Blackstone Keep - Illustrated Scene

Illustration by Patrick Zapata

Each month, I try and pass along the generosity you show me by employing other artists to create a variety of illustrations, portraits, magical items and other works of art that can be used in your games at home, whether they be homebrew or official modules.

This month, I wanted to highlight one of those pieces -- the Blackstone Keep with art by Patrick Zapata.

Blackstone Keep is a large castle built in a swamp (yes, yes...the first one sank, etc...), and is patterned after real life Bodium Castle (used in Monty Python) with a few changes, mostly to the layout and contents of the interior.

This map includes [4] different levels, including the 1st & 2nd interior floors of the castle, its ramparts and rooftops and a lower level that appears just as storage with a sinister secret. It would be a great location for a quest hub or a large event taking place while the party rests in transit from place to place.

The map can be used for several purposes, social or combat:

1. The party is traveling to another destination, and moving through the swamp saves them several days of travel. However, that requires passing through Blackstone Keep and negotiating that right of passage from the owner.

2. The party has been sent to the Keep by an ally, who was called upon for aid by the owners of the keep, saying strange things are afoot in the swamp.

3. Someone has been kidnapped and brought to the castle, and the party must find a way to infiltrate the grounds and escape with them.

4. The castle is part of a party member's background or narrative.

Here's the original Blackstone Keep map:

The castle included a lower level, as well, with a secret door leading to something suspicious:

I hope you enjoy the piece and seeing where some of your support goes!

If you're not yet a Patron, consider joining to help support other talented artists! =)

Best,

Jeff @ Morvold