(Third Expedition) Expeditions to the Ancient Castle Malabeaux
Player Notes by Darren
The Third Expedition, July 7th, 2026
Time has passed slowly since my last expedition. The castle puts a strong hold on a person. It calls out to you in your dreams. Thoughts of treasure haunt your waking sleep. I knew I must return soon.
A party was assembled for the latest foray into the halls of the castle. Once more I joined with Carl the Cleric and our fighter friend Whim. In addition, another footpad (known as Spud on the streets) joined our company. While I am no judge of human beauty, this fellow really has an unfortunate face. Lastly, our alliance included a Paladin by the name of Phosphorus. Joining him was his henchman, another fighting man with a strong sword arm. Rounding out our number was Noz, the one who bore our torch during the previous delve.
Rumours Heard in the City
The drunkards and tale tellers and rumour mongers had plenty to say as I spent coin plying them with drink. Here are the choicest morsels for your consideration.
“A wise old gargoyle has a legend to tell for those who will listen.”
“You can get into the castle through a cave mouth through the lake, for those who don’t want a front entrance.”
In addition, while asking after ravens, I learned nothing of them, but the following information fell into my lap.
“There is an apothecary who will accept an apprentice in exchange for a fantastic monster, captured alive.”
Courtyard Developments
Upon our return, the courtyard appeared mostly as we left it. Notably, the ravens were eager to see us, or so it seemed, as they chattered at our company. It would seem that our offerings of meat and shiny coin was well met, as they eagerly took to the meat we left. Sadly, no response was given when I inquired of them concerning any new developments. Despite this, I will continue in my quest to make friends of their unkindness.
Future delvers beware: the rose garden is growing back in, and no doubt will be ready to bloom once more! I can also report that no extra limbs were seen; not an arm or a leg in sight! I collected a sample, and I hope to bring it to an alchemist or botanist in town for a professional opinion. Perhaps an antidote to the sleeping agent can be created? Or perhaps it can be weaponized against the inhabitants of Castle Malevol?
Once More Through the Garden Shed
Our company debated at some length about the right approach during this expedition. I left it to my companions to help decide, as I do not wish to come across as too bossy or unkind. They know not of gnomish ways as I know little of how the tall folk conduct themselves. In the end, it was decided we would further our exploration through the secret garden shed door.
Ghost Bar Developments
Once more, five patrons were here, posing the same statement, “But that is not the answer the living question!” When I spake at them, the spirits dissolved into ectoplasm. I am unsure if they are true spirits, or simply an echo of the men who once drank in this hall. Perhaps there is a satisfactory reply to the living question? I will keep an ear close to the ground.
Nursery Room Developments
When passing through the nursery, we once again could hear the giggling and cooing of ghostly babes. A voice sung a lullaby in an off-key voice. However, when inspecting the cribs, they appeared empty. Spud held a crib for a moment – and I held my breath. However, upon release it resumed a-rocking. The tall thief also reached for the large kitchen knife mounted on the wall. As long and sharp and deadly as a short sword, he plucked it from the wall without any complaint. We counted the daggers mounted on the wall; there appears to be 29. I wonder if there is a significance to that number? `
The Big Talking Head
During our first expedition, Quirky and I made the fast choice to spike this room shut and continue on. I can report that the spike was removed at some point. Explaining the situation to the Paladin, he knew that he must honor his oath and confront the undead who are a source of evil on the Prime Material plane. Let this be a lesson to those of flexible morals – paladins can often be more trouble than they are worth!
Entering the chamber, Phosphorous and Carl used their divine powers to turn the zombies with prayers of censure. The great floating head stood alone, scowling and projecting a force at the holy warriors. While the seven zombies were easily felled, the large head took a bit more of work, but it also succumbed to masterful sword strikes.
Of note, Whim attempted the words imparted to us from an earlier rumor. They seemed to have no effect. Secondly, the zombies were polishing about one hundred spears. My gnomish mind does not comprehend the ways of men, for why would they dedicate a room to spear polishing when they have a (formerly) well stocked armoury?
The Swarm of Severed Hands
Upon my suggestion, we returned to deal with this chamber as well. Once again, uttered holy words turned the swarm of undead hands, and in turn our party made quick work of them. The glittering thunderhead was a bit more problematic. However, I was able to scoop up the angry little cloud into my sack, and we separated the potion from its watery cell. The cloud we stored in a backpack, hoping to trade it with the alchemist I mentioned earlier in this record.
Howling in the Halls
Once more, in this north-south hall, which adjoins the rooms mentioned above, we heard the howling of a wolf or large dog. I should mention, this is about the same as we heard during my first expedition to the halls of this accursed place. Perhaps it is a small spell set to deter intruders? Or maybe an alarm? It is difficult to say.
Running north-south, the halls turn to east as your approach the northern end. From there, the hallway runs for another thirty feet or so to the east. This terminates in two doors, one on the northeast wall, and one on the southeast.
The Woodcutter’s Chamber
The south door opens into a chamber measuring about 30’ x 20’, and included a masked man chained to the wall. He wielded a woodcutters axe, and was at the task of chopping wood.
While questioning him, he requested that our company, “free me from this torment.”
However, as we debated how to proceed, a gang of courtiers caught us off guard, and from behind. The leader of these hens, Meredith (Malevol?), bid us to leave the cutter alone, and named him to us as “Blerot.”
Unfortunately for all, our Paladin was already set in mind and deed. Detecting that this wretch stank of evil, he shut the door. I know not exactly what transpired, but when I later opened this chamber, Blerot the Woodcutter lay dead, his head severed. Perhaps Whim can fill in the details? He was alone with them both.
While unknown actions transpired behind closed doors, Meredith and the ladies of court grew impatient and curious. After a harsh exchange of words, my remaining companions and I made as if to leave. However, I instead chose to act rashly.
Drawing upon the arts learned from the Guild, I plunged my longsword between the noble woman’s shoulders, felling her. A melee broke loose, and in the confusion, I broke into the room, notifying Phosphorous and Whim that trouble had found us. The fighting men joined the swirl of melee as Carl turned half of their number. We watched as six of the courtiers fled away.
The ladies of court fought viciously, long talons attempting to shred flesh from bone, just as the sagging flesh of their own ghoulish faces clung with all might to stay in place. The combat did not last long, and we decimated those that didn’t rout.
Of Note
Despite their decomposition, the courtiers had much finery remaing. While the lavendar is pleasant enough, the faint rot must be cleansed to make them saleable. A washing is in order.
In addition, we recovered the century of spears, and made good to fix them to the Paladin’s warhorse for transport back to town.
Our alchemist contact accepted the thundercloud, trading the promise of teaching a spell to a magic user of our choosing. In addition, the potion wrested from the cloud turned out to be a love potion. I wonder if it can be traded to Tristano in the courtyard? It is worth finding out, in my small opinion.
A small locket was snatched from the cleanly severed neck of the woodcutter. Cheaply made, it contains the picture of a beautiful young woman. Could this be a scandal for the Malevols? I wonder.