This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Hoping I don't find any trolls or skulls, I start investigating. But first, a History check to learn about the previous dwellers/owners/inhabitants: 24
The group enters the unlocked manor and immediately starts exploring, with Sim leading the effort. Over the next couple of hours, you take stock of your new property and belongings. A map can be found in the spoiler box below:
TROLLSKULL MANOR FLOOR PLAN:
Old furniture gives away what each room was meant for. The furniture has mostly fallen to disrepair, and most pieces are as good as scrap. Anything of real value has been long removed (art, antiques, curtains, etc.). It is very clear that this manor has been abandoned for generations, and Mokiakia knows of no previous owners, though she finds a name plaque behind the bar on the first floor with the name "Lif" on it.
-> This is where your guys' creativity comes in. You can refurnish, rebuild, rename, and otherwise personalize your new stronghold to your hearts’ content. Feel free to even say what sort of item you find in the house as it is, and claim whether it is usable or not. I will have a say if I find your choices to be unreasonable, but that is really just a last resort. We can discuss any idea you have.
After exploring, you all gather at the tavern room in the first floor. It is then that you hear an unexpected noise. It is without a doubt, the crack of dishes being smashed just behind the bar counter. A disembodied and mischievous laughter follows.
I immediately make for the upper floors and notice the room with the built-in shelving and a few dusty tomes. The shelves are bowed from having scores of heavy books upon them over a period of who knows how long. I dream of filling the shelves with a fine collection of histories, religious texts, and medical books. A few books have been left behind on the shelves, but they are old almanacs of little value or interest.
I have no preference as to a bedroom, but, since I am far less squishy than my companions, it might be best for me to sleep on the second floor in the event of emergencies.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Since Adra isn't interested in the upstairs bedrooms with private baths, I offer to play a round of boulder-parchment-shears with Mokiakia for the master bedroom, which has a double fireplace in the bedroom and bathroom. Then I hear the laugh from behind the bar and cautiously walk over to investigate, ready to dodge more dishes. "Spirit, what is your business here?" I try to persuade it to answer me. 16
I am terrible at boulder parchment shears so I go straight to the bedroom at the base of the turret. Upon investigation, I find some old binoculars and even a telescope. They are dusty and old but maybe someone used them for vigilance decades ago. The bedroom seems to have been of a child as the wallpaper has some childish patterns and some wooden toys are scattered about. I also find a stinky straw mattress, feels more like sleeping on a stable but it is better than nothing so I am pretty pleased. But best of all, it seems my private bathroom has a working sink, child height, but it has running water. I open it and get some putrid brown water at first but it starts to clear up as it continues running.
After hearing noise, I think it may be the "ghosts" Volo mentioned. I wait to see if it answers Sim. I am looking forward to investigating the basement but I guess we have to encounter the ghost first since it may be blocking the entrance to the cellar.
While exploring, the three of you go straight to the third floor. Adrasteia is mesmerized by the large library and daydreams of filling it with knowledge. Meanwhile, Sim and Mokiakia claim both of the rooms in that same floor. This leaves the room in the second floor to Adrasteia, and Sim gets the master bedroom.
Upon moving back down to the tavern floor, Sim asks a question to no one in particular. The voice responds: "Last call! What’cha having, lass?"
By the way, keep it coming, guys. I'm really enjoying the details you are adding to the home!
I hop onto a bar stool. "Since you're serving, how about some ale?" I think the ghost might keep answering if I play along. "Are you Lif? Got any stories to tell about this old house?"
I notice that the taproom is decorated with dusty portraits of nobles from well-known families, some still around and some whose lines have dwindled. There's even a fellow who bears more than a passing resemblance to Renaer. If we cleaned up and renovated this level, we'd be able to throw some great parties.
While Sim gets her ghost ale, I nod my head in approval and decide to get down to the cellar myself. It is full of cobwebs and some empty bottles of wine so rancid it is vinegar by now. However, down on one corner, I find a fine looking bottle from a very good name and vintage so I take it upstairs to celebrate. Inside the box, there is a love letter/grocery list from a gal planning a picnic for her beloved. It brakes my heart to think that the picnic never took place, so at least we should not let the wine go to waste. We can toast to them..
"Aye lass, I'm Lif. One ale coming up!" A dusty, cracked glass mug flips onto the counter from behind the bar. It lands right in front of Sim and the sounds of pouring ale can be heard filling it, though no actual liquid can be seen. "Tales a plenty, like any good barkeep, but only aft'ya pay up for the drink. Three silver pieces, that'd be."
"Oy, oy... That's me cellar, lass." The voice is directed at Mokiakia this time. "Ya'better pay for anything you bring back up, or we'll have us some trouble, ya hear!"
Seeing the bottle Mokiakia brings back you, Lif speaks again: "Ah, ya have an expensive taste, I see. My favorite kind of customer. That bottle will cost ya 3 gold pieces, it will."
Adrasteia watches all of this happen with patience. Looking around, she notices that the tavern’s taproom is filled with broken furniture, tarnished silverware, empty casks of wine and worthless detritus. The tavern’s other rooms are all empty, except for cobwebs, dust, and harmless rats.
LORE BOX (THE CITY'S SPLENDORS: THE WALKING STATUES - PART 4 OF 9 AS WRITTEN BY VOLO).
The Sahuagin Humbled
For years, the only visible walking statue of Waterdeep was known simply as “the walking statue.” It stood at the foot of Mount Waterdeep near the head of Julthoon Street. Then, after its critical role in defending the city against an invasion of sahuagin in 1370 DR, Khelben Blackstaff reshaped the statue into a sahuagin. It now bows low toward the House of Heroes on bended knee —a gesture of obeisance to the city, and an acknowledgment of the sacrifice of all who fought for the city in that war.
"I am curious, Lif. What has happened to you that you seem to be bound to this building? Is there any way that I can assist you friend? I am fairly well versed in matters of the supernatural."
"Alright Lif, I didn't mean to intrude. Here, I will put this bottle back since I can't afford this now." I turn around and return the bottle. Then, I sit next to Sim waiting to hear Lif's anwers to the questions asked. Meanwhile, I take out my hard-boiled eggs and olives to snack on.
Lif answers Adrasteia: "Buy a drink and pay up, lass, and I'll tell you tales."
Then Mokiakia: "Aye. I can save that bottle for'ya once you can afford it, lass. Thanks for putting it back where it belongs for now. What'cha drinking then? It's three silver for a mug of ale if ya're on a tight purse..."
LORE BOX (THE CITY'S SPLENDORS: THE WALKING STATUES - PART 5 OF 9 AS WRITTEN BY VOLO)
The Great Drunkard
This walking statue stopped its rampage as it approached the Market, then fell backward and sat upon a building. When it settled, its arms fell limp at its sides and its head tilted forward onto its chest, giving the impression that it had fallen asleep. The statue’s huge stone battleaxe still stands nearby, its haft angled upright and its blade half buried in the cobbles. The rubble of the crushed building was long ago rebuilt into a broad stone stair (with railings and a ramp that drunkards are often rolled down) that ascends from the cobbles to the statue’s lap. That lap now holds a two-story tavern also built from the rubble, called Gralkyn’s Tankard. The unconscious pose of the statue and the tavern in its lap made the name of the Great Drunkard a natural fit.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I nod to Lif and excuse myself. Then, I step outside to investigate the yards and fences to see start a list of what needs immediate fixing and/or search for tools. As I get close to the gates, I try to remember anything about the neighbors families, one can imagine that some families have held to their houses for generations. Maybe they know about what happened here or why it is haunted. History: 8
(Just to be clear, you do not see Lif. Objects are moving and you can hear his voice, but there is no one to look at.)
"No drink for that one then..." he says as Mokiakia steps out.
Once outside, Mokiakia looks at the neighboring houses. Although this is an upscale neighborhood, it is not an area where noble families would reside. They have their own villas and mansions spread out across the city and the immediate countryside. Trollskull Alley is inhabited by high-middle-class merchant families, or well-to-do artisans (new money if you will, as opposed to old money). They may be well-off enough, but none would really have recognizable enough names for noble families to commit to memory.
There are also a few shops scattered around the street, squeezed in between some of the rowhouses. It might be worth exploring the neighborhood at some point. Looking over a broken patch of fencing, Mokiakia recognizes one of them just three building over. The building itself is mostly unremarkable on the outside, but Mokiakia has seen its distinguishing orange-and-black sign featuring a cat’s eyes before. This is the Tiger's Eye, a private detective’s business.
Back in the tavern room, Lif asks Sin and Adrasteia: "So, are ya paying for drinks or am I saving me tales for meself?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Making a mental note about the private detective, I think it may be worth paying a visit later. I go back in and run an arcana check since Lif since to be in another plane of existence. 9
Hoping I don't find any trolls or skulls, I start investigating. But first, a History check to learn about the previous dwellers/owners/inhabitants: 24
The group enters the unlocked manor and immediately starts exploring, with Sim leading the effort. Over the next couple of hours, you take stock of your new property and belongings. A map can be found in the spoiler box below:
TROLLSKULL MANOR FLOOR PLAN:
Old furniture gives away what each room was meant for. The furniture has mostly fallen to disrepair, and most pieces are as good as scrap. Anything of real value has been long removed (art, antiques, curtains, etc.). It is very clear that this manor has been abandoned for generations, and Mokiakia knows of no previous owners, though she finds a name plaque behind the bar on the first floor with the name "Lif" on it.
-> This is where your guys' creativity comes in. You can refurnish, rebuild, rename, and otherwise personalize your new stronghold to your hearts’ content. Feel free to even say what sort of item you find in the house as it is, and claim whether it is usable or not. I will have a say if I find your choices to be unreasonable, but that is really just a last resort. We can discuss any idea you have.
After exploring, you all gather at the tavern room in the first floor. It is then that you hear an unexpected noise. It is without a doubt, the crack of dishes being smashed just behind the bar counter. A disembodied and mischievous laughter follows.
I immediately make for the upper floors and notice the room with the built-in shelving and a few dusty tomes. The shelves are bowed from having scores of heavy books upon them over a period of who knows how long. I dream of filling the shelves with a fine collection of histories, religious texts, and medical books. A few books have been left behind on the shelves, but they are old almanacs of little value or interest.
I have no preference as to a bedroom, but, since I am far less squishy than my companions, it might be best for me to sleep on the second floor in the event of emergencies.
Since Adra isn't interested in the upstairs bedrooms with private baths, I offer to play a round of boulder-parchment-shears with Mokiakia for the master bedroom, which has a double fireplace in the bedroom and bathroom. Then I hear the laugh from behind the bar and cautiously walk over to investigate, ready to dodge more dishes. "Spirit, what is your business here?" I try to persuade it to answer me. 16
I am terrible at boulder parchment shears so I go straight to the bedroom at the base of the turret. Upon investigation, I find some old binoculars and even a telescope. They are dusty and old but maybe someone used them for vigilance decades ago. The bedroom seems to have been of a child as the wallpaper has some childish patterns and some wooden toys are scattered about. I also find a stinky straw mattress, feels more like sleeping on a stable but it is better than nothing so I am pretty pleased. But best of all, it seems my private bathroom has a working sink, child height, but it has running water. I open it and get some putrid brown water at first but it starts to clear up as it continues running.
After hearing noise, I think it may be the "ghosts" Volo mentioned. I wait to see if it answers Sim. I am looking forward to investigating the basement but I guess we have to encounter the ghost first since it may be blocking the entrance to the cellar.
While exploring, the three of you go straight to the third floor. Adrasteia is mesmerized by the large library and daydreams of filling it with knowledge. Meanwhile, Sim and Mokiakia claim both of the rooms in that same floor. This leaves the room in the second floor to Adrasteia, and Sim gets the master bedroom.
Upon moving back down to the tavern floor, Sim asks a question to no one in particular. The voice responds: "Last call! What’cha having, lass?"
By the way, keep it coming, guys. I'm really enjoying the details you are adding to the home!
My curiosity sated, I make my way down to where Sim is and ask, "Who are you talking to?"
I hop onto a bar stool. "Since you're serving, how about some ale?" I think the ghost might keep answering if I play along. "Are you Lif? Got any stories to tell about this old house?"
I notice that the taproom is decorated with dusty portraits of nobles from well-known families, some still around and some whose lines have dwindled. There's even a fellow who bears more than a passing resemblance to Renaer. If we cleaned up and renovated this level, we'd be able to throw some great parties.
While Sim gets her ghost ale, I nod my head in approval and decide to get down to the cellar myself. It is full of cobwebs and some empty bottles of wine so rancid it is vinegar by now. However, down on one corner, I find a fine looking bottle from a very good name and vintage so I take it upstairs to celebrate. Inside the box, there is a love letter/grocery list from a gal planning a picnic for her beloved. It brakes my heart to think that the picnic never took place, so at least we should not let the wine go to waste. We can toast to them..
"Aye lass, I'm Lif. One ale coming up!" A dusty, cracked glass mug flips onto the counter from behind the bar. It lands right in front of Sim and the sounds of pouring ale can be heard filling it, though no actual liquid can be seen. "Tales a plenty, like any good barkeep, but only aft'ya pay up for the drink. Three silver pieces, that'd be."
"Oy, oy... That's me cellar, lass." The voice is directed at Mokiakia this time. "Ya'better pay for anything you bring back up, or we'll have us some trouble, ya hear!"
Seeing the bottle Mokiakia brings back you, Lif speaks again: "Ah, ya have an expensive taste, I see. My favorite kind of customer. That bottle will cost ya 3 gold pieces, it will."
Adrasteia watches all of this happen with patience. Looking around, she notices that the tavern’s taproom is filled with broken furniture, tarnished silverware, empty casks of wine and worthless detritus. The tavern’s other rooms are all empty, except for cobwebs, dust, and harmless rats.
LORE BOX (THE CITY'S SPLENDORS: THE WALKING STATUES - PART 4 OF 9 AS WRITTEN BY VOLO).
The Sahuagin Humbled
For years, the only visible walking statue of Waterdeep was known simply as “the walking statue.” It stood at the foot of Mount Waterdeep near the head of Julthoon Street. Then, after its critical role in defending the city against an invasion of sahuagin in 1370 DR, Khelben Blackstaff reshaped the statue into a sahuagin. It now bows low toward the House of Heroes on bended knee —a gesture of obeisance to the city, and an acknowledgment of the sacrifice of all who fought for the city in that war.
"I am curious, Lif. What has happened to you that you seem to be bound to this building? Is there any way that I can assist you friend? I am fairly well versed in matters of the supernatural."
"Alright Lif, I didn't mean to intrude. Here, I will put this bottle back since I can't afford this now." I turn around and return the bottle. Then, I sit next to Sim waiting to hear Lif's anwers to the questions asked. Meanwhile, I take out my hard-boiled eggs and olives to snack on.
Lif answers Adrasteia: "Buy a drink and pay up, lass, and I'll tell you tales."
Then Mokiakia: "Aye. I can save that bottle for'ya once you can afford it, lass. Thanks for putting it back where it belongs for now. What'cha drinking then? It's three silver for a mug of ale if ya're on a tight purse..."
LORE BOX (THE CITY'S SPLENDORS: THE WALKING STATUES - PART 5 OF 9 AS WRITTEN BY VOLO)
The Great Drunkard
This walking statue stopped its rampage as it approached the Market, then fell backward and sat upon a building. When it settled, its arms fell limp at its sides and its head tilted forward onto its chest, giving the impression that it had fallen asleep. The statue’s huge stone battleaxe still stands nearby, its haft angled upright and its blade half buried in the cobbles. The rubble of the crushed building was long ago rebuilt into a broad stone stair (with railings and a ramp that drunkards are often rolled down) that ascends from the cobbles to the statue’s lap. That lap now holds a two-story tavern also built from the rubble, called Gralkyn’s Tankard. The unconscious pose of the statue and the tavern in its lap made the name of the Great Drunkard a natural fit.
I nod to Lif and excuse myself. Then, I step outside to investigate the yards and fences to see start a list of what needs immediate fixing and/or search for tools. As I get close to the gates, I try to remember anything about the neighbors families, one can imagine that some families have held to their houses for generations. Maybe they know about what happened here or why it is haunted. History: 8
(Just to be clear, you do not see Lif. Objects are moving and you can hear his voice, but there is no one to look at.)
"No drink for that one then..." he says as Mokiakia steps out.
Once outside, Mokiakia looks at the neighboring houses. Although this is an upscale neighborhood, it is not an area where noble families would reside. They have their own villas and mansions spread out across the city and the immediate countryside. Trollskull Alley is inhabited by high-middle-class merchant families, or well-to-do artisans (new money if you will, as opposed to old money). They may be well-off enough, but none would really have recognizable enough names for noble families to commit to memory.
There are also a few shops scattered around the street, squeezed in between some of the rowhouses. It might be worth exploring the neighborhood at some point. Looking over a broken patch of fencing, Mokiakia recognizes one of them just three building over. The building itself is mostly unremarkable on the outside, but Mokiakia has seen its distinguishing orange-and-black sign featuring a cat’s eyes before. This is the Tiger's Eye, a private detective’s business.
Back in the tavern room, Lif asks Sin and Adrasteia: "So, are ya paying for drinks or am I saving me tales for meself?"
"I am not much of a drinker myself, Lif, but what do you have on the lighter side?"
"Sure thing, lass. Here's some milk" You can all hear the sound of liquid being poured into a mug, but looking into it reveals nothing inside.
"That'll be 1 silver piece, please."
Mokiakia is still outside, but Sim and Adrasteia then hear a knock on the front door: "Hello! Anyone home?"
Making a mental note about the private detective, I think it may be worth paying a visit later. I go back in and run an arcana check since Lif since to be in another plane of existence. 9
I pay my 1SP for my milk. (What is the exchange rate for GP to SP? When I try to deduct 1SP from my inventory I get an error.)
I want to run a History Check on Lif to see if I am aware of anything regarding our barkeep. 7
"I'll pay up. Maybe a mug of tea for my friend? Tell us your tales."