43: Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market

From the outside it looks dirty, cheerless and unwelcoming. Hardwooden planks and huge, stone pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's tough to see through the large, stained glass windows, but the apathy from within can be felt outside. 
As you enter the tavern through the old, hard-wooden door, you're welcomed by a coldness and watching eyes. It's as disgusting inside as it is on the outside. Hard-wooden beams support the upper floor and the light fixtures attached to them. The walls are completely empty, only covered in a layer of fatty grime. The tavern itself is almost completely abandoned. The few people inside probably work less honorable operations, but whoever they are, you'd like to stay as for away from them as possible.
You did hear rumors about this tavern, supposedly it's infamous for something, but for the life of you you can't remember what for. Though judging by judging by the people in this place, it's probably something shady and possibly dangerous for strangers like you.

The Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market is a rough-and-tumble establishment in the heart of the village of Nulb. Its reputation is as grimy as its appearance, but its function within Nulb cannot be overstated. This tavern and market combination draws all manner of folk—from rugged villagers to hardened river pirates and bandits. As a business hub, it acts as the center for Nulb's unofficial economy, where deals, trades, and conspiracies unfold. Though appearing chaotic and disorderly, it is a well-managed enterprise under the watchful eyes of Lodriss and her lieutenant Skole.

Outside Appearance

The Boatman’s Tavern appears unwelcoming at first glance. Rough-hewn wooden planks and thick stone pillars support the structure, with stained glass windows set high, clouded with grime and filth. The establishment seems to carry an air of disinterest, as though it cares not for its patrons' comfort or approval.

• Facade: Large stone pillars and aged wood reinforce the structure.
• Windows: High stained glass windows, barely translucent from dirt.
• Atmosphere: The outside radiates a sense of distrust and apathy that matches its seedy reputation.

Inside Description

Stepping into the Boatman’s Tavern, patrons are greeted by a dank and dimly lit room, layered in dirt and smoke. The sparse decor consists only of heavy beams and light fixtures, with no adornments on the walls save for a thick coating of grime. The tavern, though partially abandoned, hosts a mix of local villagers and river folk engaged in hushed conversations over mugs of cheap, potent drinks.

• Layout: Simple, with heavy beams supporting the roof and little to no decoration.
• Patrons: A mix of village folk and rivermen, as well as more sinister characters.
• Atmosphere: Cold and uninviting; the patrons mostly keep to themselves.

The Tavern Area

Description and Services
In the back corner of this expansive warehouse, the tavern itself is set up to cater to a rough clientele. The tavern, capable of holding 30 patrons, serves basic beverages—mostly ale, beer, and cheap wine. The establishment’s overall mood is loud, raucous, and occasionally violent, as rivermen and locals alike settle disputes or make shady deals over drinks.

• Capacity: Can host up to 30 patrons at a time.
• Beverages: Primarily low-cost beer, ale, and wine.
• Clientele: At any time, 1d6 + 6 villagers and 1d4 + 2 rivermen can be found here, often joined by river pirates from Tolub’s crew.

Skole the Proprietor

Skole, a former smuggler and riverman, manages the tavern on behalf of its true owner, Lodriss. He is well-known in the village, both for his size and his skill at managing unruly patrons. Skole often stays at the tavern overnight, particularly when the crowd is rowdier than usual.

• Background: Once a smuggler, now a tavern keeper.
• Personality: Gruff but authoritative, known for his ability to handle troublemakers.
• Residence: Although he owns a home in Nulb, Skole frequently sleeps in the tavern.
• The Nulb Market

Layout and Goods

The Nulb Market occupies most of the warehouse area, acting as a flea market for locals and passing rivermen to sell goods. A portion of the space is dedicated to booths where traveling merchants and villagers sell an assortment of wares, from fresh seafood to basic provisions.

• Booth Sales: Merchants rent tables to sell goods, with 10% of all sales going to Lodriss.
• General Store Section: Items are stored on tall shelves throughout the warehouse, catering to common needs.

Lodriss – The Real Owner

Background and Influence
Though Skole manages the tavern and market, it is Lodriss who holds true ownership. A former camp follower with a shrewd business mind, Lodriss has leveraged her relationship with Tolub, the river pirate leader, to maintain dominance over the tavern and its revenue.

• Role: Secret owner and manager through Skole.
• Relationship: Mistress of Tolub, giving her strong ties to the river pirates.
• Income: Collects a portion of profits from the tavern and the market, reinforcing her control over Nulb’s economy.

Relationship with Lady Lmag’s Men

Lodriss has an unspoken alliance with Lady Lmag and her men, allowing the cultists to conduct business within Nulb without interference. The tavern serves as an informal meeting ground for cultists, pirates, and mercenaries who align with the Temple of Elemental Evil.

• Alliance: Cooperative relationship with Lady Lmag's men.
• Meetings: Cultists occasionally use the tavern for secretive gatherings.
• Mutual Benefit: Both parties benefit from the shared goal of controlling trade and intimidation in Nulb.

River Pirates and Nulb’s Economy

The River Pirates

The Boatman’s Tavern is a known gathering spot for Tolub and his river pirates, who have significant control over Nulb’s docks. These pirates use the tavern as a base for trading stolen goods and recruiting new crew members, lending Nulb an air of lawlessness that discourages formal authority from meddling. 

• Leader: Tolub, the head of the river pirates, claims a significant part of Nulb as his territory.
• Business: Pirates bring in illicit goods and restock supplies here.
• Culture: Pirates follow their own charter system, which outlines treasure shares and crew responsibilities.

Influence on Nulb’s Trade

The presence of the river pirates and their dealings at the Boatman’s Tavern have transformed Nulb into a hub for black-market trade along the river. While tensions sometimes arise between rival pirate crews, the general atmosphere remains one of uneasy collaboration under Tolub’s watchful eye.

• Black Market: Nulb’s market sees a lot of illicit trading due to pirate influence.
• Local Economy: Most of Nulb’s income is tied to pirate activity, with legitimate business limited.
• Tensions: Rivalries exist, but an all-out conflict is currently avoided to maintain order.

Skole Welcomes Adventurers

As you step into the dimly lit, smoky interior of Boatman’s Tavern, a hush falls over the rowdy conversations. Eyes flick in your direction—some filled with curiosity, others with suspicion. Just as you start to take in the room, a burly man with a thick, muscular build and a layer of grime on his apron looks up from polishing a grimy tankard. His face splits into a crooked, almost sardonic grin as he sizes you up.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” Skole drawls, his voice a rough, gravelly sound that cuts through the chatter around you. "A band of newcomers, eh? Haven't seen you lot around before. Brave souls, wanderin’ into Nulb without a clue where ya are." He chuckles, a low, rumbling sound, as if he’s in on a private joke.
He leans forward on the bar, squinting at you. “You lot lookin’ for drink or trouble? Round here, we serve both in plenty—though trouble’s got a nasty habit of findin’ you whether you ask for it or not.” He chuckles darkly, nodding toward a few unsavory types nursing their mugs at the corner tables. They shift slightly, casting sideways glances, measuring you in silence.
Then Skole gestures lazily with his thumb towards a rickety table by the window. "Take a seat if you can find one that ain’t sticky. Or join the river rats by the fire if you’re after stories of…adventure,” he says, his eyes glinting with something between amusement and a challenge. "But don’t go thinkin’ you’ll get a warm welcome. Nulb ain’t the kind of place where folks get friendly easy, if you catch my meanin'."

He straightens, glancing at your gear, an eyebrow raised. “Just watch yourselves. Don’t spill nothin’ on the floor—it’s filthy enough as it is.” With that, he turns back to his tankard, though you feel his gaze lingering on you from the corner of his eye, ever watchful.

DM Only Section

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Secret Alliances and Conflicts

Lodriss and Tolub: Their relationship goes beyond a simple business partnership, with Lodriss using Tolub’s influence to protect her investments in Nulb. Lady Lmag’s Cultists: The tavern serves as an informal headquarters for the cult’s operations in Nulb. They meet in shadowy corners, whispering plans that align with the Temple’s darker purposes. Potential Conflicts: While the pirates and cultists currently maintain a loose alliance, tensions could arise if the Temple demands more resources or if rival pirate crews become emboldened.

Adventure Hooks

Interception: Adventurers may overhear cultists planning a new raid or sacrificial rite, prompting them to intervene. Hidden Smuggling: Underneath the tavern, a hidden cellar connects to the river, used for storing valuable contraband. Discovering this could lead to greater plots involving Nulb’s underground network. Tolub’s Defiance: If Tolub’s influence wanes, rival pirates or cultists may attempt to take control of the tavern, leading to a power struggle that adventurers could exploit.

Pirates at Boatman’s Tavern

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The atmosphere in Boatman’s Tavern shifts noticeably when Tolub and his crew are in port. The notorious river pirate, known for his cunning and ruthlessness, often uses this establishment as a base of operations for his illicit dealings along the Velverdyva River. Tolub leads a band of approximately 40 river pirates aboard his ship, The Red Gold. However, only a fraction of his crew is present at the tavern at any given time.

Crew Composition

• Current Composition: When Tolub is in port, you can expect a crew of about 10 pirates to accompany him, while the remainder are either out raiding along the river or guarding the ship.
• If Tolub is absent: His right-hand man, Grud Squinteye, takes over. He commands a similar crew and operates with the same ferocity and cunning as Tolub.

Random Port Presence

To determine who is in port at any given time, roll 1d6 and consult the following chart:

Roll	Roll Outcome
1	Both Tolub and Grud are out raiding for 3 days.
2	Tolub is in port for 1 night.
3	Tolub is in port for 2 days.
4	Grud is in port for 1 day.
5	Both crews are in for 1 night.*
6	Check again, rolling 1d4.

Note: If both crews are present (roll of 5), double the crew size for Tolub and provide Grud’s crew with identical numbers.

Pirate Behavior

• Nighttime Activities: Tolub's crew is only present after dark, where they can be found drinking heavily, recounting tales of their exploits, and planning future raids. The ambiance becomes rowdy and chaotic, with laughter and shouting often spilling out onto the street.
• Serving Wenches: During their presence, three serving wenches will also be on hand, navigating the tumultuous atmosphere as they serve drinks and food. They are well aware of the pirates' nature and tread carefully to avoid upsetting them.

Influence and Reputation

Tolub's crew has earned a notorious reputation not only for their piracy but also for their interactions with the townsfolk. While some villagers fear the pirates, others are drawn to them, hoping to gain favor or benefit from their wealth. However, trouble often follows in their wake, and adventurers are cautioned to tread carefully when navigating this undercurrent of danger.
The Boatman’s Tavern serves as a front for much more than simple drinking; it is a hub of whispered secrets, illicit trades, and a staging ground for pirate operations along the river. Adventurers venturing here should keep their wits about them, as loyalty among pirates is fickle, and danger could lurk behind any corner of the dimly lit establishment.

Summary

The Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market is more than just a tavern; it is the heart of Nulb’s dark economy, rife with hidden alliances and whispered conspiracies. Run by Lodriss through her proxy Skole, it serves pirates, villagers, and cultists alike, with each party finding their own purpose in its smoky, dimly lit halls. For adventurers, it offers a rare glimpse into the clandestine dealings of Nulb, where the forces of Evil scheme in plain sight—if only they dare to look.

Boatman’s Tavern and Nulb Market by 3orcs

Skole, Ex-Riverman and Smuggler (Level 5 Fighter)

Skole by 3orcs

• Medium humanoid (human)
• Armor Class 8 (leather), or 18 (chain mail and shield)
• Hit Points 27 (5d10+5)
• Speed 30 ft.
• STR 16 (+3) | DEX 10 (+0) | CON 13 (+1) | INT 11 (+0) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 10 (+0)
• Skills Athletics +5, Intimidation +2, Perception +4
• XP 265

Actions

• Magic Spear (Spear +1). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+3) piercing damage.
• Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage.

Possessions

• Chain mail and shield (AC 18 when worn)
• Spear +1 (magical)
• Topaz and silver ring (worth 300 gp)
• Purse with 8 cp, 3 sp, 7 ep, and 12 gp

Lodriss by 3orcs

Lodriss, Barmaid

• Medium humanoid (human)
• Armor Class 11
• Hit Points 5 (1d8)
• Speed 30 ft.
• STR 10 (+0) | DEX 12 (+1) | CON 11 (+0) | INT 10 (+0) | WIS 11 (+0) | CHA 13 (+1)
• Skills Deception +3, Persuasion +3, Sleight of Hand +3

Actions

• Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+1) piercing damage.
• Poisoned Dagger (1/long rest). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+1) piercing damage.
• The first time Lodriss hits with this dagger, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take an additional 7 (2d6) poison damage, or half as much on a successful save.

Possessions

• Dagger (tucked into her girdle)
• Poisoned dagger (hidden under her skirt)
• Purse with 2 cp, 7 ep, 4 gp, and 8 pp
• Jewelry: jeweled earrings (worth 400 gp), gold neck chains (worth 120 gp), four bracelets (worth 50, 200, 210, and 500 gp), and two rings (worth 200 and 800 gp)

Type

Pub / Tavern / Restaurant

Parent Location

Nulb

Owner

Lodriss

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Skole

Characters in Location

• Lodriss
• Skole
• Tolub

Goods Available

The market offers a mix of items, typically including basic provisions, tools, and occasionally contraband goods sourced by the pirates.

• Provisions: Food supplies, fishing gear, and other basic goods.
• Merchants: Mostly local villagers and traveling rivermen.
• Prices: Generally low, with minimal quality assurance.

BOATMAN’S TAVERN MENU by 3orcs

Boatman's Tavern Menu

Dark River Ale

A thick, foamy ale brewed locally, known for its bitter aftertaste and dark, nearly black color. Favored by pirates for its strong kick.

• 1 silver piece per mug

Smuggler’s Grog

A potent mix of fermented fruit juice, honey, and spices. Often diluted with river water, but potent enough to leave the unprepared stumbling.

• 8 copper pieces per cup

Imerydy's Rum

A harsh, spiced rum favored by Tolub’s crew. Strong, smoky, and aged in barrels stolen from merchant vessels.

• 2 silver pieces per shot

Swillwater Mead

Cheap, watered-down mead with a hint of honey. The tavern’s cheapest drink, known for its murky color and weak taste.

• 5 copper pieces per mug

Boatman's Slop

Fisherman’s Stew

A large bowl of murky fish stew, made with river trout, root vegetables, and mystery spices. Served with a stale bread heel to sop up the broth.

• 1 silver piece per bowl

Salted Eel Strips

Chewy, heavily salted strips of eel, served in a small tin bucket. Favored by sailors and rivermen, these are tough to chew but filling.

• 7 copper pieces per portion

Smoked River Pike

A whole river pike, smoked over a wood fire and served cold. The flavor is robust and slightly bitter, with a sprinkle of coarse salt.

• 1 silver, 5 copper pieces

Pirate’s Platter

A mishmash of whatever’s available: boiled eggs, cheese, hardtack, dried meats, and pickled vegetables. A favorite among pirates looking for a quick meal.

• 2 silver pieces

Black Bread and Lard

A slab of dark, crusty bread served with a generous smear of pig lard. Simple and heavy, this meal is meant to keep you full on a budget.

• 5 copper pieces

Roasted Rat on a Stick

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. A local favorite, seasoned with wild herbs and roasted over an open flame. Surprisingly popular among the tougher patrons.

• 3 copper pieces each

Pickled Eggs

Kept in a large jar behind the bar. Sour, chewy, and a bit slimy, these are an acquired taste.

• 2 copper pieces each

Brined Fish Heads

Not much meat, but salty and satisfying for those who aren’t picky. Served in a small bowl.

• 4 copper pieces per portion