The abandoned manor stood at the edge of town, a foreboding structure that had long been shrouded in mystery and rumor. Tarquin had heard tales of its haunted past, of ghostly apparitions that wandered its halls and eerie whispers that echoed through its empty rooms. But to Tarquin, the manor represented an opportunity, a chance to build a new life for himself in a place steeped in history and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The last owners had long since passed away and the place, once a grand structure had fallen into disrepair. An elderly elf couple who lived just outside of the village were the closest relatives to the previous owners, they were more than happy to transfer ownership to Tarquin for a small bag of gold coins.
As the sorcerer began the daunting task of renovating the manor, he was met with a sight that filled him with both excitement and trepidation. The building was in a state of disrepair, its once grand façade now faded and worn, the windows cracked and broken, and ivy creeping up the weathered stone walls. But beneath the layers of neglect, Tarquin could see the potential for beauty and grandeur that lay hidden within its crumbling walls. Structurally, it was well built, he knew with a little work he could make it his own.
The first room Tarquin tackled was the grand foyer, its vaulted ceiling soaring high above, adorned with intricate carvings and faded paintings that hinted at the manor's former glory. The floor was littered with debris and cobwebs, the air thick with the musty scent of age and neglect. With each sweep of his broom, dust motes danced in the rays of sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting a magical glow over the room. As Tarquin worked tirelessly to restore the intricate carvings and repaint the faded murals, the grand foyer began to reclaim its former splendor, the echoes of long-lost footsteps seeming to reverberate through its hallowed halls.
A spell Tarquin had learned when he was younger allowed him to reproduce a painting into its original form. An artist standing looking at it would swear it was his own work. This allowed centuries old paintings to appear as if they were painted just yesterday.
Initially, Tarquin worked on his own, he used his magic to assist in the work but he quickly realized that his strength was not in the rebuilding of buildings. After finishing the grand foyer, although it was incredibly well restored, he decided he would consider finding others to do the work for him.
While sitting at the Silver Dragon for a bite to eat Tarquin inquired with the staff if there were any hardworking individuals who were willing to do carpentry and cleaning of the manor. He was willing to pay well, in gold, to have someone complete the rooms to the standard he had set in the foyer. After much debate among the staff, three names were recommended: Thaddeus Oakwood, Gideon Stoneforge and Elara Timberheart. Thanking them for the names, Tarquin decided he would continue to work on the manor and would consider the idea of hiring them to assist him.
The next day, Keen moved on to the dining hall, Tarquin found the large room draped in shadows, the long wooden table buried beneath layers of dust and debris. The once opulent chandeliers hung low, their crystals dulled with neglect. As Tarquin set to work polishing the silverware and repairing the worn tapestries that adorned the walls, the room slowly came to life once more. He spent several days working in the space. Over time, the flickering candlelight began to transform, it began to cast a warm and inviting glow over the room, and the tapestries, once faded and moth-eaten, now shimmered with renewed vibrancy, their intricate designs telling stories of a bygone era.
Each room in the manor held its own unique challenges and secrets, from the dusty library with its shelves of ancient tomes to the dimly lit corridors that seemed to whisper of forgotten histories. As Tarquin delved deeper into the required renovations, he felt a sense of wonder and excitement building within him. The manor was slowly revealing its secrets, and Tarquin was determined to uncover them all, no matter how elusive or enigmatic they may be. He was determined to restore the building to its former glory.
He set up a meeting with the three individuals that had been recommended, to discuss his plans and see if he could engage them to carry on so he could focus on other matters, including continuing to study his magic.
Sitting at the Inn on a warm Saturday evening the three arrived. First was Thaddeus Oakwood. Thaddeus was a sturdy man with calloused hands and a kind smile. He's the master carpenter of Willowbrook, known for his skillful craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to his work. With a weathered face that speaks of years spent working under the sun, Thaddeus exudes a quiet confidence that inspires trust in those around him. His passion for woodworking is matched only by his loyalty to his friends and neighbors.
Next to arrive was Gideon Stoneforge, a burly dwarf with a booming laugh and a hearty appetite for ale. As one of the village's resident masons, Gideon is a master of stonework, capable of shaping even the toughest of materials with ease. Despite his gruff exterior, Gideon possesses a heart of gold and would go to great lengths to help those in need.
Finally, it was Elara Timberheart, she is a graceful elf with a keen eye for detail and a gentle touch. As a talented woodworker, Elara has a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the world around her, which is reflected in her exquisite craftsmanship. With her quick wit and infectious enthusiasm, Elara brings a sense of warmth and camaraderie to every project she undertakes. Together, Thaddeus, Gideon, and Elara form a formidable team, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
Tarquin sat before Thaddeus, Gideon, and Elara, explaining his vision for the renovated manor. With a gleam of excitement in his eyes, he detailed the scope of the project, from restoring the crumbling walls to crafting intricate woodwork for the interior.
Thaddeus nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in concentration as he mentally calculated the labor required. Gideon's eyes lit up at the mention of stonework, eager to leave his mark on the ancient structure. Elara listened intently, her fingers tracing patterns in the air as she envisioned the finished product.
After a brief discussion, they reached an agreement. Tarquin would compensate them generously in gold coins for their work, covering not only their labor but also the cost of materials and any additional helpers they might need to hire. With a firm handshake, they sealed the deal, united in their commitment to breathe new life into the old manor and create something truly extraordinary.
With that, Tarquin knew his vision for the manor was soon to become a reality.