Logos Location #3: An Outpost Too Far

 

Original cartography by Dyson Logos, source

On the borderlands between the Republic of Darokin and the monster-infested Orclands north of Alfheim there are various ruins and remains of the ongoing conflict between civilization and the forces of Chaos. One of these is Bronzesword Keep, a small outpost a few miles north of Fort Nell that is often the centre of skirmishes and raids. It has changed hands and been captured, recaptured, sacked and rebuilt often enough that many officers in Fort Nell refer to it as "an outpost too far". In the last attack by a band of orcs about a month ago one of the casualties was a young army captain Filippus who had just returned back from a scouting mission from the Orclands. Surviving Darokinians who reached Fort Nell have postulated that the orcs who attacked Bronzesword Keep that day were actually chasing Captain Filippus, perhaps trying to stop him from passing on critical information. He had a scroll which he showed to the outpost commander though both were killed before the information reached Fort Nell. 

The exact nature of the scroll is up to the DM but it could well be a map, sketched by Captain Filippus showing various features, humanoid settlements and hazards. It might even show the approximate location of Derothgar if the brave captain had managed to reach that far. 

Key to the map:

1) The Courtyard: This area is open to the sky. 

2) The south Tower: 4 orcs + 1 orc leader 

3) The Barracks: 6 orcs are camped here using the human beds. 

4) The Storeroom & kitchen: Here is an orc leader plus campfire and the orcs' stores (which are definitely not appetising to humans and probably not edible). 

5) The Hallway: Empty apart from an unlit chandelier. However, orcs pass through here so it doesn't stay empty for long. 

6) Officer's Quarters: Here is the orc captain commanding this captured outpost. He has a chest that contains both the orcs' treasure as well as the scroll with Captain Filippus' information on it. The treasure is 2230sp, 520gp, 4 quartz crystal gems worth 20gp each and a set of 4 engraved bronze plates worth 40gp each

7) The NCO quarters: Home to 3 orc veterans who are equipped with scavenged chain mail armour as an upgrade from the usual leather armour. 

8) The Kennels: Here are 3 wolves, hungry and ready to attack any non-orc that opens the door, 

Stat blocks:

Orc (normal):  AC 6, Move 90', HD 1, THAC0 19, Att 1 spear for 1d6, Ml 8, Align C, XP 10 each
Equipment: Leather armour, shield, spear, 10sp each

Orc leader: AC 6, Move 90', HD 1 (8hp) THAC0 19, Att 1 axe for 1d6+1, Ml 8, Align C, XP 15 each

Equipment: Leather armour, shield, hand axe, 20sp each

Orc Veteran: AC 4, Move 90', HD 1 (8hp) THAC0 19, Att 1 axe for 1d6+1, Ml 8, Align C, XP 15 each

Equipment: Chain Mail, shield, hand axe, 20sp each

Orc Captain: AC 4, Move 90', HD 3 (20hp) THAC0 16, Att 1 sword for 1d8+2, Ml 10, Align C, XP 50

Equipment: Chain Mail, shield, sword +1

Wolf: AC 7, Move 180', HD 2+2 (10hp each), THAC0 17, Att 1 bite for 1d6, Ml 8, Align N, XP 25