[M]Castle Greyhawk: Against The Little Guys IC
HEROES WANTED
Herzog Akitrom the Merely Worried, Lord of Castle Greyhawk, requests the assistance of all able bodied adventurers. In recent days. Castle Greyhawk as fallen under siege by the druids of the Golden Bough is what is clearly an over reaction to the mighty Herzog's "Fireball Fun in the Forest" program and is in need of assistance to parlay, or should they continue to be unreasonable, aid in fighting them.
There is also the issue of the mists. It has been reported by several people, not the least of which was the half orc Eyargh the Perpetually Drunk, that a mist has appeared on occasion with in the castle walls and the surrounding areas. Witnesses have also reported the disappearance of several people who either went into the mist to investigate or were swallowed by it.
It has also been reported by Ilyea Lott, that a rainbow coloured dragon appeared from the mists and ate his mother before dancing a jig and retreating back into the mists.
Adventurers will be paid the sum of 1000 gold pieces for helping with and stopping these threats.
It was the reason you went to Castle Greyhawk. And a damn good reason at that. One thousand old pieces is a lot of money. So gathering your things, you left your home, or wherever you happened to be at the time, and ventured into the world to seek your fortune at Castle Greyhawk.
The world can be a difficult place, and no doubt you met with hardships along the away. Finally, however, you arrived at the castle and were sent to the courtyard to await Herzog who would address all the adventures that had arrived.
The castle itself, is more properly, a walled compound housing two great towers and the Citadel Union, a semicircular building that is positioned so that it's rounded side faces away from the towers. The wall is circular, 25 feet high with a diameter of around 400 feet. The only building outside the walls is a stables next to the southern gate. Otherwise, the castle is surrounded by a clearing, whose tall grasses are poor and damaged by the usually inclement weather. The clearing extends in all directions from the compound for 500 yards, and the castle guardsmen are frequently called upon to clear away any woodland encroachment.
The wall itself consists of mainly unworked metals with a brick covering and is patrolled by about 14 guards, who scan both the inside and the outside of the compound. The wall has one gate on it's southern face.
The interior of the walls has dozens of houses and even more stalls where local and exotic wares are traded. The whole area seems more like a small town than a castle.
Upon arriving in the courtyard, which is nestled between the towers, you immediately hear jaunty music being played by a band of three minstrels standing beneath a banner which reads "Welcome Heroes." Of course there are other adventurers, and even more arrive after wards, but they all seem to be much as you are. Newcomers to the profession of adventuring.
After waiting for an hour, finally Herzog arrives at the courtyard escorted by two guards. His face as beaming as he sees the number of people who have arrived, but the smile quickly fades when he realizes that none of you are seasoned as far as he can tell. Taking a moment to clear his throat, he begins to speak.
"A warm welcome to you all this fine day," Herzog spoke loudly. "I would like to thank you all for coming. As I'm sure you already know, we have two problems here at the Castle. The first of which, the druids of the Golden Bough, have agree to stop the attacks and will meet with you all in two days time at noon in the clearing outside the castle walls.
For now, I would like you to investigate the mists that have been appearing in and about the castles. You may feel free to wander about the grounds and question anyone you need to. Accommodations have been provided as well as all the supplies you will need." As if on cue, several guards came into view carrying crates of food and other assorted adventuring supplies.
I will be unavailable for a time as I do have other tasks to attend to, but I'm sure you can find out enough information without my help. And I recommend you start at the market," Herzog motioned with his hand at a section of the interior with a great many stalls.
"And I would recommend that you all work together," Herzog a hint of concern on his face. "Strength in numbers and all that." Shifting uncomfortably for a moment, Herzog glanced at one of the guards before wishing you all luck and heading back to his tower.
After stocking your supplies form the crates provided by Herzog, you make your way to the market. Reaching the first row of stalls, you hear a disturbing sound mixing in with the other wise joyful and exuberant sounds of the market. The sound of a child crying.
As you turn a corner, you see a small redhead boy, perhaps about nine or ten years old sitting with his back against the wall. His clothes are dusty and ragged. His face is tear-streaked, with dark smudges covering his freckled cheeks. His hands are clutched around a small battered tin cup that contains one copper coin. From his neck hangs a tattered sign with the word, "Orphan" written on it.
Upon seeing your party, the boy attempts to dry his eyes with the torn sleeve of his shirt, rules bravely and says, "Copper for a new orphan?" his tone is respectful and he speaks with a cockney accent. "Beggin your pardon, but poor old dad has been lost in the dungeons below the castle for two days now and I can only assume the worst, ma'ams and sirs."
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