Good heavens! Don't startle me like that- I thought you were the ghost! Oh, wait... you're not part of the staff! *Ahem* Excuse my manners, it's been awhile since we've had guests here. May I assist you? My name is Edmunds. I have been the butler of the Prendergast Estate ever since Master Prendergast acquired this house.

1. What ghost were you talking about?

Things have not been the same in this house since-- No matter... There is no ghost, just some hogwash that's been circling among the household staff since... since the recent tragedy that befell us. What happened, you ask? It... it is not something we discuss with strangers. But perhaps... I have been in a bit of a bind with the recent desertion of several members of our staff. Many things still need to be done, now with fewer hands, so I require a bit of assistance...

1. No problemo, I'm here to help. But first, maybe you can tell me a bit more about this place.
2. No thanks! I'm here to explore, not to do chores.

Wonderful... an extra pair of hands! If you help me with some tasks, I'll do my best to enlighten you about this place.

As I mentioned, this home belongs to Jonas Prendergast, the premier toy maker in Masteria, and perhaps all of the Maple World! Master Prendergast makes all of his wonderful toys right here, in his Workshop at the top of this house. You have heard of the Prendergast Toy Company, haven't you? No?!

It is as I feared. I should say, Master Prendergast was once the premier toy maker, but as you can see, this place, and his reputation, has recently fallen into a bit of disrepair. Master Prendergast once made the most wondrous toys, his delightful creations were beloved by all children! His products made him rich, many times over, affording him this lavish home, and that drew the attention of many females. Jonas has been married several times over - seven wives in all, in fact.

However, Jonas had but a fleeting passion toward all of his wives- even this latest one. But the only female who held his attention was his daughter, Sophilia.

Ah, Sophilia. Such a happy, darling child. Then came that tragic day, a day which will be scarred forever in my memory... A terrible, dark day. Since that day, this house has grown so cold, so cold...

Enough of my prattling... We must all carry on, so back to the task at hand! The groundskeeper, who used to chop and gather the firewood for the house, was one of our recent casualties... We have no more, and it will take much to fill all the fireplaces of this manse. If you can help me by bringing me 60 Firewood, it would get Ludmilla off my back, at least for the moment. Ludmilla is Master Prendergast's current wife, the current lady of the house. She has been complaining about the chill. Do hurry with the wood, Ludmilla can be quite the merciless nag!

Service is a noble calling, my young friend. Perhaps you should look into acquiring more maturity before you return here.

Wonderful! The chill was beginning to make my joints ache! Now we can get these fireplaces going again. So many of them in this house. But first things first, I haven't forgotten my end. Come back and ask me what you wish, I shall do my best to enlighten you.

1. Can you tell me about the layout of the Mansion?

Certainly. You are currently standing in the Foyer. The Library is at the other end of the house. You can reach that by going through a series of rooms and hallways from here. Master Prendergast's Toy Workshop is at the very top of this mansion but it's only accessible through the doors at the top of the Library.

1. Ok. Thanks for pointing out the way. Anything else I should know?

Do be careful, the house is large and can be a bit confusing to navigate. And one more thing... In addition to the noises, I've been noticing some very odd things... What odd things? I don't know how to explain it exactly. Some of the rooms simply don't feel right anymore. I've been tending to this house for decades, but somehow, it feels a bit different... almost as if the rooms are moving around on me. Must be the time of year.

1. Is there anyone else in the house?

As I mentioned previously, most - or dare I say, all - of our household staff have left unexpectedly, complaining about strange noises and... um... sightings. Who do you want to know about?

1. What can you tell me about the lady in the picture?

That's Lady Ludmilla. You will likely find her in one of the bedrooms. That woman assumes that everyone is here to serve her whims!

1. How about the man in the center portrait?

Ah, that's Master Prendergast. As for him, he is presently... busy. He has sequestered himself in his Workshop at the top of the Mansion. Please do not disturb him.

1. Ok. Thanks for the info.

Thank you once again for lending a hand. It has been difficult to maintain this house by myself. Here is your reward. It's a little concoction I cooked up... helps me get through the days I'm feeling a little ill and overworked.

Now I must go tend to my next task... apparently Ludmilla wants me to sweep out the Chimney. Of all things! Especially after what happened to Miss Sophilia! The woman never runs out of thankless tasks for me to perform!

In fact, if you are looking for more to do, you can go see Ludmilla. I'm sure there's a million and a half things that wretched woman needs help with. I understand if you balk at the thought though, I know firsthand how difficult she can be. If you are not up for being harangued, take my advice and steer clear of her... or she'll press you into her service whether you wish it or not!