Secure and Develop Blackthorn Manor

Type: Side Quest
Region/Scope: Outskirts of the Capital, Kingdom of Aglarion

Overview

After gaining access to Blackthorn Manor, the party discovered that although the exterior is in disrepair, the interior is unexpectedly clean and tended. Upon entering, they were greeted by Mortain, an unseen servant–like presence bound to the estate who addresses the party as its new “masters.”
With Mortain maintaining basic household functions, the group now turns their attention to restoring, securing, and developing the manor into their shared Bastion.

Objectives

• Assess the overall structure and livability of Blackthorn Manor.
• Establish personal quarters and shared functional rooms.
• Identify which wings or rooms need the most repair or enhancement.
• Begin planning the Bastion using Theater of the Mind, DungeonDraft, or DungeonScrawl.
• Determine Mortain’s capabilities, limitations, and potential roles in supporting the Bastion.

Role in the Story

• Side Quest: Supports long-term character growth and base-building.
• The manor becomes the party’s home, rallying point, and resource center.
• Improvements to the Bastion may influence future downtime, upgrades, or story opportunities.

Source

• Mortain (Blackthorn Manor) – First greeted the party upon arrival, welcoming them back as “masters.”

Notable Moments

Session 5 - Aquired

• The party returns to Blackthorn Manor with supplies for a housewarming gathering.
• Though the grounds and exterior are decayed, the front doors swing open on their own, revealing a surprisingly clean and tended interior.
• A fire burns in the hearth, and twin spiral staircases rise to the upper floor.
• Mortain, an unseen servant–like entity, greets the party and appears capable of maintaining basic household needs.
• The party takes a long rest inside the manor, establishing it as their home.
• The next morning, Mortain provides a full English breakfast, raising questions about his capabilities.
• The group receives “homework” to begin collaborative Bastion design.

Session 12 - Ongoing

• Upon returning from the city, the party finds major upgrades and defensive preparations at the Bastion.
• Signmonder’s forces now patrol the manor grounds, stationed at key points and actively watching for threats.
• Catapults have been installed facing outward toward the city, indicating preparations for a large-scale defensive stand.
• Signmonder appears tired and aged, expressing concern that “they will come for us,” and stresses the need for readiness.
• The party provides Signmonder with a debrief of their findings beneath the city, including the unexpected number of creatures encountered.
• These defensive enhancements mark the first major external fortification phase of developing the Bastion into a secure stronghold.

Quest Status

Active – Work on developing and customizing the Bastion is ongoing, with significant defensive upgrades implemented as of Session 12.