The Falconhall

Continuing from yesterday's post about the Duchy of Wichard, I will sketch out the primary adventure location for the first few sessions of new parties and characters.

Inspired by my hometown, the Falconhall is built on top of ruins of an ancient Auroran fort that held the northern border of the Imperium against the barbarian Teutonic tribes and the eldritch might of the Elven Courts. Legend tells that an ancient general ascended to godhood here but was stricken down before his divine essence could manifest fully. Others say the place was cursed by the Elves. Whatever the case, there is no denying that the castle is haunted and ghosts and ghouls prowl its halls.

The current gothic castle was constructed in relatively recent centuries, atop chapels and forts built by the first Valar emperor over the Auroran ruins and expanded upon by Teutonic Grafs and Herzogen (counts and dukes). In the present century, the castle slowly fell into disuse and disrepair, until a fateful night a few years ago.

A lone dark figure entered the abandoned castle and that same night, the characteristic green nimbus that spreads from its tallest tower and can be seen all around sprang into life. Accompanied by ghostly whails, the castle took on a darker aspect. The castle then fell silent. The identity of its squatter was never determined, not even by the mightiest scrying prayers of the most devout priests of the Radiant Church. One of the contesting noble families of Wichard attempted to besiege the castle but gave up as soldiers encamped outside of its walls slowly went mad.

Only a month ago, the castle occupant lowered the drawbridge for the first time since the Night of Green Lights. Immediately, soldiers of the former besiegers entered the castle, followed by scouting parties of the Sentinels of the Radiant Church. Most were never seen again. Those that returned from their exploration of the castle's halls report green flames lighting its halls, scores of living dead wandering its corridors and a feeling of dread and horror wrenching their guts. Rumours speak of insane cultists and priests of forgotten ancient gods that have entered its walls to enact vile rituals.

Both the monotheistic Radiant Church as well as the Stadsraad (city council) of Numaga have put up rewards for the arrest of the cultists and dark priests. Both institutions would also pay hefty sums of gold to ascertain the identity and motives of the dark master of the Falconhall and to bring him to justice.