Wolkenstein

The Haunted Bastion of Earlsdale

The ruins of the giant fortress Wolkenstein stand at the northern tip of Earlsdale, bordering the Farlanghwald Forest and the savage lands beyond. Once a formidable bastion against northern invasions, Wolkenstein fell centuries ago to an undead army led by the malevolent High Priest Mordred of Jasul. Since then, Mordred has made Wolkenstein his base and center of power.

Perched high up in the mountains, the fortress is often shrouded in clouds, giving it an ethereal and ghostly appearance. On the few clear days, its towering silhouette is visible from the valleys below, a haunting reminder of its past glory and current menace. The castle’s exterior, now weathered and decayed, still shows signs of its grand architecture, with tall, crumbling towers and massive stone walls etched with eldritch symbols that seem to writhe and shimmer in the twilight.

Beneath Wolkenstein, a vast system of underground halls and tunnels is carved deep into the mountain. These subterranean passages are rumored to connect to an ancient dwarven kingdom, offering hidden routes to various places within Earlsdale. The connection to the feyline is especially strong and constant here, adding a mystical aura to the already eerie ruins. The air in these tunnels is cold and damp, often filled with the faint whispers of spirits long lost to the fortress's curse.

Inside the fortress, the air is thick with the presence of dark magic. The once-grand halls are now filled with shadows and the remnants of battles long past. Flickering torchlight casts unsettling shapes on the walls, and the sound of distant, sorrowful wails echoes through the corridors. The undead minions of Mordred, their eyes glowing with a malevolent green light, roam the darkened hallways, maintaining their master's dark reign. The scent of decay and the cloying touch of malevolent forces pervade every corner, making each step within a perilous venture.

Despite its fallen state, Wolkenstein remains a place of power, mystery, and dread in Earlsdale.

Adventure Hooks

The Whispering Shadows: Reports of ghostly apparitions and unsettling whispers have drawn the attention of scholars from the College of Magic. They seek brave adventurers to investigate the source of these disturbances within the dark halls of Wolkenstein.
The Lost Dwarven Kingdom: A map discovered in an ancient tome suggests the existence of a hidden entrance to the lost dwarven kingdom beneath Wolkenstein. The adventurers must navigate the perilous tunnels and unlock the secrets buried within.
The Feyline's Curse: The mystical feyline that runs through Wolkenstein is said to be cursed, causing the surrounding land to wither and die. A powerful druid believes that purging the fortress of its dark magic will lift the curse and restore balance.
Mordred's Minions: A small village on the edge of Earlsdale has been plagued by raids from undead creatures. The villagers plead for help to destroy the source of these attacks and end Mordred's reign of terror.
The Relic of Wolkenstein: Legends speak of a powerful relic hidden within the depths of the fortress, capable of turning the tide against Mordred’s dark forces. A noble house commissions the adventurers to retrieve this artifact and bring hope back to Earlsdale.