Felicitaria Castle - Grounds

A majestic yet humble castle rests atop a hill surrounded by fields of swaying crops. A 30-foot high stone wall separates the relatively small castle from the surrounding countryside. Large fabric banners bear the symbol of an encircled butterfly, the crest of Felicitaria. Two large, closed portcullises block entry further into the castle proper. A well-trodden path leads up to the western gateway, thin tracks in the dirt showing signs of recent carriage passage.

Hazards & Traps

Patrolling Beasts. While moving between buildings and exploring the castle grounds, the party is constantly in danger of running into beasts that roam the area. Creatures attempting to move about in open areas will need to succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity (Stealth) check during the day; the DC is reduced to 10 at night. If they fail, use the Random Encounters section to determine a suitable threat.

Architecture

Architecture. The design of the entire castle is a classical, medieval one, with ornate archways, stylized battlements, and small archer slots as windows. Beyond the walls, which stand out against the surrounding greenery, the hold is the only structure that rises above the battlements, its tallest tower rising high into the air and topped with a conical roof. The buildings and castle walls all appear to be made of stone brick, but the buildings benefit from the addition of wood and insulation. Wooden planks, clay, and thatch cover the rooftops, sheltering the cozy interiors. Between buildings, there are cobblestone pathways as well as patches of grass. Lighting. The light outside is dictated by the time of day. The sun shines brightly on the land and the castle for most of the day. The castle grounds would normally be lit by torchlight at night, but the current circumstances have resulted in particularly dark nights. At night, the only source of illumination is the moonlight. Buildings are only ever lit by residents, and the usual torch- and candlelight have been replaced with darkness except on occasion. Ceilings and Floors. The buildings within are shorter than the surrounding wall; the interior spaces within are no taller than 20 feet. Interior floors are either stone brick or wood, while exterior grounds are cobblestone or grass. Walls. The outer walls of Felicitaria Castle are 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide with a hollow interior. The walls are constructed of large, gray stone bricks; the bricks were not exactly uniform, creating an uneven texture. The wall is old and starting to show signs of age, including sections falling apart due to wear. The damage has been covered with trees and bushes, but anyone looking close enough would find obvious problems. A creature can attempt to climb the wall with a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check.

Random Encounters

Use these random encounters as needed in the adventure, such as when the group takes too many short rests or an unnecessary long rest. These encounters can also restock the area if the group leaves and comes back later.