The snow lay thick upon the ground as Vesper Farheel voiced her discomfort, prompting Adam’andiel Ironbane to hoist her over his shoulder while Wyn continued onward. Their path had led them to a mausoleum, where Vesper, Sira Antkeep, and Rin uncovered a small hole in the earth, revealing a torn Imp Tail from a servant’s costume. Vesper urged Adam’andiel to dig, confirming the hole was intentionally made, though its purpose remained shrouded in mystery.
The Group debated whether to explore the mausoleum or return to The Manor to pursue the murderer, ultimately opting for the latter. Upon re-entering The Manor, a chilling scream pierced the air, leading them to the lifeless body of Merpelia Carafo, an Eladrian elite. Sira examined the corpse, noting fang marks on her neck and signs of exsanguination, while the implications of her death weighed heavily on The Group’s minds. Ezio approached Vesper nervously, expressing his fears of becoming the next victim. Sira, sensing his ulterior motives, communicated her thoughts to Vesper telepathically. Vesper reassured Ezio, who offered to assist The Group with information. Meanwhile, Wynter found Colonel Rithert suspicious, and Adam’andiel searched The Manor library, uncovering little of interest.
As the investigation progressed, Rin and Sira spotted a servant missing an imp costume tail. Wynter engaged the servant, who led him to hidden alcohol, his fear palpable. After some coaxing, Wynter convinced him to drink, while The Group pieced together the events surrounding Merpelia’s death and the potential involvement of influential figures in Isgur. With suspicions rising, The Group devised a plan to test the gathered guests for signs of vampirism. Vesper performed on Stage, drawing the crowd’s attention while Sira cast healing magic among them. The performance yielded no immediate signs of distress, but The Group remained wary of the vampire threat. They resolved to secure Merpelia’s body and investigate the second victim, while also questioning the servant with the missing tail.
Suddenly, a scream echoed from the west, revealing another victim. The Group learned of a monster attack, prompting Adam’andiel to search outside for the fleeing assailant. Meanwhile, Wynter attempted to test Ezio with garlic, leading to a confrontation that exposed Ezio as a vampire. The ensuing battle was fierce, with Ezio revealing his true form and attacking Wynter, but The Group fought back valiantly. In the chaos, Ezio was ultimately defeated, his body exploding into mist and infecting Rin and Isaac with a deadly disease. The Group then turned their attention to Hedven, the undead owner of The Manor, who emerged as a new threat. The battle against Hedven was intense, with The Group employing their skills to overcome him. Ultimately, Rin delivered the final blow, vanquishing the undead menace.
As the dust settled, The Group discovered an encryption ring among Ezio’s belongings and realized the severity of Rin’s infection. With time running short, they contemplated seeking help from a nearby priest, aware of the risks that lay ahead. The night was far from over, and the shadows of The Manor still held many secrets.
Threads to Watch: The purpose of the hole in the mausoleum; The identity of the second victim; Rin’s infection and the potential need for a priest.