There it was again, that low, throaty growl of an angered animal. Ralin pursed his lips in contemplation, then heaved a small sigh. It was better to check, he decided, than to go on wondering. Besides, his gut had never let him down in the past, and having good instincts was an important part of being a groundskeeper.
Peeling himself away from the cleansing process, the burly man strode to the large, double-doors of the menagerie. The thick wood gave the impression of added security, and intricate jungle designs were carved into its face, making even the entrance an impressive piece. What was behind it, however, was far more staggering. Beasts of all shapes and sizes roamed various habitats, all decorated to match the animal's homeland. Tigers paced atop real rock, brought in to reconstruct their mountain lairs. Monkeys hooted their greetings from high tree-limbs, and fish cut like shimmering darts through pristine pond water. Everything was just as it should be, and yet, something bothered Ralin.
The sound continued, but there were no animals here that appeared to be calling out. In fact, now that he was inside the menagerie, the noise seemed more muffled, more distant. Then what was it? If he had to guess, it sounded like it came from directly below him, but only when he was in the main entryway. But that meant...
With added intensity in his step, long strides carried the groundskeeper back to the entrance hall. From there, he shouted to the adventurers. The house was vast, and he was sure that there were some who would not hear him, but his big voice still boomed in the airy space.
I am going to the basement, in case anyone needs me. I will return in a moment.
General Information
- Any additions/changes from the previous cycle are in yellow.
- 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, or search a previously cleared room for treasures. You may not do both actions.
- 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.
- To search a room for valuables, you will need to roll a d100. Use the roll thread. A roll of 70 or higher means you have discovered something (which will be revealed later). Feel free to add +5 for each tier of hunting or incognito. Use the "search" template below.
- You can simply describe your character looking for, and/or finding something (in a secret compartment, on a high shelf, inside a safe you picked, etc.). But be careful! You would not want Ralin to catch you snooping.
- 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 Templates
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!
Code:
[center][loc=Location]Room[/loc][/center]
Post here
[CENTER]
[b2] Searching [/b2]
[score]Roll + Modifiers = Result[/score]
Roll / Tracker
[/CENTER]
Westfall Manor
Downstairs
![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/0sTnx5U.png)
Upstairs
![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/xbPO4dM.png)
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.
