Time: About 02.30AM on the 29th. Festival will start in about 15 hours (around 17.00-18.00)
TODO:
Create enemies downstairs.
Archers that have been hunting them. Concalians who has pseudo been given their form back. Nightsworn Concalians, who also act as enforcers for the Cabal.
They pseudo have their form back, meaning while resting, they sort of look like Concalians with more dreary looking grey skin. They will turn more shadowy when combat starts, i.e. nightshade like, and will disappear when killed (gear remains)
“Knights” guarding Ravanelli: Marcenguard whose been infused with shadowmagic?
Make stats for the Weaponsmaster - and name.
His form is fully restored, as he's one of the elite that have been given that privilege by the Nightsinger. He does have the ability to turn into a shade form to basically shift plane for a short while.
Stuff and notes to add to map in basement:
Crates filled with stuff in basement - figure out what would be in them.
Notes in Basement State Room. Seem book seem to be tracking the Royal Armada's movements. The other seem to describe huge amounts of fused concalian crystals being shipped from Alatri over the past 2 years, using Privateers to basically smuggle it off. The total amount of is probably a matter of tons. There doesn't seem to be a destination noted among these.
Maybe there's food there? Maybe Concalians can only eat when in their restored forms? Which they were only recently given, and thus have only recently had good food again.
Stuff and notes in other rooms:
Old noble's temp quarters on top floor: Unsigned letter here that describes where on the stage he should stand when things start, to avoid being harmed. Something along the lines of “take 3 steps to the right after the speech”.
.
Note: Old halfling man lives in basement as steward of it. He's an orphan who the Ravanelli Family picked up from the streets. He's illiterate, which is part of why he's been given the job, with a condition being that he's not allowed to learn how to read.
Lazzar - basement steward. He mostly paints and messes with herbs to kill time.
Session 77
Valiant tar siste 10-15 sidene fra siste loggboken i Interrogation roomet. Ca 1 år siden de siste loggene var der.
They discuss whether they should free Baslan Xario and help him free the duchess for about 2 real-time hours. Equivalent time in-game also passes.
Thus around 2.30AM now.
Post Session Notes: Concalians
Session 75
Start time: Probably around 2PM on the 28th.
Note: Moretti gave the party a little silver pin they could show Ravanelli to know who sent them. “Just tell the duchess its from the person who gives her the hardest time nowadays.”
They're on their way to the Conciri Library, wanting to speak with Icaro - an apprentice of Master de Maromme, who was tasked with delivering part of the supplies.
At the Conciri Library:
Moretti will be absent. Navara will be absent. The Overgold will be absent.
A few people can be seen practicing around the compound, probably apprentices. Lucon is among them.
Lucon knows that Icaro is one of High Transmuter (Rahier) de Maromme's apprentices, though he doesn't know him personally.
Lucon Hoz, Gael Alacron, Rahier de Maromme, and Icaro are all members of the Institute of Material Enhancements and Transmutations.
Lucon is practicing Levitate
In session notes:
Cosca - librarian. probably spelled the name wrong.
Masks are made of porcelain - but the symbol is not made out of that symbol.
They help Icaro and the other crew load the carts. Takes about an hour.
“Convinced” Icaro to go ask for Maromme.
They are waiting. 2.5 hours so far. - so 5 in the evening.
Cairne ser på gems. Magical. Divination and Enchantments.
.Cairne kjenner på døra til komplekset. Låst. Cairne er annoying, så hun
De drar opp “Bio recipients masks” - theorizes that Enchantment part of masks magic is to transfer mind control magic from Mask to person.
Crow is watching them. Black eyes.
Ari catches it using Mage Hand.
They throw the Crow into Valiant's rucksack.
Narthael throw the crow into the Pouch of Holding.
Nears 6PM.
Nears 6.30. They walked out of the library, Ari ran back and asked if they were open during the festival. They said they were open during the day, but closed for the public while the festival itself was underway.
They go to the Cisalpine Palace. Ask for Jonathan.
“The Crystal in the Mask is quite interesting. Should have a look at them.”
5 Gold for the service. - Expensive to deal with the Canary.
6G for exquisite dinner.
2 hour dinner.
8.30 in the evening.
Icaro
Halfling male that's in his mid 30s. Bald head with a long van dyke beard
is a Cabalist, though doesn't know much of their plans - just follows orders.
Icaro and a few others are in the process of loading more goods onto a carriage, to be brought down to the plaza.
Icaro will keep to being in public – as if the party dares attack him while he's in public, he can have the more powerful magi there come to his defense and the party will probably be arrested.
Magister Celia Lettiere is keeping an eye on the apprentices on the compound today, making sure they don't harm themselves too much.
Woman in her 40s. Thin and well dressed, with long pitch black hair.
Will feign ignorance, while trying to gage why the party is interested in the masks, and what they're after.
Will claim he doesn't know where the masks come from.
Meranzeum sources goods from many craftsmen. It's part of the deal when being sponsored by them – some of the goods you make go to them. Meranzeum will sell some of these, other's they'll give away, others they'll keep. “How do you think the Meranzeum earns such a ridiculous amount of money? They don't have open shops but they trade in volumes comparable to the Fulcrum and the Union.”
Meranzeum will source together masks from all over each festival to widen the array people can choose from in each city. Will claim he doesn't know who made these
(Was made by apprentices at the Meranzeum, since there's magic in them).
Will claim he was just chosen among those tasked with distributing some of the goods. it's usually done by the clergy, not the Conciri. He doesn't know why they're doing it this year, they'd have to ask High Transmuter de Maromme.
Will probably also try to have them waste time. If he can have them waste time until the evening, then he can have people attack them while it's dark.
Might offer to go find High Transmuter Rahier de Maromme, though they'll have to wait here for a bit, it can take a little while. (if they ask to meet up at a specific time: Cant promise something like that on the High Abjurer's behalf. best he can do is try drag the High Abjurer away for a couple of minutes to answer some questions, though if he's busy then he might have to wait for a while until he's done with whatever he's doing until he can convince him to come for a little bit.)
Emmerin di Scillante is at the Estate
- Emmerin di Scillante - Romeno. Ravanelli's right hand man. 80 ish. Frail and thin but straight and prideful stance. "Super hes" frail but authorial voice.
○ Gliding: light, direct, sustained
○ Mannerism: Super sore/coarse, old voice. Slow tempo and slightly low volume.
§ Do the "hmph" as if trying to take a shit, and you got the voice.
○ Interaction:
§ Clever. Dignified. Friendly. Opportunistic. Shrewd. Political.
§ Authoritarian - weak voice his words give away that what he says has real weigh.
§ Determined.
Restrained and very Calculating -
Apathetic -
Critical. Disloyal. Secretive.
○ Bond/Core Values:
§
Description: Cabalist. promised Alatri and the whole of Rosella in return for his family's service.
Emmerin di Scillante is at the estate. if he sees the party, he'll recognize them, and alert the Cabal – i.e. the party will be hunted.
Will be at the front talking to House Steward for a little when the party can see, before they both go inside.
Infiltrating the estate
The districts where nobles congregate are not normally so closed off. One can normally enter them rather normally, instead being stopped by guards if trying to enter the estate grounds themselves.
The fact that nobles have opted to close their district off means they view the current situation as unstable.
People can currently pass into the noble's district if they are one of the nobles. Head servants at their estates will also inform the guards of who is allowed to pass, this being in regards to work at the estates and mansions. For those who have worked there fore a while, the guards will recognize them, and thus let them pass. For new people, either the guards will have been informed of who they are beforehand, the person is given a written letter, signed by the head servant or a noble, allowing them access, or a servant known to be working at an estate/mansion is waiting for them to pick them.
The same process goes for being allowed to enter the estate/mansion grounds, as guards will also be stationed here to do the same checks.
Noble Estate Staff:
House Steward / Estate Manager - top position among staff. Oversees the entirety of the operations, including staff management. Responsible for hiring.
Steward of Ravanelli's Etate: Berengar Lori. Human Man in his late 60s. Rotunt. Short grey hair and a short moustache. Extorted into cooperation by Cabal.
Head Butler: Responsible for day-to-day running's of the household. Might handle the hiring of indoor staff, like footmen, maids, and junior butlers.
Head Butler of Ravanelli's Estate: Desi Logno. Halfling male. Around 50. Brown hair combed back, clean shaven with a sharp moustache. Very dignified look. Unblemished clothing
Housekeeper: Typically responsible for the female staff in the household, a housekeeper might handle hiring maids, laundry staff, and other female servants.
Housekeeper of Ravanelli estate: Felìcita Di Traglia. Marcandrian human female. Late 40s - took over the role only 5 years ago. Strict and firm, yet welcoming. Brown hair kept in a bun.
Groundskeeper: For outdoor staff, such as gardeners or stable hands, the head gardener or groundskeeper might be responsible for hiring.
Groundskeeper of Ravanelli's Estate: Flax. Shifter male. Late 70s. Short brown fur with some grey spots in them from age. Very calm and peaceful person who loves tending the gardens.
The children helping picking grapes are his doing.
Stablemaster: Responsible for the horses and griffons.
Stablemaster at Ravanelli's Estate: Rashel Jilani. Female Tiefling. Red leathery skin, wide horns, and short black hair. Strong and tough.
Cabalist. Keeps the griffons from making a fuss, and keeps them alive to avoid suspicion should they disappear (as the duchess would surely hold some kind of private memorial should something happen to her griffon)
Getting access:
You're allowed onto the site if you work there, and the guards recognize that you do; if you're escorted by a high ranking servant; or if your names are on records kept in the Gatehouse.
Records in the gatehouse includes entry logs. They include names alongside their role, who they report to (house steward, head butler, housekeeper, groundskeeper, stablemaster, guard captain Xario), and start + end date for them having entry.
Hiring Process:
Recruitment: Candidates might be sourced through recommendations, local advertisements, or employment agencies specializing in domestic staff.
Interviews and Vetting: Senior household staff would interview candidates, possibly with input or final approval from the noble family, especially for positions closely interacting with them.
Training and Integration: New hires would typically undergo a period of training and adjustment, overseen by the senior staff to ensure they understand their duties and the estate's protocols.
Other important people:
Griffon keeper: Probably cabalist.
head steward, head butler, housekeeper, and groundskeeper
.
Party can try to convince their way in, saying they are new hirings. They'd have to avoid Scillante though, as he'd recognize them.
Cairne and Valiant are also at risk of standing out too much.
What the staff is hiring people for at the moment:
Probably hiring a few to help with harvesting grapes, berries, and fruit - primarily young kids who want a bit of money though.
Getting Information from people who work there
Not all who work at the estate live there. Can do a Charisma check to look for people who work there in the city.
What they can possibly get out of them:
Only the Duchess is at the estate at the moment. The rest of the family, i.e. the grandchildren, are in Vessina, trying to gather support for Mariana Ravanelli's (the duchess' eldest grandchild) claim to the throne.
They haven't seen her in months - saying she's ill. Most are forbidden to enter both the top floor and the basement area.
Lord Emmerin di Scillante spends much time at the estate, doing the day-to-day duties normally done by the duchess (i.e. he basically acts as regent).
There have been a lot of new faces over the past months. They haven't been too friendly, though they usually are allowed on the top floor or basement, though not all of them of course.
There have been times over the last few months where all the servants have been ordered to return to their quarters, and stay there for a while
Side Note:
Bøkene dere fikk skrevet av Conciri members i libraryet:
Perpetual Luminosity using Concalian Crystals, by Magister Gael Alacron
Transference of Material Enhancement Techniques to Bio-recipients, by High Transmuter Rahier de Maromme
Waste disposal system through the use of Gelatinous Cubes, by Arcanist Elrithia Renfallan
Transferring Troll Regenerative Properties through Blood Transfusions, by Magister Peneli Navara
A Study on Sprite Magic and its Properties, by First Biologist Tarnan Heartfield
Introduction to Curses, and how to identify them, by High Abjurer Euphemia Moretti
On the Nature of the Arcane and the Divine, by Magister Euphemia Moretti
Exorcism of Ethereal Enigmas: Liberating Souls from Haunting Entities, by Eraclide Laran
On the Feasibility of Siphoning Arcane Energies from the Other Planes, by High Conjurer Siniball Calvacanti
Inter-Planar Crossings: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis, by Magister Celia Lettiere
Session 74
In session notes
Start Time: Evening on 27th of Ummindur 1353. Probably around 3.00AM.
Change to 28th. Festival is on 29th, 30th, and Single-day month of the Autumn Harvest. Starts evening 29th.
Moretti will want to trigger her plan during the opening ceremony on the 29th. Needs party to be in position to do their part by then.
De våkner litt etter mid-day. Blir ikke forstyrret.
Vei ned underground: Under statuen i indoor garden.
Snakker med Moretti briefly, får bare quest info igjen. They ask for something to prove to the duchess that they are with Moretti. She gives them a pin,
Moretti gir partyet en liten silver pin med en mynt fasong på “just tell the duchess it's from the person who gives her the hardest time nowadays”.
Merchant: Icaro - person som ga de maskene fra Conciri.
En av apprenticene til Rahier de Maromme.
Party discusses figuring out who made masks at Conciri
Prater med guards:
Name: Galdin
“Unless you've got an invitation from the duchess herself, you cannot enter here."
Happenings During Evening
Narth and Thiala
Thiala
Thiala's personality:
Very hands-on supportive and overprotective.
Kind and loving, but very emotional.
Overprotective and somewhat overbearing.
Gets very worried and very quickly sad if there's even a hint of Narth potentially disliking her or being angry at her.
To the point where she's done things in the past that would probably backfire if Narth found out about it. Has a habit of doing something worse in order to cover up something that she things Narth will dislike about her or her actions, and then try to cover up the “worse” action.
She'll often panic and lie to try to wriggle out of a confrontation.
Has a constant dilemma of tying Narth down to keep him around her, and letting him more loose so that he doesn't get mad at her.
Very aware of who Grandmother Mary is. Is not willing to speak to Narth about it. She's deathly afraid that if Narth figures out all the details around how they found him, he'll end up hating her.
Conversation:
Context: It's Thiala's turn to teach Narth - though she panicked and thought he died when they went into Moretti's tower, as she could no longer sense him through the staff.
Thiala is good at teaching
Narth: “wakes up” inside the dreamscape. You heara Thiala humming for a brief moment, before she sits down right next to you. She smiles, though the smile looks just a tiny bit forced. She hands you some nuts and berries, before she starts hand-feeding you with one hand, while occasionally doting with your hand with the other hand. You get the feeling she just wants to dote on you for the entire night.
If Narth Asks about training: Thiala: Can't we just enjoy a quiet evening. Like when you were little?
Thiala: (But I dont want to.) You disappeared - so I cried - then you appeared again - so I cried again - and I didn't want you to see so I let the others go first - but now it's my turn - and I just wanted to spend some time with you - like we did before - and feed you and play with you and dote on you - like when you were little. Please? Can't the others teach you tomorrow night?
If he tries to respond, she'll quickly put a berry in his mouth before he gets to say anything, and say “Please?” again, while looking at him with big doe eyes.
if he rolled high enough on persuasion, and doesn't give in here, she'll teach him.
Thiala: “Fine.” The surrounding dreamscape changes, to a windier and more open part of the forest. “Now try”.
Thiala's explanation: Oh, but you're just so cute. Flying is like… swimming - but in the air. Right? So let the wind feel like the current does when you're a fish. Dont think. Just… spread your wings and imagine yourself floating upwards.
he rolled 20 and 15 before. If he rolls 15 or above, i.e. reaching 50 in total, he'll know how to turn into birds etc.
If he fails: It's OK, you're still my favorite little Lyth. Just… think less and feel more. You'll figure it out soon."
If he doesn't roll high enough
Thiala: “But I just wanted to spend some time with you”. You can see a small drop of sap, before she just disappears from the dream.
Thiala's turn to teach Narth. Thiala is quite good at teaching, though is not always keen on teaching him. So he has advantage on the Wisdom check, but needs to persuade Thiala in order to be allowed to make it.
he rolled 20 and 15 before. If he rolls 15 or above, i.e. reaching 50 in total, he'll know how to turn into birds etc.
Narth “wakes up” inside the dreamscape. You can hear Thiala humming for a moment, before sitting down right beside you and starting to feed you a mix of nuts and berries.
(She's smiling, but it's a bit forced)
She got scared that something had happened to him when they couldn't sense him a few nights ago, so she feels he owes using the night just to relax and keep her company in return for worrying her so much.
“You scared me when you disappeared like that. I didn't like it. You're not allowed to do that again!”
if asked what she means:
“You disappeared for a while. I couldn't feel you anymore. I thought you were gone.” (you see small drops of sap form under her eyes, moving down and hardening on her cheeks).
if he tries asking about Grandmother, then she'll try to brush it off and deflect.
“I - I'm sure there are many grandmothers…”
(if he insists) “I-I found this large cluster of blackberries today, don't you want some more?”
(and if he continues to insist) “a-and these nuts. you always liked these nuts, right?”
if really pressured to say why she doesn't want to talk about grandmother:
“Please don't” (Why?) Because I don't want you to hate me.
“because I don't want you to know!”, her expression will then immediately change to a worried “oh no” expression, looking briefly onto narthael as all her leaves fall limp and the radiant greens turn to a a more half-wilted brown, before she runs into the nearest tree and disappears.
Happenings in town next day
Party wont wake up until mid-day, since its almost 4AM and they've not gone to sleep yet.
Final preparations for festival. Stands, stages, etc for the festival itself are ready.
A few merchants selling festival masks there - including the white porcelain mask with a black spot that has a purple brim.
if asked where they got them from: Someone dropped by and said they wanted to help with the festivities, and gave the masks to them for free. The person was already wearing one of the masks, and it looked good, so they figured why not.
“A gift from the Meranzeum. They always supply us with some goods before a festival."
There's quite a bit more people outside the Wayfarer Union's office than normal. They're gossiping.
“Did you hear? The coinflipper has been embezzling the Union's funds.”
“Did you hear how much coin went missing from their ledgers?”
“I hear Peluzzi himself has come to try getting to the bottom of this.”
Inside there's full chaos with people gathering and looking through ledgers, seemingly calculating the numbers in them before handing them on to the next person who seems to be checking the same ledger again.
There isn't really anyone serving as a receptionist right now it seems. Functionally the Union is basically closed.
If the party starts asking: “Sorry, Peluzzi wants us to be done by these by the evening. Come back tomorrow please.”
Guards will advice the party to stick to the eastern half of the city when they try to cross the bridge.
“Citizens. if you do not have important business, I recommend you stay home today.”
“Rebels started ambushing guards this morning. The city has decided enough is enough - the Marcenguard has been called in force to quell them. The western part of the city is not safe for travel at the moment.”
“Rebels have been hiding among the wretches in the street. Until we've processed each and every one of them, there's still a danger of being jumped. I advice staying away for now."
Ravanelli Estate
House Ravanelli and their Griffons
Each member of house Ravanelli is gifted a Griffon egg by the Conciri Meranzeum, as a sign of their partnership. The griffon is bonded to that one member of the family, even willing to fight to the death to protect them. The griffon is set free should it still be alive by the time its bonded member of house ravanelli dies.
Estate Grounds
Estate is positioned roughly in the middle on the north-south axis, and roughly ⅓rd the way east on the west-to-east axis (meaning area behind the estate is roughly twice as deep).
On the front is a grand dual staircase leading up to the main floor (2nd floor). There's a large fountain placed between the two staircases.
(W) Tiled stone roads goas in a U-turn in front of the estate. Inside the “U” are a series of flowerbeds, trimmed hedges, alongside small stone pathways and a few benches to sit and relax.
(NW) North of the “U” road, thus out from the north-west corner of the Estate, is a large hedge maze, made out of rose-bushes. There are several small alcoves within this maze to allow for private romantic meetings. These include a bench, a small table, and sometimes a small fountain. Servants will often leave small baskets in these alcoves filled with fruit and confetti when there are formal events at the estate.
(N) There's a small stone pathway between the estate and the hedge maze that allows one to get to its north side without having to go through the maze itself. This leads to the courtyard on the estate's northern side, outside the Ballroom. Along the northern wall of the estate is a large balcony, connected directly to the ballroom, with outdoor seating areas on it. A large dual staircase goes down from here to the main courtyard on the northern side, with slated stones, seating areas, and numerous flower beds. Several stepping-stone pathways go from the courtyard and further out on the northern side, creating a formal garden with a network of paths between artificial lakes and ponds, filled with colorful fish. Several pavilions are placed along these pathways, as are numerous flowerbeds and trimmed hedges. Berry bushes and fruit trees are also planted strategically along the paths, intended to allow guests to pick and eat fruits and berries as they peruse the area. There are further paths leading eastwards and south-east to allow access to both behind the estate and the areas further back on the estate grounds.
(NE) On the north-east backside of the estate is a decently sized vineyard, complete with a small vineyard, complete with a small vine-pressing house where the vine-grapes can be processed. There are a few paths here, going back to the north-side of the estate, down to the estate's backside, and also a path going further east behind the estate.
(E) Located at the backside of the estate is a decently sized bathhouse, with both a section for the noble family and for their guests (allowing private bathing for them as well), as well as a portion for the staff to use (though these are more communal in how they're set up). Surrounding the bathhouse, and covering the estate's backside, is a beautiful garden filled with herbal and medicinal plants. Numerous pathways of slated-stone pierce through these gardens, leading both north, east, and south. Attached to the sides of the bathhouse are also storage rooms where outdoor furniture is kept while not in use.
(E - far) Behind the herb garden is an open grass field, behind which is a small artificial forest complete with a small pond and a small get-away house for the noble family to relax at if they want some privacy.
(SE) on the southern back-side of the estate are the stables, where the ducal family keep their horses, and where guests leave their horses and carriages. Fruit trees surround the stables, with several fruit trees also being within horses' fenced off enclosure. Quite a bit further east, behind the open grass area and on the border with the artificial forest, is an octagonal “stable” building with a cone roof, and where the uppermost floor has open walls. House Ravanelli keep their Griffons here. Currently, only duchess Fioretta Ravanelli's griffon is here, having been locked up by the cabal to keep it away. The grandchildren's' griffons are with the grandchildren in Vessina.
(S) The estate's southern side also includes a large balcony, connected to the Great Hall, with dual staircases going down to ground level. The path leading from the front of the estate back to the stables cut through here rather close to the estate, beyond which is a huge almost perfectly flat open grass field. This area is kept open in order to allow for as many types of events as possible.
(SW) Sculpture garden with open-air gallery of sculptures. Sculptures are set among flowerbeds, hedges, small fountains, and trees, to create a blend between art and nature. Several benches and small open areas are included here.
ROOM DESCRIPTIONS
Main Floor
Foyer
Entering the estate, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of the Foyer, spanning two stories in height and anchored by an impressive dual staircase opposite the entrance, leading up to the 4th floor. This central space is elegantly framed by an arcade running running above its western half, housing an elevated seating area above the entrance-side cloakrooms. Access to this raised platform is facilitated by staircases situated at both the north and south ends of the Foyer, with additional stairs behind them descending to the lower level.
The floor boasts exquisite marble craftsmanship, each tile intricately engraved. The walls are adorned with panels of finely carved Rosenwood up to waist height. A thick, ornately carved Rosenwood rail caps the panels, supporting the transition to the soft cream colored plastered walls above, whom are accented with gold, and whose covered in a vast variety of paintings. These artworks range from vibrant festival scenes to moments from renowned Marcandrian plays, alongside a series of ancestral portraits flanking each side of the dual staircase.
Completing the Foyer's opulent design is the ceiling mural, an expansive depiction of Alatri from above. The mural is bordered by three female figures, their arms outstretched in a welcoming embrace over the city. A huge chandelier of pure gold hangs from the ceiling, holding numerous Concalian crystals encased in glass, giving off a warm light.
Cloakrooms
Flanking both sides of the Foyer's entrances are three cloakrooms, each set against the outer wall. Inside, cabinets equipped with hooks provide ample space for hanging cloaks, capes, and other outerwear, while built-in shoe racks below cater to footwear storage. Positioned in front of full-length mirrors that stretch from knee height to a foot above the average height, stools offer a spot for adjustments. Adjacent to each mirror, a well-appointed desk hosts an array of brushes and tools for last-minute grooming of attire and hair.
The cloakrooms feature Rosenwood plank flooring, darkened to offer a striking contrast against the waist-high Rosenwood panels and railings that adorn the walls, culminating in soft cream-colored plaster accented with gold extending to the ceiling. The ceiling itself continues the same soft cream-colored plaster design.
Ballroom
The ballroom, grand and opulent, occupies a significant portion of the estate's northern side, stretching across two stories. An arcade wraps around its western and northern walls, leading to stairs that ascend to an elevated seating area. At the northern wall's center stands an elevated stage, graced by a grand piano, poised for performances. The east and west sides boast plush seating arrangements set upon intricately crafted carpets, separated from the room's central dance floor by strategically placed tables.
Darkened Rosenwood planks form the ballroom's flooring, offering a dramatic contrast to the waist-high Rosenwood wall-panels that ascend to a thick, ornately carved railing. This railing cleverly conceals handles for discretely placed doors, merging functionality with elegance. Above, light peach walls, accented with gold, serve as the backdrop for this magnificent space. Large paintings fill these walls, depicting revelry, dance, and romantic moments.
Dominating the ceiling is a sprawling mural that captures the essence of a grand masquerade, alive with dance, song, and music. Strands of fiery hands, made out of the most pure and beautiful fire, can be seen weaving between joyous attendees (Symbolizes Callera through her fiery hair, with the mural trying to depict that she's present during the revelry). This scene is illuminated by several large chandeliers, from which hang orange Concalian crystals, casting a warm and inviting light throughout the room.
Audience Hall
A grand hall unfolds across two stories, its elegance underscored by walkways adorned with gilded Rosenwood railings along the northern and southern walls, linking to the western entrances. Dominating the western wall, a striking mural showcases Marcandria's three matron deities, merging painted art with sculptural realism. Adorned with authentic jewelry, these divine figures gaze eastward, towards the ducal throne, each extending an arm upward to a scroll that unfurls across the ceiling, bearing their dogmas in golden script.
The hall's center features an open, slightly recessed area, designed to focus attention towards the east where the duke or duchess presides on an elevated platform. Here, seats of intricately carved and gilded Rosenwood await, the ducal throne distinguished by its ruby embellishments and fixed position on the platform. A decorative false wall, rich with purple mosaics and gold accents, conceals the space behind.
The floor, a tapestry of finely engraved tiles, is accented by elegant carpets stretching down its length. Rosenwood panels grace the walls up to waist height, capped with a substantial rail that discreetly conceals handles for hidden doors. The space above, painted in muted peach and highlighted with accents of green, gold, and red, completes the room's majestic palette. Adorning the northern and southern walls, wide tapestries serve as banners of history, illustrating pivotal moments: the initial voyage across the Wayfarer’s Sea, the first landfall near present-day Vessina, the founding of Alatri, the maiden voyage of their merchant fleet, and the signing of seminal treaties among the ducal houses and with the now assimilated minorities.
DM Note:
The mural depicting the three deities Fiori, Callera, and Meranzi includes real jewelry pieces. This includes rings. Taking one ring from Callera's free hand and placing it on the same finger on Meranzi's hand will unlock a hidden compartment beneath the ducal throne where Duchess Ravanelli hides her copy of the ring that lets one pass the security measures beneath the Conciri Library.
Greathall
The opulent greathall occupies a significant portion of the estate's southern side, strething across two stories. An arcade wraps around its western and northern walls, leading to stairs that ascend to an elevated seating area.
Darkened Rosenwood planks form the greathall's flooring. Wall-panels in natural Rosenwood colors reach up to waist height, topped with a thick iornately carved railing. This railing cleverly conceals handles for discretely placed doors. Above, light peach walls, accented with gold, serve as the backdrop for this magnificent space. Large paintings fill these walls, depicting different locations from the province of Rosella. Covering the entire ceiling is a massive mural – showing a map of Rosella. The room is illuminated by several large chandeliers, from which hang orange Concalian crystals, casting a warm and inviting light throughout the room.
Aside from a grand piano tucked into the corner, the greathall is entirely empty.
Gallery Hallways
Wide, two-story gallery hallways extend from the Foyer towards the north and south, mirroring its opulence with floors of exquisitely crafted marble, each tile bearing intricate engravings. The walls are embellished with panels of finely carved Rosenwood, topped with a thick, elaborately engraved Rosenwood rail. Discreetly integrated into these rails are handles for opening concealed doors that blend seamlessly with the wall, enhancing the hallways' seamless elegance. Above, soft cream-colored plaster walls, accented with gold, provide a backdrop for a diverse collection of art. This palette of soft cream and gold extends to the ceiling, which is also adorned with golden chandeliers that seem to emerge naturally from the golden accents.
Aligned along the walls, several pedestals showcase exquisite artifacts, drawing the eye and inviting closer inspection. Scattered seating areas offer comfortable vantage points from which guests can admire the displayed artifacts. Adding to the hallways' architectural intrigue, indoor balconies jut into the space from the western wall, connected to adjacent rooms. These balconies, complete with their own railings, allow guests to lean and enjoy an elevated view of the art collection and artifacts below.
Items on Pedestals:
Sculpture of Callera
Description: A 1.5 feet tall statue of pure gold, depicting Callera. It is extremely detailed, to the point where even individual pores have been included.
Plaque: The Fickle and the Beautiful, by master sculpturer Percil Leva
Silver Dragon's Scale
Description: A single shining silvery scale, the size of a grown man's splayed hand.
Plaque: The scale from a silver dragon
Celestial Feather
Description: A feather kept in a glass container. The feather seems to faint radiant light continuously drip from the feather, before seemingly vaporizing into nothing.
Plaque: “The feather of a celestial being – found in the ruins of a Concalian city.”
Description: A small chalice with the motif of a forest glade carved onto it. Though the chalice seems to have a silvery color, but reflects light as if iridescent. Depending on the angle, the colors of the engraved grove changes from colors of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Plaque: Found in a fey grove in the VIncari forest, this chalice is said to purify any liquid poured into it.
Item: Magical
String of Griffon Feathers
Description: A string of feathers. The feathers seems to be of different age, and from different individual creatures
Plaque: One feather from each griffon companion ever raised by the Ravanelli household.
Mirror of Desire
Description: A mirror with a carved wooden brim. Instead of glass, it seems to use some sort of reflective iridescent crystal. A piece of black cloth is draped over most of the mirrored surface. The mirror is about 2-feet in height and a little over 1-foot wide. The pillar, with the mirror, is encased in glass, seemingly to prevent people from removing the cloth covering most of the reflective surface.
Plaque: A cursed mirror of fey origin, its reflective surface enthralling the one looking into it by showing their deepest desires. Warning: do not remove cloth.
Item: Magical
Fey Grimoire
Description: An ancient book bound in strange leather. The book is strapped shut, but appears to be twitching, as if trying to open on its own. It's kept in a glass container, and is placed in an indent on the pedestal, as if trying to preventing the twitching from causing it to fall of it.
Plaque: A tome of foul fey magic, found in the Vincari forest.
Item: Magical
Dancing Faun's Panpipes
Description: A set of panpipes made out of hollow reeds, held together by thin strings of rope. Several small knots of feathers and fur are attached to the pipes through a series of short strings.
Plaque: Found in the possession of a satyr in the Vincari Forest. Its music is said to make anyone start dancing.
Item: Magical
Seeping Dagger (i.e. Dagger of Venom)
Description: A black almost ink-like liquid seems to flow irregularly from hilt to tip of this steel dagger, with a drop of black liquid occasionally emerging from the tip, which drops down into a bowl of blank liquid placed below.
Plaque: A dagger seemingly infused with otherworldly magic, discovered in a Concalian ruin.
Item: Basically a Dagger of Venom
Warding Ring Prototype
Description: A gold ring with a single embedded ruby, kept inside a glass container.
Plaque: The original prototype of Headmistress Euphemia Moretti's Warding Ring design.
Item: A warding ring, but have to roll a 1d4 when it triggers, on a 1, it does not trigger the Death Save feature.
Gem-encrusted gold necklace
Description: A necklace of exquisite quality, made out of thin golden strands that appears as if braided together. A series of small gemstones are embedded in-between the strands of gold.
Plaque: Made by the thane of Nuin, given as a symbol of friendship.
Item:
Ancient Elven Ceramic Vase
Description: An incredibly old looking vase. While some of its colors are a bit faded, it's otherwise of pristine quality. It's contained in a class enclosure, and seems to be rather well attached to the pillar below, as to prevent it from falling accidentally.
Plaque: A vase of pristine condition excavated from an elven ruin buried in the sands of the Gwyndali Desert.
Item:
Ixan Shawl
Description: A fine silk shawl made out of bright colors
Plaque: A fine silken shawl originating from Ix in southern Tel-Rabil.
Item:
Concalian Golem Diagram
Description: A quite faded diagram written on a piece of parchment. It seems to detail how the different parts of a Concalian Construct should be attached together. A lot of the text has long faded, including the model name of the golem depicted.
Plaque: “Diagram depicting part of the construction process used for making an unknown Concalian Construct model.”
Valiant: Investigation Check. On Success: The golem in this diagram seems to operate differently from how you do. You have a core that itself seems to produce power to you. This model seems to have a large chamber in its stomach and chest region meant for - something - with the core placed above it in the chest regions seemingly being designed to draw power from it.
Item:
Concalian Breastplate, Mantle, and Helm
Description: An exquisite bronze-colored breastplate and helm of Concalian design, probably worn by one of higher rank. An elaborate red mantle is attached to the breastplate
Plaque: “Equipment belonging to an unknown Concalian officer, believed to be of high rank. The mantle has been determined to hold protective properties, and is believed to have been bestowed upon soldiers who accomplished exceptional feats in battle.”
Valiant History Check: You recognize this type of item. This one in particular was bestowed upon a soldier who persevered and brought victory from a scenario that was believed to be hopeless. An example could be having held off an enemy force of vastly superior numbers for far longer than they should, allowing reinforcements to arrive in time.
“Concalian Gutenberg Bible” - Verba Imperium - “words of the empire”
Victoriae Aeternae Imperius/ Imperium Victoriae Perpetuae - “Empire of everlasting victory”
Recollection from the Concalian Empire of their greatest victories through the ages.
Scribbles on the last few pages:
Something something divine judgement for the empire's sins. The heavens have come to bring the empire to justice for its sin against the heavens, and their deities' servants.
Description: A large and obviously very old book with a thick cover. it is currently open on a page that seems to describe some sort of military victory.
Plaque: A tome of Concalian origin recollecting of military victories.
Set of Concalian Decree Scrolls
Description: A set of 6 scrolls kept in a glass container. Part of them seems burnt or torn, hinting towards a violent past.
Plaque: A set of decrees sent by the Concalian Senate, dated shortly before their fall.
Item: write out one or two of them. Senate decree that Nequion is harboring traitors, and demand them be handed over to face judgement.
Sin'Tari Silver Circlet
Description: An elegant circlet of elven design. An opaque gemstone is embedded at its center, positioned so that it is positioned at the top center of the forehead.
Plaque: A symbol of friendship, gifted by the prince of the Sin'Tari.
Fallen Warchief's Greathammer
Description: A large brutal looking warhammer, complete with a few too many spikes.
Plaque: A fallen orc warchief's warhammer. Gifted to Gited to House Ravanelli by the Duke of Brevora for their aid in stopping an orcish invasion from the Highlands.
Magical: Brutal: does additional 8 damage on a critical strike. Bloodthirsty: Killing a creature with this greathammer gives you an additional attack as part of your multiattack action. Can only benefit from this once per turn.
Dining Hall (N)
A grand dining hall with hard rosenwood flooring. The walls are filled with paintings depicting scenes of celebration, dance, and music. There's a fireplace and a few sideboards in addition to the centrally located dining tables.
Dining Hall (S)
A grand dining hall with hard rosenwood flooring. The walls are filled with paintings. Some paintings appear to be portraits. Others appear to depict different scenes from the province's history, such as the founding of Alatri, the restoration of the Conciri Library, depictions of handshakes with exotic looking individuals, and so on. There's a fireplace and a few sideboards in addition to the centrally located dining tables.
Indoor Gardens
Beautiful and exotic garden. The elevated flowerbeds have numerous weird looking flora, with glowing fireflies flying around in the room.
There are a few seating areas, and a statue of Fiori. Fiori holds a flower in her right hand, up to her face, while her left hand is held out downwards, palm facing up.
DM note: There's a key hole on the eastern side of the statue. Turning the keyhole, and pushing Fiori's left hand down, causes the statue to move, revealing stairs going downward.
Oratory
Waistcoated walls. Rosenwood floor. The walls depict the Princess of Passion, the Heartmender, and the Lady of Progress, in scenes from Marcandrian mythology. 3 altars are on the wall opposite of the entrance - each dedicated to one of the three goddesses, and each having a 2 meter tall statue of said goddess. The order are as they are always in Marcandrian culture: Meranzi's to the left, Callera's at the center, and Fiori's to the right. Each altar has a version of an offering bowl
(Callera's offering altar has a wide shallow bowl of water, so that one can see one's reflection in it.)
Upper Floor
Bedchamber Complex (1)
Duchess Ravanelli's Bedchamber Complex.
Antechamber:
Full-length mirror near the door out, with a seating area. There appears to be a service door on the wall opposite of the entrance.
Bedchamber:
A royal looking bedchamber, with its own fireplace, and a king size bed. Small nightstands border each side of the bed, with small candlesticks that seem to hold Concalian crystals for lighting, apparently with a lid to cover them up when needed. A small plate of tableware is placed on one of the nightstands, on top of which is aa small decanter, chalice, and several filled vials.
The only piece of unusual furniture is what appears to be a rather fancy looking wooden wheelchair, with cloth covered paddings for the seat and arms.
DM: Duchess Ravanelli is sleeping in the bed – poisoned too remain asleep. The water in the decanter is poisoned with a substance that causes one to remain asleep. There are Cabal guards in the room keeping watch over the duchess, as well keeping guard in front of the door to her bedchamber complex.
Private Study / Private Office
Both rooms appear tidy. A thin layer of dust covers most surfaces, the only disruption to this layer of dust appearing to be a few books that were at some point removed from the shelves.
Bedchamber Complex (2)
Cabal guards who keep watch over duchess Ravanelli use this bedroom complex as one of their quarters.
The antechamber here seem to have been stripped of much of its furniture.
The furniture in the main bedchamber seem to have been re-oriented, to accommodate a larger number of people than the room was originally intended for. Several bedrolls have been laid out on the floor.
The private study has also has its furniture re-oriented, with a couple of bedrolls laid on the floor. Tables are pushed towards the far wall, with armor and weapons laid out on them.
The dressing room seems to have been packed with excess furniture from the other rooms, and is thus quite cramped.
Bedchamber Complex (3)
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Bedchamber Complex (4)
This bedchamber complex belongs to the Ravanelli household's heir, and her spouse. The complex has clearly been used by two people.
The complex is well kept. The complex is completely free of dust, and its tidiness almost makes it seem unused. Both men and women's attires can be found in the cabinets, though are not mixed in the same cabinet.
The study clearly has two work-desks. The books and documents kept in the study and office mostly concern the history of different noble families, cultures both within and outside Marcandria, analyses on resources, political alliances, and just about anything one could imagine a noble might have use for in the game of politics.
Bedchamber Complex (5)
Cabal guards who keep watch over duchess Ravanelli use this bedroom complex as one of their quarters.
The antechamber here seem to have been stripped of much of its furniture.
The furniture in the main bedchamber seem to have been re-oriented, to accommodate a larger number of people than the room was originally intended for. Several bedrolls have been laid out on the floor. The room appears rather cramped and untidy, with numerous pieces of clothing laying about on the floor.
The private study has also has its furniture re-oriented, with a couple of bedrolls laid on the floor. Tables are pushed towards the far wall, with armor and weapons laid out on them.
The dressing room seems to have been packed with excess furniture from the other rooms, and is thus quite cramped.
Bedchamber Complex (6)
Documents and Maps
A good portion of the documents seem to be about the Ravanelli family. Specifically, on keeping the rest of the Ravanelli family in Vessina so they do not interfere with the plans of whoever wrote these correspondences.
Details seem to indicate they want them to be gone until at least after the festival.
There are also several documents about keeping certain individuals – like other nobles, or high ranking members of the clergies – preoccupied. Most of these documents seem to be responses, verifying that they'll “handle it".
One of the letters seem to advice the recipient to “avoid being outside" during the break at the Navara auction.
Other documents seem to be status reports on privateers, whom they seemingly use to smuggle magically infused goods. The destination for these is never mentioned.
Bedchamber Complex (7)
Bedchamber Complex (8)
Bedchamber Complex (9)
Bedchamber Complex (10)
Fencing Room
Rather simple walls and floor, a few paintings of people in armor, but otherwise rather plain.
Eastern side of the room is a fencing strip, with demarcations on the floor outlining it. A bench is also set against one of the walls to allow for watching.
Music Room
Grand piano and other music instruments here. Also some cabinets with tuning tools, spare strings, oils, etc.
Beautiful tapestries hang from the walls, depicting scenes from festivities, theatre, etc, where music is involved. Serves as both inspiration, mood setting, and dampening for reverberations.
Workshop/Crafts room
Tools for maintaining and sharpening weapons kept here now. Cabinets still full, so seem to be equipment/tools brought in recently.
Games Room
Messy, as if being used, but not properly cleaned.
ASD
Family's Private State Office
Private state room for House Ravanelli, where they gather, potentially with advisors, to discuss plans and actions.
The room is kept pristine and formal. The walls are filled with portraits, with a large chandelier hanging from the room's center. The room is clearly used as a place for official business.
The bookshelves and cabinets contains:
Letters and correspondences - formal and informal communication with other noble houses, factions, and political entities within and outside Marcandria. These include letters of alliances, treaties, proposals, and discussions on matters of mutual interest and contention.
Official agreements - copies or originals of treaties, pacts, and agreements reached through diplomatic negotiations. Outlines terms of engagement, alliances, trade agreements, and other arrangements.
Records of meetings - summaries or transcripts.
Economic reports - insights into House Ravanelli's financial interests, investments, and economic ventures
NOTE: if investigated: Been a sharp increase in money spent on security measures over the last couple of years. And overall spending also seem to have increased to the point of tapping into the family's savings.
Sort of indicates some sort of arms race going on.
Chronicals and annals - accounts significant events, wars, and political developments.
1st Floor
Kitchens
Mostly cleaned and tidied up for the night, but has a small night-shift crew. A couple of them are washing kitchen appliances, others seem to be slicing and preparing food for storage. A small amount of food seem to also be constantly be prepared ("guards" on floor above sometimes come ask for new provisions, but it's supposed to be for the duchess).
Night-shift are there to do whatever tidying up / cleaning is left before the next day, and are to always keep some food, drink, etc, at the ready in case the noble family wants something during the night. Most of the family is in Vessina at the moment, lobbying for support for Mariana Ravanelli's claim to the Marcandrian throne, but the Housekeeper has insisted they still keep up the practice as to not dull their skills while the family is away.
Name of servants, if that comes up : Gilda (F), Agata (F), Thorel (M)
General info they can get out of them:
Only Duchess is here at the moment, the rest of the family has been in Vessina for the past months.
Duchess is currently sick. They (the guards watching over her + Steward) is saying she's gotten very frail, so others are not allowed up to avoid bringing more sickness up to her.
They always cycle through some amount of food, so that there's always fresh food available should any of the Ravanelli's ask for it. The Houskeeper (Felìcita Di Traglia) has demanded they keep on top of the practice, even though most of the family is away, so that their performance doesn't go dull in the meantime.
The duchess herself has not asked for anything in months, though the guards that keep watch over her ask for food quite regularly.
There are physicians and clerics from the Meranzeum that visit her from time to time, but they haven't been able to get her on her feet again yet.
Servant Quarter 3
The grandchildren of House Steward Berengar Lori, Poldi and Gilli Lori (both 9), sleep here. Other staff are keeping watch over them.
The Cabal has a Shadow Mastiff keep watch over them, ready to harm them if House Steward Berengar Lori does not do as they say.
The lights in this room is flickering slightly at irregular intervals, which is a response to whem the shadow mastiff is moving.
Laundry Room
Large baskets filled with clothing here. Large tubs, with washing boards and a stool beside it, are also found here. In addition are a couple of cabinets with more tools, soap, etc.
Old lady named Elnora is still here, washing what seems to be a working class person's fine attire.
General info:
According to Elnora, they are “behind” on getting all the staffs' fine clothing cleaned for the festival. Number of active staff will be reduced to a minimum, and rotated, to allow as many of them as possible to enjoy as much of the festival as they can.
Elnora is persistent on the servants needing to look their best (even though the masks make them anonymous). “Can't have the duchess' own household look shabby at the festival now can we”
Festival starts tomorrow. (night to 29th currently.)
Elnora says she has to finish tonight as the festival starts tomorrow, and the clothes need time to dry.
Elnora occasionally moves between the Laundry room and the drying room.
Drying Room
Racks of clothes hang here. A lot of what would be considered a working class person's fine attires are here currently, presumably cleaned for the festival.
Basement
Secret State Office
Cabal Documents on Table:
A large amounts of paper, as well as a few maps, and a couple of books.
Many of the papers seem to be reports regarding ship movements, specifically ships belonging to the Marcandrian Royal Armada. The Huntsman, the Marcandrian capital ship currently docked in Alatri. Some of the books here appears to be logs of reported movements.
One book, however, seems to instead log outgoing shipments, smuggled out from the city with the help of Privateer ships. Among the goods the log describes are tons worth of fused Concalian crystals. The destination of these shipments is not listed.
Regarding Ravanelli Documents: It seems people have been looking at quite a few of the records. Some seem to be missing, others seem to have been placed back.
Documents include: Personal correspondences, confidential reports, + more confidential versions of what's found in state office.
Additions with roll:
Ship tracking: The Marcandrian Royal flagship, the Concord, had its last entry about a year ago. They seem to have stopped caring about tracking its position since then.
Privateer Ships listed in log: At least a dozen different ships, among them Edward's Revenge, whose last smuggled goods out of Alatri a few months ago.
Shipment timeline: Seems to have started a little over 2 years ago. Last outgoing shipment was about a month ago. There logs seem to indicate there's been some frustration since the nearby shores off Alatri got infested with sea-monsters. A couple of privateer ships are also indicated as having been sunk due to these sea-monsters.
What was shipped off: In addition to the fused concalian crystals, vast amounts of magic materials and magical items seems to have been among the smuggled goods.
There are also a lot of documents that either are or that describe the exchanges between the Ravanelli family and other parties, be that other noble families, other factions, both within Marcandria and abroad. Documents that relates to diplomacy in a sense. The topics are many, though one that often comes up for exchanges within Marcandria are negotiations on promises and favors in return for the other party supporting House Ravanelli's claim to the Marcandrian throne.
Archives
Ravanelli Documents include: Personal correspondences, confidential reports, + more confidential versions of what's found in state office.
Documents In archives
These archives contain rows upon rows of letters, documents, and books. The archives seem very well organized. The contents seem to include:
Documents on official agreements, such as treaties, pacts, and trade agreements. These documents outline the terms laid forth by said alliance, trade agreement, and other agreement,
Legal Documents. These includes official decrees, contracts, and charters. These include land deeds, contracts, and feudal charters between House Ravanelli and their vassals – which detail acerage, taxes, and the duties and responsibilities the vassal agrees to in exchange for being granted land. Laws, regulations, edicts, proclamations. Decrees of pardons/amnesty, and decrees of confiscation/expropriation are also among these.
Documents detailing the terms for each of House Ravanelli's vassals can be found here – the terms laid forth for them in terms of taxes, duties, responsibilities, etc, are not always equal.
.
Financial Records. Records detailing House Ravanelli's finances, including accounts, ledgers, budgets, and financial transactions. Some documents also detail inventories of assets, properties, and resources owned by the family.
Ravanelli family seems to historically having been quite wealthy.
There seems to have been a sharp increase in expenditures related to mercenaries, espionage, bribes, etc, starting early 1350. The family seems to currently be running a massive deficit, tapping into the funds they've stockpiled and selling off assets in order to finance this.
Correspondences and Communications: These are records of letters, messages, and other forms of communication exchanged between the ducal family and various parties, including other noble houses, government officials, diplomats, and influential individuals.
Espionage Reports and Intelligence: Reports compiled by spies, agents, or intelligence operatives employed by the ducal house. These reports may contain information on rival houses, political intrigue, military movements, economic activities, and other matters of strategic interest.
Strategic Plans and Policies: Documents outlining long-term strategies, policies, and objectives of the ducal family, including plans for governance, defense, expansion, and diplomacy.
Personal Journals and Diaries: Private writings of family members, such as personal journals, diaries, and memoirs, providing insights into their thoughts, experiences, and personal lives.
Historical Records and Archives: Documents of historical significance to the ducal family, such as records of past events, achievements, and milestones in the family's history.
Genealogical Records. Records documenting the family lineage, ancestry, and genealogy of House Ravanelli, including pedigrees, family trees, birth certificates, and marriage records.
Foundry Note:
These archives contain rows upon rows of letters, documents, and books. The archives seem very well organized. The contents seem to include:
documents on official agreements, like treaties and trade agreements;
legal documents, including degrees, contracts, charters, and land deeds.
financial records, including ledgers and logs of financial transactions going back centuries
correspondences and communications, including meeting transcripts, and private letters (both copies of those sent, and those received)
intelligence and espionage reports, containing information on other noble houses, factions, and influential individuals; as well as detailing military movements, economic activities, and other matters of strategic interest
strategic plans and policies, including documents that outline long-term strategies, policies, and objectives of the family in matters of governance, defense, expansion, and diplomacy
personal journals and diaries, belonging to both current and former members of the family
In other words: just about every kind of document that the Ravanelli family would deem valuable to keep.
Judging from how the dust here, several of the records kept seems to have been disturbed in the not so distant past. Some of the records disturbed seem to have been placed back, while others appear to still be missing.
Additions with roll:
Recent strategic plans:
They appear to be gathering support to try get Mariana Ravanelli to ascend to the currently-empty Marcandrian throne. They seem to be in competition with the ducal houses of de Vesci and Grimani, with the documents seeming to convey that relations between the three houses are quite sour at the moment. Three Casodonian houses are also listed as vying for the Casodonian ducal seat. Their plans for the two remaining ducal houses – house Bologni and house Moretti – seem to involve trying to convince them into backing House Ravanelli by the time they're done dealing with the current turmoil in their respective duchies (in part also to prevent more contenders).
Most of House Ravanelli's family members thus seem to have been away from Alatri for most of the past couple of years in order to garner support, with Mariana Ravanelli herself staying in Vessina.
Legal documents
Includes a decree that forbids burials in Alatri – all burials must happen outside the city's perimeter. An accompanying document, that seem to be addressed to the writer's descendants, is very insistent that this decree must not be reversed so long as the apparent curse beneath the city remains.
Financial records
House Ravanelli seem to be tapping heavily into their wealth, starting Winter 1349 – when the royal family was assassinated. This money has been used to, amongst others, bribes, military equipment, and the hiring of mercenaries.
Correspondences and communications
Vast array of recipients, on a vast array of issues. A lot of them recently seem to be in regards to garnering support for House Ravanelli's claim to the Marcandrian throne. Other noble families, and members from factions such as the Fulcrum, Wayfarer's Union, Meranzeum, Joybringers, Greenwardens, and so on.
Intelligence and espionage
House Ravanelli seems well aware of Elena “the Grin”, and are keeping track of her. The records seem to indicate that House Ravanelli and Elena the Grin has an informal agreement, where Elena keeps a leash on the other criminals in Alatri, and make sure they don't do anything stupid that would upset the citizenry, in return for House Ravanelli mostly looking the other way.
House Ravanelli's view: “There will always be a kingpin, beheading one will only open the path for another, so let's make a not-so-bad option that we can work with holds the position of kingpin.”
personal journals and correspondences
Old journals and correspondences belonging to duchess Fioretta Ravanelli seem to indicate that her, Euphemia Moretti, and someone called Elrithia Renfallan have been rather close friends for decades.
intelligence and espionage
Seem to have been quite an effort into figuring out who was behind the royal family's assassination, with little luck. They seem concerned that one – or more – of the other houses vying for the Marcandrian throne could have been involved, and are thus also concerned about their and their subjects' future should someone involved in said assassination ascend to the Marcandrian throne.
Private Studies
For all of them:
A simple study with a large finely ornate writing desk, with 3 drawers on each side. A simple bookcase covers the southern wall.
Notes on investigations etc:
Drawers have ink, pen, paper, and what appears to a set of cups with a small wine decanter.
Bookcases: Mix of historical records, mixed with personal correspondences.
People whose been using them, i.e. who has personal correspondences: Mariana Ravanelli, Raffel Ravanelli, Alvis Ravanelli, Fioretta Ravanelli
South-western one:
Personal Correspondences belonging to Fioretta Ravanelli.
The top drawer on each side of the writing desk has what appears to be tiny buttons as part of their design – pressing these two simultaneously will cause the southern wall to pop out a little.
if they investigate the walls, they may also find out that the southern one is thinner than the others - so they can potentially hack their way through.
TEMP NOTES:
Berengar Lori and the Cabal - key to cellar area
Berengar Lori is the house steward.
House Steward / Estate Manager - top position among staff. Oversees the entirety of the operations, including staff management. Responsible for hiring.
Is being extorted by Cabal - do as they say, or they'll harm those he love.
Is currently tasked with making sure Duchess Ravanelli remains bedridden, but alive, so that the rest of House Ravanelli remains in Vessina.
He tried to send a secret missive to explain what was going on to the rest of House Ravanelli once. The Cabal intercepted it, and murdered his son (and his son's spouse) in retaliation. Berengar now only has his twin grandchildren (boy and girl), with the Cabal threatening to harm them as well if he dares misbehave again.
Berengar knows Scillante is part of “some sort of organization”, but knows little about it. Knows guards and other creatures loyal to them is stationed on the 3rd floor and in the basement, as well as some weird unseen creature keeping watch over his grandchildren.
Knows Duchess Ravanelli is on the 3rd floor, being kept asleep using sleeping potions. Knows Scillante and his associates want the rest of the Ravanelli family (where they are gathering support for Mariana Ravanelli's claim to the Marcandrian throne), but he does not know why.
Knows Scillante and his associates are planning something, but has no idea what.
Conversation between Berengar and Scillante, in Foyer shortly after game start:
Berengar: “You - you don't understand. It's been 6 months. I don't know how much longer I can keep going like this.”
Scillante: “You will go for as long as is necessary, Steward. I assure you it's in everyone's best interest that the rest of House Ravanelli remains in Vessina. heh. Not that they'd manage to move their retinue back in time anyway."
Berengar: “But…”
Scillante: “Enough. It's late. You wouldn't want to wake the children now would you? Just make sure the Duchess gets her sleep undisturbed.”
Scillante leaves.
Grandchildren:
Poldi - boy, 9
Gili - girl, 9
Enemies:
Shadow Puppets (Concalian Possessed)
Knight statblock, but instead of 2 greatsword attacks, they have 1 greatsword attack + 1x Life Drain (as per the Specter statblock).
Basically, they make a greatsword attack, and then the spirit's arms + sword partly detaches from the body, making a second attack.
Can be “exorcised” from the body. They count as Ghosts for CR etc.
Ravanelli's House Guard have basically been possessed, hence why there's not that much suspicion among the servants (since its the same people protecting her now as have been for ages.)
Concalian Weaponsmaster
Champion statblock, but will use whatever weapon the one he's fighting is using (weapons morph).
Can swap between material and ethereal plane as a bonus action.
Deals 3d6 extra necrotic damage on 1st attack after leaving ethereal plane.
His weapons are made out of shadow, dealing 1d6 necrotic damage in addition to normal damage.
Maneuvers/Superiority Dice:
Disarming Strike
When you hit a creature with a weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to disarm the target, forcing it to drop one item of your choice that it's holding. You add the superiority die to the attack's damage roll, and the target must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it drops the object you choose. The object lands at its feet.
Grappling Strike
Immediately after you hit a creature with a melee attack on your turn, you can expend one superiority die and then try to grapple the target as a bonus action (see the Player's Handbook for rules on grappling). Add the superiority die to your Strength (Athletics) check.
Parry
When another creature damages you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to reduce the damage by the number you roll on your superiority die + your Dexterity modifier.
Riposte
When a creature misses you with a melee attack, you can use your reaction and expend one superiority die to make a melee weapon attack against the creature. If you hit, you add the superiority die to the attack's damage roll.
Sweeping Attack
When you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can expend one superiority die to attempt to damage another creature with the same attack. Choose another creature within 5 feet of the original target and within your reach. If the original attack roll would hit the second creature, it takes damage equal to the number you roll on your superiority die. The damage is of the same type dealt by the original attack.
DC: 8 + Prof + STR = 8+4+5 =17
# of superiority Dice: 5 - each is a d8.
has the Sentinel feat - meaning you loose your movement if he hits you when trying to run away.
Archer stats:
Description: Cloaked wearing leather jerkin, trousers, and ankle boots. Wears white mask with black circular mark on the forehead with a purple brim. Eyes jet black with purple streaks going from beneath the eyes down the cheeks.
HP ~70
AC: 15 (leather jerkin and trousers, with ankle boots)
Actions: Multiattack, 2 attacks with bow or shortsword
Longbow: +6 to hit, 1d8+4
Shortsword: +6 to hit, 1d6+4
3/day: As bonus action, add 1d10 to next attack or damage roll with longbow.
1x Poison Arrows each: 1d8
Crawler Mucus (Contact): This poison must be harvested from a dead or incapacitated crawler. A creature subjected to this poison must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. The poisoned creature is paralyzed. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
1x Arrow with Alchemist's Fire each:
Deals an additional 1d4 damage, and the target is on fire, taking an additional 1d4 Damage at the start of their turn. Can be doused by making a DC10 Dexterity Check as an action.
Assassin - In Duchess' room. Can “shadowstep” - move between ethereal and this plane as a bonus action. Basically Blink. (Concalian)
Knights
Keep watch over Ravanelli, the 3rd floor, and cellar.
Shadowspaw
Hides in Poldi/Gili's shadow - will try to kill at least one of them if anything happens
Shadow Mastiffs
TEMP NOTES: Enemies
The Shadow Archers from before. Bows + swords
Cloaker? Disguised as “carpets” hanging from the walls. On wall in duchess' room?
Opening Secret Doors:
Underground: Desk has 2 buttons hidden in the decor. Must be pressed simultaneously to open secret passage
Statue: Key. Must “twist” the key, then grab the statue's hand to open door.
Ring to disable countermeasures: Beneath “throne”. Must take the ring from Callera's finger, and place it on Meranzi's finger, and then twist it. Causes seat of throne to loosen, with ring being below it.
Events:
Note: Cabal has Berengar's grandkid hostage? i.e. shadow being is keeping watch over the kid, with the threat of murdering it if Berengar doesn't follow orders?
Berengar: “How much longer will this go on my Lord?”
Scillante will be talking to House Steward Berengar Lori. They're near entrance, with Scillante about to leave again. Talk is about Duchess and her family.
Scillante: “I assure you it is in everyone's best interest that the other members of House Ravanelli remain in Vessina
Floor Plan and Descriptions
1st floor
Servants and guards sleeping and living areas
also areas for servants of guests to stay.
Also kitchens
Also armory and training area for guards, and others who want to learn how to fight.
4th floor
Sleeping quarters for noble family. Including master bedroom, and antechamber and dressing room for each bedroom.
Living rooms etc for noble family. Private study, library, music room, open room where they can train dancing, fencing, etc in private.
Drawing rooms for noble family
Portion has equivalent for guests.
2nd/3rd Floor
Cloakrooms
There are 3 Cloakrooms at the front-section of the Foyer.
Each is 1 story tall, with small windows near the ceiling.
Each have cabinets with coat-racks along the longer wall, with a few shelf lines below where guests can leave hats and other forms of clothing.
A shoe rack is also included separately.
A couple of stools for the guests to sit down at when changing is also included, alongside a few mirrors to guests to check their appearance, as well as making the rooms look larger and more luxurious.
The walls are plastered and painted in beautiful patterns.
Foyer
Immediately upon entering on the 2nd floor, you enter a huge Foyer.
The Foyer is 2 floors tall, though with an Arcade on the half closest to the outer wall. There are stairs going on top of this arcade, creating an elevated walkway and seating area here. There's also some seating area near the center below the elevated arcade. The arcade goes above the cloakrooms, and use them as support instead of relying on pillars.
Below the two stairs going up to the Arcade are also stairs going down to the floor below - servants use these.
A massive dual staircase can also be seen on the wall bordering the Audience hall, going up to the 4th floor. A massive golden chandelier also hangs in the middle of the room, in front of the dual staircase, with Concalian Crystals encased in glass/crystal.
The floor is made out of marble, with fine details engraved in the stone. Panels of Rosenwood cover the walls up to about waist height, intricately carved to create details both in details and depth. The upper brim has a thick brim of Rosenwood, also intricately carved.
(the seating area above the arcade also has these rosenwood panels and rail)
Rosenwood is a type of wood where the wood itself is a deep mahagony-like red. It is very expensive, and comes exclusively from the Rosenwood further south in Rosella - it is actually what the region is named after.
Above the Rosenwood rail, the walls are plastered and painted red a soft cream color, with gold accents in simple patterns.
The walls are packed with paintings.
On the walls behind and at the sides of the large dual staircases are long rows of portraits of similar looking people (Ducal family many generations back). Central of these images at the moment is a very old lady (the current duchess - Fioretta Ravanelli).
Other paintings include paintings of festivals, balls, romantic scenes, scenes from famous Marcandrian plays.
There's a painting of Callera dancing at a festival. A painting of Fiori blowing seeds out of her hand that turns into a flower field. A painting of Meranzi looking out over a vast and busy harbor.
There are multiple pictures of people - that look like those on the portraits - on locations around the estate.
The entire roof of the Foyer is one massive mural - a painting of Alatri seen from above, with three female figures at the edges.
Gallery Hallways
Walls and floor are the same style as the Foyer - light marble floor. Walls up to around waist height are Rosenwood panels, intricately carved and detailed, with a thick rail at the top. soft cream colored plastered walls with gold accents in simple patterns.
The thick Rosenwood rail has at several point “handles" on the backside, which work to open the doors to the Servant Corridors that connect to it. These allow the doors to be discreet - and while the edges around the part of the wall that makes out the door is visible, it does not stick out.
The walls are also filled with paintings, as well as pedestals with fine art-pieces (pottery, artifacts, sculptures, etc).
These are also 2 floors tall. On the side going towards the front of the building are 3 small rooms, which are only 1 floor tall, with stairs going up to a 2nd floor above them. These rooms above have small balconies that protrude back into the Gallery Hallways - that side thus have 3 doors on the ground floor, with a small balcony above each of these doors.
Items on pedestals:
Statue of Callera made out of pure gold
“Feather of Celestial origin”
Feather from a Planetar's (angel) Wing - held up inside a glass dome.
Fey Relic
“Diagram of an unknown type 2 Concalian Golem”
Diagram showing the different parts of a Concalian Golem and how they are to be put together. Quite faded, so a lot of details, including the model name, is not visible.
Valiant: Investigation Check. On Success: The golem in this diagram seems to operate differently from how you do. You have a core that itself seems to produce power to you. This model seems to have a large chamber in its stomach and chest region meant for - something - with the core placed above it in the chest regions seemingly being designed to draw power from it.
Concalian General's Breastplate and Helm - with Will of Concalia Mantle draped over the chestpiece
Will of Concalia Mantle is a magic item.
“Concalian Gutenberg Bible” - Verba Imperium - “words of the empire”
Victoriae Aeternae Imperius/ Imperium Victoriae Perpetuae - “Empire of everlasting victory”
Recollection from the Concalian Empire of their greatest victories through the ages.
Scribbles on the last few pages:
Something something divine judgement for the empire's sins. The heavens have come to bring the empire to justice for its sin against the heavens, and their deities' servants.
Ancient Magical Tome - Sealed shut.
Unassigned:
1-12 are more mystical and romantic. Fey-themed, etc
One from Grandmother Mary?
13-24 are more historic, militaristic, scientific, etc.
Basically: 1-12 are feel. 13-24 are knowledge/history.
Concalian Crystal to Lightsource Prototype
9-12 are Concalian Artifacts
3, 6 are Fey relics.
Angel artifact. (feather)
Probably a shadowfell themed item somewhere - probably locked behind something in case it's dangerous
Probably a few items from elsewhere in the world - exotic items from nations far away.
A few random magical items from lands far away? Like eversmoking bottle?
Drawing Rooms etc
Private Dining Hall
Drawing Room
Scriptorium
A quiet, inspiring space for guests who wish to write, featuring writing desks, inkstands, quills, and parchment.
Rosenwood panels and rail, with soft cream colored walls. There's a large scribe's table at the center, with two smaller writing desks towards the balcony. A small seating area is placed facing the large window on the front side. One wall is covered in bookshelves, only having a gap to allow entrance from the servant corridor. The wall on the opposite side has a cabinet with writing tools in it.
Framed on the walls are several old poems.
???
Drawing Room
???
Drawing Room
???
Music Room
???
Private Dining Hall
Drawing Room
Ballroom
The floor here is treated Rosenwood planks. The walls also have panels (up to waist height with railing) are both rosenwood - with the floor being treated to have the color be distinct from the lower walls. The engraved railing has a few “handles” on the backside, which allows one to open semi-hidden doors to the servant corridor.
The walls, above the rosenwood panels and railing, are a light peach, with a few thin lines of gold to add details. Several large painings hangs along the wall, depicting revelry, dance, and romantic moments.
The entire ceiling is one giant mural, depicting a vast masquerade filled with dance, song, and music. Fiery strands can be seen weaving between the people depicted in the picture - looking like strands of hair made out of the most beautiful fire (i.e. Callera's fiery hair). A few large chandeliers hang from the ceiling, holding orange carved crystals that give off a warm light.
An arcade goes along the outer wall, with seating areas on top, and a few stairs to allow movement up and down. Seating areas can be seen along each short side, leaving a large open dance-area in the middle with a centrally located stage with a grand piano and space for musicians.
General notes:
Walls: Wainscoting and plastered, with painted patterns or entire paintings on the wall.
Wainscoting: wooden panels or planks on the lower portion of the walls. Tends to be a lot of details in them. Thick railing at about waist height, intricately carved and made of luxurious wood
Wainscoting Depth and Dynamics: The depth created by the panels, along with the dynamics of their design (carvings, moldings, and the overall texture), adds richness and a tactile quality to the room's decor. This method was often used historically to add visual interest and protect walls from wear and damage.
Engraved Brim: A thick, engraved brim or molding that caps the wainscoting not only enhances the room's visual appeal but also acts as a practical ledge or transition. In your case, integrating handles for hidden doors within this brim is a sophisticated touch that marries the aesthetic with the secretive nature of servant access points.
Seamless Doors: The idea of making the doors to servant corridors almost seamless with the walls contributes to a clean, uninterrupted look, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the space while providing necessary functionality. This would have been particularly valued in a grand estate where the seamless integration of service access is essential to the overall elegance.
Paintings:
Carnival and festivals
Landfall
Deities doing something they're about
Callera dancing in a ball.
Fiori blowing a bunch of seeds out of her hand, that turns into a beautiful field
Meranzi looking onto a busy harbor from an elevated position.
Painting of Alatri seen from an elevated position.
