Ironshackle Bastion
The cold stone still echoes with the commands of a long-dead tyrant.
A jagged, grey-stone fortress partially reclaimed by the mountain frost and necrotic energies. Its halls are patrolled by iron-bound specters of a garrison that never received the order to stand down.
The air smells of old iron and ozone. Illumination comes from flickering blue soul-fire in sconces, casting long, distorted shadows. A low, constant hum of vibrating metal fills every room, occasionally punctuated by the sound of heavy, dragging footsteps.
☠ Threat
Lord Varshak, now a powerful Wight Commander, seeks to recover his lost ceremonial blade to lead an army of the dead. His presence exerts a chilling aura that drains the life from the living and causes metal to rust prematurely. He commands the bastion from the Throne of Rust, waiting for a worthy sacrifice to fuel his resurrection.
History
Built by the despotic Lord Varshak three centuries ago to guard the pass, the castle became a tomb after a bloody mutiny. The rebels sealed the gates, leaving the Lord and his loyalists to starve. Now they exist as restless spirits, their souls permanently bound to their rusted iron armor by a lingering curse of spite.
Encounter Table
CRUniformed skeletons marching in lockstep, carrying rusted spears.
A floating officer who warns of intruders before attacking with cold touch.
Rumours & Whispers
The ghost of the Archivist still seeks the book of names to complete his records.
Lord Varshak cannot be truly killed until his crown is crushed on the chapel altar.
The swinging blades in the eastern halls were designed by a dwarf who was later fed to the prisoners.
Quest Hooks
Quest giver: Elias the Bard
The descendant of a castle rebel seeks to return a stolen locket to a prisoner in Room 3.
A map to a hidden grove.
Quest giver: Guildmaster Hama
The local ironmonger guild wants the 'Throne of Rust' destroyed to stop the rust-plague spreading to nearby farms.
Free repairs and custom masterwork armor.
Corridor Notes
Frozen bloodstains on the floor that lead toward the prison wing.
A series of empty torch sconces that ignite with blue fire when someone passes.
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