The Taking of Kupp Castle

The fortress at the Cape of Kupp, on Cuppola Lake in the Kingdom of Cotnor, had been abandoned for years; ever since the nearby tower was destroyed in fire and flames nearly a hundred years before. The castle had been a simple affair, a guards barracks that had originally been built there as a remote, arctic prison. It had been renovated later in its life, to allow a special contingent of guards to live there comfortably amidst the arctic wastes. Hardwood floors, and walls clad in elk-hair plaster, were installed. It was refitted with new lighting fixtures and well insulated against the cold. It was supplied with food and necessities monthly, and those stationed there lived in the lap of luxury as they stood by for a variety of secret and mysterious tasks given them, directly, by the Cotnor Royal Family, and specifically Corrine Cotnor, who ruled the area with an iron fist from the nearby tower.

It is now an enclave of secretive Githzerai assassin monks. They also employ wizards and fighters, and have taken it upon themselves to resurrect the once dead and buried death cult known as Ravelous Nil. These devout worshippers of the Primordial Annihilation will fight to the death, wild-eyed and foaming at the mouth from the drugs they are taking. They are eerily quiet, communicating with each other telepathically, not even crying out in pain when wounded, although they will speak aloud enough to try to recruit the party into Ravelous Nil.

Themes

A surprising number of things are called "Kupp", and have been for time out of mind. For instance, Castle Kupp is located on Kupp Cove, on Lake Kuppola in Cotnor.

Structure

Exposition

Castle Kupp

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During a lull in the adventuring, Brother Kupp gets a letter via messenger pigeon:

It is a summons, from Cass Elliot, venerable Spymaster of The High King's Seat, herself! The summons does not state why Kupp is wanted for questioning; only that he is, and that there is a conveniently provided scroll of teleportation with the relevant location Glyph enclosed in the packet of official papers he received.

Letter to Baa Kupp

Conflict

There will be a couple of different conflicts:

• The Unified Kingdoms of Greysilt are suspicious of Kupp's ownership of Castle Kupp
  • During a recent review of land holdings, done because of a scandal involving the prominent Hartunian royal family, the Title, Deed, and Charter of Nobility for one "Brother Bass Kupp" have been uncovered. This is interesting, as the castle and surrounding area were once the home turf of a cult of Cotnorian assassins called Ravelous Nil.
• The castle itself has become a stronghold for a sect of nihilistic Githzerai, who have resurrected the death cult of Ravelous Nil. In fact, the spirit of Corrine Cotnor has possessed one of the philospher monks from beyond the grave.

Rising Action

As Kupp works to clear his name in the Kingdoms the Githzerai at Castle Kupp have become aware of the scrutiny and are taking steps to "do away" with Brother Kupp! They assign a team of assassins to take him out, and to mitigate the Kingdoms research into their stronghold with bribes or any other means necessary.

Climax

The party will, somehow or another, assault Castle Kupp, and free it for Brother Kupp's use as he sees fit.