Henkerstein

The Haunted Ruins of Henkerstein Castle

The ruins of Henkerstein Castle stand eerily at the foot of the eastern Trollheights, south of the city of Reifenstein. Once the home of Reifenstein's infamous hangman, Henkerstein fell a decade ago to a relentless troll assault. Now, its crumbling walls and broken towers tell tales of the violent siege, where marauding trolls breached the fortress and left a trail of death and destruction.

The castle gates remain open, leading to a graveyard of forgotten souls. The air is thick with fear and foreboding, as stories of the trolls' brutality linger, warning adventurers of the dangers that still permeate these ruins. Moss-covered stones and twisted vines add to the sense of abandonment and desolation. The once-grand halls, now overrun by nature, stand silent, echoing with the memories of the past.

In the heart of the ruins, the hangman's tower stands as the tallest structure, its shadow stretching across the desolate courtyard. Legend says that the hangman’s noose still dangles from the topmost beam, swaying with the slightest breeze, a grim reminder of the fortress's dark history. The dungeons below, where prisoners were once held, are said to be haunted by their restless spirits, whose anguished cries can sometimes be heard at night.

Despite its haunting atmosphere, Henkerstein attracts those brave or foolish enough to seek its mysteries. Adventurers come in search of hidden treasures and lost knowledge, while others are drawn by the allure of the supernatural. It is said that on certain nights, when the moon is full, ghostly apparitions can be seen wandering the grounds, reliving the final moments of the castle's last stand.

Adventure Hooks

Curse of the Hangman: The spirit of the infamous hangman haunts Henkerstein, seeking redemption. The heroes must uncover his dark past to release his tormented soul. Their journey will lead them through the hangman’s tower, where they will face the ghost’s wrath and uncover the truth behind his cursed existence.
Echoes of the Trolls: Strange sounds echo from the ruins at night, believed to be the trolls returning. The heroes must investigate and prevent a new siege. They will uncover a secret passage used by the trolls, leading to an underground lair filled with clues about the trolls' intentions.
The Forgotten Tome: A powerful grimoire, lost during the troll invasion, is rumored to be hidden in the ruins. The heroes must find it before it falls into evil hands. The tome is said to contain spells that can control the restless spirits, making it a prize for anyone seeking power.
Graveyard Guardians: The spirits of those who perished defending Henkerstein rise to protect the ruins. The heroes must appease these restless souls. Through a series of rituals and offerings, they will communicate with the fallen warriors and lay their spirits to rest, restoring peace to the haunted grounds.
Troll Treasure: The trolls left behind a hidden treasure in their retreat. The heroes must navigate the dangerous ruins to uncover this lost hoard. Along the way, they will encounter traps and puzzles left by the trolls, designed to protect their ill-gotten gains.