F13 Manor House
The Forgotten Manor of Verbobonc
The Forgotten Manor, as it has come to be known among the locals of Verbobonc, stands as a somber relic in the bustling business district. This once-majestic residence now serves as a stark reminder of transience, its dilapidated state drawing the curious and the brave. Despite its decrepitude, the manor holds secrets long forgotten by its vanished owners, offering untold stories and hidden passages that whisper of its past glories and present desolation.Historical Significance
The Tale of the Vanished Owners- Mysterious Disappearance: The manor's last known occupants disappeared without a trace five years ago, leaving behind a wealth of speculation and rumors.
- Historical Ownership: Records suggest the manor was built by a prominent mercantile family whose fortunes dwindled mysteriously before their disappearance.
- City Property: With no heirs or claimants, the city of Verbobonc took ownership and has since listed the property for sale, albeit with little interest due to its condition.
Description of the Manor
First Floor- Foyer: Grand in its day, now the foyer is littered with debris from the collapsed ceiling, with faded murals peeling off the walls.
- Parlor: Once a room of luxury, the parlor is now dominated by broken furniture and a fireplace choked with soot.
- Dining Hall: The large dining hall features a rotting wooden table and scattered chairs, with a chandelier precariously dangling by a single chain.
- Bedrooms: Multiple bedrooms, each in varying stages of decay, their once opulent furnishings now moth-eaten and dusty.
- Library: Shelves stand mostly empty, the few remaining books swollen with moisture and mold.
- Gallery: This room once displayed valuable art, now only the faded outlines on the wallpaper suggest their previous existence.
Basement and Secret Exits
- General Condition: Dark and damp, the basement holds the remnants of what might have been a wine cellar and storage rooms.
- Secret Tunnel: A hidden door leads to a narrow tunnel that connects to Verbobonc’s sewage system, a pathway rumored to be used by criminals.
Relationships and Politics
Impact on the Community- Local Lore: The manor is the subject of many local ghost stories and myths, contributing to its eerie reputation.
- Criminal Element: The secret tunnels are suspected to be in use by local thieves and smugglers, creating a reluctant tolerance among city officials due to the difficulty in policing these passages.
Motivation for Sale
City’s Stance- Economic Burden: The property is a drain on city resources, requiring frequent patrols to deter trespassers and vandals.
- Development Potential: There is potential for redevelopment, but the cost of renovation or demolition is prohibitive without significant investment.
Notable Features and Future Potential
Architectural Interest- Restoration Appeal: For the right investor, the manor could be restored to its former glory, capitalizing on its historical architecture and prime location.
- Commercial Opportunity: The space could be transformed into a boutique hotel or offices, integrating modern amenities with historical charm.
Vacant Manor to the Family
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Hidden Thieves’ Guild:
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Yet, for those in the know, the basement and sub-basement are in better-than-perfect condition. As one knocks upon the partially concealed cellar door and utters the password, a hatch is opened in short order, accepting the ingress of the initiated into the hallowed halls of the city’s hidden thieves’ guild. Here, under the surface of the city streets, shadowy figures gather to discuss their next targets for burglary or robbery, train one another in the criminal arts, or simply rest in a place where they need not fear easy discovery by the gendarmerie. Hidden in an abandoned section of the city’s sewer system, the The Battirovka Family Thieves Guild is one of the dominant underground forces in Verbobonc. Most citizens are aware of their existence and know where to look if they need to contact them, but very few know where their headquarters are located.
Verbobonc Locations Referenced by Type
Manor House - Verbobonc City by 3orcs
Type
Manor house / Meeting hall
Parent Location
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