How to Use Quilby at the Table

Use Quilby as a welcoming first contact, a rumor broker, a safe-house keeper, or the warm tavern face who knows far more than he should. He keeps The White Mouse prosperous and genuinely enjoys helping adventurers because their stories keep the common room alive.

He sells casual rumors for 1 gp, confirmed information for 5 gp, and sensitive intelligence for 10 gp plus a favor. After three or more positive party interactions, he can become a reliable safe house and a recurring source of dangerous leads.

Quilby is approachable, but not helpless. If cornered, he will use Suggestion, Charm Person, or Cutting Words without hesitation. His spy past should eventually come knocking.

Roleplaying Quilby

Personality

Quilby never forgets a face or a drink order. He collects rumors the way others collect coins, speaks in elaborate metaphors when nervous, and makes every customer feel like the most important person in the room.

Mannerisms

He always polishes a glass when thinking, even if it is already bone dry. He refers to himself in third person for solemn declarations and winks at nearly everyone, making each person feel they share a private secret.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal: Information is the most valuable currency in the world. Everyone deserves a fair deal, but knowledge must be earned.

Bond: The White Mouse was left to him by his late mentor, Marta Plum. Her portrait hangs above the bar, and Quilby talks to it when closing up alone.

Flaw: He cannot resist a truly juicy piece of gossip and hides a serious gambling problem behind his cheerful exterior.

Small humanoid (gnome), chaotic good. AC 12 (leather apron), HP 22 (4d6+8), Speed 25 ft.

Saving Throws: DEX, CHA. Skills: Persuasion, Deception, History, Insight, Perception, Performance.

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft. Passive Perception: 14. Languages: Common, Gnomish, Elvish, Thieves’ Cant.

Plot Hooks

1. A merchant left his satchel at the bar and has since vanished. Dangerous people are asking questions.
2. Someone is poisoning the town well, and Quilby noticed a pattern in which regulars are falling ill.
3. A beloved regular has not been in for two weeks. Quilby offers 20 gp for information.
4. The Thieves’ Guild doubled their protection fee. Quilby needs the party to negotiate or solve the problem.

Relationships and Location

The White Mouse stands in the Market District and is recognizable by the carved wooden mouse above the door and the smell of Quilby’s Copperpot Stew drifting into the street.

Marta Plum: deceased mentor. Captain Aldric: mutual blackmail truce. “Needle” Voss: Thieves’ Guild contact. Lady Orvaine: dangerous patron. Brother Stelwick: temple healer who trades potions for discretion.