Investigate the Haunted Manor
Type: Side Quest
Region/Scope: Woods outside the city; the abandoned O’Doyle Estate
Overview
The party agreed to investigate a rumored haunted manor deep within the woods. Strange activity around the estate suggested a lingering unrest connected to the manor’s tragic past. Inside, the group encountered hostile spirits, unraveled clues about the fate of a maid named Clara, and uncovered evidence of wrongdoing committed by Lord Ralven O'Doyle . Resolving the haunting ultimately resulted in the party becoming the new owners of the estate.
Objectives
- Enter the abandoned manor and determine the source of the haunting.
- Survive or dispel any supernatural threats inside.
- Search each wing of the manor for clues about what happened.
- Retrieve the amulet requested by the apparition.
- Cleanse the Study and bring peace to the manor’s spirits.
- Claim the deed once the haunting is resolved.
Role in the Story
- Side Quest: A standalone investigation that introduced the Blackthorn Manor and its tragic history.
- Provided the party with a new Bastion location, expanding future downtime and narrative opportunities.
- Revealed evidence of corruption tied to Lord Ralven O'Doyle, which may connect to wider events.
Source
- Rumors and invitation at The Lucky Leap Tavern – the group heard that a manor in the woods was haunted.
- Apparition in the Study – demanded the party find the amulet before it would allow them to remain in the manor.
Notable Moments
- Mists around the manor contained shifting shapes as the party approached.
- Books attacked the group in the Study as an apparition warned them to retrieve the amulet.
- In the West Wing, the party identified the ghost as Clara, a maid, and uncovered messages hinting at her fate.
- Notes and ledgers in the East Wing revealed Lord Ralven O'Doyle paid to silence witnesses.
- The amulet was located in a hidden shelf behind the Study’s bookcase.
- The party defeated the hostile spirit haunting the Study.
- Mortain, the manor’s butler, announced that the party were now the rightful owners of the estate.