Spielburg Castle

Spielburg Castle (also known as Castle Spielburg and Baron's Castle) is a castle in the center of Spielburg Valley. It is home to the Baron, his family, and his retainers. It is featured in Quest for Glory I.

Background

Two centuries ago, the castle was gifted to Spielburg family by King Siegfried the Third. Since that time, the Spielburg family has lived in the castle, with the patriarch ruling the valley as barons. Baron Stefan von Spielburg is the current ruling baron at the time Quest for Glory I takes place.

The castle itself is a relatively simple fortress. There is a single outer wall that surrounds the castle grounds in a square, with a gate at the south end. Inside the walls is the castle keep at the north end, stables at the east end, and a guard barracks at the west end. The central courtyard is purposed as training grounds. The castle also maintains a modest dungeon.

Inhabitants

The following characters can typically be found on the castle grounds:

• Karl
• The Weapon Master
• Pierre
• Frederick
• Stablekeeper
• Barracks Guard

Baron Stefan von Spielburg also lives in the castle, but cannot be spoken to under normal circumstances.

The castle is also populated by a modest number of guards. The castle guard used to be much larger, but was severely reduced ten years ago when they attempted to drive Baba Yaga away from the valley. The skulls of those guards now guard the entrance to Baba Yaga's hut.

In-Game Interactions

The Hero has normal access to five areas of the castle and can be invited to a sixth under special circumstances.

Castle Gate

The gate to Spielburg Castle is at the south side of the wall, and is reached by travelling north of the Healer's Hut (the castle can be seen in the distance).

During the day, Karl the gate guard can be seen patrolling the wall. The Hero can enter the castle, and the way he does so differs depending on the version:

• In Quest for Glory I (EGA), typing "open the gate" will signal Karl to open it.
• In Quest for Glory I (VGA), clicking the Hand on the gate will signal Karl.

The castle gates can also be climbed, but this can only be done at night.

If the hero is standing below the gate and he orders Karl to close it twice, the hero will die due to the sharp ends of the portcullis stabbing him.

Castle Courtyard (Baron's Courtyard)

Upon passing the gate, the Hero will enter this area; an open yard that allows the Hero access to other parts of the grounds. This is also the area where the Weapon Master can be found.

Castle Stables

Travelling east of the courtyard will bring the Hero to the stables. Approaching the stables will result in the Stablekeeper appearing and asking if the Hero is looking for work. If the Hero agrees to work, he will spend time cleaning out the stables, for which he will be paid five silvers and improve his physical attributes. The stables can also be slept in, although this will result in a rude awakening and a demand to clean the stables again.

Castle Barracks

Travelling west of the courtyard will bring the Hero to the barracks, where a guard will be waiting by the door. The Hero will not be allowed entry into the barracks, and the guard cannot be questioned.

Castle Doors (Castle Keep)

The keep of the castle can be approached by travelling north of the courtyard. The guards Pierre and Frederick guard the doors, but will not allow the Hero access under normal circumstances.

Great Hall (Baron's Hall)

If the Hero rescues Barnard von Spielburg from his imprisonment in the Bear and Kobold Cave, he will be welcomed into the Great Hall of the castle, where he will be able to speak to Baron Stefan von Spielburg. The Great Hall is rather modest, given the state of disrepair of the castle, although a feast will be prepared for the Hero upon his arrival and he will be given a comfortable bed to sleep on.

Depending on the version, the Hero may return to the Great Hall at the end of the adventure. In Quest for Glory I (VGA), the Hero's award ceremony is in the Great Hall. In Quest for Glory I (EGA), the ceremony is instead in the courtyard.

Trivia

• The barracks screen is peculiar in the game series, in that it is one specifically designed screen, but there is absolutely nothing to do there. There are no notable objects to interact with and nothing to advance the plot; the only being interactable is the guard, who however doesn't answer any questions. All in all, the game can be completed without visiting that screen, as there is no reason to visit it at all.
• Spielburg Castle might be inspired from the real-life Špilberk/Spielberg Castle (Špilberk being the Czech spelling for German "Spielberg"), which is the origin of the Jewish surname Spielberg. Note however that Spielberg means "Game Mountain" while Spielburg is altered to mean "Game Town".

Gallery

The Castle Barracks

The Castle Courtyard

The Castle Stables

The Castle Keep