The Bastard Cromas is the headquarters of La Jabalina (the Javelin) in Caldero: the former three-story house of an eccentric mage, rented for 600 gold coins for three months in the present cycle (1824 AE).
| Type | Place |
| Location | Caldero, middle rings |
| Occupants | La Jabalina |
| Spanish entry | El Bastardo Cromas |
Name and origin
Formally “Casa Cromas”, the name echoes that of its former owner, a warlock, an arcane rogue, or both; the populace added “bastard”, whether for the house’s unorthodox layout, the anecdotes about the owner, or irreverent affection. The rental was made possible by a contract with the imperial official Captain Skellerang. The gazette Gossip & Style: Caldero Edition reported the move.
Residues
The mage’s arcane residues have not been fully neutralized:
- failed spells hanging in the air: flickering minor light spheres, patches of unstable magic on the walls, cold breezes with no open window;
- echoes of giggling salamanders, his familiars or decorations;
- objects with leftover enchantments: books that turn their own pages, candles that light without visible flame, mirrors whose reflections lag slightly.
Layout
- Ground floor: Ayrton’s shop of souvenirs and magical curiosities, stocked from the group’s operations, the old mage’s small objects and occasional clandestine goods. Witnesses claim some visitors leave with more than a souvenir.
- Main hall: Foggimer lights it with magical candles, partly to dispel the residues; rumor says the candles cost more than the rent. The hall serves as the group’s social room and the cleric’s doctrinal hall.
- Master bedroom: shared by Teo and Lucky, amid rumors of a “most powerful duo” and of spending the sacred order frowns on.
- Arcane workshop: Tony and Vitalis spend hours mixing powders and spices; one acquaintance’s eyes glowed phosphorescent for a week after a visit.
- Basement: Sila wanders at odd hours, meditating with Shadowfell techniques, and Belicio trains at midnight, shirtless. The press speculated about a secret cult or clandestine parties.
Reputation
The house is a social hub of Caldero: middle-level taverns send customers, the sensationalist press speculates, neighbors watch its lit windows. The fame costs the group secrecy against foes that demand stealth, such as the Company of Laughter, Lord Valanthru and Tittiframe.