Nestled amidst a dense forest, Master Telwinn’s Hunting Lodge is a bastion of refinement and exclusivity. Encircled by a stout wooden wall with a grand gate, the lodge welcomes affluent guests into a meticulously maintained yard. Inside, a serene fountain serves as a gathering point for hunters to share tales of the day’s exploits, while diligent servants tend to the horses and upkeep of the grounds.
The lodge’s interior exudes grandeur. Walls adorned with exotic trophies from legendary hunts and intimate sitting areas provide an air of sophistication where guests can relax with a drink in hand. The dining hall is the centerpiece of hospitality, offering nightly feasts fit for royalty.
Upstairs, guests are treated to lavish quarters, while devoted servants enjoy modest but comfortable accommodations. The staff’s loyalty to Master Telwinn reflects his generous treatment and the lodge’s prestigious reputation.
Master Telwinn himself is a gracious and shrewd host, using the lodge as both a retreat and a means of fostering alliances with influential figures. Whether for leisure or intrigue, this hunting lodge is a place where the wild meets the opulent.
Encounters at the Lodge
When incorporating Master Telwinn’s Hunting Lodge into your game, consider the party’s relationship with Telwinn and the context of their visit. Are they guests, allies, or adversaries? This elegant retreat offers a rich setting for intrigue, social encounters, and thrilling challenges. Here are a few encounter ideas to bring the lodge to life in your campaign.
The Invitation to Hunt
Overview: The players are invited as honored guests to partake in one of Telwinn’s exclusive hunting expeditions. However, the hunt takes a surprising turn when the prey becomes the predator.
Details: What begins as a traditional hunt through the forest soon spirals into chaos when an exotic beast, previously thought to be slain, turns out to be anything but. The players must band together with other guests to survive, showcasing their wit and skill. The encounter provides opportunities for role-playing, as noble guests might panic or turn on one another, and for combat as the players face the beast head-on.
The Noble’s Revenge
Overview: A disgruntled noble, spurned by Telwinn, hires mercenaries to raid the lodge and disrupt its operations. The players must decide how to respond.
Details: The mercenaries arrive during a grand feast, and the players must navigate the chaos. Do they defend Telwinn and his guests, or use the opportunity to uncover hidden truths about the lodge? This encounter blends combat with moral dilemmas, as some attackers might have sympathetic motives, revealing secrets about Telwinn’s manipulative dealings.
The Secrets of the Huntmaster
Overview: Players uncover whispers of corruption tied to Telwinn, leading to a covert investigation into his dealings and alliances.
Details: The party might find themselves hired to infiltrate the lodge under false pretenses or stumble upon evidence while staying as guests. Documents hidden in his private quarters or confessions from loyal staff reveal connections to illegal activities or dangerous groups. This encounter emphasizes stealth, problem-solving, and role-play, as the players weigh whether to confront Telwinn, turn him in, or use the knowledge to their advantage.
The Bandit Plot
Overview: Bandits in the surrounding forest plan an imminent attack on the lodge, and the players overhear their scheme while out hunting.
Details: With little time to act, the party must decide whether to fortify the lodge, rally the guests and staff, or attempt a preemptive strike. As the attack unfolds, the encounter offers high-stakes combat and strategic planning. Players might also uncover ties between Telwinn and the bandits, raising questions about his integrity.
Cast of Characters
Master Telwinn’s Hunting Lodge is home to a diverse cast of characters, from its enigmatic owner to the loyal staff and intriguing guests who frequent the halls. These personalities provide role-playing opportunities, enrich the setting, and drive the lodge’s many stories. Here are some of the key figures players might encounter during their visit.
Master Telwinn
The Charismatic Huntmaster – A seasoned hunter and shrewd businessman, Telwinn thrives on charm and cunning. Known for his extravagant hunts and diplomatic finesse, he uses his lodge to cultivate relationships with influential figures. Telwinn is gracious to his guests but ruthless in pursuing his goals, often weaving subtle manipulation into his hospitality. His motives are as layered as his trophies, leaving players to wonder where his true loyalties lie.
Elaena Strell
The Chief Steward – Elaena oversees the lodge with precision and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Fiercely loyal to Telwinn, she ensures every guest is catered to, but her sharp eyes and intuition make her a valuable ally—or a dangerous adversary. Elaena holds many of Telwinn’s secrets, and her loyalty might waver if players uncover truths that challenge her unwavering faith in her employer.
Varlan Greve
The Seasoned Hunter – A rugged veteran of countless hunts, Varlan serves as Telwinn’s trusted guide. Known for his gruff demeanor and unmatched knowledge of the forest, he can be a staunch ally in dangerous situations. Varlan harbors a complicated past, including a feud with local bandits and a lingering guilt over a hunting expedition gone wrong. His actions often hinge on his complex moral compass.
Sylrin Daggart
The Reclusive Tracker – Sylrin, nicknamed “Whisper” for her silent movements, is a mysterious figure employed to scout and track dangerous game. Often seen on the periphery of gatherings, she speaks little but observes everything. Whisper may aid the players if they earn her trust, revealing her disdain for Telwinn’s more ruthless tactics and her ties to the forest’s deeper mysteries.
Lord Anwell Harstrom
The Ambitious Noble – A frequent guest at the lodge, Lord Harstrom is a flamboyant aristocrat with a penchant for dramatics. He is often the center of attention, regaling others with exaggerated tales of his exploits. Harstrom’s motivations for visiting the lodge go beyond leisure; he’s cultivating allies for his political aspirations. Beneath his charm, he might attempt to use the players to further his agenda.
Hendrall and Lysa Norric
The Innkeeper Couple – Hendrall and Lysa manage the lodge’s kitchens and guest accommodations. Warm and approachable, they serve as a comforting presence amidst the lodge’s intrigue. However, they know more than they let on—having overheard many whispered conversations in the dining hall. If approached with care, they might share useful insights about the lodge’s inner workings or its guests.