Scene 1: The Grand Foyer
Rain lashes against the towering leaded-glass windows of the Blackwood Estate. The heavy oak front door clicks shut behind you, locking automatically with a heavy thud. You have until 06:00 AM-less than three hours-before the court-appointed auction liquidators arrive to seize and scatter the late Alistair Vance's lifelong collection.
The foyer is freezing and smells of aged cedar, parchment, and damp wool. A massive twin staircase curves up toward the mezzanine gallery, while heavy corridor arches lead deeper into the manor's east and west wings.
Examine Your Surroundings
Click any item below to inspect it:
Inspect the Grandfather Clock
The pendulum is motionless. The brass hands are permanently set to 03:42. Scratched faintly into the polished mahogany base are two initials: A.V.
Examine the Curator's Umbrella Stand
Inside the tarnished brass cylinder sits a silver-topped walking cane. Tucked beneath the handle is a folded slip of notepaper. It reads:
"To whoever seeks what I left behind: The true path is never kept in plain catalog. Cross-reference the ledger with the light."
Read the Notice Board by the Door
A formal court notice in a black frame:
ESTATE INVENTORY ORDER #409: All vaults, libraries, and study rooms are scheduled for complete clearance at first light. Unauthorized removal of classified manuscripts will trigger automated perimeter alarms.