum Treasure and Security
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The financial acumen of the Gillum family is mirrored in the sophisticated security measures protecting their assets
Iron Box
Used for daily transactions, hidden beneath the counter behind a faux panel when not in use.- 200 cp, 200 sp, 200 ep, and 200 gp.
Redwood Box
Lined in black velvet. Contains valuable jewelry, including a diamond necklace and various rings, secured and hidden away from plain view.- A beautiful necklace that shimmers with diamonds of various sizes (5,000 gp)
- 3 obsidian rings (10 gp each)
- 2 blue quartz rings (12 gp each)
- a single pink rhodochrosite ring (15 gp)
- 2 bloodstone rings (50 gp each)
- 2 rich gold amethyst rings (100 gp each)
- 1 aquamarine ring (500 gp)
- exquisite ring with a large, clear diamond mounted above a blue sapphire (7,500 gp).
Bedchamber Chest
Features a trapped, iron-bound chest containing a considerable hoard of coins, jewels, and precious stones, protected by a poison needle, acid spray (10’ range, inflicting 5-20 points of damage), and a bluffing magic mouth spell.“You are now thieving from House Gillum. An image of you has been sent to our guild wizards. Leave now and take nothing. Or die.”
- 1,000 cp, 1,000 sp, 1,000 ep, 1,000 gp, and 500 pp.
- bag of 7 pearls (500 gp each)
- bag of 9 small diamonds (1,000 gp each)
- bag filled with 50 assorted ornamental and semi-precious stones (1,500 for the lot, each ranging from 10-50 gp in value).
Kasper the Moneylender
Level 6 Fighter
Kasper of Gillum by 3orcs
Guards of The Gillum
Within the confines of The Gillum, Kasper is protected by four loyal guards:- Names: Omeus, Narjin, Dumly, Kemp.
- Level 4 Fighter: Hit Points (HP) 23, 22, 21, 19
- Capabilities: Each guard is a competent fighter, equipped with banded armor and wielding either a battle axe or a crossbow.
- Role: Their primary duty is to ensure the security of The Gillum and its clandestine operations.
The Gillum by 3orcs
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