⚔️ Group 1 - 015 - The Castle
"We'll go to the castle now," you tell Elara. "The sooner help reaches Thornhaven, the better."
She nods approvingly. "Good. Return here once you've delivered the letter."
- Toward the Castle
You leave the Scholar's Quarter and make your way through the city streets.
The castle dominates the skyline, rising like a mountain of stone from the heart of Readingham.
Its walls are thick as houses, its four great bastions crowned with the yellow and green banners.
As you approach, the crowds thin.
This is the administrative heart of the city, where soldiers patrol and officials conduct the business of governance.
The main gate to the castle grounds stands open, flanked by guards in polished armor bearing the city's colors. They're more attentive than the city gate guards, eyes tracking your approach.
One steps forward, spear held across his chest.
"State your business."
You hold up the sealed letter, showing Elara's mark on the wax.
"Message for the Guard Captain.
From Elara the Mage.
Urgent."
The guard's expression shifts slightly at Elara's name.
He gestures to his companion, who nods and steps aside.
"Follow me."
- The Courtyard
Inside the castle walls, the courtyard bustles with activity.
Soldiers drill in formation.
Blacksmiths work at outdoor forges.
Messengers hurry between buildings.
The clang of steel and the shouts of sergeants fill the air.
Your escort leads you across the courtyard toward a stone building with narrow windows and a heavy oak door.
"Wait here."
He disappears inside.
Minutes pass.
You stand in the shadow of the castle's inner wall, watching the organized chaos around you.
Then the door opens.
A man emerges, tall and broad-shouldered, perhaps fifty years old, with close-cropped gray hair and a scar running from his temple to his jaw.
He wears well-maintained chainmail under a tabard bearing Readingham's colors.
The Guard Captain.
His eyes sweep over your group, taking in your weapons, your travel-stained clothes, the marks on your forearms.
"You have a message from Elara?"
You hand him the sealed letter.
He breaks the wax and reads quickly, his expression growing darker with each line.
When he finishes, he looks up.
"Bandits at Widow's Creek. Stolen supplies from Thornhaven.
At least five hostiles, possibly more."
He folds the letter and tucks it into his belt.
"You found this camp yourselves?"
You nod.
"And you can lead my men back to it?"
The ranger speaks up. "I can. I know the exact location."
The Guard Captain studies him for a moment, then nods.
"Good." He turns toward the courtyard. "SERGEANT!"
A grizzled soldier jogs over, snapping to attention.
"Assemble a squad. Ten men, light armor, ready to march within the hour.
We're clearing out bandits south of here."
The sergeant salutes and hurries off, barking orders.
The Captain turns back to you.
"Elara says you're the Marked Ones.
The Chosen." His tone is neutral, neither impressed nor dismissive. "She also says you've proven yourselves competent."
He crosses his arms.
"My men will handle the bandits. But if you want to come along, I won't stop you.
You found them, you've earned the right to see it through."
He pauses.
"Or you can return to Elara now.
She mentioned she has another task for you. Something about the real threat."
His expression makes it clear he knows what that means.
"Your choice."
🎯 What Do You Do?
- Join the soldiers. Go back to Widow's Creek, help clear out the bandits, see the mission through.
- Return to Elara immediately. The bandits are handled. Time to focus on the corruption and the real threat.
- Ask the Captain questions. About the supply disruptions, about what he knows of the spreading darkness.
- Split the party. The ranger goes with the soldiers (he knows the location), the rest return to Elara.
- Other → as discussed
Join the soldiers
Return to Elara immediately
Ask the Captain questions
Split the party
Other → as discussed
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⚔️ Group 1 - 015 - The Castle
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