STONEWULF KEEP 3

Hook: Far out on the edges of Stone Lake in the Misty Forest lay the black edifice of Stonewulf Keep. You've heard about it... But, no one likes to speak of its resident. The say he is a warlord of exceptional skill. That his sword howls when he fights. And his eyes glow crimson under a helm of black steel shaped into the visage of a fierce wolf. He is the local ruler, Lord Were. They say he haunts the moors and hills of his small land in the guise of a large, black dog, or wolf, and that he feeds on the undeserving and black of heart. But, no one takes any chances and lock up tight their windows and doors when the night falls. His men are ruthless, dressed in black armour, with wolf-crested helms, a black wolf standard upon their banners and shields and tunics... It is The Wilderness, and many things can live there without contention or question. Lord Were and his people keep to themselves. He runs a land of brutal justice, but, no one says anything, because the wolf lord and his retainers protect them and keep the peace. But, even the people are a bit strange, you've noticed. Not evil, necessarily. Just 'odd', noncommittal, and slightly nondescript. They work hard, in the field, at the forge and benches where they ply their trades and services, and welcomed you with warmth enough, and they dress brightly for their dismal land. What you don't understand is why you have this strange feeling of discomfort crawling up your spines, your nerves on end, the entire time you've been here... One custom you found strange, but, not unheard of, is the ban on killing wolves. Apparently, they worship them, or hold them as sacred, somehow. And that is when you noticed it... They watch. Like scared prey. Ready to flee at a moment's notice and quick to scare...

Details: The 2nd Level of Stonewulf Keep is where the shrine to Chaos and Strixa, the scribe's chamber, gatehouse (winch room), first level of battlements, and parlour are located. The day room is a sitting room for members of the castle to read, relax, and sit by a window to observe the world outside. The parlour is a waiting space, where the scribe leaves and serves guests for Were to meet with them. The gallery over Were's chamber is off limits, like the rest of his room, but, he treats it like a day room, often reading by the windows and gazing wistfully at the world without. The doors leading to it are locked. The gallery over the great hall is where musicians entertain the guests dining below. Were's office is here, as well. This is where he keeps his treasure, in a secret compartment under the floorboards under the desk. It's a strong box, and several sacks of mostly gold coins, with a smattering of other metals present, a bottom layer of evenly-arrayed gold bars, and some jewellery.

Were is a 'wolf-man'. Not like a werewolf, in the traditional sense, but, similar. He changes when he hasn't devoured human flesh in some time. The hunger comes upon him, and he cannot contain his evil nature. If he cannibalises while human, he remains human... It's something he must do, daily, or change at night. During the day he sleeps in his chamber or works in his office, or wanders the castle grounds. When he hunts, he runs through the forest with his heralds hunting humans and animals, alike. He contains his wolf nature so as not to threaten his peace and ruse that he is simply a human. He also makes very few appearances, so no one guesses he is the same person ruling over generations. Rumours are spread of visiting family, newly-arrived heirs and partners, etc.