The Skinsaw Murders

The party heads into the ruined out-building. It is clear that it these low, toppled stone walls are all that is left of a building consumed long ago by fire. You startle a few more sickly looking crows which flap away awkwardly with indignant caws as you approach the well. The well’s shaft is about 100’ deep and you can just make out the reflection of murky water at its bottom.

From here the party moves on to the manor itself, taking Xer’s advice and approaching from the side doors to the north. The doors prove to be locked, but the flower and thorns key Sasha took from the ghoul at the farmhouse (most likely the missing groundskeeper Craesby) fits perfectly and opens the doors.

Beyond is an oak-panelled chamber. It must once have been breathtaking, but is a sad sight now – the floor boards are warped with moisture and the panelling is scratched and splotchy with mould. A once magnificent chandelier lies smashed on the floor, while frescoes depicting dancing scenes have been ruined by rot and are barely recognizable. A grand piano, its surface stained and keys warped, leans tiredly in the southeast corner. Two doors exit the parlour – one in the western wall, another in the south. Four grime-encrusted windows let some light into the dank room.

Malvick leads the way into the room and the rest follow, fanning out cautiously. Yola reaches out and runs a finger across the dusty piano, which explodes into sudden music. The piano plays a lively but discordant Varisian folk song. The startled party stares at the piano, hands still on weapons, and it takes a moment for the others to realize that Malvick has started dancing to the music.

The taciturn ranger seems to be swept up in the arms of some invisible dance partner, turning round and round in rapidly increasing pirouettes and leaps across the room.

* * *

Malvick, CLICK HERE.

Everybody else – What do you do?