Episode 1, Part 3: Into The Basement

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By Mercy Eva Parson

## Chapter One:

In the dimly lit sanctum of knowledge known as the Holloway House's Library, Veloris embarked on a journey of literary discovery. His fingers caressed the spines of ancient tomes, their leather-bound covers bearing the weight of centuries' worth of wisdom. Among the literary treasures he unearthed, two titles bore significance beyond their mere presence.

The first, "The History of Lupercalia Empire," a tome so ubiquitous that it graced the shelves of countless men. It was as if Lupercalia Empire danced upon the tongues and thoughts of men with ceaseless regularity, an obsession woven into their daily musings. Its sprawling dominion, with the grand cities of Reme and Tudapest at its helm, stretched along the illustrious Troburn Sea. These coastal metropolises teemed with the pulse of trade, culture, and vibrant activity. Yet, one must not be blinded by their prominence, for within Sarino's vast expanse, Lupercalia was but one kingdom among many.

The second book, "Commentary on The Prophecies of Other World," penned by the somewhat stuffy and dull Lorendar the Scholar, had carved a unique niche for itself in the annals of literature. Its notoriety was born from the efforts of the enigmatic Coo Witches, who harbored a zealous intent to eradicate every copy from existence. A boring facade veiled the book's true significance, and the party sensed that beneath its veneer lay hidden revelations yet to be unraveled.

Veloris, the diligent seeker of knowledge, shared his findings with the party, paving the way for their collective decision to advance further into the enigmatic mansion's depths. Their course led them westward, where they found themselves in the Trophy Room. Within these dimly lit confines, past glories seemed to cling to the air like lingering ghosts of a bygone era. The room sprawled out, a grand chamber measuring 110 feet by 90 feet, yet it bore the weight of time's passage, its atmosphere heavy with inertia.

Cobwebs hung in melancholy elegance, adorning corners and swathing forgotten furniture in a shroud of antiquity. Veils of dust-covered sheets cloaked these relics, preserving them as relics of ages past. A somber scent, reminiscent of ancient tales and untold legends, permeated the room, creating an atmosphere rich in history yet untouched by present hands.

The gaze of all who entered was inevitably drawn to the four imposing trophies adorning the walls, relics of triumphant hunts and valorous deeds. To the west, the ferocious visage of a snarling bear's head bore witness to nature's might. In the north, the noble stag's gaze seemed to pierce through the mists of time, its regality preserved in perpetuity. To the east, the menacing tusks of a hog's head displayed a fearsome countenance. However, it was the wolf's head mounted above the fireplace on the southern wall that commanded the most attention, its unblinking eyes seemingly following the movements of all who dared enter, as though it guarded the room's secrets with unwavering resolve.

Amidst this hallowed stillness, the faint echoes of tales told and celebrations held in days long past whispered through the air. In the center of the chamber, a bearskin rug sprawled before an untouched fireplace, its bricks untouched by fire's warmth for an age. Another rug, adorned with the skins of mysterious creatures, lay beneath a canopy of four solemn pillars, casting a shroud of reverence over the space.

Within the Trophy Room's hushed confines, the very essence of victories and memories seemed to be preserved, awaiting those with the audacity to unearth the hidden narratives interwoven into the very fabric of its existence. The room stood as a timeless sanctuary of triumphs and untold stories, beckoning the curious and the bold to uncover the enigmatic past that lay within its embrace.

## Chapter Two:

The party's investigation continued as they delved into the enigmatic Trophy Room. Here, the room's atmosphere seemed to hold echoes of bygone triumphs and forgotten pursuits, trapped within its walls like whispers of time.

Zier took out the Aetherial Resonance Detector (A.R.D.) and directed it towards the fireplace and the wolf's head mounted above it. The device responded with a reading, indicating some form of ghostly activity or ethereal presence in the vicinity. The room's mysteries began to deepen.

Meanwhile, Theo diligently searched the cabinets, hoping to uncover hidden secrets, but his efforts yielded no immediate results. The cabinets remained as they were, guarding their mysteries for now.

Crux, despite his thorough examination of the room, found nothing of particular interest or significance. The heavy stillness of the Trophy Room held its secrets close.

Veloris, the party's psychic presence, extended his senses but couldn't detect any significant psychic resonance or lingering emotions within the room. It appeared that the room's secrets were well guarded.

With their exploration of the Trophy Room complete, the party decided to move onward, they backtracked to the Dining Room and then ventured north into the Kitchen, where a new realm of possibilities and mysteries awaited them.

As they entered the Kitchen, the stark contrast to the opulence of the previous rooms became evident. It was a smaller chamber, measuring 160 feet in length and 55 feet in width, yet it pulsated with the vibrant energy of culinary creation and sustenance preparation.

The focal point of the room, dominating the northern wall, was a monumental cooking stove that spanned an impressive 20 feet. It stood as a testament to the mansion's capacity to host grand feasts and gatherings, its burners and ovens poised for the touch of skilled hands to transform raw ingredients into exquisite dishes destined for the Dining Room's table.

Throughout the Kitchen, an intricate landscape of tables, shelves, and counters provided a home for an extensive array of culinary tools and utensils. Pots and pans, gleaming with the promise of culinary delights, were meticulously arranged on these surfaces, poised to orchestrate symphonies of flavors and aromas.

To the east, the room revealed a pantry, its shelves lined with a collection of preserved goods. However, the passage of time had not been kind to these stores, as they now languished in a state of decrepitude and neglect, bearing witness to the passage of eras within the mansion's walls.

Further to the east, a beckoning door hinted at hidden secrets and concealed chambers yet to be explored. The Kitchen, despite its smaller size, bore the undeniable mark of importance as the heart of sustenance and camaraderie within the mansion. It was a place where the transformative alchemy of culinary expertise breathed life into the legacy of Holloway House.

As the party delved deeper into their investigation, Zier's keen eye caught a peculiar detail within the pantry. Among the aged provisions, he discovered a cache of food that had not succumbed to the ravages of time. These items, untouched by decay, betrayed their recent presence, a curious anomaly that added another layer of intrigue to the mysteries lurking within Holloway House.

Veloris Furrowing his brow), "This pantry is quite the enigma. Some of this food is fresh, not what you'd expect to find in a place like this. It's like someone has been using it recently."

Theo, Scratching his head, "Squatters, maybe? But wouldn't they leave some traces, signs of their presence?"

Zier, Nodding thoughtfully, "It could be, but we didn't find any signs of recent habitation elsewhere. It's peculiar."

Crux, "Spirits, perhaps? You know, like the ones we encountered in the ballroom earlier. They might have been drawn to this place for some reason."

Veloris, Considering, "That's a possibility, Crux. Spirits can have a way of lingering in areas with strong emotional connections. But we need to find more clues to be sure."

Theo, Gazing around the pantry, "Well, whatever the case, it's clear this mansion holds more secrets than we initially thought. We should proceed cautiously."

Zier, Nodding in agreement, "Agreed, Theo. Let's keep our eyes open and stay vigilant as we explore further. We might uncover the truth behind this pantry mystery and the mansion itself."

## Chapter Three:

Crux, now standing in the long hallway, assessed the situation. The doors on the west side led to old servant's quarters, and the south-east door, too, was likely a servant's room. However, the locked door on the northern east side piqued his interest. It seemed to hold the promise of something hidden or valuable.

Theo, always prepared for such situations, once again readied his thieves' tools and approached the locked door. With practiced ease, he began working on the lock, carefully listening for the telltale clicks that would signal his success.

The rest of the party watched with anticipation as Theo worked his magic. After a few moments, a faint click echoed through the hallway, and the door swung open, revealing the room beyond.

As Crux and Theo cautiously step into the dimly lit room known as "The Locked Room," a sense of eerie abandonment fills the air. Despite its relatively modest dimensions of 30 feet by 50 feet, the room's history and its current state are palpably haunting.

The remnants of what was once a bedroom are strewn about, a disheveled testament to the passage of time and neglect. Broken and toppled furniture lie scattered, their forms distorted by age and neglect. A sense of desolation hangs heavily in the air, mingling with the faint moonlight that filters through a window on the opposite side of the room.

The soft glow of moonbeams casts eerie shadows, painting the scene with an otherworldly light. Your eyes are drawn to the north of the room, where a solitary cabinet stands defiantly against the ravages of time. It's a peculiar sight amidst the chaos, seemingly untouched by the same forces that have wreaked havoc on the room's other occupants.

Directly across from the cabinet, an overturned bed lies, its frame and mattress exposed. However, what draws your attention is not the bed itself, but the unexpected sight it reveals. An opening door lies partially concealed beneath the bed, a trap door that once held secrets now lies broken and discarded beside it.

As Theo expertly sprinkled a protective circle of salt in front of the door, the rest of the party watched with a mix of anticipation and caution. The room's eerie atmosphere seemed to amplify the significance of this discovery.

With the salt circle in place, the party gathered around the trap door. It was as if they were on the precipice of uncovering a long-forgotten secret, hidden away in "The Locked Room" for who knew how long.

Crux crouched down, his fingers grazing the edge of the trap door, which bore the weight of time and neglect. It was clear that the door had not been opened in many years, and the party couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath.

Crux, Curious, "What do you think we'll find down there? It must have been kept hidden for a reason."

Theo, Cautious, "Given the state of this room and the mansion's history, it's hard to say. But we've come this far; it's time to uncover what secrets this place holds."

Veloris, Using his psychic senses, "There's a residual energy here, as if something significant happened in this room. Whatever is beneath that trap door may shed light on it."

Zier, Keeping a watchful eye, "Just remember to stay vigilant. We don't know what awaits us below."

With a shared determination to uncover the truth, the party turned their attention to the trap door. Crux took a deep breath, gripped the handle, and slowly began to lift it, revealing the darkness that lay beneath.

## Chapter Four:

"Wait a second" Crux said, "There is a door to the north of the hall way. Let us find out where is goes before we explore this trap door."

Crux's cautionary words resonated with the rest of the party. Before delving into the mysteries concealed beneath the trap door, it seemed prudent to investigate the unopened door to the north. The hallway held its own secrets, and the party's curiosity could not be easily sated.

Theo, Nodding in agreement, "You're right, Crux. We shouldn't overlook any potential leads. Let's explore that northern door first and then return to this if need be."

With their priorities rearranged, the party decided to prioritize the northern door and see where it might lead. The mysteries of Holloway House continued to beckon, and the adventurers were determined to uncover its hidden secrets, one door at a time.

Upon entering the Storage Room, the party is greeted by an organized chaos of crates and barrels, each containing secrets of their own. The room emanates a distinct scent of age and history, as if the very walls absorbed the stories hidden within the various containers.

The crates are stacked with a purpose, creating pathways that wind through the room's interior. The barrels, some bearing faded labels of long-forgotten contents, stand like silent sentinels of the past. Each container seems to hold a piece of the mansion's history, waiting to be discovered by those who venture within.

Toward the west wall, a door beckons with the promise of the outside world, perhaps leading to a garden or a courtyard where fresh air and sunlight intermingle. To the south, another door points the way to the servants' quarters and the heart of the mansion's culinary operations, bridging the gap between practicality and storied elegance.

The Storage Room of Holloway House serves as a repository of memories, an archive of the mansion's journey through time. Its contents, carefully arranged and waiting to be unveiled, hold the potential to unlock hidden narratives and unveil fragments of the past.

As the party delved into the crates within the Storage Room, their senses were assailed by a multitude of scents, ranging from the musty odor of aged wood to the lingering fragrances of items long forgotten. The room's atmosphere was heavy with the weight of history and the mystery of what might lie concealed within these containers.

With each crate they opened, the party uncovered a variety of items, some mundane and others potentially significant. Each discovery added a layer to the enigma of Holloway House and the lives of its past inhabitants. The crates held secrets waiting to be unearthed, and the party's investigation would lead them deeper into the mansion's intriguing past.

Crux is drawn to a reinforce crate. As Crux opened the reinforced crate and revealed its illicit contents, the party's curiosity turned into cautious concern. The sight of the red crystal powder raised alarm bells, and the recognition of it as Balsean added a layer of gravity to the discovery. This illegal alchemical substance was not to be taken lightly, known for its dangerous effects and the troubles it had brought to many.

Zier, Speaking with a concerned tone, "That's Balsean, alright. This stuff is not only illegal but highly addictive. It can mess with your mind in ways you can't even imagine. We need to be extremely careful with it."

The party now faced a dilemma. They had stumbled upon a stash of a dangerous substance within Holloway House, and the implications of its presence raised questions about the mansion's history and its connection to potentially illicit activities. The mystery deepened, and the adventurers had to decide how to handle this dangerous find.

As Crux ventured outside the imposing facade of Holloway House, he found himself in the mansion's backyard. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the landscape, turning the lush garden into a shadowy and mysterious realm. The night air was cool and carried a sense of foreboding, as if the very atmosphere held secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Amidst the garden's greenery, a small tool shed stood sentinel, its wooden exterior showing signs of weathering and age. The shed's door was slightly ajar, inviting exploration. Crux's curiosity got the better of him, and he approached the shed with cautious anticipation.

Upon entering the dimly lit space, he was greeted by an assortment of tools and implements, each with its own story to tell. Gardening tools, rakes, shovels, and hoes leaned against the shed's walls, their metal heads gleaming faintly in the moonlight. Cobwebs adorned the corners, a testament to the shed's infrequent use.

However, one particular item drew Crux's keen attention—a pickaxe that rested against a wooden support beam. It was not the pickaxe itself that intrigued him, but rather the vivid red powder that coated its tip. The powder stood out in stark contrast to the metal's dull gray surface, a striking and unsettling sight.

Crux couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the red powder. What purpose could this tool have served, and why was it tainted with such an enigmatic substance? The connection between the pickaxe and the Balsean crystal he had discovered earlier within the mansion left a lingering sense of unease, as if he had stumbled upon a piece of a puzzle that was far from complete.

As he stood there in the tool shed's dim light, the mysteries of Holloway House seemed to deepen, urging Crux to delve further into its secrets and uncover the truth that lay hidden beneath the surface of this enigmatic mansion. Crux returned to others in the Storage Room.

As the party gathered in the dimly lit storage room, the discovery of the Balsean crystal powder and the peculiar red substance on the pickaxe had raised troubling questions. The possibility of squatters or even drug smugglers taking refuge within the mansion's labyrinthine corridors couldn't be dismissed.

Zier, who had recognized the Balsean crystal, voiced his concerns. "This Balsean crystal powder is a highly addictive substance, and its presence here is deeply troubling. It suggests that someone with questionable intentions has been using this mansion for illicit activities."

Theo, always pragmatic, chimed in, "And that pickaxe with the red powder on it seems to be connected to this in some way. We need to be cautious and thorough in our investigation. If there are squatters or smugglers here, we must ascertain their motives and take appropriate action."

Crux, who had uncovered the powder and the pickaxe, nodded in agreement. "I couldn't agree more. We can't afford to underestimate the situation. We should continue exploring the mansion, but with heightened awareness. Let's tread carefully and be prepared for whatever we might find."

Veloris, ever perceptive, added, "And remember, we're dealing with a place that's not just haunted by ghosts but also potentially inhabited by living individuals. It's a complex situation, and we need to consider both the supernatural and the mundane aspects."

With a shared sense of purpose and the determination to uncover the truth, the party readied themselves to explore the mansion further, knowing that they might be on the cusp of unraveling a mystery that ran deeper than they had initially imagined. The path ahead was uncertain, but their resolve to confront the enigma of Holloway House remained unwavering.

## Chapter Five:

With a shared resolve, the party decides to explore the enigmatic trap door that beckons from the locked room above, leading them into the depths of the mansion's basement. One by one, they descend the ladder, leaving behind the dimly lit room above and venturing into the subterranean chamber below.

Descending the ladder from the locked room, the group find themselves in the basement, a subterranean chamber that exudes an air of both neglect and intrigue. The room is dominated by rows of crates and barrels, a testament to the storage purposes it once served. However, the passage of time has not been kind to these containers, as many now lay broken and splintered, their contents long since exposed to the elements.

Around 50 feet from the ladder, your attention is drawn to the west wall, where a scene of destruction unfolds. The wall bears the scars of damage, with rubble strewn across the floor below the compromised section. This destruction hints at some forgotten event or force that left its mark on the basement's structure.

Amidst the chaos, remnants of shelves can still be discerned, though most lie toppled and fractured, their original purpose obscured by the passage of time. This basement seems to hold fragments of history, a jigsaw puzzle of memories and stories waiting to be pieced together.

As they navigate through the crates, barrels, and debris, they can't help but wonder about the secrets this basement might hold. What was stored within these containers? What transpired to cause the destruction on the west wall? The basement is a place of mystery, a hidden chamber where the echoes of the past are interwoven with the present, inviting you to delve into its enigmatic depths.

Veloris approaches the large open barrel in the basement, its contents glistening like liquid rubies in the dim light. Drawn by its alluring presence, he carefully examines the dark crimson liquid within. As he investigates, Zier and Crux join him, their collective knowledge and instincts leading to a startling revelation.

With a sense of trepidation, they identify the substance as Bloodroot Elixir, a potent and mysterious elixir with an otherworldly reputation. The elixir is typically found in small glass vials sealed with wax-capped corks, making this discovery all the more unusual.

The Bloodroot Elixir is known for its enigmatic allure, as well as its remarkable ability to temporarily enhance the physical abilities of those who dare to consume it. Legends and whispers in the shadows suggest that it is crafted from the essence of vampires or similar supernatural beings, lending it its distinctive hue and imbuing it with supernatural properties.

As the trio contemplates the implications of this discovery, the basement seems to hold even more secrets than they initially anticipated. The presence of Bloodroot Elixir raises questions about its origin, purpose, and the enigmatic forces that may have been at work within the Holloway House.

Veloris, his senses attuned to the energies of the room, fixates on the damaged wall. His psychic perception seems to draw him closer to the area where the destruction occurred, as if some hidden force is guiding his intuition.

With determination in his eyes, Zier takes the pickaxe from Crux, ready to investigate the damaged wall further. The rest of the party watches with anticipation as he begins chipping away at the weakened structure.

Each strike of the pickaxe sends echoes through the basement, the sound reverberating with a sense of exploration and discovery. Zier's efforts are methodical and deliberate, as he carefully removes the debris that conceals the secrets hidden behind the compromised wall.

Time seems to stretch as Zier continues his work, the anticipation mounting with each passing moment. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the wall gives way, revealing a hidden underground cavern beyond.

The party stands at the threshold of this newfound chamber, their curiosity piqued by the mysteries that lie within. The Holloway House continues to unveil its secrets, and the underground cavern beckons as the next chapter in their exploration of the mansion's enigmatic depths.

## Chapter Six:

As Zier steps through the broken wall in the basement, he enters a realm of darkness and intrigue, finding himself in the mysterious underground expanse known as the cavern. The rest of the party follows him, guided by the flickering torchlight.

The winding path ahead leads them deeper into this subterranean world, where the very roots of some ancient arboreal presence dangle from the ceiling and walls like nature's forgotten chandeliers. These roots are veiled by massive, intricate webs, some of which are coated in a mysterious, glistening slime that adds to the eerie atmosphere.

As the party stands in the eerie cavern, their torchlight flickering against the ancient roots and veiled webs, their conversation turns to the unsettling sight before them – the numerous bones strewn across the cavern floor.

Crux, casting a wary eye on the bones, speaks first, his voice hushed with a touch of unease. "These bones... they look old, ancient even. And those webs, they seem... unnatural."

Veloris, his senses attuned to the ethereal, adds, "There's an aura of residual energy here, as if something once thrived in this darkness."

Zier, holding the pickaxe firmly, nods in agreement. "It's as if this place has a history, one that's been concealed beneath the mansion for ages."

Theo, ever the pragmatic thinker, chimes in, "We should tread carefully. There may be more to these bones and webs than meets the eye. Whatever happened here, it's shrouded in mystery."

Their words hang in the cavern's stillness, mingling with the faint rustling of unseen creatures and the ever-present sense of foreboding that permeates the underground chamber.

In the dimly lit cavern, chaos erupts as the four giant tarantulas descend upon the party with unexpected swiftness. Venomous fangs gleam in the torchlight as they strike.

Zier, feeling the painful bite of the tarantula, swings his pick with determination, striking the creature attacking him. Crux, quick to react, fires his crossbow with precision, aiming for the tarantula's vulnerable underbelly.

Theo and Karen, under the assault of their own arachnid assailants, fight back desperately. Theo grimaces as the venom courses through his veins but manages to steady himself long enough to take aim. Veloris, unyielding, summons the power of fire, sending forth a scorching blaze that engulfs one of the spiders. Karen, too, adds her arcane might, casting a Phase Bolt that pierces through the chitinous exoskeleton of another.

The cavern echoes with the sounds of battle – the clash of steel against spider silk, the hissing of venom, and the pained cries of the tarantulas as they face the relentless onslaught of the party. The dance of fire and magic illuminates the darkness, revealing the fierce determination in the eyes of those who refuse to succumb to the lurking dangers of the underground realm.

Veloris summons an Animated Suit of Armor, who then grapples the spider attacking Theo, the battle intensifies. Zier, undaunted by the venom coursing through his veins, presses on with unyielding determination. With a swift and powerful strike, he thrusts his pick into the spider attacking him, ending its life in an instant.

Turning his attention to the grappled tarantula, Zier proves his mettle once more. With each step, he closes the distance, his eyes locked on the arachnid. Crux's crossbow bolts find their mark, and Theo adds his arcane might, sending a flurry of electric coins that crackle through the air.

As Zier reaches the tarantula, he moves with calculated precision, slicing five of its eight legs off, rendering it vulnerable and immobile. With a final decisive blow, he ends the creature's life, bringing an end to the harrowing battle.

The cavern falls silent, save for the labored breaths of the party members, their hearts still racing from the adrenaline-fueled combat. The two remaining tarantulas, wisely recognizing the threat, flee into the darkness, leaving behind the lifeless bodies of their fallen kin.

The party stands victorious in the dimly lit cavern, their unity and determination shining as brightly as the torchlight, a testament to their resilience in the face of the unknown depths of Holloway House.