[[Jon Lazlo has a small apartment and there would be no second bedroom, for reasons which are about to become obvious.]]

[[ What does an apartment mea in this context? Big room? Room+Guest/Living area? Suite as per family (currently Bedroom+dessing+parlor)]]

Brand smiles briefly, and nods. "I was hoping to have a private word with Tomas here, if that was convenient? And if he is up to it?"

He glances past Jon to Tomas, "How are you feeling today?"

[[ Move is above ]]

Edit: the East-West dimension is 145' (approx 44m)

FWIW, here is current ground floor concept. Secret tunnels will necessarily go between levels.

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[Jon Lazlo has a small apartment and there would be no second bedroom, for reasons which are about to become obvious.]]

[[ What does an apartment mea in this context? Big room? Room+Guest/Living area? Suite as per family (currently Bedroom+dessing+parlor)]]

[[A living room, a bedroom, plus a smaller room for private ablutions.]]

---

Brand smiles briefly, and nods. "I was hoping to have a private word with Tomas here, if that was convenient? And if he is up to it?"

He glances past Jon to Tomas, "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm fine, Master Alaric," says Tomas getting to his feet. "Is there something you need of me?"

Lazlo takes a step backwards, gives a little bow and then excuses himself to go into the bedroom, leaving Tomas and Alaric alone.

[[Make a Perception check.]]

Perception: 24

[[ Assuming he makes the roll, and assuming this is what it's about:  How is homosexuality viewed in Engle & Sorendon? ]]

[[ BTW see floow plan above...will adjust ]]

[[A living room, a bedroom, plus a smaller room for private ablutions.]]

[[ I'll make that the basic model for a family suite then; ablutions == dressing room, probably ]]

"I do apologise for troubling you, but...", he lowers his voice. "I mentioned last night my device that enabled me see in the dark. Without the aid of a sorcerer, it takes a long time to recharge, and I once again find myself in need of it."

"Is that something you might be able to help with? I know that you must be tired...and of course, I would pay for your services if you are able to help. I'm sure this is well outside of what my father asks of you."

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ Move is above ]]

Edit: the East-West dimension is 145' (approx 44m)

FWIW, here is current ground floor concept. Secret tunnels will necessarily go between levels.

[[It would make more sense if the laundry and staff bedrooms were on the same side of the residence as the kitchen so that they have better access to the courtyard for the clothes line, etc and to reduce the amount of through traffic. I also imagined the residence being more rectangular with the long side parallel to the river so that more rooms could see the view. From memory, I also believe there has been mention of a sitting/waiting room for visitors to the immediate left of the entrance. Note that Lazlo's apartment should also be on the side of the residence where the courtyard and stables are so that he can keep an eye on the comings and goings there as well. Just my two cents and I won't be surprised if you can't make it work as it is much easier to conceptualise such things than architect them.]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Perception: 12

[[ Assuming he makes the roll, and assuming this is what it's about:  How is homosexuality viewed in Engle & Sorendon? ]]

[[It is clear to Brand that this room contains personal items for both men, with the older Lazlo's being the most abundant. Homosexuality is not openly practiced in the Empire, but same-sex relationships between men are more readily accepted than between women.]]

[[ BTW see floow plan above...will adjust ]]

[[A living room, a bedroom, plus a smaller room for private ablutions.]]

[[ I'll make that the basic model for a family suite then; ablutions == dressing room, probably ]]

[[Ablutions == private lavatory/washroom, perhaps with a window overlooking the courtyard. The living room should probably have the means to see the front entrance as well, but I understand that might be tricky.]]

---

"I do apologise for troubling you, but...", he lowers his voice. "I mentioned last night my device that enabled me see in the dark. Without the aid of a sorcerer, it takes a long time to recharge, and I once again find myself in need of it."

"Is that something you might be able to help with? I know that you must be tired...and of course, I would pay for your services if you are able to help. I'm sure this is well outside of what my father asks of you."

"May I see the device?" says Tomas, sounding uncertain.

[[Has Brand carried the sword through the house? Presumably not if he is still referring to it as a 'device' and he realised his problem before his dinner arrived.]]

[[ I had assumed he would carry it wrapped, but happy if not, so: ]]

Brand nods, "Yes, if you have a moment, it's in my rooms."

[[ Othewise he unwraps it and hands it over ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ I had assumed he would carry it wrapped, but happy if not, so: ]]

Brand nods, "Yes, if you have a moment, it's in my rooms."

[[ Othewise he unwraps it and hands it over ]]

[[Jon might/would have acted differently if Brand was carrying an obvious weapon, despite it being wrapped, so we will assume he doesn't have it.]]

"Certainly," says Tomas, who then turns and calls out, "I will be back soon, Jon."

Tomas follows Brand through the house, but when they start to ascend to the attic—which is where Brand is currently sleeping—he asks, "I thought you said it was in your rooms?"

[[ My misapprehension, I'd assumed Mikkel would have moved my stuff, so meant and said "rooms". He'd go there first, and have words with Mikkel if not ;-) ]]

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

[[ My misapprehension, I'd assumed Mikkel would have moved my stuff, so meant and said "rooms". He'd go there first, and have words with Mikkel if not ;-) ]]

[[I believe he is still in the attic as his rooms are still occupied. Correct me if I'm wrong.]]

[[ You are correct; my reading failure again from this link . Brand would have done one of two things:

- forgot as well, and said "my room", then realized part way there that it was occupied
- remembered in said "my temporary rooms" or something similar

If we just go with what's been written, then he says:]]

Brand shakes his head, "With all that's been going on, I forgot that I had been temporarily banished to the attic."

"You were temporarily banished to the attic!" repeats Tomas with surprise. Then he agrees with Brand, saying, "Yes, things have been rather hectic lately. I didn't even know you were in the house until late last night."

The two young men reach the attic where Brand reveals that his 'device' is actually a sword, or at least the leather grip of a sword.

Tomas studies the inscribed grip with a mixture of wonder and curiosity on his face.

"So, I'm presuming it's a spell focus," he says after a while. "What is the spell? Do you know?"

"I think they said 'Darksight'? ''Darkvision'?"

As he looks at the hilt, Brand asks, "Are you still studying the arcane arts?"

"When I can," replies Tomas distractedly as he begins studying the hilt of the sword again.

After a few moments, he adds, "Let me try something."

Brand looks on, but Tomas seemingly does nothing except continue to stare at the hilt of the sword. Seconds pass and then Tomas says, "It's soaking them up like a sponge... Taking all I can give."

Tomas looks up at Brand, an unsettled look on his face, and says, "I'm drained. I have no idea if it's enough, but it took all the magic I have."

Then he smiles and says, "All you can do now is try it; see if it works."

[[You're lucky. Those were some good rolls on Tomas's part.]]

[[You're lucky. Those were some good rolls on Tomas's part.]]4

[[ Brand *definitely* owes Tomas! ]]

Brand tries the sword [[ and I assume succeeds based on your comment ]] and smiles, "Nicely done! I ... don't know what to say."

He regards Tomas more closely, nodding his head. "That will make my journey this evening a little safer at least. Thank you!"

[[ If Brand has NOT paid for this kind of service before, then ]]

He reaches for his purse and says, "I promised you payment, but I have no idea what this would cost... How much does my father pay you for your services?"

    [[ Let X be the pay per day ]]

[[ Else ]]

    [[ Let X be what he's paid before ]]  

[[ End If ]]

He reaches for his purse and says, "I promised you payment, so please accept this...", he proffers [[ twice X ]], " and perhaps let me buy you a drink some time, so we can talk at leisure."

[[ What time is it? ]]

[[ Updated map...I *think* this covers most stuff...I might widen the building per your suggestion and just make the big rooms bigger and add storage and bedrooms.

Coach park in wrong place!]]

"Your father has me on a retainer of 3 Constantines a day and get free room and board," says Tomas in reply to Brand's question about his regular pay.

As Brand goes to pay Tomas, there is a discreet knock on the door.

[[I will let you decide how much Brand gives Tomas, and I will do some thinking about the plan of the house. However, that is it for tonight. Ciao.]] 

Brand looks at the door, raises his voice a little and says, "Please wait a moment Mikkel."

He turns back to Tomas and takes an Engle from of his purse, and hands it to him, "I hope this is a fair payment, does it seem so to you? Especially for such good work on such short notice. And perhaps we can have a drink some time, so we can talk at leisure? I have an insatiable interest in arcane matters."

[[ Can I get a perception roll to assess if he thinks it's fair? If so: Perception: 16 ]]

[[ Move above, revised plans below: ]]

Note: All 'pink' corridors are secret and by using upper lower level, they are all connected.

Ground floor. Probably needs more storage, but stables and outside area will provide some.

Upper floor: Concepts/blocks -- too much work to fill in until you are happy with ground; each persons area is a private suite of rooms, the 'store' areas are mainly to disguise the secret passages (so people don't get suspicious).

Also, I had a list of room types which I have misplaced. The "Retiring room" is not the correct name....

Quote from AlaricBrand >>

Brand looks at the door, raises his voice a little and says, "Please wait a moment Mikkel."

He turns back to Tomas and takes an Engle from of his purse, and hands it to him, "I hope this is a fair payment, does it seem so to you? Especially for such good work on such short notice. And perhaps we can have a drink some time, so we can talk at leisure? I have an insatiable interest in arcane matters."

[[ Can I get a perception roll to assess if he thinks it's fair? If so: Perception: 15 ]]

[[That would be an Insight check and yes, he is happy.]]

[[Re: Map. You need to move the cloak room to the other side as it is part of the doorman's responsibilities to take and store people's cloaks close to the entrance. Could you also show the breaks in the outer wall and how they work with the coach landing and courtyard as I don't understand how those areas work yet. Also, the morning and evening rooms are huge considering the size of the Grand Ballroom and I don't understand the need for them considering there is also the conservatory/sunroom blocking their view of the river. I would suggest you make them smaller, or perhaps turn one of them into a dedicated wine tasting/formal dining room where Koric can entertain high-value customers. The one on the left makes the most sense for this as it is closest to the courtyard. I would also suggest that all the dining rooms be downstairs, perhaps making the morning room the family dining/activity room. Finally, there are perhaps too many secret passages. One thing you might consider for the first floor is instead of having passages have secret accesses to the attic/roof space that would allow spy holes in the ceiling and all horizontal movement can be done in the roof space.]]

"Thank you, Master Alaric," says Tomas getting to his feet and accepting the coin. "I would be very happy to have a drink sometime to hear about tonight's adventure."

Tomas then moves to the door and lets Mikkel in while taking his leave.

Mikkel looks a little surprised at seeing Tomas, but says nothing and brings in a tray on which there is food and drink.

Noting Brand's preparations, he says, "Are you off again on another escapade, Master,? And do you need my assistance?"

[[And for the record, yes, the Darkvision spell is working making everything a little bright in this room.]]

Brand says, "Yes, out again, and I'm not sure for how long -- not long, I hope."

"Don't worry I expect it to be amiable, but is strictly  a solo affair, I'm afraid."

After thinking for a moment, he tears a small piece of paper from the sheets by the side of his bed and writes "Helas" on it, then says to Mikkel, "Should I not be back by morning, you might make enquiries of this gentleman." He picks up his mothers book, and puts the paper inside the front cover.

"No need to worry otherwise, I am sure nothing amiss will occur. But he should know where to find me, at least."

He places the book back on the bed, then starts to gather his gear, while eating. [[ will update the SoP page, but basically the same as last night ]]

"Did you manage to take a look around the city today? What did you notice?"

[[ Re Residence:

You need to move the cloak room to the other side as it is part of the doorman's responsibilities to take and store people's cloaks close to the entrance.

How about I move it next to the Annex, and while 'at work' Jon sits in the white are the other side of the corridor from the Annex. He greets people, takes their stuff and leads them to the Annex and puts their gear in the cloak room, then summons whoever to guide them through the house (a bell-pull system?). This small small and secure area might also be a small arms cache (others elsewhere TBD).

Could you also show the breaks in the outer wall and how they work with the coach landing and courtyard as I don't understand how those areas work yet.

Will do....just focussing on house for now. The broad idea is coach landing leads to couryard that has the stables, well, and mre storage (cold room for meats. some grain stores.

Also thinking there may be a water tower(?), ie. a big barrel raised above the first level of the house that serves to provide water into the house. There would be a hand pump in the couryard to move water there each day. Or horse driven.

Also, the morning and evening rooms are huge considering the size of the Grand Ballroom and I don't understand the need for them considering there is also the conservatory/sunroom blocking their view of the river. I would suggest you make them smaller, or perhaps turn one of them into a dedicated wine tasting/formal dining room where Koric can entertain high-value customers. The one on the left makes the most sense for this as it is closest to the courtyard.

I thought they were a cute idea given Mum's devotion; places to relax but also to celebrate dawn and dusk rites privately. But you are quite right, a tasking room on the ground floor on the left is a good idea (it's also fear the cellar stairs, which are just above the kitchen).

I think the morning/evening rooms (if they still exist) should move upstairs, and the conservatory/sunroom should shrink perhaps.

Views are a problem in my design...The big wall surrounding the buildings will effectively block most views unless the house is built up considerably....which is probably no bad thing.

How about: If we assume it's built up on foundations by, say, 8' at the highest point, less at the road (this is also good fo flood mitigation), and the land has a metre elevation, then rooms in the ground floor will still have views. The front of the house (road-side) may not be built up as much since I assume the block slopes down to the river. This also may provide another means of dealing with secret passages, that does not risk floorboards creaking; though I'm not sure that's necessary yey (see below).

I would also suggest that all the dining rooms be downstairs, perhaps making the morning room the family dining/activity room.

That's a harder call, IMO. Having a riverside balcony with good views accessible from the dining/retiring/meeting rooms seems appealing. If you are worried about moving food from kitchen, then dumb waiters spring to mind. The Games Room may need to become a dumb-waiter and Servery area.

Also, the top left of the  "Retiring Room" is the natural Palace Observation point. So, it might need to be repurposed a little.

Finally, there are perhaps too many secret passages. One thing you might consider for the first floor is instead of having passages have secret accesses to the attic/roof space that would allow spy holes in the ceiling and all horizontal movement can be done in the roof space.]]

Secret passages are amazingly hard. Connectedness is a major problem. As it stands, Jon has an entrance he may not really need, but I thought it was a good idea, and the idea that they are all connected is very appealing' -- getting from any secret passage to the cellar, or an arms stash, was a design requirement for me!

That said, I can reduce the area a little, but not sure any can really be removed. Depending on what happens to the Morning Room, the secret passage there could go, for example.

However: I do see them as doubling up for plumbing and possibly for a bell system (if such exists) to summon staff. When there are noises in the corridors, Koric can complain about the plumbing.