CASTLE GYLLENCREUTZ

The headquarters is a huge, neglected old castle on a hill by the Fyris river. It is surrounded by a black iron fence and has a gate flanked by statues of griffins. The garden and the paved walkway leading to the entrance are overgrown with bushes, trees, and shrubbery. There are plenty of mice, rats, foxes, and birds. In the backyard there is a dilapidated jetty on the shore of the Fyris river, and a boarded-up boathouse. The garden has several smaller buildings - most likely used as stables, storage rooms, and servants’ quarters - as well as a number of statues and a fountain. Up on a small hill there are seven rotting crosses of wood. The castle’s facade is decorated with monstrous gargoyles. It is a three-story building with several towers and a vast underground cellar.

Castle Gyllencreutz stood vacant for many years. Its old furniture is covered in cobwebs, and mice have nested in couches and chairs. Rats defend their homes, while bats and crows come and go through the holes in the ceiling. Parts of the building reek of mold, and the leaky roof lets rain in. Most of the castle is unexplored; many of its doors are either locked or nailed shut. By reading old journals left behind by previous residents, you have learned that there are several libraries, a laboratory, an infirmary, a chapel, an observatory, and halls for magical studies. There should also be cells where vaesen were held - all of this hidden behind the many secret doors you have identified but not yet opened.

Shortly after taking over the castle you were visited by a man called Algot Frisk. He claimed that his ancestors had served at Castle Gyllencreutz for hundreds of years, and insisted on being hired as steward of the castle. Steward Frisk works hard to keep you fed, help you dress, and clean up the castle, taking every opportunity to point out the need for more staff. Furthermore, it should be noted the good Steward on many occasions has sported a smile that suggests he knows more about the Society and vaesen than he lets on. So far, none of you have gotten him to reveal his secrets.