Sylvanfair Mews
The Mews is an annex for House Sylvanfair, one of the Co-operative Houses of Elanthia. It is located on Tumbledown Lane (lich ID #1431) inSolhaven.
Solhaven, Tumbledown Lane
Close to the bottom of the cliffs, the cobblestone street is somewhat level. A tidy row of stone cottages faces the bay, sunlight glinting on their glaes window panes. A well-dressed elven man walks by at a fast clip, his eyes glued to the pavement. You also see some broad flagstone steps and a slate-roofed umber brickwork mews.
Mews ~ Formerly an old stable block, the small converted property is set back from the cobbled thoroughfare and constructed from dark weathered brickwork with a sloping, charcoal slate roof. Staggered glaes-paned windows give the building's facade a quirky but convivial appearance, and the top section of the rustic oak stable door has been left ajar to allow for convenient access. Nestled within creeping vines of variegated green and white ivy is a limestone plaque above a sheet of cream vellum. In the Common language, it reads: ~*~ Tumbledown Mews ~*~ Education, Honor, Mutual Respect. Founded by House Sylvanfair, Lormesta 5,118. In the vines you see a strand of variegated ivy. (GET)
Sylvanfair, Vestibule
Square in shape, the vestibule is bathed in a shaft of muted gold sunlight streaming through the open top section of the front door. A richly carved staircase rises from the terracotta-tiled floor, cantilevered against the four walls to provide a perfect viewing platform for the irregularly shaped table that dominates the center of the room. Mismatched cabinets and battered trunks fill the asymmetrical spaces beneath the stairway, crammed with assorted timekeeping devices and navigational instruments. You also see a rustic oak stable door and a low-beamed archway.
Glimmering motes of dust dance in the golden sunlight warming the terracotta-tiled floor (DAY).
Glimmering motes of dust dance in the silvery moonlight illuminating the cool tiled floor. (NIGHT)
A ginger tabby cat slowly pads into the room and pauses to stretch in a shaft of warm sunlight. Eyeing you with mild indifference, he rubs against the chunky leg of the table and continues on his way. (DAY)
A ginger tabby cat slowly pads into the room and pauses to stretch in a shaft of silvery moonlight. Eyeing you with mild indifference, he rubs against the chunky leg of the table and continues on his way. (NIGHT)
Strange whirring and ticking sounds emanate from a nearby cabinet.
Staircase ~ Bordering the room in sloped, cantilevered sections, the dark oak staircase is not only optically pleasing to the bystander but also provides an unimpeded aerial view of the room from all four sides. The risers have been intricately carved with scientifically accurate depictions of lunar phases, while the treads bear lines of text relating to each of the Elanthian moons. Unfortunately, due to frequent footfall, large portions of the script have been worn away and are no longer legible. Tread (GO SIT) Table ~ Reddish-brown in hue, the solid rosewood tabletop has been carved to resemble the rugged outline of the Elanthian continent. Beneath layers of clear lacquer, the surface is painted in vivid colors to capture the pertinent topographical features of the mainland. Black dots and text mark an array of cities and towns amid scattered scarlet landmarks. Ribbons of cobalt blue denote the serpentine rivers that emanate from the swathe of niveous peaks demarcating the green-dappled terrain of warmer climes. Cabinet (lockable storage) ~ The shelves inside the glass-fronted cabinet are crammed with boxes overflowing with chronometers, astrolabes, compasses, and sextants. While some of the instruments appear to be in good working order, others are a jumble of miscellaneous clockwork pieces, broken dials, and cracked lenses. [a long iron key with a complex trefoil base] On the cabinet you see a compass-like device and a small leaf shaped pin. Behind the cabinet you see a thin ivory book. Book ~ Wedged firmly behind the cabinet is a thin ivory leather book. With a tilt of the head, it is possible to make out the wording along the spine of the misplaced digest. There appears to be something written on it. In the Common language, it reads: Choosing Civility: A Citizen's Guide to Considerate Conduct Device (RUB TURN TILT NUDGE) ~ Resembling a compass or miniature clock face, three needle-sized hands revolve around a central spindle to point at marks around the brass dial circumference. Instead of hours or cardinal directions, however, there are little images, each of them etched in perfect detail. A cut-out section in the opaline face reveals a series of tiny cog wheels that whirr and click with the slightest movement. Trunk ~ trash receptacle
Sylvanfair, Loft
Built into the sloping roof space, the galleried loft is naturally illuminated by open-shuttered windows set between narrow oak rafters. Each pane offers an unimpeded view of the freeport and beyond with the use of an imflass telescope. Brick walls on either side are filled with astral maps and cluttered shelves. Clear of furniture, a deep blue woolen rug covering the floor provides a suitable blank canvas for four metal lanterns suspended overhead.
With a loud squark, a black-headed tern circles and swoops past the sloped windows in search of its nest in the nearby cliffs. (DAY)
The shafts of silvery moonlight streaming through the windows is broken by a colony of bats swooping past. (NIGHT)
The polished metal of the telescope glints in the warm sunshine streaming through the windows. (DAY)
A stray cloud momentarily conceals the twinkling stars in the night sky. (NIGHT)
Windows (PEER LOOK) Telescope (PEER) ~ randomly peeks in 10 pre-set rooms Map ~ The wash of midnight blue in the center of each of the four vellum maps is filled with myriad glimmering inked stars. The silver tracery connecting the dots depicts constellations seen in the Elanthian night sky at varying times of the year. Closer inspection of the borders reveals corresponding astrological symbols and calculations of celestial coordinates. Shelves ~ Piled high with scrolls, ink pots, and quills, the shelves offer an assortment of writing materials to record observations. Sitting upon a sheaf of ivory parchment is a pair of smooth stones that serve as useful paperweights. Clearly mementos of a recent vacation in the freeport, one is painted with a lobster in orange and pink tones, while the other bears a seagull in black and white. Rug ~ Handwoven from good quality wool, the antique rug features a sequence of large turtle medallions in bold crimson, cobalt, and saffron hues. Embodying a variety of influences, the border includes simple tribal motifs of Tehiri origin as well as geometric Imperial and curvilinear Elven-inspired elements. The rich, saturated colors and diversity of the design reflect the time-honored tradition of skilled carpet weavers to incorporate the flavors of the cities through which they traveled. Lanterns ~ Hanging from the oak rafters on lengths of slightly frayed rope are four small metal lanterns. Exposure to a combination of sun and salt air has caused rust spots to mar the panelled surfaces but this does not diminish the beauty of the craftsmanship. A tiny cage beneath each lantern houses metallic screens with oddly punched holes in them, but closer inspection is not possible as they are currently hung so high as to be out of reach.
Sylvanfair, Library
Hundreds of books and scrolls fill the shelves that line the walls. While some are stacked neatly, arranged with nearly obsessive precision, others are in utter disarray. Several leather armchairs congregate around a low brick-arched fireplace over which hangs an odd assortment of pictures. An antique crimson wool rug covers most of the slightly uneven floor, concealing the copper riven slate tiles beneath. The room is lit by a single brass lantern suspended from a dark oak rafter overhead. You also see a low-beamed archway, an iron-braced light oak door, a bespectacled grey-haired gnome and a thick-legged oak side table with some stuff on it.
Muttering under his breath, the elderly gnome pulls a large leather-bound tome from one of the nearby shelves. Struggling under the weight, he staggers across the room and deposits it on the correct shelf with an audible huff.
Noticing that one of the paintings above the fireplace is askew, the grey-haired gnome clambers on top of the pile of books conveniently stacked beneath and adjusts it. With a nod of satisfaction, he climbs back down and returns to tidying the shelves.
The elderly gnome rests a hand in the small of his back as he bends to straighten a bump in the rug. He rises just in time to catch his spectacles before they slide off his bulbous nose.
Armchairs (GO SIT) ~ Positioned close enough for quiet conversation, the armchairs are upholstered in supple analine hide, dyed a rich chestnut brown and buffed to a glossy sheen. The seat cushions and armrests show signs of distress from years of wear-and-tear but, overall, they are all in good condition and make a comfortable addition to the room. Fireplace (unlit) ~ You see a neatly laid-out pile of wood and tinder awaiting only the application of flame to come to life. Nearby is a basket of sticks ready to be used to light the fire or to keep it burning. Basket (GET) ~ firewood Pictures ~ Varying widely in both dimension and content, the framed pictures cover the entire wall above the fireplace. Black inked schematics on pale blue parchment are juxtaposed with detailed maps on sepia vellum. Scattered between these practical illustrations are whimsical cartoon sketches and miniature oil portraitures of House Sylvanfair officers and members. Rug (CLEAN RUB ROLL KICK PULL) ~ Handwoven from good quality wool, the antique rug features a sequence of large turtle medallions in bold crimson, cobalt, and saffron hues. Embodying a variety of influences, the border includes simple tribal motifs of Tehiri origin as well as geometric Imperial and curvilinear Elven-inspired elements. The rich-saturated colors and diversity of the design reflect the time-honored tradition of skilled carpet weavers to incorporate the flavors of the cities through which they traveled. Under the crimson wool rug you see a trapdoor. On the oak side table you see a lime-peppered smoked sunfish sandwich, a tall glass of bacon-infused bourbon, some cherry and black rose sun tea, an open-faced cucumber tea sandwich, a mug of hot dark chocolate and a handful of otter-shaped candies. Gnome (Librarian) ~ Dressed in shabby umber tweed breeches and a faded crimson velvet vest, the portly gnome ambles around the room. Beneath a head of unruly grey hair, rheumy eyes squint at you over a pair of spectacles perched on the end of his bulbous nose.
Sylvanfair, Snug
More of a store cupboard than a functional room, the snug alcove is filled with all manner of hunting trophies. Mounted animal heads loom over distressed leather armchairs and dusty lepidoptera display cases. The sidetables are cluttered with glass-domed stuffed birds and stacks of tattered leather books. A beeswax candle casts a meager light over an antique counter in the corner on which sits a locker and a slate blackboard. You also see an iron-braced light oak door.
An errant breeze stirs the air, filling your nostrils with the smell of beeswax and musty parchment.
Candle wax drips onto the surface of the cabinet, adding to the solidified pool around the base of the candlestick.
The candle flame stutters and hisses for a moment before resuming its steady burn.
Armchairs (GO SIT) Counter ~ Once an impressive piece of furniture, the dark brown walnut cabinet now shows all the signs of considerable wear and tear. Beneath a film of dust, the surface is covered in nicks and dents, and one of the doors on either side of an array of cubbyholes is missing a handle. Cubbyholes ~ Leave a note for someone! Blackboard (NUDGE SCRATCH RUB WRITE)
Sylvanfair, Undercroft
Located beneath street level, the cool ambient temperature of the cavern is perfect for the storage of wine. The space is dimly lit by a series of indigo-glazed brass lanterns hanging from the low-vaulted ceiling. Silvery blue light illuminates a series of wine racks lining the bare stone walls and a stack of pale linden crates. The air is filled with the musty odor of dust and hint of acrid smoke. You also see an oaken press and a stone wheel.
You hear the faint sound of scratching and an occasional squeak coming from behind the wine rack.
With a high-pitched squeak, a tiny grey mouse scurries over your foot and disappears beneath the press.
A tiny ember sparks into the air, yet quickly turns to harmless ash lost to an errant rush of air.
Lanterns (LIGHT EXTINGUISH <SNAP>) ~ Hexagonal in shape, each lantern houses a stubby tallow candle behind indigo-tinted glass panes. Hanging from the low ceiling on long brass chains, they sway and flicker slightly with the cool draft circulating throughout the cavern. Racks (TOUCH LEAN PULL) ~ Filling the space from floor to ceiling along the bare stone walls are racks filled with hundreds of bottles of various shapes and sizes. As you venture deeper into the undercroft, the labelling and color of the wine inside the bottles become indistinguishable beneath a layer of dust. In the wine rack you see several dusty green glass bottles. Bottles (GET) ~ a dusty jade green glass bottle In the Common language, it reads: ~*~ Finest Vintage of House Sylvanfair ~*~ Under the wine rack you see a shredded black satin shoe. Shoe ~ Covered in a thick layer of dust and riddled with sharp teeth marks, the intricate carving along the slender wooden heel has been gnawed beyond recognition. The glossy black satin has been shredded to ribbons and bears all the hallmarks of being suitable nesting material for small rodents. Despite the damage incurred to the once elegant shoe, the silver filigree toe remains intact and glints in the ambient light. Crates (READ) ~ Neatly stacked in the middle of the room are shallow crates constructed from thin slats of pale linden wood. Burned into the wax-sealed lids, in rustic lettering, are the words, "House Sylvanfair" and ivory parchment labels have been glued haphazardly alongside. On top of the crate, there are several manuscript pages beneath a bottle of wine and some twisted wine tasting glasses. In the Common language, it reads: ~*~ Finest Vintage of House Sylvanfair ~*~ On the crates you see a bottle of wine (GET) and a manuscript. Manuscript (READ) ~ Several sheets of crisp white parchment have been filled with indigo-inked text in an elegantly slanted hand. A carelessly placed wine glass has left a circular crimson stain on the top sheet, which distracts the reader's attention from the neat penmanship. In the Common language, it reads: Etiquette is essential for making a good impression. This is especially true for attendance at both the Elven and Imperial court sessions. Many etiquette mistakes involve mannerisms, tone, dress, presentation, and conversation. Good manners and proper etiquette may determine whether a sovereign or representative has a favorable disposition to your petition. Court etiquette is also good ethical conduct. Press ~ The wooden sides of the press contain a grinding wheel and sit atop a carved stone basin. Wheel (PUSH) ~ The grinding surface of the wheel is worn smoother than its pitted stone sides.