Hulden

Village of Shadows and Despair

Hulden, once a picturesque village at the edge of a serene lake where the Eissacktal valley ends, now lies in ruins. The peaceful town has been overrun by hobgoblins, whose cacophonous howls echo ominously from the shattered buildings. These cruel and vicious creatures have enslaved the villagers, ruling with an iron fist and delighting in violence and destruction.

The villagers live in constant fear, their lives overshadowed by the hobgoblins' tyranny. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, some still cling to hope, praying for liberation and a return to peace. Each day is a struggle for survival, with food and resources strictly controlled by their captors. The once vibrant marketplace, now a desolate square, serves as a grim reminder of the village's former prosperity.

In the heart of Hulden stands the ruins of the old chapel, its bell tower a crumbling relic. The chapel, once a beacon of faith and community, now serves as the hobgoblins' headquarters. From here, they oversee their brutal reign, leaving the villagers to toil in fear and despair. Yet, beneath the surface of Hulden, hidden tunnels and forgotten passages hint at ancient secrets that might hold the key to the village's salvation.

Adventure Hooks

Whispers of Freedom: A secret resistance movement is forming within Hulden. The heroes are asked to help orchestrate a rebellion against the hobgoblins and free the enslaved villagers. Coordinating covert operations and smuggling weapons under the hobgoblins' noses becomes a daring game of cat and mouse.
Echoes of the Past: Ancient ruins beneath Hulden hold a forgotten power that could drive the hobgoblins away. The heroes must uncover these secrets and harness their power, navigating treacherous underground mazes and deciphering cryptic symbols left by a long-lost civilization.
Hobgoblin King's Bargain: The hobgoblin king offers to leave Hulden if a rare artifact is delivered to him. The heroes must decide whether to trust him and embark on a perilous quest to retrieve the item. This artifact, hidden in a remote, dangerous location, could turn the tide in their favor—or spell doom if mishandled.
Spectral Guardians: The spirits of Hulden's ancestors rise to protect the village. The heroes must communicate with these spectral guardians to coordinate an attack against the hobgoblins. Earning the trust and assistance of these ethereal beings involves solving age-old mysteries and performing sacred rituals.
Mysterious Benefactor: A powerful but enigmatic ally offers the heroes assistance in liberating Hulden, but their true motives remain unclear. The heroes must navigate this alliance carefully, discerning whether they can truly trust this benefactor. Unraveling the benefactor's past and intentions becomes as crucial as the fight for Hulden's freedom itself.