The Ransom Compound

Situated in the heartland of the Xinsi Empire, less than a day from the coast and a half days travel to the burgeoning district of New Xinstock, situated north of the road to the Ridgeway.

The main house and surrounds is well appointed and maintained.

Augustus Ransom

Role: Aspiring Patriarch, Manor Lord/Administrator
Traits: Ambitious, Skilled Administrator, Proud, Loyal to Family Hierarchies
Motivation: To become the next patriarch and maintain the family's prosperity and status.
Relationship with Reid: Reid views Augustus with suspicion and disdain, considering him overly ambitious and a ladder climber.

Mildred Ransom

Role: Supportive Spouse
Traits: Caring, Loyal, Non-Confrontational
Motivation: Supports Augustus unconditionally and focuses on her son's upbringing.
Relationship with Reid: Mild interaction, overshadowed by Reid's issues with Augustus and Constantine.

Constantine Ransom (Conny)

Role: The Prodigal Son
Traits: Entitled, Unruly, Lacks Boundaries
Motivation: To enjoy his status without responsibilities or repercussions.
Relationship with Reid: Contentious, with Reid often sneering at Constantine's behavior.

Sylvia Alcott

Role: Acting Matriarch of the Alcott Family
Traits: Dutiful, Efficient, No-Nonsense
Motivation: To manage the household and estate effectively.
Relationship with Reid: Commands respect; Reid follows her directives, albeit reluctantly.

Dylan Alcott

Role: Sylvia's Husband, Kept on a Short Leash
Traits: Prone to Laziness and Indulgence if not monitored
Motivation: To enjoy his status within the boundaries set by Sylvia.
Relationship with Reid: Shares mischief and indulgences, often getting into trouble together.

Sherri & Terri Alcott

Role: The Magically Gifted Alcott Twins
Traits: Unsettling, Silent Observers, Intrinsically Magical
Motivation: Their motivations are as mysterious as their actions.
Relationship with Reid: Surprisingly good, given their unsettling nature.

Theodora Shanks

Role: Hedge Witch, Free Spirit Turned Anxious Mother
Traits: Magically Gifted, Former Adventurer, Now Protective
Motivation: Ensuring Percy Jr.'s safety and magical education.
Relationship with Reid: Shares a close bond over their mutual dislike for nobility constraints.

Percy Shanks Sr.

Role: Labourer Turned Noble
Traits: Reserved, Unfamiliar with Nobility
Motivation: To support his family within his new noble status.
Relationship with Reid: Minimal but respectful.

Percy Shanks Jr.

Role: Young, Magically Inclined, and Empathetic
Traits: Intelligent, Curious, Likely Magically Gifted
Motivation: To explore his growing magical abilities and the world.
Relationship with Reid: Likely seen as a role model or intriguing figure due to Reid's adventures.

Hugh Ransom

Role: Patriarch
Traits: Traditional, High Expectations, Administratively Minded
Motivation: To uphold the family's noble status and legacy through traditional means.
Relationship with Reid: Strained and confusing for Reid, who feels he can never meet Hugh's expectations.

Eleanor Ransom

Role: Matriarch, Wizard
Traits: Magically Powerful, Supportive of Reid's Potential
Motivation: To nurture the magical talents within the family and possibly reignite Reid's interest in magic.
Relationship with Reid: Complicated but supportive; she indulges Reid's excuses, hoping to spark his magical development.

Estate Grounds Staff

The Vintner: Marcellus Vine

Role: Master of the Vineyard
Traits: Knowledgeable, Passionate about Wine, Meticulous
Motivation: To produce the estate's renowned wines and manage the vineyard's operations.
Interaction: Offers wine tastings and tours, potentially involving the party in a vineyard mystery.
Race: Dwarf

The Handyman: Jasper Tink

Role: Fixer of All Things
Traits: Ingenious, Resourceful, A Keeper of Secrets
Motivation: To maintain the estate and its many mechanisms, hidden passages, and secret rooms.
Interaction: Could involve the party in uncovering or repairing a hidden aspect of the manor.
Water Genasi

The Farrier: Elena Hoofsmith

Role: Caretaker of Horses
Traits: Strong, Compassionate, Skilled Artisan
Motivation: To ensure the health and performance of the estate's horses, both for work and equestrian sports.
Interaction: May seek help from the party for a magical or mysterious ailment affecting the horses.
Human

The Groundskeeper: Old Thorn Green

Role: Guardian of the Gardens and Lawns
Traits: Grizzled, Wise, Connected to Nature
Motivation: To keep the estate's grounds pristine, hiding its wilder magic and secrets.
Interaction: Can guide the party through the estate's natural mysteries or hidden outdoor sanctuaries.
Human

The Cook: Beatrice Hearthwell

Role: Culinary Genius of the Estate
Traits: Culinary Artist, Perfectionist, Motherly
Motivation: To delight the estate's inhabitants and guests with her cooking, while managing the kitchen staff.
Interaction: Could involve the party in gathering rare ingredients or solving a kitchen crisis.
Human

Ted (Elf)
Clarissa (Gnome)
Barnabas (Dwarf)
Annette (Human)

Lucius (Alchemist)

Lucius and the Shanks family are in Kheledzund petitioning the Stone Den to accept Percy Jnr for education. 26 years ago, he would have been snapped up by the Sepulchre, which would be both a blessing and a curse.

Hugh will arrange a feast for the guests for lunch on the day after their arrival.

Ransom Estate Special Occasion Menu

Starter

Herbed Citrus Lentil Salad: A refreshing salad made with estate-grown lentils, mixed with a medley of citrus segments (oranges, lemons, and limes), garnished with freshly picked herbs (parsley, mint, and thyme), and drizzled with a citrus-herb vinaigrette.

Soup

Roasted Root Vegetable Soup: A hearty and warming soup featuring a blend of roasted carrots, parsnips, and beets from the estate, puréed and seasoned with garlic and a hint of mustard, served with a dollop of crème fraîche and crispy shallots.

Main Course

Herb-Crusted Lamb with Mustard Sauce: Lamb from the estate's livestock, encrusted with a mixture of fresh estate-grown herbs, roasted to perfection, and served with a robust mustard sauce. Accompanied by a side of roasted fingerling potatoes and steamed green beans.
Vegetarian Option: Stuffed Bell Peppers: Bell peppers from the garden, filled with a flavourful mixture of quinoa, citrus zest, diced root vegetables, lentils, and herbs, baked until tender and topped with a sprinkling of feta cheese.

Side

Citrus-Herb Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with a colourful array of estate-grown citrus fruits, chopped herbs, diced root vegetables, and a zesty citrus dressing.

Dessert

Citrus Herb Sorbet: A light and refreshing sorbet made from the estate's citrus fruits, infused with a hint of garden herbs like mint and lemon balm, served with a thin, crispy wafer.

Beverages

Assorted Citrus and Herb-Infused Waters: Refreshing and beautifully presented pitchers of water infused with slices of citrus and sprigs of herbs from the estate.
Estate Wine Selection: A curated selection of wines produced from the estate's vineyard, carefully chosen to complement each course of the meal.