OK, who has infravision?

In reply to Otis (msg # 376):

Just you, Ornwin, and Lotti, right?

In reply to Otis (msg # 378):

Ah. I see what you meant. Very good. Definitely simpler.

OK with you if I swap spots with Cass? Seems like a mage would be the one to burn the midnight oil, and a priest would be the early riser.

No, actually Otis wants to keep the pairing as msg #378. (They weren't random).
If Cass or Lotti object then Otis gives way.

If Otis is OK with it, Ereth and Ornwin can move up to 1st shift, and Otis and I can stay together but move down to 3rd shift.  I think that addresses both of your requests.

Happy with Cass's proposal (msg #381), so:


This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Tue 17 May 2022.

So you can fast travel through the city or to the manor, whatever might be your fancy.

The Emperor of Curd had four areas: the lobby, the lounge, the 6 guest rooms, and the break room. I didn't see it as a place to be mapped -- unlike the manor which must be mapped.

Was there confirmation of a staircase?  Are the rooms upstairs or accessed through the 2nd exit door in the lobby?  Or do both exit doors go into the lounge?  I assume the 3rd exit (other than the front entrance) is the trap door, behind the front desk, that Chester used to enter the lobby when he greeted us after we rang the bell.

And someone needs to ask Chester how we “ring” him using the 4 digits on his card.  Bell rings, door opening sequence, telephone, other?

I had envisioned an elevator but we'll go with that 2nd exit door in the lobby.


Yes, that was also a clue as to the movie reference.

You're free, of course, to sample the special and investigate the break room but do know that the Emperor of Curd encounter has been concluded. It should also be clear now that I will add hidden conditions to encounters for extra exp, and that exp will be rewarded for solving puzzles or partially solving them in this case.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:46, Wed 18 May 2022.

The morning activities were meant to be a bit cheeky, and Cass obviously picked up on that. But also, since you wanted us to do those things, it seemed worthwhile. Better late than never. Regardless of XP.

Just curious as to whether XP is awarded for successfully doing character specific skills (force open doors, pick locks, detect evil, etc) or whether this module is just a convention-type puzzle challenge with a specific set of XP available for each node point in the module successfully solved, plus standard XP for combat kills/captures/run-offs and treasure found?

Also, strange that XP would only be awarded for trying the spoiled food and beverage, which could result in a poisoning death for all or some of the party, versus not trying the obviously spoiled food and drink.

Just trying to understand what is expected of us.  Thanks!

Staircase to 2nd floor was fine and seemed to make sense.  2nd door going to kitchen or also into the lounge also made sense.

Note to party: the Manor Rules thread state that we must be trained (most likely in the village) in order to gain levels -so it seems to make sense for Cass to visit the closest Norse God temple and the thieves’ guild.  Each of the party will need to find those suitable trainers for the future.  Those places will likely be resources for potions, scrolls, equipment, etc in the future - if/when we have GP to spend.  That was the reason for indicating we need to (or can) split up to make those acquaintances.

Then.  We likely ought to visit the non-character-specific locations (bar, Rump household, supply store, mayor, etc) to gather general info on the Manor, our purpose.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:36, Wed 18 May 2022.

Definitely feels like a tournament game, which is fine. It just calls for a different style of play.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Wed 18 May 2022.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 389):

Sounds good. Let's see how the Host wants to play the morning scene in the Inn, then the party can decide on a plan for the day. Would be good to stay in pairs for safety, if possible. I suppose one or two of us could visit an establishment alone, if logic dictates.

Host: is the picture in the Murder Room in the Inn similar to some of the still images from the cursed VHS movie in “The Ring” or the Japanese version, “Ringu?”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:56, Wed 18 May 2022.

”I think before you die, you see the ring...”

We also need to be on the lookout for: the well, the lone tree on the hill, the horses (at Ye Ol Stable in town?), and the Lighthouse.

Nevermind - The Ring was a dead end - Barton Fink is now the top prospect...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Wed 18 May 2022.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 392):

It's the Hotel Earle in Barton Fink. I should have known. The signs were there with Chester's behavior ("trans or res?") and the shabbiness of the hotel. The picture seals the deal.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Wed 18 May 2022.

I didn’t watch much TV during that time frame, so I missed out on Twin Peaks.  Good catch!

Ah.  Misunderstood.  Thought it was a reference to Twin Peaks, but it was Barton Fink.  Same time frame - early 90s.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Wed 18 May 2022.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 396):

I never watched Twin Peaks but I'm a Coen Brothers fan and I loved Barton Fink. It was so funny and strange, in a really great way.

John Mahoney's character and his line, "where's my honey!?!" is an all time classic.

So, guys, is there any significance to the ext 4251 on Chester’s card?  Anything from Barton Fink?  A telephone?  A keypad code?  A sequence of opening rooms in the inn?  The order of cheese pictures in rooms 4,2,5, and 1?  Other ideas?

Since the Host didn't answer your question, I assume he wants us to ask Chester, as you suggest.

I’ll ask Chester if he is stationed at the front desk when we come down - or if I run into him down in the dungeon break room beneath the inn.