18. Otises Smithy and Stable

In the murky village of Nulb, Otises Smithy and Stable stand as a testament to the duality of function and secrecy. Known for his formidable strength and his seemingly simple life as a blacksmith, Otis hides a deeper, more complex role as a guardian and observer, aligned with the forces of good against the encroaching darkness of the Temple of Elemental Evil.

Description of Otises Smithy and Stable

Otis's establishment is essential for the daily operations within Nulb, providing necessary services for the townspeople and travelers alike.

• Structure and Layout: The smithy is robust, equipped with the tools and facilities to shoe horses, mend armor, and perform minor weapons work.
• Staff: Assisted by a stable ‘boy’ who is less than sharp and a keen-eyed rat-faced apprentice, Otis manages a busy yet efficient workspace.
• Local Presence: Frequently seen at 3. Waterside Hostel of Nulb, Otis is a known figure in Nulb, respected for his skills and occasionally feared for his brawling capabilities.The smithy is robust, equipped with the tools and facilities to shoe horses, mend armor, and perform minor weapons work.

Facility Overview

Otis's establishment is not just a workplace but a well-equipped facility handling everything from horse shoeing to minor weapon repairs.

• Main Services: Horse shoeing, armor mending, and weapons repairs.
• Additional Features: Houses two guard dogs for security, signaling an extra layer of protection against unwelcome intrusions.

Scene at Otis's Smithy and Stable

As a group of adventurers ride up to Otises Smithy and Stable, the stable boy, Chon, spots them from across the yard. Eager to assist, he hurries over with a welcoming smile, ready to attend to their needs.
Stable Boy Dialogue: Chon (cheerfully waving): "Greetings, folks! Welcome to Otis’s. I’m Chon, and I’ll be here to help with your horses. What can we do for you today?"
Adventurer (dismounting): "We’re looking to stable our horses for a couple of nights. Could you show us the facilities?"
Chon (gesturing towards the well-kept stalls behind him): "Absolutely, right this way. We offer a full range of services including feeding, grooming, and overnight stabling. Each horse is five silver a night, with additional services if you’re interested."
Adventurer: "Sounds good. And the grooming?"
Chon (leading the horses to their stalls): "That would be an extra three silver per horse. Includes a thorough clean, mane and tail brushing, and hoof care."
Adventurer: "We’ll take the grooming services as well. Thanks for the help, Chon."
Chon (smiling as he starts to lead the horses away): "My pleasure! I’ll make sure they get the best care. Anything else you need, just give a shout."

Smithy and Stables Services

Horse Shoeing

The foundational service of the smithy, crucial for maintaining the health and performance of horses used for travel and labor.

• Basic Shoeing: 5 silver pieces (sp) per horse
• Specialized Shoeing (for difficult terrain or armored horses): 8 sp per horse

Armor Mending

Otis's expertise extends to repairing damaged armor, which is essential for adventurers and guards in the region.

• Minor Repairs (dents, re-strapping): 10 sp per item
• Major Repairs (significant damage, resizing): 15-30 sp per item, depending on the extent of damage

Weapon Maintenance

• Sharpening and Aligning: 5 sp per weapon
• Minor Repairs (fixing small breaks, replacing grips): 8 sp per weapon

Custom Work

For those requiring more specialized attention to their equipment or bespoke creations.

• Custom Horse Shoes: Starting at 12 sp, varying by specifications
• Weapon Customization (engraving, balancing for specific use): 20 sp per weapon
• Armor Customization (special fittings, decorative elements): Starting at 25 sp, prices vary based on complexity

Basic Stabling

• Overnight Boarding: Includes a clean stall, fresh bedding, and standard feed.
• Cost: 5 silver pieces (sp) per night per horse

Feed and Care Packages

• Standard Feed: Includes hay and grain feed twice per day.
• Cost: 2 sp per day
• Premium Feed: Includes a mix of hay, grain, and supplements suited for high-performance horses.
• Cost: 4 sp per day

Grooming Services

• Basic Grooming: Brushing and basic mane and tail care.
• Cost: 3 sp per session
• Full Grooming: Includes washing, brushing, hoof cleaning, and mane and tail care.
• Cost: 6 sp per session

DM-Only Section

Otis's Hidden Role and Alliances

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Secret Life

Otis is much more than a blacksmith; he is a ranger knight dedicated to monitoring and thwarting the evils of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
Covert Operations

• Double Identity: Publicly a smith, secretly a knight ranger.
• Surveillance: Keeps tabs on temple activities, ready to act against any threats.

Strategic Collaborations

• Alliances: Works closely with forces from Furyondy and Veluna, coordinating efforts to maintain regional stability.
• Adventurer Relations: Occasionally joins forces with adventuring parties, aiding them against common foes while carefully guarding his true identity.

Otis's Hidden Arsenal

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Otis's smithy serves not only as a center for trade and craftsmanship but also as a cache for his meticulously hidden gear, essential for his clandestine activities as a ranger knight. Below is an in-depth description of Otis's secret stash of equipment and the measures he takes to secure these items.

Secret Equipment Storage

Hidden beneath an old anvil at the rear of his shop, Otis keeps his specialized equipment secure and out of sight. Contents of the Hidden Stash:

• Chain Mail +2: A finely crafted suit of chain mail, enchanted to provide superior protection.
• Longsword +2: A masterfully forged longsword with magical enhancements, sharp and resilient.
• Gems Pouch: Contains 25 precious gems, including amethysts, chrysoberyls, pearls, and tourmalines, each gem valued at approximately 100 gold pieces.

Living and Operational Space

Close to the stash, Otis's personal space consists of a simple pallet for sleeping, reflecting his spartan lifestyle.
Storage and Utility

• Chest: Holds his clothing and a variety of adventuring gear suited to his experiences and needs as a high-level ranger.
• Furniture: Includes a small table and chair, where Otis plans his secretive missions or maintains his equipment.

Weapons Collection

Old but Serviceable Weapons: An assortment of weapons that are kept in good working condition, despite their age.

• Normal Longbow and Cold-Wrought Iron Head Arrows: A standard longbow accompanied by a quiver of 20 arrows, ideal for combating foes vulnerable to cold iron.
• Shortsword and Cold Iron Battle Axe: Additional weapons that ensure Otis is prepared for a variety of combat scenarios, especially effective against certain magical creatures.

Otises Smith and Stable by 3orcs

Otis, Master Smith

Otis stands as a paragon of strength and skill, his physical prowess matched only by his strategic acumen in the greater geopolitical landscape of Nulb.

• Appearance: A burly man with a bushy beard, embodying the physicality of his trade.
• Drive: Seeks to protect Nulb from external threats while satisfying his personal quest for justice.
• Local Relations: Maintains a necessary rapport with Lady Lmag, ensuring his business thrives under her rule.

Man-at-arms ex-mercenary

• AC 7 (no armor) or better 
• hp 100
• AL NG; XP 5000
• S 18/07 115 W15 D17 Co 18 Ch 13

Carried: dagger (and hammer in smithy), purse with 1 cp, 4 sp, 7 ep, 2 gp.
Languages: Common, Alignment, Elvish, Gnomish, Ogrish, Sprite.
Spells (druidical): detect magic, speak with animals, affect normal fires.

Chon, Smith's 'boy'

Not the sharpest tool in the shed but loyal and diligent in his duties.

• Role: Manages the care of the horses, ensuring they are fed, groomed, and ready for use.
• Personality and Motivation: Simple-minded yet content; motivated by a stable job and routine.

Level 0 local man

• AC 10 (no armor hp 3
• AL NG; XP 8
• S 16 16 W 8 D 12 Co 14 Ch 10
• Carried: dagger, purse with 10 cp, 10 sp, 2 ep, 1 gp

Sammy, The Rat-Faced Apprentice

A young, keen observer with a sharp intellect masked by his unassuming appearance.

• Role: Assists with metal works, slowly learning the trade secrets from Otis.
• Personality and Motivation: Curious and ambitious, driven by a desire to master the craft and uncover the layers of secrecy in his environment.

Veteran (Level1 Fighter)

• AC 4 (chain & shield hp 8
• AL N; XP 18
• S 17 113 D 8 W 9 Co 15 Ch 10
• Carried: dagger, purse with 6 cp, 6 sp, 4 ep

Type

Craftsman, Blacksmith / Smithy

Parent Location

Nulb

Owner

Otis

Characters in Location

• Otis