1. Zis’drek’tor: The Trader’s Hollow
Zis’drek’tor, known among the lizardfolk as the Trader’s Hollow, is a hidden clearing deep in the swamp where isolationist lizardfolk traders gather to exchange rare goods with intermediaries from Zassil’torr. Humans, elves, and other non-lizardfolk are forbidden from entering the village proper, making this clearing the only acceptable meeting ground for outsiders. Heavily guarded and steeped in tension, Zis’drek’tor symbolizes the fragile balance between lizardfolk traditions and external trade pressures.
"A secluded meeting ground in the heart of the Fens of Tor"Zis’drek’tor is an oval-shaped clearing surrounded by thick, twisted swamp trees draped in moss. Narrow streams of water cut through the clearing, forming natural boundaries for trade areas. Elevated platforms of woven reeds and wood serve as makeshift stalls for lizardfolk traders. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and rare swamp herbs, and the constant hum of insects fills the silence between tense negotiations. Overhead, woven lanterns hang from tree branches, casting an eerie glow during evening transactions.
Role and Purpose
Zis’drek’tor acts as- A Trade Nexus: A meeting point for lizardfolk traders, intermediaries, and select outsiders like pirates and human merchants.
- A Cultural Barrier: Reflecting the lizardfolk’s desire to avoid direct contact with non-lizardfolk.
- A Power Center: Where tensions between High Warden Ssalissar’s neutrality and Ssarkosh’s ambitions play out.
Trade and Economy
Goods TradedFrom Lizardfolk:
- Rare swamp herbs and poisons.
- Daggercap Mushrooms (highly valued for their psychoactive properties).
- Swamp-crafted tools and charms.
From Outsiders:
- Steel weapons (swords, axes, and arrowheads).
- Coins, trinkets, and rare human-made goods.
- Magical items (occasionally offered by pirates).
Tensions with Non-Lizardfolk
- Isolationist Traders: The lizardfolk traders remain wary of outsiders, avoiding direct contact whenever possible.
- Ssimneer’s Demands: Ssimneer, a veteran trader and staunch isolationist, pressures Askivirin to limit trade with humans entirely.
"Zassil'torr survives on trade and tales. Without them, we’d be just another village in the swamp."
Hidden Tensions
Despite the Market Circle’s lively appearance, underlying tensions simmer between its various factions.- Suspicion of Outsiders: Many lizardfolk view foreign traders with caution, and the presence of merchants like Ellizara only exacerbates their distrust.
- Cultural Divides: Lizardfolk traditions discourage prolonged mingling with non-lizardfolk, creating friction for those like Askivirin who are more open to outsiders.
DMonly Section
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Ellizara Amberly, Halfling Merchant and Spy
Hooks
- Unmask the Spy: Ellizara’s secret could be revealed if her behavior attracts too much suspicion, leading to tension between the lizardfolk and human merchants.
- Aid the Spy: If the players are loyal to Verbobonc, Ellizara might enlist their help in uncovering deeper plots, such as Ssarkosh’s alliance with Captain Tolub.
- Ssarkosh’s Influence: Ssarkosh uses Zis’drek’tor to spread his influence subtly, introducing enchanted Daggercap Mushrooms that cause addictive effects. His ultimate goal is to destabilize High Warden Ssalissar’s rule and convert traders to Sess’innek’s worship.
- Ellizara’s Mission: Ellizara’s discoveries will have lasting implications. If she uncovers the pirate-lizardfolk alliance, the Viscounty may take action, leading to potential war or economic embargoes.
- Askivirin’s Burden: Though loyal to High Warden Ssalissar, Askivirin struggles to navigate the growing tensions in Zis’drek’tor. He fears being branded a traitor if he opposes Ssarkosh too openly.
- The Devil’s Song Connection: Captain Prelos uses intermediaries to conceal his involvement in the trade of Daggercap Mushrooms and stolen weapons. If exposed, the pirates may retaliate violently.
- Pirate Influence: Captain Tolub has established a subtle foothold in the market, using the site to facilitate trades for rare herbs on behalf of the Belsornig Water Temple.
- The The Crimson Trader Influence: Ssarkosh uses Zis’drek’tor as a covert channel for his alliance with Captain Marad Vesrek and the pirate crew.
Adventure Hooks
- A Merchant’s Deception: The players must investigate suspicions about a foreign trader, uncovering Ellizara’s spying activities or exposing a river smuggling operation.
- Market Mediation: A dispute between isolationist lizardfolk traders and human merchants threatens to disrupt trade; the adventurers are called in to mediate.
- Trading Intrigue: A dispute arises over a missing shipment, and adventurers are tasked with mediating between Askivirin and an angry pirate envoy.
- Hidden Threats: Ssarkosh sets a trap for a merchant meeting, intending to intimidate Askivirin into submission. Can the adventurers intervene in time?
- Spy Games: Ellizara enlists the adventurers to help uncover Ssarkosh’s plans but risks exposure if the lizardfolk suspect her motives.
Conclusion
Zis’drek’tor is a dynamic setting for intrigue, diplomacy, and conflict. As the focal point of Zassil’torr’s external trade, it provides opportunities for adventurers to uncover secrets, broker alliances, or ignite hostilities in the Fens of Tor..Trade Discussion between Ellizara Amberly and Askivirin
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Ellizara Amberly: (smiling warmly, placing her wares on the makeshift counter) “Well met again, Askivirin. A fine day for trade, wouldn’t you agree? The swamp has a charm all its own when the mist catches the morning light. Now, I’ve brought a selection of steel arrowheads and a small assortment of woven cloth—perfect for sashes or bandages. What might catch your eye this time?” Askivirin: (hissing softly, clicking his tongue as he examines the arrowheads) “Mmm… yesss. Arrow-points are… sstronk. Cleanss, edges sharp.” (pauses, lifting one to the light) “But too few. Not like before. Huntersss… will grumble, but they will take.” (glances at her with wary curiosity) “Cloth? Hrrr, wasteful. Swamp chews it, leavess it ragsss.” Ellizara Amberly: (laughs lightly, brushing a strand of hair from her face) “True, true. But imagine, a sturdy sash to keep one’s tools close or a covering for the coldest mornings. Even your hunters might appreciate a touch of comfort now and again.” (leans in slightly, voice dropping conspiratorially) “But tell me, friend, how fares your trade with the others? Surely I’m not the only one keeping you so busy?” Askivirin: (his tail twitches slightly as he considers her question, his words slow and deliberate) “Othersss… come. They want much. Poisonsss, herbsss... thingss to heal. Thingss to kill.” (narrows his eyes, forked tongue flicking briefly) “Steel. Yesss, alwaysss sssteel. It is... preciousss here.” (voice lowers, his words almost a hiss) “Why you ask, Amber-lee? Curiousss about rivalsss?” Ellizara Amberly: (grinning, holding her hands up in mock surrender) “Ah, you’ve caught me. But in truth, I’m always curious about trends, you see. Knowing what others seek can help me prepare my next journey. Are they asking for anything rare? Something I might source for you?” Askivirin: (his claws tap the counter rhythmically, his speech punctuated by slurred sibilants) “Steel, in all shape. Blade, tipsss, nailsss. Trinketsss with glow… with power. Pirate-kin asksss for treasuresss tainted in blood.” (his head tilts slightly, voice turning sharp) “Sssome too greedy, ssseeking what isss not theirsss. You ssspeak too deep into their dealsss, Amber-lee. The water here iss… murky.” Ellizara Amberly: (feigning nonchalance as she nods, jotting down mental notes) “Of course, of course. I wouldn’t dream of prying where I’m not welcome. Now then, about this trade… I could let these arrowheads go for a bundle of your finest swamp herbs. I’ve heard they do wonders for sleepless nights.” Askivirin: (chuckling softly, his voice carrying a wet, guttural tone) “Swamp herbsss. Hmm, you know quality. Fine. Arrow-pointsss for bundle. Fair deal.” (leans closer, his yellow eyes narrowing) “But… Amber-lee, remember thisss: swamp hass ears. It hisssperrss to the bold… and it devoursss the carelesss.” Ellizara Amberly: (laughing as she gathers her traded goods) “Duly noted, my friend. Until next time, then. May your water be flush and your hunters’ aim be true.” Askivirin: (watching her with a slight tilt of his head, hissing softly) “Walk in shadowsss. Leave no ripple, Amber-lee. Swamp forgetsss nothing.”
Zis’drek’tor Merchant Clearing by 3orcs
"You’ve brought something new to Zis’drek’tor, and I’d like to hear all about it—if you have the time."
Askivirin, the Apprentice Storyteller by 3orcs
Askivirin, Apprentice Storyteller (CG Male Lizardfolk)
Overseer of trade negotiations and cultural liaison.- Description: Tall and wiry, Askivirin wears bright orange scale paint on his arms and face, complemented by a flowing blue cape. His voice is melodic, often breaking into song to ease tensions.
- Personality: Curious, optimistic, and diplomatic, though he struggles with his fears of betraying the village’s secrets.
- Motivation: To maintain Zassil’torr’s reputation while fulfilling his duties as a storyteller and trader.
Ellizara Amberly, Halfling Merchant and Spy by 3orcs
Ellizara Amberly, Halfling Merchant and Spy
(N Female Halfling Druid 3)- Disguise: Posing as a human merchant, Ellizara Amberly secretly uses her druidic ability to change shape to blend in. In her human guise, Ellizara appears as a middle-aged human woman with plain features and a sharp eye for detail.
- Mission: Working for the Viscounty of Verbobonc, Ellizara gathers intelligence on lizardfolk activities and Zassil'torr's potential ties to pirates and the Cult of Sess'innek. Ellizara has suspicions about Ssarkosh but lacks concrete evidence.
- Role: Undercover intelligence agent for the Verbobonc, Viscounty.
- Personality: Calculating, resourceful, and deeply loyal to her mission.
- Motivation: To uncover any ties between Zassil’torr and the Cult of Sess’innek or regional pirate activity.
Guards and Scouts
- 2 Lizardfolk Warriors: Guard Askivirin during transactions.
- 4 Lizardfolk Scouts with Pet Giant Lizards: Concealed in the swamp, they watch for signs of treachery or weakness from visiting merchants.
Type
Marketplace
Parent Location
Odd and Exotic Swamp Items for Sale
Unique Herbs and PlantsGhostroot
- Description: A translucent root that glows faintly in moonlight.
- Effect: When crushed and brewed, it provides night vision for 1 hour. Prolonged use may cause eerie light to emit from the user’s eyes for days.
Fenfire Lilies
- Description: Floating lilies with blue-green petals that shimmer like flames in low light.
- Effect: The flowers produce a thick, sweet-smelling nectar that can calm even the most aggressive creatures.
Lungweed
- Description: A slimy, spongy moss found clinging to sunken logs.
- Effect: When chewed, it allows the user to hold their breath for up to 10 minutes.
Embercap Fern
- Description: A fern with fiery red fronds that sizzle faintly when touched.
- Effect: When burned, the smoke repels swamp-dwelling insects and minor predators.
Daggercap Mushroom
- Description: A thin, blade-like cap that drips glowing green liquid.
- Effect: Induces docility when consumed, but repeated exposure leads to dependency and lethargy.
Thornspore Puffball
- Description: A large, spiky mushroom with a hollow center filled with tiny spores.
- Effect: When thrown or crushed, it releases a cloud of spores that cause mild hallucinations, useful for escaping enemies.
Marrowmire Fungus
- Description: A pale white mushroom with veins of dark red running through its stalk.
- Effect: When consumed, it heals 1d4 hit points but causes the eater to feel extreme cold for an hour.
Bogfire Crystal
- Description: A chunk of mineral that emits faint, flickering light resembling swamp gas.
- Effect: Can be used as a small, flickering lantern or as bait to attract curious creatures.
Swamp Hydra Scale
- Description: A blackened, glossy scale shed by an elusive multi-headed predator.
- Effect: When ground into powder, it creates a salve that offers resistance to poison for 1 hour.
Leechleather Cord
- Description: A dried and treated vine that feels slick and fleshy.
- Effect: Can be used as a rope that regenerates damage over time, lasting indefinitely if kept moist.
Ancient Relics from the Dragon’s Lair
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Vorthlyxx’s Fang Pendant
- Description: A jagged, black fang of the ancient dragon Vorthlyxx the Shadowed Maw, worn on a leather cord.
- Effect: Grants the wearer advantage on intimidation checks once per day, but causes dreams of drowning in black water.
Runestone of Zyssaneth
- Description: A smooth, oval stone inscribed with faintly glowing runes in an ancient Draconic dialect.
- Effect: Allows the user to cast Detect Magic at will while holding it. Overuse causes fatigue and dizziness.
Blackwater Vial
- Description: A sealed glass vial containing inky black liquid from the depths of Vorthlyxx’s lair.
- Effect: When consumed, it grants resistance to necrotic damage for 1 hour but inflicts 1d6 psychic damage as the drinker feels the dragon’s presence.
Adventure Hooks for the Items
- A Suspicious Sale: The Runestone of Zyssaneth has caught the attention of Ssarkosh, who wants it for his dark rituals.
- Cursed Goods: The Blackwater Vial is rumored to draw Vorthlyxx’s attention to whoever uses it, potentially angering the dragon.
- A Desperate Buyer: A foreign alchemist seeks large quantities of Ghostroot and Thornspore Puffballs for a mysterious experiment, offering great rewards—or dire consequences.
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