NA - Political Tensions in Verbobonc – Spring 579 CY.
A Dungeon Master's Guide to Rumors, Alliances, and Brewing Unrest in the Viscounty
Introduction
As the spring of 579 CY unfolds, the City and Viscounty of Verbobonc is a pressure cooker of gossip, political ambition, and distrust. What began as whispers of bandit activity and gnome unrest has escalated into a widespread narrative war playing out in taverns, temples, merchant houses, and council chambers.
This article gives Dungeon Masters a comprehensive guide to citywide rumors, political developments, and council intrigues, allowing you to portray any NPC—be it barkeep, merchant, priest, or informant—with local color, factional bias, and hidden agendas.
The Current Political Climate
Key Power Players and Developments
- Lady Elinor Asbury of House Asbury
Now the newly recognized Baroness of Asbury and recently appointed Ambassador to the Celestial Circle in Veluna. Lady Elinor’s bold actions and recent refusal to marry Lord Milinous have stirred gossip and admiration alike.
Her notice at Jylee’s Inn seeking adventurers has drawn the attention of every faction in the city—from thieves’ guild masters to temple leaders—who seek to understand what mission could demand such secrecy. - Lord Simon Milinous
A sharp and ambitious noble, recently appointed Knight-Captain of the Mounted Borderers. Rumors swirl that his advances toward Lady Elinor were politically motivated and poorly received. Some claim his ambitions extend to controlling the city council. - Lord Marakios Willem Haxx
Officially Mayor of Verbobonc and the Viscounty’s tax collector. He governs through his own personal enforcers—Haxx's Hardheads —who are now visible across the city shaking down commoners and guildsmen alike. - Prince Jimm Pithriggen
The gnome prince and council representative for the Free Alliance of the Kron Hills, working tirelessly (and often alone) to de-escalate human-gnome tensions. His quiet opposition to Lord Haxx and Lord Milinous has earned him both admirers and enemies. - Arch Bishop Haufren of St. Cuthbert
A respected but politically burdened voice trying to walk a neutral path. While he urges restraint, many priests within the Church of St. Cuthbert now advocate for “righteous retribution” against the gnomes.
Gossip & Rumor Tables
Human Gossip & Street Talk
| Speaker Type | Rumor |
|---|---|
| Merchant | “With these bandit problems, we’ll have to arm ourselves just to travel between hamlets.” |
| Noble Retainer | “Lady Elinor turned down Milinous! Spurned him like a pageboy. Brave, or foolish?” |
| Militia Officer | “These gnome caravans vanish with their silver, and it’s always someone else’s fault. We’ve had enough.” |
| Temple Layman | “Elinor’s working for Veluna now. She’s more Velunese than Verboboncan—watch your coin and your soul.” |
| Tavern Gossip | “You didn’t hear it from me, but that bard shouting outside St. Cuthbert’s? He was no priest.” |
| Guildsman | “That call for adventurers at Jylee’s Inn? I heard Lady Elinor fears her house is cursed—or haunted by something left from the war.” |
Gnomish Counter-Rumors
| Speaker Type | Rumor |
|---|---|
| Gnomish Artisan | “We’ve honored every deal, even after being ambushed. The humans just want our hills and our silver.” |
| Caravan Guard | “No one protects us anymore. Not the Borderers, not the city watch. They want us gone.” |
| Prince Jimm’s Clerk | “Lord Haxx wants to raise taxes on our guilds again. If he can’t break us through law, he’ll do it through coin.” |
| Gnome Elder | “When the humans needed help at Emridy Meadows, we answered. Now they repay us with riots?” |
| Jewel Broker | “That bard outside the church? Paid in gold—and not by the faithful. You ask me, it was a play by Milinous’s man.” |
| Gnomish Trader | “We’re tired of being robbed and blamed. If things don’t change soon, we’ll take our silver to Dyvers—or even Ulek, where our trade is respected.” |
Rumor Location Triggers (Roleplay Tips)
| Location | What NPCs Might Say |
|---|---|
| Tavern (The Silver Flagon, The Electrum Eel) | “Did you hear about the gnome prince? Says the council wants to steal his mines.” “Lady Elinor’s got one of the last unclaimed fortunes in the south—that’s why they want her wed or dead.” |
| Market District | “No gnome caravans this week. Don’t ask why.” “Even Vulin’s shop was raided, and he’s got guards!” |
| Temple of St. Cuthbert | “We should’ve cast them out weeks ago.” “The Church must be firm—St. Cuthbert smites the dishonest.” |
| Gnomeburg | “They spit on our banners in the square!” “Prince Jimm won’t let this stand. He’s bringing it to the Council.” |
Temple Gossip: What the Clergy Are Saying
Inside the cloisters and dining halls of Verbobonc’s many shrines and temples, priests of various ranks discuss the gnome situation in quieter, but no less consequential, tones. The Church of St. Cuthbert, despite Archbishop Haufren's attempts at neutrality, is increasingly divided on the matter.
| Source | Rumor |
|---|---|
| Cuthbertine Billet | “The gnomes were friendly enough—until a fortnight ago. Now they walk the market like cornered beasts, flinching at every look.” |
| Visiting Cleric of Rao | “Humans and gnomes alike have stopped smiling. It’s as though both sides expect betrayal.” |
| Senior Acolyte | “I heard Lord Milinous proposed pulling all border patrols back from the Hills. Let the gnomes fend for themselves, he said.” |
| St. Cuthbert Confessor | “Elves still deal with the gnomes, sure—but you’ll notice they don’t vouch for them. They’re staying out of this.” |
| Cudgeller Preacher | “I’ve heard it said aloud—even from a temple brother—that maybe we ought to drive the gnomes out of the city before there’s a war.” |
| Hushed Temple Gossip | “They say the gnomes have opened secret trade channels to Dyvers. That’s why our merchants are losing money. Some even say they’re cheating our jewelers with counterfeit gems.” |
| Mid-Level Priest | “There’s no sign of a gnome army or anything like that—just rumors. But the patrols keep saying they’re being ambushed. I don’t know what to believe.” |
| Archbishop Haufren (official line) | “The Church seeks to walk the path of wisdom, not vengeance. But I cannot deny that some among our faithful believe righteous retribution is St. Cuthbert’s will.” |
| Cuthbertine Historian | “Prince Jimm and Lord Hilewy cry out in council about annexation and stolen mines. I say their claims are baseless—but convenient when their own caravans go missing.” |
Narrative Tools for DMs
- Drop rumors organically in side scenes (taverns, alleys, temple lines, guild meetings).
- Encourage players to test Insight, Persuasion, or Deception to influence public sentiment.
- Plant false rumors from enemy agents like Lakash Quallad, and let the players unravel them.
- Use gossip to foreshadow future events in NA-07 and NA-08 (Merchant Vulin, Prince Jimm, etc.)
Comments