Delmar

Delmar is an abandoned homestead about half way between Molik and Black Dust. It is a popular resting place for travelers and hunters. It is only a few minutes from the main road and the main building is still intact enough to provide shelter from the elements.  

Founding

Delmar was made by a few members of the Equis family who were looking for a new place to call their home after losing touch with the way of life in Covenhold.  

Main building

The main building is currently inhabited by a refugee family that just arrived. They the Mensk family from Molik. The father is David (55) and the mother Cynthia (51). They have five daughters who are called Vivian Mensk (26), Yente (21), Selline (20), Miriam (18), and Ingrid (17), and a son called Mark (24). Finally there are Lily and Bram, the children of Yente. Lily is 4 and Bram is only 1 year old. Yente isn't married but her lover, Thomas, is a soldier in the Molik Royal Army. Thomas is stationed outside of Molik so he isn't really in the picture. They are cautious and harmless except for Vivian, who is a capable magic user although she doesn't realize the extent of her magical power. She uses the Dragon Speaker statblock (FTD).
The building consists of 2 rooms and a small attic. The main room is split in two parts, separated by a wall stretching half of the room. The first part was once the living area, the rug is torn and faded, the shelves have collapsed, the dining table moved, and the stove is no longer connected to the chimney. It is currently used as a storage area by the Mensks. The second part is the sleeping area, the Mensks placed a small table here and covered the floor with rugs and pelts that the others can sleep on. The backroom has been converted into a childrens room, Yente sleeps with Lily in the bed and Bram has the spacious crib. The crib is clearly well made and not from this region. It is from Covenhold, a native from there would instantly recognize its styling. The attic is tiny and hardly used, it contains some spare hardware like tools and nails.
Embedded in the mantle piece is a small strongbox. The stronbox is locked and inscribed with a warding sigil. There is no key. The warding sigil does not protect the box but empowers the protective powers of the contents of the box. The box holds a prayer "Lord Lenneyart, bless this house. Let this house be a home. A home of purity, resolve, and peace. Where the people can live free from bonds of the past and free from the clutches of destiny. Man pure in both heart and mind, both will and form. By the light of the dawning day let his prayer be done.".  

Side building

Clearly built later than the main building, the side building was made for servants and laborers. The floors used to hold rugs or pelts as is evident by the plucks of fur and cloth still stuck between the shoddy floor boards. It is stripped bare by the many people that traveled through here. The stove is still in working order, a convenience that many travelers enjoyed and thus treated with respect. Above the door is carved a small prayer "After end of day, our Lord, the light at night, keepeth the dark at bay."  

Storage shed

Looking shoddy and decaying, a lone shed stands near the main building. It is empty and seems to have been for quite some time.  

Outside

A single pasture is still completely surrounded, but the fence seems too weak to be of any real use. It contains the ox of the Mensk family, tied around a tree but on a long enough leash that it can roam quite far.  

Guest house

At the end of the pasture that holds the ox lies the guest house. This house is mostly collapsed and doesn't seem to have had any visitors in a long time. It is haunted by specters. When Rorick Equis saw that his precious bloodline was being completely wiped out by the debouchery that spawned from his own desire for them to be accepted, his soul caved, he went mad and went into the woods, away from it all. There he met his end through unknown means and his soul collapsed into a wraith. Fueled by hatred for the debouchery that had claimed his town, his place of refuge, he slew all who were residing in the guest house, turning their souls into specters. Over time the wraith has slain many more unfortunate visitors who were chasing the rumors of boundless pleasure. The wraith keeps the standard seven specters directly under its control, the others had been doctored to patrol the streets of Delmar and the nearby northern road.  

Story

Delmar was founded by the Equis family who sought to make this a new home. They had a great time and eventually met a terrible fate.  

A family on the road

The day was 68th of Bloom 2392 AA, when a particular family of the much greater Equis family was fed up with the elitist debauchery of the rest of their family in Covenhold. Though the father, Morantes, was well aware of the curse that rested upon his family name, he and his wife Lillian wanted to raise his children with proper values. So the family set out to seek a new home. During their travels Morantes and Lillian had repeatedly prayed to Timurantia to let the curse die with them and not let their children suffer like the rest of his family suffered. Their travels eventually brought them to the Devils Cairn. There Morantes once more prayed to Timurantia, not knowing who was listening as the tales of the cairn hadn't become widespread knowledge yet. That night a silent voice whispered to him. "Home lies on the way home. As long as you have the intent to return home and not make any other place your home your children will be spared. I shall grant you a guide on your path to found a place your children can call their home. However, to break the curse that lies on the family, you and your wife must break your maritial bonds and accept new suitors. This will signify the breaking of the family... and thus the curse." Lillian had heard a voice say something similar. They understood that this would not change their love for one another and that worse sacrifices had been made by parents to keep their children safe.  

Home on the way home

The family went back on the road north. A merchant in Molik who had sold them their supplies was surprised to see them back after just a day. He wished them the best of luck but felt like he knew it had something to do with that damned cairn. At the gate a man chatted up the father and told him he was heading in the same direction. With a sense that this was meant to be the father invited the stranger to come along. The strangers name was Delmar. Near the end of the first days travel they met a woman called Serena, traveling the road by herself. The next day they rested frequently, captivated by the kinship they felt with the two strangers they met. The night felt warm and welcoming, the sleep was deep and the next day they awoke feeling a longing they couldn't quite place. The children also slept well and awoke with a playful energy. During the second rest James, the youngest son, asked if they could stay here. While playing he had found a beautiful meadow. The parents turned to the strangers who had loving smiles on their faces. Delmar stepped forward and with an intoxicating peaceful tone he said "Fit for a home.". All felt a warm sensation come over them and they decided to set up camp. Delmar and Lillian went to gather water and firewood while Serena and Morantes explored the surrounding area. While away from the eyes of children the parents broke their martial bonds. They returned to the meadow at the same time and shared a glance which can only be described as loving indulgent acceptance. Both knew what the other had done but felt no guilt or jealousy... yet.  

Happy home

Delmar and Serena stayed with the Equis for a few more days after which first Delmar left and then Serena. Their parting words were the same "Thank you for your hospitality. I wish the next visitors will enjoy their stay here just as much as I have. We'll meet again, in this life or the next.". Lillian turned to Morantes and said "I liked them, lets call this place Delmar and the creek Serena". Morantes joyfully agreed, accompanied by the cheers of the children.   Over the course of Growth the family built a nice little house. Early Harvest a trader and his son stopped by in Delmar. Though the house was hardly big enough for the family, they invited the trader and his son to stay with them. The night was warm though so nobody slept inside. All shared good stories and had a nice time. The trader gifted them three nice bottles of wine. "To share with the next visitors." he said.   Like the trader many other visitors came and went, all having nothing but good things to say about visiting Delmar. Each visitor left a gift, making the Equis feel exceptionally welcome in this new environment. Near the end of Rest an exceptionally handsome man by the name of Marled came to visit. He clearly stated that this house was a lovely temporary accomodation. "I understand why you stopped here." he said, clearly implying that he knows this is meant to be a temporary home for some. The sweet words of the stranger put all in an intoxicated state and during his stay he wedged himself between the father and mother, both literally and metaphorically, strengthening the sense of broken maritial bonds. He left them with a large iron coin, embossed with gold and inlaid with a diamond on one side and a ruby on the other. Marled added "A prayer to the lady in the presence of the coin will not be ignored." clarifying that he supported their dedication to Timurantia. When he left he parted with the familiar words "Thank you for your hospitality. I wish the next visitors will enjoy their stay here just as much as I have. We'll meet again, in this life or the next.". Though the words would send a chill down the spine of most, the spines of the Equis writhed in ecstasy.  

Pure Pleasure and Peer Pressure

Many a wonderful experience was to be had in Delmar and within a few years the entire region knew. Children had children, with suiters both known and unknown. One day a member of the Ovesten family gave birth to a Tiefling, mother and child were executed in private, hardly anyone knew of the affair. However, the family was outraged and suspected they knew where it had come from. They informed the firmly established order of Lenneyart about the debauchery that was taking place in Delmar. A most holy man was sent from Molik to investigate. Peterrin Devon was his name, a priest of Lenneyart and advisor to the Ovesten royal family. Peterrin, along with several acolytes arrived in Delmar to give a stern lecture on the virtues of modesty. The hospitality of Delmar was extended to them and they politely declined the more indulgent affairs. Guided by the light of Lenneyart they stayed pure of cause and even started swaying some of the visitors. On the 5th day they called for a fast and several guests participated. Lillian, fearing this would threaten the curse falling upon them once again, took the coin Marled gave them and prayed to Timurantia to send them a priest of their own. Two days later, much to the relief of the Equis, a beautiful priestess came into town with an entourage of acolytes, all fair but not as fair as the priestess. She introduced herself to Peterrin "I am Serena, priestess of the Lady. We are pleased to find so many men of faith in a place like this.". Peterrin thought Serena was introducing herself as a priestess to Vubera while the Equis understood this was the same Serena as before, and they believed her to be a priestess of Timurantia. The beguiling look of Serena took Peterrin off guard and he calmly obeyed when she suggested they would "Retire to discuss the defilement.". The guests that followed Serena started talking to the acolytes and before anyone really understood what was happening the virtues of modesty faded, like a drop of water into an ocean of wine. Peterrin also caved in to the temptations of indulgence. He didn't want to leave Delmar but had a duty to report back "I must go, lest they sent for me an army with a vengeance. I shall be back to once again hold you all in a loving embrace, like the dawning sun embraces us in the glory of morning.". He reported that the wonderful people of Delmar were so hospitious that all wanted to visit. "It is a sun touched meadow with a wonderful guesthouse. The people there live in modest houses and leave the best to share with their guests. I cannot for the life of me speak evil of that place."  

A moment of Sorrow

On the 11th of Decay 2421 AA Lillian who by then was an old woman passed away. Contrary to the customs of the region Lillian was burried, as was custom for members of the Equis family. Her burial ceremony was respectful but brief. The children and grandchildren had organized a rememberance feast. Burried in the morning, mourned in the afternoon, celebrated in the evening, forgotten by night. That was the fate of Lillian Equis.  

An eternity of Spite

Lillian her spirit did not find its way into the afterlife. Bound to Delmar, the devil after which the place was named, she was given the powers of a temptuous fiend. The next day she wandered the road to Delmar and before she knew it she manifested on the material plane in the visage of her younger self. A beautiful young woman with regal attire. She sought her former husband but he had no interest in her. Frustrated she engaged in many relations while ensuring her Morantes would see her, hoping he would recognize her but it was to no avail. Though there were many interested in her, including kin who were yet to be born when she was young, but they didn't fill the void that she felt. Frustration turned to spite and she confronted her then husband but as she was about to reveal her true nature she felt a magical leash tighten around her. She turned around and saw nothing until all faded and she found herself in the Ethereal Plane once more. The people around her fading like shadows in the sun. There stood one clear form, Delmar, holding a large iron coin, embossed with gold and inlaid with a diamond on one side and a ruby on the other. In that moment she understood the vanity of her prayers and the hollowness of pleasure. Understanding that there was no straightforward way to fight this she devised a plan to break her husband.  

Nudge at the house of cards

Happy ever after doesn't exist for the Equis outside of Covenhold. Lillian drifts through the Ethereal Plane wondering how she can right her wrongs. "It was supposed to end with us." she whispers to herself. "But this deranged life is engrained in us, it pervades our very being. Covenhold wasn't the problem of our self absorbed lives, we were. The curse cannot be broken." The words fade and thoughts flutter. Lillian grasps at what she can retain of herself. "There is no way back. My children are dancing at the edge of oblivion and I can't make them turn around." She accepts that her existence now is to make people follow the same life of revelry as she had lived, she has become an agent of pleasure. She is a slave to her past, doomed to lead others to an equally damned future. As despair washed over her she suddenly felt the jerk of a proverbial leash on her being, lifting her up. It was Serena, who smirked at her and said "Your children need you.". The vileness of those words turned Lillians despair into a spark of vengeance. She can't save her former husband or her children, but there need not be any more that walk the same damned path as they did. Thoughts were racing through her head "They are dancing at the edge of oblivion, pulling in more and more innocent souls. If I can't pull them away then I shall push them in.". Her mind was now clear "Yes Serena, I shall tend to the children and the guests." and she procured a smirk on her face. Over the course of the next seasons she led her children farther and farther into debauchery and taboo pleasure, all while making sure her husband was there to notice the depraved changes. She ensured that any anger and jealousy was soon swept away by the next indulgent act, allowing the negative emotions to fester in the backs of their minds. <Lillian makes her children and grandchildren engage in increasingly more taboo pleasures and eventually causes the guests to dig up her corpse and parade it through the town and into the guest house to feast with her.>   <in short> Father and mother broke martial bonds but under duress. They lived together and their suitors were many. They lived lives of pleasure and for a while, genuine joy. Mother died at one point. It was sad but pleasure couldn't wait. Incredibly inappropriately mourning was cut short to allow pleasure to continue. A deed that brought the incubus a lot of pleasure and caused the family to live with a lot of unresolved grief. The unresolved grief festered and led to the children and their children seeking increasingly taboo pleasures. Father became restless though he normally resided in the magnificent guest house, the constant celebrations and pleasurable events were causing him distress so he built a small shack just far enough from Delmar that he didn't have to hear the activities but still near enough to the grave of his former wife. Morantes finally broke when one of the guests had, in an intoxicated state, dug up the mother and was having her take part in the feast. Morantes went to take part in the feast, mind completely broken yet never clearer. He didn't seek the usual pleasure but instead was there as a host, the man of the house, the lord of the manor. He ensured everyone was having the time of their lives and then loudly declared "To the cellar you decrepit corpses!" to which everyone laughed and obeyed. Once everyone was in he loudly declared "Let not one cork be left in their bottle! The floor will be red! The walls will be red! Even the ceiling we shall paint red!" Everyone cheered with a drunken joy. Amidst the turmoil he locked the door and joined in with a laughter that was distinctly different. From under his clothes he procured a dagger bearing the Equis family crest, two crows in flight, and proceeded to slaughter all who were there. Each time the dagger slit a throat, the blood would paint the floor, the walls, and even the ceiling. Blinded by the pleasure of murder he slew his own family and in the end, himself. He became a wraith and raised many specters from the souls that were yet to uncover their demise. Among these specters were his children. As long as the wraith persists the cellar is painted red with wine and blood and his body appears to be fresh, his hand firmly holding the dagger that is embedded into his heart, and the glistening silver crest of the Equis family clearly showing a murder of crows.  

Robes and flowers

Delmar has been abandoned for over a century. Many have tried to make their home here but they gave in to temptation and were subsequently slain by specters. Word spread that you should only stay in Delmar for a day and absolutely no more lest you would join the restless spirits. Valter Campbell a devout priest to Lenneyart spoke of the supposed undead that roamed there. He had been there himself and inscribed his warding prayers on the doors but didn't dare to venture into the guesthouse without proper backup. The order of Lenneyart had little interest in this endeavor, reminding Valter that in the past an excursion revealed this place was "a sun touched meadow" and no ill should be spoken of it. Valter turned to other priests and was advised to seek the aid of a priest of Canthelas by the name of Panton Mudfoot. Panton was intrigued by this place and understood that these restless spirits were a danger to the surroundings. The rumor that one might join the restless spirits led him to believe there was a wraith here, perhaps an especially tragic death had occured and the issue could be solved without much trouble.   The two priests set out together with two Human acolytes of Dauntilus and three halfling acolytes of Canthelas. Together they cleared the town but in the basement of the guesthouse the horrors eventually became too much for the acolytes. The priests pressed on and made their way to the backroom. As Morantes manifested in what was the heart of his lair, Panton realized this was no ordinary wraith. In this place Morantes was more than a wraith, he was a spirit, clear of mind and aware of what he had done. "If not for me this depravement had spread all across the region. I am Delmar, this is my home. Anyone pure of heart needs not worry my wrath, only those who seek overindulgence in pleasure." Though Valter didn't trust the words of an undead, it did make sense to him as he too despised the dedacent overindulgence that could take a hold of people. Panton understood that though this sounded like a plea, it wasn't, it was an ultimatum. "Begone agent of Nantelk. Let these souls find their way to the afterlife, depravity or no. Keep no spirit bound, doomed to fade away into despair." Morantes turns to his wraith form and lunges at Panthon. Panton turns to Valter "Send for me Valter, let my people clear this place once and for all." he turns back to Morantes and before the spirit can touch him he procures a flower from his wreath and utters magical words "By the grace of Canthelas I bind you and your army to my anchor.". Pantons spirit and body separate. His spirit becomes an anchor to which the others are bound. His body slumps to the ground and enters stasis. Valter, horrified by what he just saw, now finds himself in a completely silent cellar. The illusion or conjuration of a feast has disappeared. All that is left is a cold empty cellar with broken bottles, dirty dishes, and rotten food.   Valter never did send for Panton for on his way home he met a wonderful woman named Serena who convinced him that priesthood might not be his true calling.  

Basement

When one enters the basement it seems like they just missed the party of their lives. Candles are still lit, the scent of wine and vomit still in the air, platters of food still on their tables. The only thing missing is the guests. When Panton Mudfoot came his people cleared the bodies out and burned them outside, as is their custom. They didn't touch or take anything else, including coin pouches and bottles of wine. As a result there are still plenty of coin pouches and other valuables to be found.
  Loot marked with (H) are too heavy to take along without a cart, items with (F) are fragile, items marked with (I) are illusory. A DC signifies the Investigation DC required to find it.  

Northern dining area

The northern dining area has a couch with plenty of pillows and some more pillows in corners. On the left side is a table fit for 6 people.   In the northern dining area are three scenes. In the first scene the ghostly images of two female guests are sitting on the sofa, filled wine glass in hand, talking about the most delicious pastries that they have ever eaten. "Oh Grace my dear, these pastries... HMMM. I am telling you, next time you're in Molik go visit Miles his bakery. These pastries are to die for." Then the visage of Morantes appears, carrying a plate of chicken surrounded by pastries and places it on a low table surrounded by pillows. "Jenny is right Grace, they are indeed to die for. Dive in." The two slump to the floor, drunk as a skunk. As they shove a pastry in their mouths morantes procures his dagger, pretending to carve the chicken only to slit both their throats with cold calculated precision.   In the second scene there are five people sitting at the table talking and laughing. There is an opened bottle of wine at the far edge of the table and six filled wine glasses. Then someone walks in from the lower left carrying a large wheel of cheese with six daggers sticking out of it, touching in the middle. He sits down and each person grabs a dagger. They cheer with drunken joy "Wheel, wine, dagger, CUT!" and they all plunge down the dagger and cut up the wheel in six large wedges. The scene flutters for a moment as all seem to hastily consume the wedge of cheese. One finished their wedge and as the others are still devouring their wedge he yells "Wheel, wine, wedge, WINNER!". The others, with cheese still in their mouths throw their hands in the air in celebration as they cheer and laugh.   Moments after the second scene a third one appears. The party is over, the guests are passed out at the table. Morantes floats into the room. With his thumbs on his pinkies he sticks the remaining six fingers outwards, back of his hands touching. He raises his hands and the six daggers follow. His hands split and he makes the gesture of a circle and the daggers follow, flying up, aside, down, and into the backs of the guests. The guests scream in pain but the ghastly appearance of Morantes puts his finger to his lips and shushes. "Shhh, they are sleeping." he says as his other finger points to the sleeping room. The screams instantly stop as the air is driven out of their bodies.   Encounter 1:
When one of the players tries to touch the chicken, the platter, the pillows or the sofa, two specters will appear and attack. At the start of combat chicken is thrown at someones gut, the platter at their shins, and the pillows at the face. DC 13 Dexterity saving throw for each item. On a failed save the chicken deals 1 bludgeoning damage and gives them disadvantage on anything for 1 round. The platter to the shins deals 1d4 bludgeoning damage and slows them by 10 feet for 2 rounds. The pillows deal no damage but stick to the target, blinding and deafening them for 1 round.   Encounter 2:
When the vision of Morantes killing the guests ends, Morantes turns to the players, becomes a wraith and sends the 6 daggers at them. Morantes remains for a while, attacking anyone who comes close. He then uses the backstab ability and fades away.   Loot:

pouch with 7 gems worth 10 gp each

coin pouch with 19 sp and 12 gp

coin pouch with 11 ep and 8 gp

1 vile of antitoxin

4 art objects worth 25 gp, (silver ewer, small gold bracelet, pair of earrings, locket that used to hold paintings) The paintings seem to have been violently removed from the locket.

6 art objects worth 50 gp, (pipe with a decorative pipe holder, 2 paintings (H), 3 Ossonian crystaline wine glasses (F))

Sleeping area

Rugs and bedrolls cover a floor of wine soaked hay. The sweet smell of wine is occasionally interrupted by a whiff of mold and decay.   There is one scene in this room.
Morantes leads a group of people from the southern entrance to the west. "Come my children and esteemed guests, this way to feast with the lady of the house!" A single person that was semi passed out grunts. "Oh scuze me." his tone softens to a whimsical whisper "Quiet, can't wake the light weights. Hihihi." He opens the curtain to let everyone through. Among the crowd you see someone carrying a skull. After the last person went through he whispers again with the same whimsical tone "Go ahead, I'll be right there. I'm gonna make sure our little friend is properly asleep.". He then closes the curtain, procures his dagger and slits the throat of the man who groaned. For good measure he slits the throat of another passed out guest as well.   Encounter:
2 Ochre Jellies are hiding under the rugs, they seep through and attack if someone steps on the rug, granting them a surprise round.   Loot:

pouch with 5 gems worth 50 gp each

coin pouch with 16 sp and 14 gp

coin pouch with 19 cp, 13 ep and 12 gp

6 art objects worth 25 gp (2 rugs (I), 2 sets of party clothes, 1 slightly soiled party mask, 1 pocket mirror with copper edges)

Short sword sheat inlaid with gems worth 150gp (DC 14)

Northern wine cellar

Broken bottles line the floor. There is a surprising number of slots to put bottles in and several still hold intact, closed bottles.   There is one scene here.
Morantes leads the guests into the wine cellar, once he is certain everyone is too busy grabbing wine bottles he procures his dagger and slits the throat of one of the guests.   Loot:

31 bottles of Common Wine worth 1 gp each

11 bottles of Fine Wine worth 10 gp each

DC 12 3 more bottles of Fine Wine

2 bottles of Exquisite Wine worth 100 gp each

DC 14 2 more bottles of Exquisite Wine

DC 16 1 bottle of Wide Wils premium, DC 16 Intelligence check to know it should be worth a fortune by now if sold to the right person

Southern wine cellar

There is one scene here.
Morantes follows the natural flow of his guests and he says "No delaying, grab what ever bottle you want. Next we raid the pantry." One drunken guest is half naked, laughing and cheering. He drunkenly falls onto Morantes, causing a clear look of disgust to wash over his face. He shoves the man aside and then proceeds to pretend to help him up but instead shanks him right in the liver. The mans scream of agony is drowned out by the drunken cheers of the guests.   Loot:

coin pouch with 19 cp, 16 sp, 21 gp, and 1 pp

coin pouch (DC 11) with 18 gp, 5 pp and a note "the bearer of this note is owed 187 gp by Tamora Ovesten" and it is signed by Tamora Ovesten.