Best Little Whorehouse in the Settlement

Esther’s Seat

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  The Scenario. Ruby, a member of the Copperbottoms, refuses to pay Willy Palmer for his services. Willy is trying to rouse the drunken ex-lawmaster, for help.  

Madam Esther Judith Giles

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Gnome, Female   Esther is sharp-tongued and commanding, carrying an air of authority earned through decades of running Esther’s Seat. Despite her age, she remains quick-witted and protective of her employees, treating them like family. She values tradition and sees Holes as a crass disruption to the community.   Roleplaying Esther Judith Giles
Personality Trait. "I do what I was put on Dromaria to do, and I do it better than anyone else."
Ideal. "Pleasure. If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life."
Bond. "My house and my people are everything to me and it must remain a safe space for everyone."
Flaw. "The attention I used to be showered with has waned. I try my best, but sometimes it's hard to hide my jealousy."

The Job

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Stop Holes from opening. Esther offers 50 gp per person, promising “additional perks.” She doesn’t care how the job gets done. If the characters helped with Ruby, Esther is willing to double the gold, but won’t say so without prompting. If Dusty overhears he insists things be handled peacefully.

Dusty Mulligan

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Dusty is the disgraced former Lawmaster. Once skilled, years of drinking cost him his position. Despite this, he still sees himself as the town’s protector, getting in the way of outlaws.   Role. Dusty represents the people of the Settlements trying to survive. Well-meaning but unreliable, he insists on peaceful solutions, showing up at inconvenient times.   Combat Notes. Veteran stat block. Carries a revolver ( 2d8 piercing, range 40/120, reload 6 shots). Dusty has 12 shots total. He prefers non-lethal unless directly threatened.

Possible Scenarios

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Direct Confrontation. Take the fight to Drippy and his crew.   Poaching Competition. Convince Esther’s loyal employees, Willy or Pankie, to join Holes. Multiple CHA checks.   Infiltration for Dirt. Walen Peters, one of Drippy’s people is a gossip. Gain Walen’s trust and he will tell all.   Sabotaging Holes. Disrupt construction, steal supplies, or scare off workers. Delays Holes opening but risks retaliation.   Turning the Town Against Holes. Spread rumors about Holes being a front for illegal activity or unsafe.

Holes

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  Drippy Kwik’wik. Ambitious and smooth-talking. He has no concern for Esther’s Seat but views Dusty as a nuisance. Drippy justifies this with a list of grievances about incompetence.   Counteroffer. Double Esther’s reward if the characters eliminate Dusty, alive or dead. Triple Esther’s reward if they also convince any of her employees to join Holes full-time.   Combat. Drippy calls for reinforcements.  

Rewards

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Esther Judith Giles. 50 gp per person, up to 100 gp. Favors upon request.   Drippy Kwik’wick. 100 gp if the characters eliminate Dusty. 150 gp if they also convince her employees to join Holes.

Ex-Lawmaster Dusty Mulligan

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Orc, Male   Dusty carries himself with the slouched confidence of someone who was once respected but has fallen from grace. His words are slurred, laced with sarcasm. Though drunk and unreliable, he still clings to his old instincts, insisting on peace. Dusty’s frustration boils over when his authority is ignored, and he can become surprisingly decisive when pushed.   Personality Trait. "I'm miserable and every time I try, I end up on my ass again so why bother?"
Ideal. "Hope. I want better for myself, but I'm so far down I have no one to help me."
Bond. "This job as Lawmaster is the only thing I have left to hold on to."
Flaw. "I'm a drunk, but not as much as I'd like."

Drippy Kwik’wik

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Goblin, Male   Drippy exudes charm and ambition, always wearing a sly grin. He is flashy, from his sharp suit to his extravagant hand-waving. While outwardly polite, his temper flares when his vision is questioned. Drippy speaks with a practiced, persuasive voice, always angling for the upper hand. He calls his workers any of the following: Crannys, Marms, Tarts, Nymphs, or Imps.   Roleplaying Drippy Kwik’wik
Personality Trait. “There is enough hardship. Don’t you deserve a little pleasure?”
Ideal. “YOLO. I live for a good time, wherever I can get it.”
Bond. “The people of Holes are like siblings to me. Many of them are!”
Flaw. “I make a lot of unwanted eye contact.”

Ruby Summers

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Human, Female   Ruby is loud, brash, and thrives on intimidation. Quick to anger and act, she has little patience for diplomacy. Ruby’s loyalty lies with the Copperbottoms, and she speaks with the confidence of someone who knows she has backup.   Roleplaying Ruby Summers
Personality Trait. “Your discomfort is my good time.”
Ideal. “Might. Do what you want at all times.”
Bond. “My gang will have my back.”
Flaw. “I’m an asshole who doesn’t know it.”

Willy Palmer

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Malkari, Male   Willy is soft-spoken. His demeanor contrasts with the world around him, as he prefers to avoid attention. Pankie, is his foundation and he defers to her judgment.   Roleplaying Willy Palmer
Personality Trait. “I’m the same as anyone else.”
Ideal. “Leisure. In a perfect world, we’d sleep forever.”
Bond. “My love is everything to me.”
Flaw. “I’m blind to anything bad my wife does.”

Pankie Palmer

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Malkari, Woman   Pankie is ambitious and practical, with a no-nonsense demeanor that masks a deep love for her work. She is loyal to her husband and always takes his side. She speaks firmly but warmly, exuding a sense of control.   Roleplaying Pankie Palmer
Personality Trait. “I get paid well, but there's always more.”
Ideal. “Skill. I can do things that others only dream of.”
Bond. “After work, I will always go home to my love.”
Flaw. “I get jealous when others make eyes at my man.”

Walen Peters

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Human, Male   Walen is charming, with a flair for drama. A natural gossip, he knows everyone and isn’t shy about sharing secrets if it benefits him. Despite his theatrics, Walen is reliable when it comes to his work. He speaks with gestures and a melodic cadence.   Roleplaying Walen Peters
Personality Trait. “I enjoy the perks of the job.”
Ideal. “Self Worth. I go where I’m appreciated.”
Bond. “My clients are dear to me and follow me everywhere.”
Flaw. “I may be dumb, but at least I’m pretty.”