The adventurers thudded into the house with what appeared to be a complete lack of hesitation. Despite the negative emotions whirling within Ralin, he could not stop his lips from quirking into a smile. They were brave, considering the mess that they were charging into; even Nigel Westfall's private force had been put off by the plague rats. But these men and women did not miss a step, and he could appreciate that. So he simply followed behind, stepping over the pests that scurried across the entrance hall.
He was content to merely observe, intrigued by the unorthodox means in which the rats were cleared. They were creative, and so far, they were mindful of the master's wishes. No great fireballs, or destructive acts of magic punched through painted walls, or fried priceless artifacts to a crisp.
He was lost in thought when one of the adventurers asked about said artifacts. Ralin turned to @Vivian Cruz, brow knitting as he walked back through his memories.

Nothing jumps out at me, but that does not mean much. Mister Westfall was always bringing pieces back from his many trips, or gifts that others gave to him. Quite a bit of his collection was given to him by men he met for business.
The man's fingers raked absently through his beard as he studied the violet-haired woman. He could hear the voices of others in the various room, echoing in the large entrance hall. Why was she so intrigued with the artifacts? Could one of them have something to do with the infestation? In a world with as much magic as the adventurers were wielding, he could hardly count out any possibility.

His artifacts are spread out all over the house. There is really at least one in every room. There are also a number of trap doors and secret rooms here, though even I could not tell you where they are - Mister Westfall is incredibly secretive.
Unable to provide any more information, he bid the woman farewell, and began to wander the mansion. The squeals of panicked and dying plague rats might have pulled at a softer man's heartstrings, but Ralin relished in them. He had seen the monsters lay waste to the property he loved, and he was glad to see them taken care of. As he visited each room, he provided a bit of additional information to the rat-slayers.

The last group found that the rats seemed to adapt the longer they took to fight them. Rats that were scared or tricked by something wisened up, and were not affected the next time. No telling why, but you may want to keep that in mind.
As the groundskeeper wandered back to the entrance hall, he heard the unmistakable growl of an angered animal. The menagerie, he thought with a wisp of amusement, but then he paused. No, he had never heard that particular sound before....
General Information
- Any additions/changes from the previous cycle are in purple.
- Word limit for this cycle is between 100-500 words. Please pay close attention to this!
- Each person can help clear one room this cycle.
- The minimum number of individuals needed to clear a room of rats is listed below. Though more can help, that minimum must be met.
- To clear a room, players must work together to orchestrate a plan. Use your masteries and vocations, and anything that the room has to offer.
- For example, to clear a barn, you might have a beast tamer calm the animals, a geomancer create a trench to guide the rats out, and a hydromancer to flood the trenches and move them along.
- The more creative you are, the better chance you have of success.
- Remember: Avoid causing too much damage! Do not simply set the room on fire, regardless of how much you hate rats.
- Each player must play a role in clearing the room. Their contribution must be evident - they cannot stand and watch.
- There are no rolls. Make your post, and find out if you were successful with the next cycle.
- Use the communication thread, PM, or Discord to team up with your comrades, and create your plan!
- Rooms that were attempted in cycle one can be finished in cycle two (for example, if only one of two people posted).
- For a better chance at success this turn, please work with different people, and try a new method!
- Questions? Ideas? Just let me know!
Teams
Posting Template
Code:
[center][loc=Location]Room - #/#[/loc][/center]
Post here.
[b2]Summary:[/b2] Briefly summarize what it is you did, specifying any masteries/vocations/items used!
Place this code at the top of your post! Replace the pound signs with how many players are needed to clear a room, and which one you are. So if you are the first of three, you would write "1/3."
Westfall Manor
Downstairs
Upstairs
Kitchen
A long room with a low ceiling. There is little room to move about, as the space is filled with cupboards and counters. The metal cookware that dangles from the racks clinks like pleasant windchimes with the slightest breeze. Jars filled with exotic spices in all colors are arranged in precise order.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Gym
A wide room with few windows. A hoop hangs from the wall on either end, and a variety of balls are piled in one corner. Free-weights, ranging from five pounds to fifty pounds each, are arranged in on a rack. Lines, in various colors, are drawn across the hardwood floor.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Laboratory
A small room, with a slanted ceiling, tucked beneath the grand staircase. It has no windows, and one door. Glass vials filled with numerous chemicals are housed on shelves. A long table occupies the far wall, with an ornate, complicated chemistry set spread across it.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Grotto
A one-of-a-kind addition to Westfall Manor. The small room is designed to mimic a grotto, with real rock lining the floor, ceiling, and walls. Veins of multi-colored crystal shimmer from the rockface with the help of magic. Everything is damp, and has a very earthy smell. A small pool, big enough for three or four people, rests in the middle.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Dining Hall
A massive room, used to host fancy dinners and frivolous galas. A sturdy wooden table, long enough to seat forty people, stands in the middle of an easily-converted dance floor. It is set for as many people, with plates, cutlery, and glass drinkware. Ornate tapestries hang from the walls, and a collection of musical instruments wait in the corner.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Workshop
Much of Nigel Westfall’s wealth comes from the technological advancements of his many companies. His workshop is littered with half-completed projects, metal husks waiting to be brought to life. A myriad of tools hang from the wall, and blueprints for… something… are spread across the table.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Armory
Suits of armor frame the doorway, both on the inside, and the outside. Weapons of all shapes and sizes rest on wall-hooks, and a mat covers much of the floor. Twin punching bags hang in two of the corners.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Menagerie
One of the largest rooms in the house, and Nigel’s pride and joy. Exotic animals from all over Terrasphere are housed here, in small, decorated enclosures. Everything from mountain tigers to brightly-colored birds can be found in the man’s personal zoo.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Rooftop Garden
Glass ceiling and exterior walls bring in as much sunlight as possible, and bring life to Nigel’s collection of exotic plants. The smell is overpowering, intoxicating, and the space stays warm year-round. The plants are arranged in an organized way, though meant to mimic nature’s chaos, and a multi-tiered fountain bubbles joyfully.
Requires at least three people to clear.
Library
Skylights brighten the room, decorated in colors similar to those in the recreation room. The thick carpet and dark colors create a snug, homely atmosphere, accented by a crackling fireplace and overstuffed armchairs. The walls are lined, floor to ceiling, with shelves of books.
Requires at least three people to clear.
Recreation Room
A cozy room with forest green wallpaper and lush carpet. The heads of dangerous animals are proudly displayed along the walls alongside two dartboards. A pool table with rich crimson velvet sits in the center.
Requires at least three people to clear.
Master Bedroom
Where the man himself sleeps. A large room with surprisingly modern decor, filled with sleek statues of women. There is a king-sized bed draped in white and gray blankets. There is also a writing desk, a dresser, a wardrobe, and shelves containing priceless artistic treasures.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Servant’s Quarters
A simple room, without decoration, or anything else that might make it unique. It holds three bunk-beds, with space enough for the cooks and housekeepers (those who work outside sleep above the carriage house). There are also six plain trunks along the wall, for personal belongings.
Requires at least two people to clear.
Storage Closet
There is nothing but rats in this room… right?
Requires at least two people to clear.