NSQ-03: The Merchant Argument
A civic intrigue side quest for the Temple of Elemental Evil campaign, this scene unfolds during the Noble Ambitions arc and centers on escalating tensions between gnome traders and human merchants. Players must navigate deception, theft, and prejudice to preserve fragile alliances in the city of Verbobonc.
Side Quest Summary:
This is a politically charged merchant dispute between the Jillink gnome family of Tulvar and the silver merchant Koloran. While it may appear to be a simple conflict over unpaid goods, deeper investigation reveals manipulation by Slikkina Jillink and Lakash Quallad to sabotage gnome-human trade relations. This is a Noble Ambitions side quest tied into the broader Temple of Elemental Evil campaign in the city of Verbobonc.
One gnome, his brows bristling with fury, throws his hands up: “We are of the prestigious Jillink family from Tulvar! Bliss—our cousin and head of the family—is still arguing with that human pig. We delivered the goods. We have the receipt. Now Koloran CLAIMS he never got them? Bah!”
Another chimes in, tugging his beard with agitation. “And yet he’s around the corner right now, in his shop, selling implements that are unmistakably Jillink make! That filigree, the scrollwork—it’s ours, I’d stake my beard on it!”
The third grunts. “The longshanks treat us like dirt. We help make this city great, and they spit on us! They don’t guard our caravans, they levy extra tariffs, and now they accuse us of fraud?”
The trio start to push past you, clearly angry, and not paying you much mind—unless you stop them.
Player Interaction
If the players say nothing, the brothers brush past and turn toward the city gate or Gnomesburg in the G1 - G8 Gnomesberg Gnome Quarter.
If the players interact, use the following characterizations and dialogue:
Gnome Brother 1 (Harig Jillink) – The Fiery One
Gnome Brother 2 (Dorrick Jillink) – The Skeptic
Gnome Brother 3 (Reega Jillink) – The Diplomat
GM Notes
- Tone: Keep the gnomes visibly upset, but not hostile. They're frustrated merchants, not warriors. They’re more likely to leave than fight.
- Opportunity for Diplomacy: Players can calm the gnomes and ask more questions, especially if they mention being neutral parties or investigating local unrest.
- Foreshadowing: Mention Bliss Jillink still arguing inside Koloran’s shop around the next corner. This gives the players an immediate lead.
- Time Pressure: Use raised voices from around the next street to indicate the argument is escalating. Encourage players to move if they stall too long.
- Alignment and Faction Ties: Gnomish players or those with merchant, guild, or city politics backgrounds may gain advantage on Persuasion checks to calm the brothers.
Scene Two: The Argument at Koloran’s Silver Shop
From inside, raised voices cut through the morning air:
Gnome voice: “I said, pay us what you owe! I have the paper with your signature on it right here!”
Human voice (defensive): “I already paid your representative. I paid in cash on delivery! Here is my signed receipt for the gold.”
Gnome voice (furious): “We never received our gold, Koloran. That receipt is worthless!”
You see the gnome inside: short, stocky, dressed in highland greens with silver accents. His eyes gleam with rage beneath bushy brows. This must be Bliss Jillink, the trade-master of the Jillink Clan. The merchant, Koloran, is a balding man in a well-tailored gray doublet, standing behind the counter with his arms crossed and a furrowed brow. The crowd murmurs. Some nod at the gnome’s indignation; others shake their heads or whisper in support of Koloran. It’s clear this dispute has drawn attention—and could turn sour quickly.
Dialogue Prompts for NPCs
Use the following to guide the back-and-forth before or during the players’ intervention:
Bliss Jillink (gnome, furious and proud)
“We have your name on a manifest. You took delivery. And now you hide behind some scribbled receipt from a thief pretending to be Jillink?”
“We’ve traded here for years, and never once been treated with such scorn.”
Koloran (human merchant, stern but exasperated)
“You want me to pay twice for the same shipment? I have a business to run, not a charity.”
“Maybe your clan should sort out who speaks for you before storming into my shop with accusations.”
Behind the Dispute: What Really Happened (DM Reference Only)
This scene is the result of a deliberate misinformation scheme created by Lakash Quallad and Slikkina Jillink to destabilize human–gnome relations in Verbobonc.
| Step | Action | Involved Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bliss Jillink (unaware of the scheme) delivers silver goods to a man posing as Koloran | Lakash Quallad’s human agent |
| 2 | The impostor (posing as Koloran) signs for the delivery and promises payment the next day | Lakash’s agent |
| 3 | The goods are then delivered to the real Koloran by a gnome claiming to represent the Jillink family | Gnome agent loyal to Slikkina Jillink |
| 4 | Koloran pays for the goods on delivery, believing the transaction to be legitimate | Koloran |
| 5 | The payment never reaches Bliss or the rest of the Jillinks—it is kept by the internal traitor gnome under Slikkina’s control | Slikkina Jillink’s operation |
| 6 | Result: both sides are right from their own perspective, but neither understands they’ve been manipulated | — |
| 7 | The plan was designed to cause tension, drive the Jillinks out of Verbobonc, and destabilize human–gnome trade relations | Lakash Quallad and Slikkina Jillink |
The aim of this plan is to:
- Spark conflict and economic mistrust between humans and gnomes;
- Push the Jillinks to abandon Verbobonc’s markets for Dyvers or Ulek;
- Undermine Prince Jimm’s political alignment with the humans;
- Allow Lakash Quallad to further isolate Verbobonc from its allies in preparation for the Temple of Elemental Evil’s rising influence.
Inquiries About the Human-Gnome Tensions
If the characters press for more details during or after the merchant dispute, both Koloran and Bliss Jillink will offer their perspectives on the growing divide between the gnomes of the Kron Hills and the human leadership of Verbobonc.
Koloran’s Views (Human Merchant)
“I’ve always had pretty good dealings with gnomes, and I like doing business with them. They provide a good product.
But this... well, this is one of many strange things being whispered lately.”
| Observation | Notes |
|---|---|
| Gnomes have historically been good trade partners | Koloran is genuinely confused and disappointed |
| Recent tensions have made many humans suspicious | Cites rumors of gnomes turning inward, trading only with their own kind |
| Accuses gnomes of undercutting Verbobonc merchants | Claims it’s driving local sellers out of business |
| Says patrols aren’t receiving gnomish cooperation anymore | Repeats hearsay, not firsthand knowledge |
| Wonders aloud why the gnomes remain in the city | Believes gnomes are willfully separating themselves |
Bliss Jillink’s Views (Gnome Merchant)
“Humans have lied and cheated us before. This time we have proof.
Our caravans are raided, our voices ignored. They let the bandits come.”
| Observation | Notes |
|---|---|
| Humans have historically exploited gnome merchants | Long-held resentment, worsened by recent betrayal |
| Claims patrols have been abandoning gnome caravans | Believes banditry is being allowed or ignored |
| Says attacks are growing more frequent in the Gnarley and eastern roads | Blames “bandit forts” near Dyvers and possibly collusion |
| Gnomes are reporting unfair taxation and bureaucratic discrimination | Some of this stems from Lakash Quallad’s manipulation |
| Says Prince Jimm is preparing to meet with the Viscount | Shows that gnomes are attempting diplomacy first |
| Warns that gnomes may leave the city and reroute trade to Dyvers or Ulek | Economic threat; Bliss means it as a warning, not a bluff |
DM Notes: Using This Section
- These perspectives reflect the emerging social fracture engineered by Slikkina Jillink and Lakash Quallad.
- Neither party is fully informed—they are reacting emotionally to real events twisted by misinformation.
- Bliss’s frustration is genuine, and he’s unaware of Slikkina’s involvement.
- Koloran wants resolution but can’t see past what appears to be gnomish duplicity.
Tip: Allow players to use Insight, Persuasion, or History checks to unearth inconsistencies in both sides’ stories. A well-timed Zone of Truth spell or clever roleplay could unravel the deeper deception and set them on the trail of the real plot.
Final Scene: Mediation at the Silver Shop
Scene Setup
The characters are now faced with two angry merchants, each of whom believes they’ve been wronged. The small crowd of onlookers grows restless, and it’s clear that if tensions aren’t resolved, the dispute could erupt into a larger anti-gnome demonstration—especially in the current political climate.
Bliss Jillink, fists clenched, waves a parchment in the air.
Koloran, arms crossed, stares him down from behind his polished glass counter.
Possible Dialogue Cues
Koloran:
“Look, I paid your representative! He had the proper signature and your clan mark. I'm not made of coin!”
Bliss Jillink:
“We never saw a copper from you! That so-called representative was no Jillink—or if he was, he’s got treason in his blood!”
A crowd member mutters:
“More gnome lies… wouldn’t be the first time they played both ends of a deal.”
DM Notes: Mediating the Dispute
Let the players take the lead. Depending on their approach, different skills may apply:
| Approach | Skill Check | DC | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm reason and empathy | Persuasion | 15 | Both merchants quiet down and agree to listen |
| Analyze the paperwork | Investigation | 13 | Reveal that the receipt Koloran holds was signed by a different Jillink, not Bliss |
| Spot the double-dealing trail | Insight | 16 | Suspect that a third party manipulated both sides |
| Leverage noble or guild authority | Intimidation or Charisma (with titles) | 14 | Koloran grudgingly agrees to arbitrate |
| Suggest legal arbitration at the Hall of Judges | Persuasion or Law knowledge | 12 | Bliss backs down temporarily, suggesting a formal claim |
Resolution Options
Reveal the Truth
If the party connects the dots (e.g., from knowledge of Lakash Quallad’s activities, prior gnome tensions, or the Slikkina conspiracy), they may realize:
- Koloran did pay, but not to the correct representative.
- Bliss did deliver, but to an impostor.
- Slikkina Jillink is the likely architect behind the deception.
If the party shares this:
- Koloran apologizes and becomes a key witness if Slikkina is later exposed.
- Bliss Jillink, still furious, may be convinced to remain in the city “for now,” buying time and possibly drawing in Prince Jimm.
“Perhaps... perhaps I judged too quickly,” Koloran says, shaking his head.
“I want nothing more than honest business. And truth.”
If Mediation Fails
If the players fan the flames or fail to de-escalate:
- Bliss storms out, vowing to pull Jillink business from Verbobonc.
- The crowd becomes angrier, triggering an opportunity for a rival bard, agitator, or Lakash agent to stir unrest.
- The party may later be summoned by a city official (Lady Elinor, Prince Jimm, or Lord Haxx) to explain what happened.
Quest Rewards and Consequences
| Outcome | Result |
|---|---|
| Successful Mediation | +1 Renown with Prince Jimm and City Guilds; Jillink Family contacts; minor monetary reward |
| Partial Success (Truth Discovered but Bliss Leaves) | Unlocked future side quest from Prince Jimm |
| Failure | Negative rumor spread about the PCs in Gnomeburg; possible city unrest escalates |
Location: Just off the main market street, near Koloran’s Silver Shop (B31)
Encounter Type: Roleplaying / Urban Gossip Encounter
Time: Late morning, city market hours
Related NPCs: The three Jillink brothers (Gnomes of Tuvar), Bliss Jillink (off-screen)
DM Reference Sidebar
About the Jillink Brothers (for DM only):
- These are supporting cousins in the Jillink merchant clan.
- Bliss Jillink is the authorized trade-master, currently inside Koloran’s Silver Shop (B31).
- The Jillinks were unknowingly manipulated by Slikkina Jillink and Lakash Quallad—the real culprits behind the trade confusion.
- This encounter is adapted from COR1-00 The Citadel and reworked for the NSQ-03: The Merchant Argument side quest in the Noble Ambitions / Temple of Elemental Evil campaign set in 579 CY.
DM Merchant Summary Points
- The goods were real. The delivery was real. The payment was real. But the go-between was part of a coordinated con job.
- Both Koloran and Bliss Jillink are being truthful from their perspectives. Neither realizes they’ve been tricked by insiders.
- The Jillink clan did receive the gold, but not through the correct channel. Bliss has no idea that Slikkina embezzled it.
- Diplomatic PCs or Insight-heavy characters may pick up the inconsistencies with investigation or calm dialogue.
- This is a chance for PCs to be peacemakers and heroes without bloodshed, if they navigate the social terrain effectively.
Let the players dig deep—question receipts, signatures, times of delivery, chain of custody. Treat it like a mystery investigation with real economic consequences.
The Arrival of the Vigil Wardens
Narration (2nd person):
As the shouting between Bliss Jillink and Koloran swells, drawing a murmuring crowd, a trio of figures in deep blue cloaks and feathered leather hats strides into the square. Their cloaks glint with the insignia of Verbobonc—the oak and acorns badge of the Vigil Wardens of Verbobonc —and their cudgels hang at their hips, ready but not drawn. These are Cobwalkers, patrolmen of the city’s law.
The crowd parts instinctively as they approach, heavy boots clacking against the cobblestones. The lead Warden—a stern-looking woman with short-cut copper hair and eyes like flint—raises her voice over the din.
Lead Vigil Warden (firm, calm):
“All right, enough! What’s this racket? A merchant dispute or a riot in the making? This is the Business Quarter—not the docks at midnight. Someone best speak plain before I write your names in my patrol journal.”
DM Note:
This is Peacekeeper Tressa Halden, a respected mid-ranking Warden with authority granted by the Church of St. Cuthbert. She has spellcasting ability and Hold Person prepared in case things escalate.
Personality Notes:
- No-nonsense, stern but fair.
- Trusts the Church and the law more than any noble.
- Has little patience for gnomish tantrums or human arrogance.
She eyes both Bliss and Koloran with equal scrutiny:
“If this is a civil contract dispute, I’ll remind you that the Merchants' Guild Courthouse is three streets south. But if fists or falsehoods fly here in public, I’ll haul the lot of you for disorderly conduct. So… which is it?”
If the player characters step in, she’ll nod curtly:
“You with one of the guilds? Church? Adventurers, maybe? Good. If someone can speak sense here and avoid a breach of peace, I’ll stand back. But if this turns into a brawl, you’ll all be giving statements under lock.”
Mechanics & Impact:
- The Vigil Wardens have the Right of Low Justice (see PDF), and will intervene if violence occurs or if a noble is involved.
- If PCs de-escalate using Diplomacy (DC 15), Tressa will offer gratitude and move on, marking the incident closed.
- If the situation worsens, Tressa may cast Command or Hold Person and call for reinforcements.
- Failure to comply could result in arrest, fines, or strained relations with the Wardens and Church.
Comments