The Pale Keep

A grand construction of marble, more sepulcher then castle. Standing stark against rocky peaks, it gleams in the sunlight. The surrounding earth is dry and cracked. Nothing grows for miles around. Supply wagons arrive monthly, laden with plunder, sustaining the castle's men.

40 crossbowmen, clad in black leather, man the walls. Another 40 armoured footmen lurk inside. Boisterous mercenaries, their banners spanning the continent. If the castle is approached, a party of these mercenaries will ride out, demanding treasure for themselves and scrolls for the lady.

The lady of the castle is the Immaculate Herald, a Chaotic Wizard. She is bald, her tongue is pale blue. She wears silver chainmail, as light as a feather, and wields a pair of daggers--one of dark steel, one of bone.

If she is beseeched, the Immaculate Herald will cast geas upon those who would disturb her. She sends them off on fanciful quests, then forgets about them. She expects this to be a death sentence. If one where to survive and return, she would be genuinely impressed.

The Herald has two demons bound to her will (as Balrogs). Each is bound to an onyx ring, both worn on her right hand. They are called Sinn and Syer, though their true names are known only to the Herald. If she were to take off these rings, the demons would kill her, then fight to the death, with the winner taking control of the castle. The Herald knows this, and would do anything in her power to prevent it.

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A castle hex for an od&d hexcrawl. Written after playing around with the castle tables at the back of Fantastic Medieval Campaigns (Marcia B.). Bold text represents table results. As a writing exercise, this was a lot of fun!