|
The door creaks loudly as Vizgrathol opens it.
Ansellus has arrived.
Scyreth scans east.
l east
A door is covered in veins of black mold.
l
The End of a Dark Hallway
The carpet - although threadbare up the hallway - is downright plush here,
showing a design of tangled leaves of pink and gold against a royal-blue
background. The hallway is quite dark here, and there is little decoration
aside from a rather severe portrait on the southern wall. A fringe of black
mold grows upon a doorway to the east.
Andreste the human is here.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
Scyreth the half-drow is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth utters the words, 'sagg eaaf'.
Scyreth turns translucent.
Scyreth utters the words, 'ghaiz gtui'.
Scyreth's skin turns to stone.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
Scyreth leaves east.
You follow Vizgrathol east.
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Ansellus has arrived.
Umbrand has arrived.
Vizgrathol pauses, a thoughtful look on his face.
Vizgrathol says 'Dead.'
You say 'Tissie...'
l
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
Andreste the human is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Vizgrathol says 'Of what, though?'
Umbrand is surrounded by a white aura.
l skeleton
The skeleton is mostly intact, except that its bones are cracked where black
mold has slurped the marrow. The bones are loosely sheathed in a modest
nightgown of a style that a wealthy old widow might favor. Beneath the
skeleton, mold spreads across the expensive, floral bedspread where it
followed rivers of necrotic fluids off the edges of the bed, like the black
wings of some deity of rot.
Veldren wanders over to stand before the skeleton.
Vizgrathol holds a perfumed cloth to his nose, frowning.
l
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
(White Aura) A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
Andreste the human is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren says 'SSoo whoo thiiss poooor feellaa?'
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
Ansellus says 'Nelcidra?'
Vizgrathol says 'That is her name.'
Scyreth says 'Is wife?'
Scyreth sits down and thinks deeply.
Vizgrathol says 'She likely poisoned that cup next to her, and drank it.'
You recall Tissie was your childhood nickname, from more innocent times.
Ansellus looks at Scyreth.
Scyreth nods.
Tristhana sighs with relief and then glares at Veldren.
You say to Veldren 'Why didn't you tell me all the others called *me* Tissie?'
l
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
(White Aura) A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
Andreste the human is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Umbrand says 'You don't know that. She could've died from anything. Let's not start more wild
stories, hm.'
You say 'I thought I was a dream for a moment... I couldn't stand that.'
Veldren reaches up and scratches his head.
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
Veldren says to you 'Noow thaat yeer ssaay iit...'
Vizgrathol says to Umbrand 'The door was locked, and cannot be passed through with sorcery.'
Andreste says 'I'm still not convinced I'm not dreaming now.'
Ansellus finishes eating a side of deer venison.
Andreste concentrates for a moment, then resumes his position.
Vizgrathol says to Umbrand 'She died, alone, in a locked room with a letter illuminating her
financial apocalypse.'
You say to Andreste 'You can lay back in one of the cots. Maybe we can dream like the old days.'
You feel your grip return to normal.
Veldren lets out a quiet chuckle.
Vizgrathol says to Umbrand 'One can infer that she likely drank poison when she learned the ill
news.'
You say to Vizgrathol 'Now, now, we can't be sure what the letter intended.'
Veldren says to you 'Wiissh II aaiin't foorgeet thaat oonee, thaat coouuld'vee beeeen fuun'
Vizgrathol fades out of existence.
You say 'It could have had sentience. A divine sheet of parchment.'
Vizgrathol leaves west.
Veldren leaves west.
You follow Vizgrathol west.
The End of a Dark Hallway
The carpet - although threadbare up the hallway - is downright plush here,
showing a design of tangled leaves of pink and gold against a royal-blue
background. The hallway is quite dark here, and there is little decoration
aside from a rather severe portrait on the southern wall. A fringe of black
mold grows upon a doorway to the east.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves north.
Scyreth leaves north.
You follow Vizgrathol north.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves north.
Veldren leaves north.
You follow Vizgrathol north.
At the Top of a Grand Staircase
The staircase terminates on an awkward platform that overlooks the grand hall
below. A massive chandelier hangs from the ceiling, with parts of it quite
close to the railing. Two smaller hallways lead off to the east and west, each
ending after just a few feet. To the south, a threadbare runner with floral
patterns leads down a dark hallway.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves south.
Scyreth leaves south.
You follow Vizgrathol south.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves west.
Veldren leaves west.
You follow Vizgrathol west.
The Cot-Lined Master Bedroom
A grand, canopied bed that appears designed to be the centerpiece of a master
suite has been stripped of its covers and soiled many times over. All around
it, crude cots are arranged haphazardly, but close together. A motley
assortment of fabrics are strewn about, partially covering many of the cots,
indicating they may have been used as sheets and blankets. Faint scents of
urine, child-sweat and dust mingle to form an odor at once nostalgic and
repulsive.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Umbrand has arrived.
You say 'I hate this room. Must we?'
Umbrand says to Vizgrathol 'People die daily withot being murdered, or killing themselves,
Vizgrathol. Most of Thera lives a nonviolent life. Shame you can't see that.'
Scyreth says 'book'
Ansellus has arrived.
Scyreth coughs loudly.
Zorellaia is surrounded by a white aura.
tremble
You tremble with suppressed emotion.
Vizgrathol says to you 'Did you see it?'
l book
The book's pages are speckled with a black dust that smells of mold. Many of
the pages are stuck together.
On the first few pages, there are scribbles and drawings of leaves. Several
of the following pages are stuck together.
Beyond those, there is some writing in a neat but childish script:
"...and I would name him Lonfedric so I could call him Lonnie because he will
be so cute! He will love me and I will love him and I will take him
everywhere I go and never leave him and we will live in the country away from
the city where the air is fresh and we will have so many flowers and plants
and fruits and we won't have to share everything like we do here and maybe
Erithan can come live with us though because he cooks really good and I can't.
Maybe when I get married I will cook better? Grumpy Vrimold told me that if I
can't cook no man will ever love me because that is all girls are good for so
I am worried because if I don't learn to cook maybe I won't ever get married
and Lonnie will be trapped in heaven and won't ever get to come down and be my
baby. I am going to be such a good cook and I'm going to make sure my baby
Many of the remaining pages are stuck together in a moldy clump.
A page in the middle section of the book appears to be mostly free of mold, as
does some writing in the back.
Zorellaia's features sharpen, taking on a more intimidating shape.
Vizgrathol whispers to you 'The book? Your journal?'
Veldren says to you 'SSoomeethiin' wroong, Tiissssiiee?'
Scyreth says 'Lonnie.'
Ansellus looks at you.
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
Veldren drinks peppermint schnapps from a wicked concoction.
You say to Veldren 'Shut up.'
Veldren drops a wicked concoction.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Veldren roars with laughter.
Scyreth drinks water from a crude water skin made from the corpse of Lok.
l middle
"I don't know if I like some of the other kids here, especially the bigger
ones. I don't like how they pick on Dollerveim but I'm afraid if they see me
being nice to him they'll pick on me too. He is so nice and gives everyone
candy though so I wish other people would protect him more but I can't because
I'm not strong enough.
So many of us are sad. Like Veldren. He doesn't have a mom or dad or brother
anymore. It doesn't sound like they cared about him much. He makes me so sad.
Ahrloire is sad too I think but he maybe mistakes it for mad. He cuts up stuff
a lot, like the table in the dining room, and it's so ugly and mean what he
writes and draws.
I don't think I would be friends with these other kids if I were still in the
woods with Mom and Dad. I can't wait until they get back. I also can't wait to
see the look on Leopohl's face when he realizes how wrong he was because
people DO come back from Empire work camps. Mom and Dad promised they would
come back for me, and I'm supposed to believe stupid Leopohl over them? I
think Nastrella's mom and dad are dead, though, so I feel bad for her. She
always screams and hides whenever she hears any noises.
It was SOOO funny in a bad way the other day when she was shaking and crying
over animal noises outside. I looked out the window for her and it was Ehrlon
and Ansellus playing some kind of weird game. Ehrlon had pulled down his" --
Black mold makes the following cluster of pages illegible.
The back of the book, however, seems to contain more writing.
l back
"A guard stopped me the other day and asked where I lived so I told him I live
with Umbrand Ardenwood just like we decided. The guard said to tell Umbrand
or whoever that Nelcidra Ardenwood was behind on her "properly tacks is",
whatever those are, and that she might have her properly seized if she goes
another year like that. I said "thank you sir" and walked away and he didn't
follow. All I could think about was the other kids. I didn't want him to
find out about us and take away our home. It feels so silly saying good
morning and good night to Umbrand. Talking to a man in a painting is really
weird! We all wish he was our dad because he looks so nice and like he would
give the best hugs ever. I wish he was real.
The worst thing about Ahrloire is" --
None of the rest of the pages are legible. However, a folded piece of paper
is stuck behind the last page.
A warm breeze blows through the manor, and sounds of movement come from the master bedroom.
Veldren says to you 'SSuuree thiing, Tiissssiiee'
You say 'So many pages...'
Vizgrathol says 'And grombie too.'
Zorellaia stands up.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
Scyreth leaves east.
You follow Vizgrathol east.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves south.
Veldren leaves south.
You follow Vizgrathol south.
The End of a Dark Hallway
The carpet - although threadbare up the hallway - is downright plush here,
showing a design of tangled leaves of pink and gold against a royal-blue
background. The hallway is quite dark here, and there is little decoration
aside from a rather severe portrait on the southern wall. A fringe of black
mold grows upon a doorway to the east.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
Scyreth leaves east.
You follow Vizgrathol east.
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves west.
Veldren leaves west.
You follow Vizgrathol west.
The End of a Dark Hallway
The carpet - although threadbare up the hallway - is downright plush here,
showing a design of tangled leaves of pink and gold against a royal-blue
background. The hallway is quite dark here, and there is little decoration
aside from a rather severe portrait on the southern wall. A fringe of black
mold grows upon a doorway to the east.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves north.
Scyreth leaves north.
You follow Vizgrathol north.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol leaves west.
Veldren leaves west.
You follow Vizgrathol west.
The Cot-Lined Master Bedroom
A grand, canopied bed that appears designed to be the centerpiece of a master
suite has been stripped of its covers and soiled many times over. All around
it, crude cots are arranged haphazardly, but close together. A motley
assortment of fabrics are strewn about, partially covering many of the cots,
indicating they may have been used as sheets and blankets. Faint scents of
urine, child-sweat and dust mingle to form an odor at once nostalgic and
repulsive.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
(White Aura) A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(White Aura) Zorellaia the dark-elf is resting here.
Andreste the human is here.
Scyreth has arrived.
Ansellus shudders at the thought.
Giggling fills the darkened room, along with the occasional shuffling among the children in their
cots.
Ansellus says 'Oh gods'
An older boy sharply shushes the room. The quiet lasts about eight seconds before someone breaks wind and everyone laughs.
One girl is quietly writing while another plays with flowers, seemingly indifferent to the
commotion.
Vizgrathol sits down and rests.
Soon, the children are snoring.
Umbrand says to you 'Is that your writing?'
Umbrand gets a water bag made from dried and wrinkled skin from the girdle of endless space.
Umbrand drinks water from a water bag made from dried and wrinkled skin.
Umbrand puts a water bag made from dried and wrinkled skin in the girdle of endless space.
Umbrand is surrounded by a white aura.
Veldren wanders over to stand before a particular bed.
Veldren drinks beer from a cold mug of beer.
Veldren drinks beer from a cold mug of beer.
Ansellus narrows his eyes dangerously.
You say to Umbrand 'It's obvious, isn't it?'
Vizgrathol says 'Ah - someone was an avid collector of stones.'
glare Umbrand
You glare icily at him.
Vizgrathol says 'Good spread - for a child.'
Umbrand says to you 'You were a sweet child, once.'
Scyreth says 'Scared of man.'
You say to Umbrand 'Until you left me.'
The room darkens.
Vizgrathol gets some unleavened bread from a floating chest.
Vizgrathol finishes eating some unleavened bread.
Scyreth cocks his head and sniffs the air.
Veldren raises his javelin warily.
Vizgrathol peers around himself intently.
Nastrella cries out, raising her arms defensively as thought fending off some inescapable beast.
Scyreth growls.
Veldren wakes up, soaked with sweat. He looks around to ensure all of the other kids are asleep before he begins to weep bitterly.
Vizgrathol says 'Her nightmares.'
"Brother... Vizz... please, I know you're alive out there somewhere..." He chokes on his sobs.
"Please be out there."
Veldren curses quietly to himself, before drinking heavily.
Zorellaia stands up.
Vizgrathol says with a beatific smile 'Here I am, brother.'
comfort Veldren
You comfort him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Vizgrathol comforts Veldren, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Andreste concentrates for a moment, then resumes his position.
Zorellaia finishes eating a ball of pemmican.
You whisper to Veldren 'It was horrid for all of us. It is fine.'
Vizgrathol stands up.
Veldren says to Vizgrathol 'Biit bloooody laatee, Viizz, aass uussuuaal'
Zorellaia stands up.
Zorellaia is surrounded by a white aura.
Zorellaia's features sharpen, taking on a more intimidating shape.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Another girl opens her eyes halfway, sleepily whispering, "Oh Lonnie, I love you so much..."
Vizgrathol says 'There are some things that can't be helped, I am afraid.'
flinch
You flinch in obvious pain.
Zorellaia stands up.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Vizgrathol turns translucent.
Scyreth grimaces at Veldren.
Ansellus drinks water from a metal canteen insulated in a wolf's pelt.
Vizgrathol holds up one finger.
Vizgrathol peers around himself intently.
Vizgrathol holds up one finger.
You stop following Vizgrathol.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
scan e
You scan east.
l
The Cot-Lined Master Bedroom
A grand, canopied bed that appears designed to be the centerpiece of a master
suite has been stripped of its covers and soiled many times over. All around
it, crude cots are arranged haphazardly, but close together. A motley
assortment of fabrics are strewn about, partially covering many of the cots,
indicating they may have been used as sheets and blankets. Faint scents of
urine, child-sweat and dust mingle to form an odor at once nostalgic and
repulsive.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
Andreste the human is here.
(Translucent) Scyreth the half-drow is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
(White Aura) A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(White Aura) Zorellaia the dark-elf is resting here.
A chubby boy sits up and looks out at the portrait of Umbrand, smiling. "Good night, Dad."
Scyreth scans east.
Tristhana smiles.
Vizgrathol has arrived.
Ansellus sighs.
Vizgrathol pauses, a thoughtful look on his face.
Umbrand gasps quietly, taking a step back.
Scyreth flicks the toy with a chubby finger.
Vizgrathol says 'What did I miss?'
You whisper to Vizgrathol 'You missed Dollerveim saying goodnight to Umbrand's protrait.'
Vizgrathol says 'Ah, I see.'
Veldren says to Vizgrathol 'EEveerythiin', yeer baasstaard'
Vizgrathol frowns.
Zorellaia stands up.
Vizgrathol beckons for you to follow.
follow Vizgrathol
You now follow Vizgrathol.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
You join Vizgrathol's group.
Scyreth finishes eating a handful of minnows.
Another boy awakens with a start: "Her eyes!"
Scyreth finishes eating a handful of minnows.
"Shut up, Leopohl!"
Vizgrathol says 'The poor boy who witnessed the murer.'
Umbrand is surrounded by a white aura.
l Zorellaia
The dark skin on this female drow is almost glowing shining ebony dark.
Her build is rather slight and all the features are slim, from tender
arms to the pointed small nose. The dark eyes are another shade of
black, this one more haunting somehow, the pale black abyss behind them.
One immediately noticeable feature is a jagged deep scar running
across her throat, from a seemingly fatal deep wound.
The figure stands about five and a half feet tall, but does not
seem small, whether it be presence or demeanor of the silver-haired
dark woman with no prominent muscles to speak of.
There are unnatural thin shadows surrounding her frame.
Zorellaia, a female dark-elf, is in perfect health.
Zorellaia is using:
(Glowing) a spider ring
(Glowing) a spider ring
a living Boa Constrictor
a moonstone choker
a black studded leather vest
a pagan mask shaped in the visage of an eagle
ice crystals that emanate plumes of frost
troll hide leggings
a pair of black leather boots with red stitching
(Glowing) some leather gloves with black inscriptions
some black leather sleeves with red stitching
a robe of living vines
a wide, black leather belt
an aquamarine bracelet
hardened moss troll hide bracer
the blade of cold iron named "Sterile Prayer"
a shield from the hide of a snow worm
Zorellaia pats herself on the head.
You say 'Yes.'
l
The Cot-Lined Master Bedroom
A grand, canopied bed that appears designed to be the centerpiece of a master
suite has been stripped of its covers and soiled many times over. All around
it, crude cots are arranged haphazardly, but close together. A motley
assortment of fabrics are strewn about, partially covering many of the cots,
indicating they may have been used as sheets and blankets. Faint scents of
urine, child-sweat and dust mingle to form an odor at once nostalgic and
repulsive.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
Andreste the human is here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Scyreth the half-drow is here.
Veldren the half-drow is here.
(WANTED) Ansellus the half-drow is here.
(White Aura) A sense of gentle authority surrounds Umbrand's tall, easygoing frame.
(White Aura) Zorellaia the dark-elf is resting here.
Vizgrathol fades into existence.
Vizgrathol's thirst scratches him.
Zorellaia stands up.
Zorellaia is surrounded by a white aura.
Vizgrathol says 'Goodness. What a sorry state he was in. Never found the killer either.'
Vizgrathol gets a crude water skin made from the corpse of an exiled dark-elf priestess from a
floating chest.
Vizgrathol drinks water from a crude water skin made from the corpse of an exiled dark-elf
priestess.
Leopohl tries not to hyperventilate as he rocks himself back to sleep.
Vizgrathol puts a crude water skin made from the corpse of an exiled dark-elf priestess in a
floating chest.
Veldren says 'IIdiioot aaccuusseed mee'
Scyreth utters the words, 'oculoinfra uizug'.
Veldren says 'AAnd diieed 'eemsseelf foor iit'
Veldren drops a cold mug of beer.
A warm breeze blows through the manor, and the sound of footsteps and grunting come from the top of the staircase.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
You follow Vizgrathol east.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Vizgrathol leaves north.
You follow Vizgrathol north.
At the Top of a Grand Staircase
The staircase terminates on an awkward platform that overlooks the grand hall
below. A massive chandelier hangs from the ceiling, with parts of it quite
close to the railing. Two smaller hallways lead off to the east and west, each
ending after just a few feet. To the south, a threadbare runner with floral
patterns leads down a dark hallway.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Ansellus has arrived.
Ansellus shudders at the thought.
Veldren has arrived.
Scyreth has arrived.
Umbrand has arrived.
Vizgrathol fades out of existence.
Andreste concentrates for a moment, then resumes his position.
Looking pale, Ahrloire catches himself on the railing, kicking out a wooden support as he nearly
collapses.
Zorellaia's features sharpen, taking on a more intimidating shape.
Scyreth looks at the antlers on the chandelier.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
He dry heaves a few times and looks back up the darkened hallway, and then down at a key in his hand.
l antlers
You do not see that here.
He glances about and goes to hide the key under the runner, but the bump is too noticeable. His
gaze turns to the chandelier.
Ahrloire climbs over the railing and, gripping it tightly with both legs and one hand, he reaches
out and places the key in the chandelier.
l chandelier
Antlers of some great beast curl upwards, supporting wide, metal rings studded
with candle holders, most of which are empty. Below the antlers is a tier of
gilded material designed to look like ivy. The entire structure is secured to
the ceiling with a thick, iron chain.
He pulls himself back onto the platform and takes a deep breath before vanishing into the bedroom.
Vizgrathol nods.
Your vision blurs for a moment, and returns to normal.
Someone says 'A corpse in such a state must be rather difficult for a child to process.'
Your vision blurs for a moment before refocusing with greater clarity.
Andreste says 'key is in the candle holder of the chandelier, can't seem to grab it though'
Vizgrathol says 'It is little wonder that he was driven to vomit. He isn't used to seeing death -
not like us.'
Vizgrathol lifts a golden key engraved with an elaborate "A" briefly.
Andreste nods.
Umbrand says 'He was a child. No child should see that.'
Zorellaia stands up.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
A foul breeze rushes through the manor, smelling of deathly rot.
Vizgrathol leaves south.
You follow Vizgrathol south.
The Southern Wing of Ardenwood Manor
The threadbare runner that lines this hallway is in awful shape here, in front
of a doorway set into the western wall. To the north, however, it seems far
more fresh, as though little traffic continues past the doorway. The hallway
is musty and dark and no decorations are visible aside from a portrait of a
smiling man that graces the eastern wall.
A wicked looking mixed drink sits here.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Vizgrathol leaves south.
You follow Vizgrathol south.
The End of a Dark Hallway
The carpet - although threadbare up the hallway - is downright plush here,
showing a design of tangled leaves of pink and gold against a royal-blue
background. The hallway is quite dark here, and there is little decoration
aside from a rather severe portrait on the southern wall. A fringe of black
mold grows upon a doorway to the east.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Vizgrathol leaves east.
You follow Vizgrathol east.
A Moldy Bedroom that Smells of Death
Mounds of fuzzy, black mold coat every wall and hang in sheets from the
ceiling, thickening the air with moisture and spores. The centerpiece of this
fungal feast is a badly infested bed with a skeleton lying in its center. The
stench is absolutely primal, a perfume of alien life and oozing death. Some
letters and a dry cup rest upon a nightstand by the bed. A rotten dresser
slouched off to the side of the room, topped with a mirror fogged with
moisture and spores.
(Invis) (Translucent) (Slimy Sheen) Vizgrathol the half-drow is here.
Vizgrathol gets an oddly aromatic scroll from a floating chest.
Vizgrathol recites an oddly aromatic scroll.
Vizgrathol puts a golden key engraved with an elaborate "A" in a floating chest.
Vizgrathol gets a golden key engraved with an elaborate "A" from a floating chest.
Vizgrathol stops using a swirling black orb.
Vizgrathol holds an iridescent orb in his hands.
Vizgrathol brandishes an iridescent orb.
Vizgrathol stops using an iridescent orb.
Vizgrathol holds a swirling black orb in his hands.
Ansellus has arrived.
Vizgrathol gets some unleavened bread from a floating chest.
Vizgrathol finishes eating some unleavened bread.
Veldren has arrived.
Vizgrathol gets some unleavened bread from a floating chest.
Vizgrathol finishes eating some unleavened bread.
Scyreth has arrived.
Umbrand has arrived.
The bones begin to rattle.
A net of living spiders crackles softly as tiny bolts of lightning begin to play up and down it.
Veldren says 'Bloooody heellss'
Veldren stops using a barbed bone javelin.
Veldren wields a long rod of burnished silver.
Zorellaia's features sharpen, taking on a more intimidating shape.
Umbrand is surrounded by a white aura.
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'Hellooo, chiilldreennn!'
Scyreth utters the words, 'qaihfar hgruigrjqunsoqz'.
Scyreth flickers between translucence, normality, and nothingness briefly.
l Nelcidra
You do not see that here.
Ansellus shudders at the thought.
Veldren says 'II aaiin't noo bloooody chiild noo mooree'
Andreste says 'Hello.....'
Veldren pauses and breathes slowly, appearing more calm as he relaxes.
You say quietly 'Hello.'
Scyreth says 'Scyreth not child. Not ever live here!'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'You aren't much of anything heeeeeerreeee...'
You say 'Well, neither are you, all things considered.'
Ansellus says 'Nor are you.'
Ansellus grunts something incomprehensible, not amused by his circumstances.
You grin evilly at him.
The slimy sheen slips away from Vizgrathol's flesh and armor.
You whisper to Ansellus 'Mages are faster.'
Ansellus glares icily at you, you feel cold to your bones.
The bones rattle with laughter.
Andreste concentrates for a moment, then resumes his position.
Zorellaia sits down and rests.
Vizgrathol mutters something quietly to himself.
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'I am the only one who belongs here, children.'
Tristhana ponders a moment, looking from Nelcidra to the bed.
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'You never did.'
Zorellaia stands up.
A sneer crosses the face of Zorellaia as her eyes flicker with a golden glow.
You say 'But we lived here... what do you mean?'
Veldren says 'IIn thiiss daamneed roooom oof root? Yeer caan sstaay heeree'
Ansellus says 'Agreed. And yet we're stuck in this mess.'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'Here?'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'Where do you think "here" is?'
frown
What's bothering you?
Veldren says 'AA sshiitee hoolee II sshoouuld neeveer haavee bloooody coomee baack too'
Umbrand says 'The children needed a home. All children should have a place to feel safe.'
Veldren gets a side of deer venison from a leather sack.
Veldren finishes eating a side of deer venison.
Scyreth scratches his dirty hair.
Veldren drinks beer from a cold mug of beer.
Veldren drinks beer from a cold mug of beer.
Zorellaia is surrounded by a white aura.
You say 'The manor... the cots, I remember them. Not this rebuilt one but... it's close enough.'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'Rebuilt?'
Tristhana looks befuddled and frustrated.
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'You have no idea, do you?'
Andreste says 'Do tell us.'
Vizgrathol turns translucent.
Zorellaia's features sharpen, taking on a more intimidating shape.
Vizgrathol says 'This is the same building.'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'It is not a building at all.'
Umbrand says 'We're all a bit.. confused. Many of us remember living here, at one time.. or
something like here.'
Tristhana stamps on the floorboard with her foot insistently.
Vizgrathol has a mischievous gleam in his eye. What is he up to?
Umbrand says 'Then what is this place, Nelcidra?'
Vizgrathol says 'You didn't...'
You whisper to Vizgrathol 'Another dream? From the eye? Is this Organia?'
Vizgrathol nods at you in agreement.
Ansellus says 'Tell us. Go on. I beg you to burst this bubble'
Nelcidra Ardenwood says 'You still have more to remember.'
Ansellus giggles with pleasure.
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