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This formerly run-down Victorian home* in the Corwin's Folly district of Amber City was once the property of Sophie Payne, mother of Johann Payne. Following her death during the invasion of Amber, Damien became the new owner, though he did not take residence for several years. Upon moving in year +65, however, Damien made numerous renovations. He hired Johann as his architect, and both men lived together there until they had their falling out over a matter of politics. Apart from Johann, no one involved in the construction worked longer than a week on the job. Rumors abound of secret passages in its thick walls, though it is likely that if there are passages... there are also traps.

As is the case with homes built in this style, it is three stories high with a round tower (or turret) and wraparound porch. As is often the case, this house has curved glass windows in the tower. The roof is of slate, and it has several bay windows on the upper floors. The attic has a single oval-shaped stained glass window, which can be opened in the summer for ventilation. Johann's fine workmanship can be seen in this window, which displays both his own revolver and quills as well as Damien's winged snake without looking garish.

Grounds

The grounds are surrounded by a chest high stone wall topped by a tall spiked cast iron fence. The yard is shaded by several large trees, and the grass and flower beds are well maintained by a groundskeeper. The groundskeeper's cottage serves as both his home and a storage location for his various tools. The grounds are not large, at least compared to a Garnathi country mansion, but the groundskeeper works to keep them in magisterial condition.

Kitchen and Pantry

Damien spared no expense to equip his staff with the finest kitchen Amber's physics would allow. It is not designed to cook for more than 12 or 16 people, but has marble counter tops and internal plumbing. The stones for the oven were imported from a far distant shadow, and indicate their temperature by subtle shifts in color. They also retain heat very well. A well-insulated icebox is kept cold with imported blocks of sawdust and ice.

Servant's quarters

While Damien's groundskeeper lives in his cottage, the butler, maid, and cook have quarters within the building.

Entrance Hall

Dining Room

Damien's dining room can seat 16, with China imported from Victor Earth's Jade Domain and a matched set of silver and gold utensils from Persa and Etrusca.

Parlor

Damien entertains guests in the parlor, and friends in the den.

Den

The Den is appointed in something closer to Damien's own style. The furniture is all cherry and dark leather, and the bar is stocked with spirits from across shadow. It also contains a large humidor stocked with tobacco products from across shadow, as well as more questionable smoked and inhaled drugs of a perishable nature. Although Damien does not make frequent use of it, an attractive brass hookah sits in one corner. Cabinets and drawers contain a variety of other chemical pleasures, to suit the tastes of any friend or guest. This is the sort of smoke-filled room where deals are struck, and plots hatched.

Library

Damien is quite the bibliophile, and his library contains books he has collected from across shadow, from the writings of Ayatal to Johann's works on politics and history. Works of fiction from across shadow are also contained within its sturdy shelves.

Guest Rooms

Although they are used only infrequently, the home has several richly appointed spare bedrooms in a variety of styles.

Johann's Room

While Johann retrieved most of his personal possessions when he moved out, he left much of the furniture behind. Damien has had the room left intact, perhaps in the hopes that Johann would return one day.

Master Bedroom

Not even Johann's mute servants are allowed within the master bedroom.

Damien's Office

Damien's office is attached to his bedroom, hence servants are not allowed within this room either.

Basement

The basement contains work space for Damien and Johann's respective projects, and is a copy of the workspace which forms the backdrop of the trumps of Damien and Johann which Johann painted in Damien's Victor Earth manse. Rumors speak of a concealed sub-basement where Damien practices his dark arts.

Staff

Damien has a groundskeeper, valet/butler, maid, and cook. All live on the premises. The butler and cook are husband and wife, and the maid is their daughter. All three are congenital mutes from Victor Earth.

* As far as Johann and Damien are concerned, a Victorian home refers to a style of house built in North Texorami during the reign of King Victor, of the Brentish Empire in Victor Earth.