Dunlowe House
Dunlow House Orphanage is an eerie, decaying Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Neo Boston, shrouded in shadows and mystery. Originally a refuge for orphaned children, it has fallen under the care of the sinister Miss Gretchen Lovelace, who uses the orphanage as a front for her dark rituals. The house’s once-grand architecture is now marred by cracks, overgrown vines, and fogged windows, giving it a haunted appearance. Inside, the children seem entranced, moving as though in a dreamlike state, and strange echoes of a lullaby drift through the halls. Magical wards woven into the building’s structure repel prying eyes and keep the true nature of Dunlow House hidden from the outside world, transforming it into a place of quiet dread where secrets linger in every shadow.
Purpose / Function
Dunlow House was originally intended as a sanctuary for orphaned and abandoned children, providing them with shelter, education, and care. Currently, under Miss Lovelace, it serves as an orphanage but harbors a far darker purpose. Unbeknownst to the authorities, Miss Lovelace uses it as a front to entrap children, placing them under her supernatural influence and preparing them for dark rituals that feed on their souls.
Alterations
Over the decades, various small alterations have been made to strengthen the orphanage’s mystical defenses. Miss Lovelace has added subtle but potent wards around the building, ensuring that any uninvited visitors are subtly deterred and that strange occurrences within are masked from the outside world. These enchantments keep the children docile and ensure that her influence remains undisturbed.
Architecture
Dunlow House is a Victorian mansion, its architecture characterized by tall, narrow windows, steeply pitched roofs, and ornate stonework. Once grand, it is now a decaying relic of the past, its brickwork cracked and its exterior weathered by time and neglect. The windows are fogged and occasionally missing panes, and the walls are overgrown with vines and moss. The interior is similarly aged, with faded wallpaper, creaking wooden floors, and dimly lit halls that deepen the eerie atmosphere.
Defenses
The building’s primary defenses are magical rather than physical. Miss Lovelace has woven complex enchantments into the very foundation of Dunlow House, creating wards that repel ordinary visitors and discourage investigation. These wards are potent enough to cause unease and subtle hallucinations in those who enter, confusing them or weakening their resolve to stay. The lullaby that sometimes echoes through the halls also acts as a subtle influence, lulling children into an obedient, almost trance-like state.
History
Dunlow House began as a benevolent institution, funded by White Crest’s elite as a refuge for children in need. Over time, its reputation faded, and it became known for its cold, unwelcoming atmosphere. Miss Lovelace assumed control of the orphanage years ago, transforming it into a front for her soul-harvesting operation. Under her care, Dunlow House now operates as a haunted, nearly forgotten institution, known to residents only as a last resort for children in need, with little oversight or interference from the outside.
Founding Date
1897
Parent Location
Owner
Related Report (Primary Locations)
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