The Siege of Castle Kuestenkauz

**The Siege of Castle Kuestenkauz** will start once we returned to Castle Seidlitz after beating Red Bestl during the previous mission and report to Klauslin about our discovery about Bestl working for Kuestenkauz.

## Beginning

In the moment the Hero set foot in the castle a dialogue will begin:

**Hero**: *"Klauslin, we finished off Bestl's gang. He swore during questioning that he acted under the orders of Kuestenkauz. Do you think it could be true?"*
**Seidlitz**: *"I fear it must be. The Kuestenkauz brothers are not the most reputable in the area; I have had many confrontations with them in the past. They have sunk ships and encouraged robbers. The younger brother has not been seen in many months. Not a good sign..."*
**Berthold**: *"It seems you have interesting people all around you, baron. And what if we pacify Kuestenkauz? We took care of the robbers, surely we can take care of this so-called lord."*
**Seidlitz**: *"You're bold, Berthold, I'll grant you that. But you'll have to take his castle. And you won't be able to do that with so few men. I'll give you some gold so that you can hire some mercenaries."*
**Seidlitz**: *"Mercenaries, unlike regular soldiers, ask for a daily pay, but don't need castle support. You are able to make your party significantly stronger by taking on mercenaries."*
**Seidlitz**: *"In the local tavern you're sure to find a few lansquenets who are willing to fight for gold. Hire mercenaries until you have at least eight fighters in your party. Only then can you attack Castle Kuestenkauz."*
**Seidlitz**: *"Moreover, you should not hastily lay siege to the castle while the knight is there with his troops. It is possible that when leaves his castle there will only be a small garrison left to defend it."*
**Seidlitz**: *"Hide in the old fisherman's hut on the bank. I doubt that Kuestenkauz will spy you there. Wait there until he and his men leave the castle. When his army is far away, attack the castle."*
All clear, with a second purse of 1000 coins, let's go to the Cow and Spoon tavern.

## Preparations

*"Seidlitz told you to take Castle Kuestenkauz. First you need to hire several mercenaries; you will need at least eight soldiers in your army. Mercenaries can be found in taverns.*

*Then go to the old fisherman's hut on the north coast and wait until Kuestenkauz leaves the castle with his army. When he is far enough from the castle, lay siege to it."*At the tavern hire the Crossbowman (for 168 coins) and the Veteran Watch (for 270 coins) and if a day has passed, check the Summer Fair for new items and sell some loot.
Once all set, cross the bridge near Castle Seidlitz and head to the Fishing Hut in front of Castle Kuestenkauz and enter there.

**Berthold**: *"They didn't seem to spot us on our way here. Now we just need to wait until Kuestenkauz leaves the castle."*

Wait until the knight is quite far (near the Otto von Kuestenkauz Estate or behind the castle) and exit from the hut.

## Siege

**Berthold**: *"Time for a siege. Mere walls can't hold out determined men."*
Time to assault the castle and face its garrison, beware of the damage you units will take for assaulting.

### Castle Kuestenkauz garrison (hostile)

* Bowman x2
* Guard x2

Loot: none

*"Bodies litter the castle courtyard. Berthold approaches you, his sword bloodied from the battle."*
**Berthold**: *"A fine fight indeed. Now that we have the castle, we shouldn't risk leaving. Kuestenkauz could return at any moment and it would be best to wait for him behind the walls."*
**Berthold**: *"Besides, we need to tend to our wounds."*
Thankfully, this castle offer healing service, so use it immediatly.

**Berthold**: *"Great! So, let's not waste any time and train now."*
You will probably notice that some units (usually the Hero, the Hunter and the Peasant Woman) are ready to upgrade, do it so we have stronger units to face Kuestenkauz.

## Countersiege

*"Wait inside the castle until Kuestenkauz returns. This way will be easier to defeat him."*
It will not take much time before our dear Kuestenkauz discover what is happening to his castle.

**Kuestenkauz**: *"You dare stand upon my walls while I wander like a beggar?"*
**Hero**: *"Beggary is too generous for your ilk. You sent a dog to do your dirty work. You can try to take this place back, Kuestenkauz, but you will find us harder to defeat then you suppose."*
Another battle will start, but will be easier because the enemy troops are damaged by the assault, still, keep an eye to Kuestenkauz, since he's quite powerful.

## Conclusion

Kuestenkauz is defeated and his castle is ours, not time to celebrate though.

**Berthold**: *"That windbag wasn't too much of a challenge."*
**Hero**: *"I'm glad our fortune still holds."*
**Berthold**: *"Let's not test it further. Let's take the news to Seidlitz."*
Another objectives done. Heal again your troops and return to Seidlitz for the next mission: Meeting guests.