A3 Tymak Manor

A Beacon of Prestige in Verbobonc's High Quarter

Nestled in the heart of the richest neighborhood in Verbobonc, the High Quarter, stands the magnificent three-story mansion of the future Mayor, Tymak. This grand residence, the cornerstone of House Tymak's legacy, reflects not just the wealth but also the influential stature of its occupants within the city's political and social spheres.

Approaching Tymak Manor

Tymak Manor

is the principal residence of House Tymak, one of Verbobonc’s most respected and politically influential families. The three-story mansion stands in the heart of the High Quarter, its size and ornamentation broadcasting the house’s long service as defenders of the realm, architects of policy, and steady voices in the Council of Lords.

House Tymak’s public image is built on three pillars:

• Martial Prowess – Battlefield heroes of Emridy Meadows and staunch supporters of Verbobonc’s military.
• Reasoned Governance – Skilled in law, diplomacy, and council politics.
• Civic Duty – Advocates for stability, trade, and cooperation with gnome merchants of the Greenway Valley.

In 579 CY, Lord Alistair Tymak is an aging but still formidable lord whose eye has long rested on the office of Lord Mayor. His rivalry with Lord Marakios Willem Haxx is one of the quiet storms behind Verbobonc’s politics.

Architecture & First Impressions (DM Notes)

From the outside, Tymak Manor feels like a stone citadel dressed up as a city palace:

• Three stories, with projecting corner turrets, steep roofs, and tall chimneys.
• Blend of traditional and modern design—old Oeridian bulk ornamented with newer decorative stonework and fine windows, reflecting the house’s long history and future ambitions.
• A constant hum of activity: servants carrying ledgers, messengers arriving with sealed packets, militia officers and functionaries coming and going at all hours.

Inside, lean into order and purpose:

• Polished stone floors, dark wood paneling, and banners bearing the Tymak arms: sword & quill, tower, book, hammer & anvil—symbols of war, rule, wisdom, and craft.
• Portraits of ancestors in armor or council robes; maps of the viscounty; display cases holding trophies from Emridy Meadows and other campaigns.

The Heart of Activity

• Rare Presence of Tymak: Despite being the family home, Tymak himself spends little time here, occupied with responsibilities at City Hall and Castle Greyfist.
• Security Measures: Regular security checks are conducted by members of the city militia and the Silver Consortium, particularly by the Tower of Juelihm the Conjurer, ensuring the mansion's safety and privacy.

A Center of Influence and Hospitality

The Tymak mansion is not just a residence; it's a symbol of power, tradition, and the pivotal role the Tymak family plays in shaping the destiny of Verbobonc. From its grand halls to the intimate family quarters, every corner of the mansion tells a story of ambition, responsibility, and the pursuit of excellence that defines House Tymak. Amidst the political intrigue and bustling life of the High Quarter, the mansion of Tymak remains a steadfast beacon of prestige, inviting admiration and respect from all who behold it.

Security & Counter-Espionage

Tymak Manor is one of the most heavily protected private residences in Verbobonc:

• Magic traps woven into key entrances and sensitive rooms.
• Five personal bodyguards (Human Ftr 6, breastplate, halberd) who protect the Lord Mayor / Lord Alistair at all times when he is present.
• Two “counter-spies”:
• A half-elf Ranger 8 who checks for tails, ambushes, and assassination attempts.
• A human Wizard 6 who provides constant magical protection, divinations, and countermeasures, lingering in the background of most important scenes.

For the DM:

• This is not an easy place to burgle. Any attempt should feel like a high-level heist or political crisis, not a routine break-in.
• These defenses also make Tymak Manor a safe place for secret meetings and a natural fortress in the event of a coup or Temple of Elemental Evil incursion.

Using Tymak Manor in Your Campaign

What PCs immediately sense:

• This is a working power base, not just a pretty noble house. Messengers, guards, and minor officials come and go at all hours. Deals are made here that shape the viscounty’s future.

Common reasons to visit:

• Being formally summoned by Lord Alistair for a debrief, warning, or reward.
• Escorting or consulting with Cedric on military matters, or Serena on legal/political issues.
• Seeking funding or backing for an expedition that aligns with Tymak interests (gnome trade, border security, rooting out cults).

Adventure Hooks

1. Council Whisperers
   – Lord Alistair needs deniable agents to dig into rumors that a rival house is taking Temple of Elemental Evil gold. The PCs become his off-the-books investigators.
2. The Gnome Envoy
   – A gnome delegation staying at the manor to negotiate trade terms vanishes from their guest wing. Tymak fears a scandal or plot and quietly hires the PCs to find out what happened before the news reaches Haxx.
3. Echoes of Emridy
   – An old comrade from Emridy Meadows arrives at Tymak Manor with dire news and a cursed token from the temple ruins. The meeting, held in Tymak’s private study, pulls the PCs directly into the larger Temple arc.
4. The Election to Come
   – Growing tension between House Tymak and House Haxx spills into the streets. The party may be courted by both sides for favors, endorsements, or “small tasks” that could sway public opinion in a future election.