Burg Martell | Notion

Martell Castle

The Ancestral Seat of Power and Legacy

Martell Castle sits majestically north of the bustling city of Martell, serving as the ancestral seat of the illustrious Lords of Martell. This formidable stone fortress stands proud and unyielding, with its high, crenelated walls offering a commanding view of the rolling hills and dense forests that surround it. Tall, imposing towers rise at each corner, their banners fluttering defiantly in the wind, emblazoned with the Martell family crest—a golden hawk clutching a crimson sword against a field of midnight blue.

The castle is encircled by a deep, glistening moat, its dark waters whispering secrets of bygone eras. A single drawbridge spans this watery chasm, creaking ominously as it can be raised to repel any would-be invaders. As the gatehouse portcullis clanks open, visitors enter a realm steeped in history and power.

Inside, the keep reveals a grand hall with soaring ceilings and sturdy wooden beams, where the flickering light of countless torches casts dancing shadows on the walls. Long wooden tables stretch across the hall, laden with the bounty of harvest feasts. Rich, intricate tapestries adorn the stone walls, each one depicting scenes of the Martell family's valorous deeds and storied past. Stone staircases spiral upwards, leading to private quarters that exude opulence—lavish furnishings of dark, polished wood, plush carpets from distant lands, and canopied beds draped with silk.

Beneath the castle lies an extensive network of dungeons and tunnels, a labyrinthine expanse believed to be as old as the castle itself. These subterranean passages, carved deep into the ancient rock, are shrouded in perpetual gloom. The dungeons are dank and foreboding, their iron-barred cells having held prisoners for centuries. The tunnels stretch out like the veins of the earth, some leading to secret exits in the surrounding woods, while others conceal hidden chambers where treasures and relics of untold value are stored.

Martell Castle's strategic location makes it a crucial toll waypoint for travelers and merchants, who must pay a fee to pass through. This toll has enriched the Martell coffers, allowing the family to maintain their stronghold and influence. The castle also serves as a bulwark against northern threats, with its garrison of well-trained soldiers ever vigilant.

Martell Castle stands as a symbol of strength and stability, a beacon of the Martell family's enduring legacy in the medieval fantasy world of Earlsdale.

Adventure Hooks

The Missing Heirloom: A precious family heirloom has disappeared from one of the hidden chambers beneath Martell Castle. The Martells hire adventurers to retrieve it, but the tunnels are perilous and home to many secrets.
The Northern Threat: Rumors of a barbarian horde gathering in the northern forests reach the ears of Lord Martell. He needs skilled warriors to scout the area and report back on the threat.
The Haunted Moat: Local legends speak of spirits haunting the castle's moat. Strange occurrences have begun to disrupt daily life, and the Martell family seeks brave souls to investigate and quell the restless spirits.
The Secret Passage: An old map is discovered, hinting at an undiscovered passage in the castle's dungeons. This passage might lead to a forgotten treasure or a dire threat lying dormant for centuries.
The Poison Plot: Lady Martell has been poisoned, and suspicion falls upon the castle's servants and soldiers. The Martell children enlist the help of trustworthy adventurers to uncover the culprit before it's too late.