Gathering Information 1b

The Guild’s Chapter House is a rather new structure, built outside the old walls of the city. It is easy to find once you reach the street. The symbol of the Magician guild of Karameikos is proudly displayed above the door; an open eye, set inside a blazing sun. It is a reminder of the Guild’s core philosophy- seek wisdom, to see beyond the ordinary, and spread the light of reason and knowledge like the warm rays of the sun.

Inside, the first floor is dedicated entirely to business, with a long counter dividing the room. Behind it, the shelves are stacked with a variety of magical items—herbs, potions, crystals, and scrolls—all carefully arranged, but kept just out of reach. All the magical goods here are carefully curated. They are either too expensive, or dangerous, to allow just anyone who walks in to handle.

The space is peaceful, quiet, and bright in the morning light. The cluttered table behind the counter, where Humphrey often sits when the shop is not busy, is a clear indication that this is also his personal space. A jumble of open books, scrolls, and scribbled notes are scattered across its surface, some leaning precariously, others hastily pushed aside to make room for more work.

As you step inside, Humphrey looks up from the scrolls he’s been reading. He is a Thytian man in his late fifties, his once dark red beard and hair turned almost completely white. His sharp blue eyes assess you for a moment before he stands to greet you, standing close behind his counter:

"Good morning, adventurers"

"Good morning sir, I am Apprentice Mage Anton Rybakov..." Anton smiled, his status with the guild being a source of pride, "...and if you don't mind my party and I have come seeking information about the Castle Mistamere. We have heard that has been taken over by a tribe of Goblins, and possibly Hobgoblins. We are also attempting to derive information elsewhere, but I wondered if maybe you might have some historical information on the Castle?"

"Oh, a fellow practitioner!" Humphrey’s eyes light up when you mention you are also a magic user. "I’ll be more than happy to assist you in any way I can!"

He pauses, collecting himself "Ah, yes. Mistamere Castle. You’re not the first to seek information about it. A group called the ‘Ironclad Company’ came to me just last week, asking similar questions. Unfortunately, I fear none of them returned from their expedition to the castle."

Humphrey turns toward a cluttered table in the corner and begins rummaging through a pile of crumpled parchments. After a moment, he retrieves a handful of worn papers, smoothing them out with his hand

"These are my research notes," he says proudly "I’ve managed to confirm many details through town records, but some of this comes from old folk tales. So, take what you will from them."

He sets the papers down and begins scanning them carefully. "Now, let’s see…"

He straightens the pages one by one, his brow furrowing as he speaks.
"According to the townsfolk, there has always been some form of a keep on the site of Mistamere, dating all the way back to the time of King Halav. It was likely built for a specific purpose, though I’ve yet to uncover what that might have been. The castle is situated quite far from the Windrush River—too far to rely on it as a primary water source, so I don’t believe there was ever any major settlement nearby. The site does have a good view over both the river and the lake, which made it a strategic location, to be sure.

"Strangely, though, the Black Peak Mountains already form a natural barrier between Karameikos and foreign lands, so it’s odd that such a fortification would be built further to the north of Threshold, where there’s no immediate threat of hostile armies. Why construct it so far from the heart of the kingdom?"

Humphrey taps his finger against the parchment, then continues, "Now, according to the Song of Halav, if we are to trust it, the final battle between the Beastmen and humanity occurred somewhere near Threshold. The original Mistmere Castle was destroyed during those battles. At least, that’s what the tales say. It was rebuilt twice after that. First, in the fourth century, but that structure was ravaged by fire only seventy years later. The last reconstruction happened at the turn of the seventh century. A nobleman by the name of Vasile Stoica was the last to rule the castle. But, according to legend, a terrible fate befell him and his family."

He pauses, eyes narrowing slightly "No one survived to tell the tale of what exactly happened. There were no witnesses, and the ruins have been avoided ever since. There are reports from the years following that suggest something unnatural lingers there. The specters of Vasile and his wife are said to haunt the halls, eternally searching for their lost children. The land around the castle is completely barren, and no living creature dares to claim it. Even goblins steer clear of the place. It is as if the very earth itself has been cursed."

Humphrey looks up from the parchment and back at you "The Baron is very keen on reclaiming the castle, and he’s offered generous rewards to anyone who can clear the site and restore it. But I must warn you, many have tried and failed. If you’re planning to venture there, you should prepare for the worst. I would recommend consulting with the church before you go. See if they can offer any wards or blessings to protect you from spirits, or anything else that may be lurking there."

As soon as Anton realized there was a wealth of information he took his own notes furiously. "This is all great information Humphrey!"...as he finished writing his last note he took a look back through them, "The specters of..." he checks his notes to make sure he gets the right names, "Vasile Stoic and his wife, you said they were rumored to still haunt the halls looking for their children. Did their children die in the castle as well? Or are there living descendants of the family?"

"Yes, it was a great tragedy" Humphrey said sadly. Even though it happened ages ago, it was still a depressing tale "None of the children made it out alive either"
Humphrey seems to be lost in thought for a short moment as he considers something. Finally, he makes up his mind.
"Costache! Get over here!!" he calls out to someone at the back

A young Traladaran lad, around the age of fourteen, emerges from the door behind the counter
"Yes, master?"

"I need you to fetch me one of the Potions of Valor. Those are the ones with swirling purple, yes?"

"yes, master" The young apprentice bows lightly, before disappearing from where he came

"It's the least I can do to help, to a member of the guild" he says while they wait for the apprentice to come back "But I must advise caution once again. Proceed slowly, and don't be too brave for your own good"

Anton nodded his head, "Humphrey this has been a most insightful visit. If we are successful I will come back with some of the spoils to repay you for your upfront kindness. I do have one further question, if you don't mind, does anyone know what happened to the remains of the Stoic's? That is, if the castle was abandoned I presume they weren't given a proper burial?"

"No one knows what happens to their remains, no. I would expect none of them were given proper burial" Humphrey waits for his apprentice to return with the vial of swirling liquid. He raises it up and inspects it against the sun, before handing it over to Anton
"The potion of Valor will give you the strength and fighting prowess of five men, but only for a short while. Use it wisely"

Anton once again nodded as he stowed the potion away in his pack. "Once again, thank you Humphrey." he held out a hand to shake Humphrey's