Castle of the Robber Knight

For two days you have wandered, and now you have arrived at your destination. A grassy hill towers before you. On its crest rests a ruined fortress – the Castle of the Robber Knight. The warmth of the inn’s fire in the village seems distant now, but you all remember the old woman’s words. Long ago, a wicked robber knight named Rothgar Wolfsbane plagued this area, pillaging and plundering wherever he could. He fought against everyone – humans, dwarves, and elves – but it was the orcs who eventually brought about his downfall. An orc clan marched on Wolfsbane’s castle and stormed it. Many lives were lost that day, but in the end Wolfsbane fell and his castle was ravaged by flames. Brave fortune hunters have felt compelled to explore the robber knight’s castle in search of ancient treasures, but none have ever returned. Will you be the first?



We begin our story not in a tavern, but on a road long after aforementioned tavern. You have been traveling together for some time; enough to know each other well enough, though you may still hold some secrets close to your heart. The promise of treasure was enough to lead you down this path, and you find yourselves staring at the keep stop the hill... the Castle of the Robber Knight!

Barely visible under brush and weeds, an old paved road
winds its way up the hill. At its end looms a dark, dilapidated castle ruin. A raven caws somewhere nearby. The road is partially overgrown and
has not been used for a long time.

Orla never say two words when one would suffice. Neither she wait an opionion before acting.
With a quite will check around she moves off the road.

Orla would go around the castle along it's east side. Since road is slow going the agile hope not to slow down party. She would be lookoking for any holes in the wall or even hidden entrance.

Krissana is visibly giddy upon arriving at the ruin. Eyes wide and with a smile mixing equal parts mischief and anxiety she says to the group, "Well, here we are. Looks like no one is home. Easy pickings!"

Noticing Orla trailing off Krissana begins to continue boldly and without concern, slicing through the foliage with her dagger up the path towards what could perhaps be the main entrance, looking for a door.

Bastonn sniffs the air, trying to discern if there are any creatures rustling around in the bushes, before following the halfling into the brush. "There's a reason nobody has ever returned from this cursed place, Krissana," he reminds his comrade. "Best to stay alert and be prepared for anything."

As they travelled the long road to the ruined fortress Makander took up the lead with eyes and ears open for any dangers ahead. He waddled with the confidence of a true Knight and wore Platemail armor and wielded a Battle axe in one hand and shield in the other, always ready for trouble.

He hadn't know any of the four he now kept company with before hearing the storyteller's tale at the village tavern some time ago. Once he'd heard that so many had become victim to the castle and had not been seen since venturing into it, he could not, in all good conscience allow more to enter whose probability of returning seemed altogether unlikely. He would either enter with them and lead them out again once they'd completed their objective or perish with them to the perils within.

Having arrived he took note that Orla had split off from the main group to skirt around the castle. To Bastonn he stated then implored, "One reason could be that they decided to go off on their own and got picked off one by one... would you mind tailing after her and watch her back... " He'd have gone himself but felt Bastonn was more suited for travelling the rough terrain .

Aodhan walks behind the group, trying to keep up in his old age. To those who don't know Archmaster Aodhan, one look at him and they might wonder 'What is keeping the frail old man upright'. But truth is, Aodhan was still very much spry in his old age, and he was adamant that he could show these kids that he still had what it takes. True, it might be seen as a bit of midlife (or latelife) crisis that Aodhan had decided to leave his high position in the kingdom to go treasure hunting, but he needed a change of scenery and he very much liked his time with his new companions.

He walked up along side Makander, taking in the view while trying to pretend he wasn't trying to catch his breath as he used his staff to support his weight. "Ah! To be young and ambitious! he says referring to Orla and Krissana as he admires their tenacity. "I remember those days, when you felt invisible and the world was your playground. But! Eventually the world beats the wisdom right into you". Aodhan laughs at his own joke.

Bastonn considers the mallard for a moment before nodding in agreement. "Very well. I’ll see if I can catch up with her and call back if we find anything of interest.

*Roll for Bushcraft*

ooc: awareness check

Orla and Bastonn, having opted for a more scenic route, find themselves safely traversing the hillside in order to survey the eastern side of the keep, rather than the western and southern that the others will see. The find the external walls tall and sturdy, though likely unable to withstand a truly powerful assault. There is no alternative entrance, nor an obvious secret exit.

Meanwhile, the three remaining adventurers follow Makander hacking and slashing through the thick brush all the way to the gate. Along the way, lucky Krissana spots something gleaming beneath the mid-morning sun. Halfway up the hill is an old helmet of charred metal, partially hidden in the undergrowth. Despite its age, it is perfectly usable. The helmet looks nasty with sharp spikes sticking out of the sides.

At this point, one stretch of time has passed (15min), and all five companions find themselves once again rejoined. At the end of the road rises an old castle that must once have been an impressive sight. Now it is a run-down ruin with partially collapsed walls silhouetted against the gray sky. In front of you is a broken-down gate of charred, rotten wood. The wind wails faintly as it seeps into the courtyard. There is a dark hole just inside the entrance, stretching the width of the gateway. A long plank rests on the opposite side, useless to you at the moment.

"This place has definitely seen better days," Bastonn quips. He cocks his head to the side and gauges the distance of the gap before them. "I could probably jump to the other side and push that plank over for the rest of you to cross," he offers. "Would want to tether myself to something first just in case I don’t make it, though. Not too keen on finding out what’s at the bottom of this pit." He crouches down and peers into the opening. "Aodhan, can you sense what’s down there?"

Aodhan can be seen staring off at the run down structures, though it’s unclear if he’s actually looking at it or just lost in a memory. At hearing his name he will clear his throat and step up next to Bastonn to peer down into the hole, squinting real hard with his old man eyes.

"Well let’s see now. It’s hard to say. You leaping over would be most convenient for us and I’m sure we can tie you off."

Upon eyeing the old helmet Krissana spoke mostly to herself,"Well, what do we have here?" She picked up the old helm and inspected its features. She wondered what stories the helmet could tell if only it could speak.

While others gathered near the opening she fiddled with the helm, inspecting it close and wiping a bit of dirt and muck from it.

Seeing the hole she walks up near Aodhan. "Say Aodhan, suppose we throw this down the hole. See how far down it goes? Too risky?" She looks up for some expectation of permission, with a mischievous grin.

Orka ties one end of a rope around her waist snd gives the other to Bastonn. would you help me down? she asks before trying to climb down the hole looking for anyone dead down there.