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PENVELLYN INITIATES

 

RANDULF THE RED ( – 1401)

Randulf the Red, known for his bright red hair, was a heroic figure at the Battle of Poitiers. He received recognition from King Edward III for his bravery and was awarded the lands in the region called “Penvellyn”. His children would take on “Penvellyn” as their surname. Blackmoor Manor was built by Randulf the Red himself.

Randulf believed that the proper qualities for his instruction skipped every generation, implying that Milo had the required qualities which his father, Odo, did not possess.

Randulf had six children:

• Odo (1354-1404) – had a keen interest in farming and cows. He also collected manuscripts. He had three children: Milo, Cecilia, and Jacobus. Odo’s motto is “Prosperitas,” which can be translated as “Prosperity”.
• Annor (1356-1379) – unknown
• Simon (1358-1411) – unknown
• Agatha (1361-1415) – became a nun and resided in Ireland.
• Margery (1363-1371) – died when she was 8 years old.
• Guydo (1364-1433) – outlived all of his siblings.

Randulf’s motto is “In Hoc Signo, ” translated as “In this sign”. This is a shortened version of the complete phrase “In hoc signo vices,” which means “In this sign, you will conquer.” This phrase is associated with the story of Emperor Constantine, who allegedly saw a vision of a cross in the sky before a decisive battle and interpreted it as a sign of victory.

MILO PENVELLYN (1376-1423)

Milo Penvellyn was a skilled military leader who inherited his grandfather’s red hair and military prowess. In 1417, he played a significant role in the siege of Caen during the Hundred Years’ War. Milo was recognized for his achievements by being granted additional lands by King Henry V. Milo was the first initiate.

Milo Penvellyn had one child:

• Hugo (1401-1466) – had eight children: Albert, Josephus, Anicia, Robertus, Jenet, Lucia, Jone, and Adam. Hugo’s motto is “Cito fit quod Dei volunt, ” translated as “What God wills, happens quickly”. This implies that Hugo believed when something is meant to happen, according to a higher power, it will manifest rapidly and without delay.

Milo’s motto is “Victum Invideo Silente,” which can be translated as “The conquered shall envy the dead” (according to Loulou). This implies that Milo believed the suffering and hardships endured by the conquered are so severe that death might be considered a preferable alternative.

ALBERT PENVELLYN (1427-1508)

Albert Penvellyn was a mysterious figure well-versed in scientific knowledge and studied alchemy. His extensive knowledge made the people of Blackmoor fearful of him. Not much is known about his life and accomplishments.

Albert used a dragon as a symbol for the athanor (a type of furnace or forge that alchemists used in their experiments). Rumors suggest that Albert possessed the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance believed to have the power to transform base metals into gold. The existence of the Philosopher’s Stone was a central pursuit in alchemy. However, it’s important to note that these are just rumors, and the truth of whether he actually possessed such an item remains unknown.

Albert Penvellyn had four children:

• Edmund (1447-1499) – had a notable interest in breeding cows and sheep. His expertise in this area earned him recognition from the king, resulting in some award. Edmund had one child: Charles. Edmund’s motto is “Ut cementum feceris, ita metes, ” translated as “as you sow, so shall you reap”. This implies that Edmund believed the outcomes experienced in life are often a result of the choices and efforts we put forth.
• Nicholina (1448-1501) – died in infancy
• Walter (1449-1471) – unknown
• Marge (1451-1520) – unknown

Albert’s motto is “Timendi causa est nescire” which can be translated as “the cause of fear is ignorance”. This implies that Albert believed that by acquiring knowledge and becoming educated about something, we can alleviate fear and gain a better understanding of the situation.

CHARLES PENVELLYN (1478-1553)

In the 16th century, Charles Penvellyn was a well-known and respected judge. He was well-known for writing key legal works.

Charles Penvellyn’s journal reflected his tremendous anguish over the death of his son Garrett. He also raised fears regarding the future of the Penvellyn dynasty and the estate’s bequest. Given that his male heir died so early, Charles seems resolved to break with tradition and modify the way inheritance works within the family.

Charles made both males and females eligible to become initiates (before, only male heirs could become initiates). He also left the Penvellyn traditions to the Bosinny family, emphasizing the significance of keeping their knowledge secret.

 

Charles Penvellyn had two children:

• Gillian (1501-1584) – married the Duke of Balingsford. However, she chose to stay at Blackmoor to raise her son, Thomas. Eventually, when Charles passed away, the estate was inherited by Thomas. Since she was not an official heir, Gillian does not have a portrait or a coat of arms.
• Garrett (1501-1520) – tragically drowned on his 19th birthday. His untimely death was a great loss to the family.

Charles’s motto is “Minima Maxima Sunt, ” translated as “the smallest things are the greatest”. This implies that Charles believed in the importance of paying attention to the little details and appreciating the significance they hold, even if they may seem insignificant at first glance.

THOMAS PENVELLYN (1526-1584)

Thomas Penvellyn was known for writing poetry. Thomas had three wives for his life (not simultaneously). Their names were: Catherine, Anne, and Mary.

Thomas Penvellyn had five children:

• James (1560-1650) – never married, but one day he found a baby at the doorstep to Blackmoor Manor and raised her as his own. The baby’s name was Elinor. His motto is “Ars Longa” which can be translated as “Art is long”. This implies that James believed in the timeless nature of art and its ability to transcend time, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
• Francis (1562-1604) – had a significant dispute with his brother James and ended up living in France.
• Elizabeth (1563-1584) – unknown
• Jeffrey (1565-1628) – unknown
• George (1566-1611) – unknown

Thomas’s motto is “Age Pro Viribus” which can be translated as “In all that you do, do your best” (according to Loulou).

ELINOR PENVELLYN (1626-1650)

James Penvellyn was known to be a “flamboyant” individual and remained unmarried throughout his life. One day, a baby appeared mysteriously in Blackmoor Manor. James took her in and raised her as his own.

[NOTE] I think Nigel is implying that James was g*y. I cannot be certain.

The arrival of the baby, Elinor, raised suspicions among the townsfolk who believed she might be a changeling or a “faerie” baby. “changeling” refers to a common folklore belief that fairies or supernatural beings would replace a human child with one of their own.

However, it is suggested that Elinor was likely the child of a local milkmaid who abandoned the baby on James’s doorstep. This could explain the seemingly inexplicable arrival of the baby in his household.

Elinor Penvellyn had a rather vocal critical stance towards Oliver Cromwell’s policies. Elinor devised a security system in Blackmoor Manor using door chimes and used it to help many of Cromwell’s enemies flee the country.

A mysterious and fearsome creature known as the “Blackmoor Beast” was said to be prowling the moors while Elinor was mistress of Blackmoor Manor. The villagers, fearing the creature and seeking to protect themselves and their livestock, asked Elinor to put a bounty on the beast’s head. However, surprisingly, she not only refused their request, but she also forbade anyone from hunting or harming the creature.

Rumors spread among the local villagers. Some believed that the Blackmoor Beast might have been Elinor’s husband, whom she had supposedly cursed after he discovered the Penvellyn family secret. These tales contributed to the fear and suspicion surrounding Elinor.

1650 Elinor was wrongfully accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. She was executed during the height of the witch trials in Essex, and there were rumors that Cromwell had arranged her conviction. Elinor’s father, James, witness her death and died

Elinor Penvellyn married Le Comte de Roquefort and had three children:

• Edward (1646-1704) – was raised by his aunt in France. He had a keen interest in languages and worked as a translator. Edward never visited Blackmoor Manor. He does not have a portrait or a coat of arms. Edward had four children: Corbin, Helene, Frederic, and Colin.
• Virginie (1648-1666) – was married to the Duke of Barrowbold but tragically died during the Great Fire of London.
• Francois (1649-1710) – a dwarf; rose to prominence and became a trusted confidant to King Louis XIV in France.

Elinor’s motto is “Audaces Fortuna Iuvat” which can be translated as “Fortune favors the bold”. This implies that Elinor believed in being bold and courageous in order to achieve success.

CORBIN PENVELLYN (1670-1741)

Corbin Penvellyn was not a British subject and spent most of his life in France. He lived in the Chateau de Vertu where he had a secret room.

Corbin wished to assert his rightful ownership of Blackmoor Manor and live there openly. However, his grandmother’s name still evoked fear and hatred among the nearby villagers. Whenever Corbin visited the manor, he had to remain cautious and discreet. However, Corbin’s experiments eventually drew attention. The nearby villagers noticed unusual sounds and strange lights coming from the Manor during nighttime and reported this to the constable.

Corbin Penvellyn had three children:

• Philippe (1689-1777) is rumored to be a notorious pirate, the Silver Snickersnee. However, these rumors were never proven as the sea captains who could confirm this met untimely ends. Philippe claimed to be a wealthy merchant who made a fortune in the New World. His financial success allowed him to buy back most of the lands that were confiscated by Cromwell and reclaim Blackmoor Manor. Philippe had five children: Penelope, George, Henri, Marianne, and Jean. Philippe’s motto is “Novus Mundus” which can be translated as “New World”. This refers to European explorers’ discovery and exploration of the Americas during the Age of Discovery.
• Theophile (1690-1781) – lived on the island of Mauritius and was known for his botanical discoveries.
• Brigitte (1691-1789) – a cricket enthusiast and a sponsor of the Essex Cricket Club in 1751.

Corbin’s motto is “Nunquam Dediscebo,” which can be translated as “I will never unlearn”. This implies that Corbin committed to lifelong learning and refused to stop growing intellectually.

PENELOPE PENVELLYN (1714-1783)

Penelope “Penny” Penvellyn was a highly admired and influential figure in England during her time. It is said that a million poems were written about her. Penelope was a patron to a group of artists, and her salon (a gathering of intellectuals and artists) was quite popular. Her support for artists and writers suggests she had a keen interest in the arts and culture of her time.

Penelope lived a free and unconventional lifestyle for her time. She even kept her maiden name after her marriage, which was unusual in an era when women typically assumed their husband’s name.

Penelope collected 18th-century French novels, indicating a passion for literature and history. Additionally, she commissioned the creation of a card-playing automaton named Betty. This shows an interest in technological and innovative pursuits.

Penelope Penvellyn had two children:

• Martha (1739-1791) – an eccentric and adventurous personality. She was known for her bizarre outfits and being among the first women to ride on a steam train. Martha had four children: Brigitte, Peter, Isabelle, and Jacques. Martha’s motto is “Sine Scientia Ars Nihil Est” which can be translated as “without knowledge, art is nothing”. This implies that Martha believed that without a foundation of understanding and expertise, art lacks substance or meaning.
• John (1741-1782) – an opera singer mainly known for performing in some of Mozart’s operas.

Penelope’s motto is “Pulchritudo In Omnia” which can be translated as “beauty in everything”. This implies that Penelope believed in finding beauty in all aspects of life or existence.

BRIGITTE PENVELLYN (1759-1833)

Brigitte Penvellyn was deeply passionate about astronomy and astrology. She was reputedly self-taught in these subjects, as male teachers seemed to be intimidated by her intelligence. Others perceived her as somewhat eccentric.

Brigitte’s favorite time of the year was the longest night, the winter solstice, December 21. She seemed to have a special connection to the stars and the night sky, as evidenced by her Moon Box, star charts, telescope, and astrology panel.

Brigitte never married and had no children of her own. She adopted her sister Isabelle’s son, Richard. Richard’s motto is “Si sic omnes” which can be translated as “If only this could last forever” (according to Loulou). Unfortunately, Richard later got killed at the Battle of Waterloo while fighting against Napoleon. He left behind three children: Edward, William, and Caroline.

Brigitte’s motto is “Ludi sine Gaudio, ludi non sunt, ” translated as “Games without joy are not games”. This suggests that Brigitte believed that games lose their true nature and purpose without the element of joy.

EDWARD PENVELLYN (1809-1904)

Edward Penvellyn was an adventurous and well-traveled explorer. He was passionate about exploring the world and embarked on numerous expeditions, venturing to various places, including India and the Middle East. It seems he preferred the excitement of exploration over spending much time at home with his family.

Edward had a younger brother named William who died at age 3. Edward named his son after him.

Edward’s relationship with his son William was not very close, despite both being explorers. They would unexpectedly encounter each other in remote and unusual locations like Samarkand and Walla Walla, suggesting that their paths crossed purely by chance during their explorations.

Edward Penvellyn had eight children:

• William (1833-1901) – an explorer like his father, although they had a strained relationship. William had one child: John. William’s motto is “Diem Perdidi”, translated as “I have lost the day”. This implies that he experienced regret or frustration over wasted time or missed opportunities.
• Casandra (1834-1903) and Hector (1834-1882) – twins; Casandra was an early enthusiast of lawn tennis and had a tennis court installed at her home, while Hector was the first ball boy.
• Sophia (1838-1909) – a significant collector of Impressionist artwork, although most of her collection was destroyed in a fire.
• Arthur (1840-1910) – had a rather adventurous, and perhaps infamous, life, living in the wild west in the Americas and being associated with El Diablo’s gang (a reference to Nancy Drew #3: Message in a Haunted Mansion).
• Cynthia (1850-1949) – unknown
• Catherine (1851-1952) – lived the longest of any Penvellyn, dying at the age of 101.
• Rose (1855-1941) – lived in France with her granddaughter Rachel during World War II, but both tragically lost their lives.

Edward’s motto is “Bis Vivat Qui Bene Vivat, ” translated as “He lives twice who lives well”. This implies that Edward believed a person who lives a good virtuous life has a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

JOHN PENVELLYN (1873-1954)

John Charles Harold Penvellyn was a prominent naturalist who conducted extensive explorations in the Amazon rainforest, likely to study its biodiversity and ecosystem. During one of his daring expeditions, John acquired Loulou the parrot and brought her back to England with him.

John was involved in the scientific practice of plant hybridization, which consists in crossbreeding plants to create new varieties with desirable traits. Many of the plants in Blackmoor Manor’s conservatory were a result of John’s work. In recognition of his significant contributions, John received the 1912 Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Amateur Plant Hybridizers Association of Great Britain.

John Penvellyn also authored a children’s book, “Grenny and the Water Fairy,” published in 1937. [NOTE]: Rose’s daughter must have married her cousin John and had Rachel.

[NOTE] I could be wrong here, but I believe that John married his cousin (the daughter of Rose). Jane states that Rose and Rachel are grandmother and granddaughter. That’s the only way the relationships makes sense to me.

John Penvellyn had five children:

• Malachi (1894-1972) – pursued a career in medicine, specializing in research on skin diseases. He was also involved in car racing. Malachi had two children: Leticia and Alan. Malachi’s motto is “Numen Lumen” which can be translated as “Divine Spirit is Light” or “Divinity is Light”.
• Rachel (1895-1941) – died in France during World War II and was possibly part of the French resistance.
• Obadiah (1895-1975) – spent most of his life in the US and married a woman named Eustacia, who is described as being creepy (this is a potential reference to Eustacia Andropov from Nancy Drew #5: The Final Scene).
• Esther (1897-1951) – friends called her by her nickname Polly.
• Nahum (1898-1911) – tragically died at the age of 13 during a flu epidemic.

John’s motto is “Per Aures Ad Animum, ” translated as “Through the Ears to the Mind”. This implies that John believed the information is best acquired through listening.

ALAN PENVELLYN (1923-1993)

Alan Penvellyn was an accomplished researcher and educator passionate about mathematics, computer science, and linguistics. His significant contributions to academia led him to win many prestigious awards. Alan had a unique research approach, demonstrated by using Loulou the parrot to write his dissertation on linguistics and animal communication.

Alan had a playful side, as evidenced by his love for making up Cockney rhymes with his sister during their younger days. He also enjoyed games, particularly pranks, and was constantly tinkering with things, which suggests a creative and curious personality. He programmed a computer game called “Find the 13 Ghosts,” which was playable only during specific late-night hours. This reveals a possibly whimsical interest in ghost-related themes.

It is not noted how many children Alan had, but his eldest (only?) son is named Hugh.

Alan’s motto is “Purgamentum Exit, ” translated as “Garbage Out”. This phrase is commonly used in computer programming or data processing to say that if incorrect information is input, the results will also be wrong. This emphasizes the importance of making sure information is input correctly so that the results will be useful.

MODERN-DAY CHARACTERS

 

LINDA PENVELLYN

Linda Gabriella Petrov Penvellyn is the new wife of Hugh Penvellyn, a British diplomat and the current owner of Blackmoor Manor. She now resides in the historic Penvellyn family manor with Hugh’s twelve-year-old daughter, Jane, from a previous marriage. Linda’s health has deteriorated since moving into the Manor and has become practically bedridden. Her mother is concerned about her and wants to find out what is wrong.

Linda is experiencing physical and emotional distress, which she attributes to a mysterious curse she encountered after discovering a secret passageway in the Manor. She believes that the curse is making her undergo a lycanthropic transformation into some beast. Her symptoms include pale skin, dry mouth, fatigue, and the appearance of hair on her hands. Linda is also experiencing temper tantrums and seems to have developed an aversion to food, preferring to eat meat almost raw.

Linda struggles to cope with her situation, and her relationship with her stepdaughter, Jane, is somewhat strained. On the other hand, Jane seems curious about Linda’s condition and might have seen a mysterious “lady in black” leaving a note on Linda’s nightstand.

Despite Linda’s attempts to push Nancy Drew away, Nancy is determined to help her and seeks advice from an expert on lycanthropy, Paliki Vadas. Paliki explains that lycanthropy is a psychological disorder where individuals believe they are transforming into an animal due to stress and the power of suggestion.

It is revealed that Jane was engaging in a series of pranks to convince Linda that she was becoming a monster. Her pranks involved sneaking her uncle’s hair restorer into Linda’s moisturizer and slipping allergy pills into Linda’s food, making her feel dizzy and unwell. Following apologies from Jane to Linda and from Hugh to both of them, they resolved to make efforts to foster a genuine familial bond.

JANE PENVELLYN

Jane Penvellyn is a twelve-year-old girl living in Blackmoor Manor in England. Her father, Hugh, is a British diplomat. Her mother, Renee, is an opera singer living in Paris. Hugh and Renee are divorced. Jane was devastated after the split, but others believe her emotional state has improved over time. It took two years for Hugh to enter into a new marriage, this time with Linda Petrov.

Linda’s health begins to decline mysteriously, and Jane becomes concerned, particularly after witnessing a strange woman dressed in black leaving a note in Linda’s room.

Jane displays a curious and imaginative personality. She loves playing games and has a collection of board games, puzzles, and card games. She wants to create computer games when she grows up.

[NOTE] Jane often mentions her crush on Brady Armstrong. This is a reference to Nancy Drew #5: The Final Scene.

Jane’s life at the manor becomes quite lonely, with her father often away on business trips, leaving her in the care of her stepmother, Linda, and Mrs. Leticia Drake, her aunt. She also has a tutor named Ethel Bosinny, who hails from a long line of tutors that have served the Penvellyn family for generations.

Jane’s true intentions came to light when it was discovered that she had been playing pranks on Linda, leading her to believe she was transforming into a monstrous creature. These pranks included secretly mixing her uncle’s hair restorer into Linda’s moisturizer and slipping allergy pills into her food, causing her to feel disoriented. She made up the story about seeing the woman in black. Jane’s motivations stemmed from her desire to reunite her biological parents.

Following Jane’s apology to Linda and a heartfelt apology from Hugh to both of them, they decided to work towards becoming a genuine family. Jane was encouraged by Hugh to create a puzzle to protect the meteorite in the old alchemy lab, in the same tradition as initiates have done for centuries.

HUGH PENVELLYN

Hugh Roland Penvellyn is a British diplomat who travels frequently due to his diplomatic duties. He recently married Linda Petrov. They reside together in the historic Blackmoor Manor along with Hugh’s daughter, Jane, from his previous marriage. However, Linda’s health has been declining since moving to Blackmoor Manor, which has become a cause of concern for Hugh and Linda’s mother, Mrs. Petrov.

As the owner of Blackmoor Manor, Hugh is responsible for ensuring that Linda lives in the estate for at least six consecutive months in their first year of marriage to retain ownership. Failure to meet this requirement would result in Mrs. Drake inheriting the estate instead.

Hugh’s genuine concern for Linda’s well-being is evident, as her recent behavior includes unexplained temper tantrums and rage, leading to strain in their relationship and difficulty in communication.

Before marrying Linda, Hugh was married to a woman named Renee, who is Jane’s biological mother. Their divorce occurred approximately two years before Hugh’s marriage to Linda.

Hugh’s father, Alan, was a scholarly individual who favored and doted on his granddaughter, Jane, more than he did on Hugh himself, which created a sense of jealousy in Hugh.

In the end, Hugh became interested in his family history after discovering the manor’s secret passageways and intriguing gadgets. Curious about the Penvellyn traditions, he even asked Ethel to teach him what she had taught Jane.

LETICIA DRAKE

Leticia Penvellyn Drake, born in 1925, is known for her love of plants and spends much of her time in the conservatory, tending to her prize seedlings and maintaining the vast array of plants her grandfather, John Penvellyn, brought back from his travels.

After her brother and her husband passed away, Leticia found herself alone at Blackmoor Manor, taking on the role of caretaker for the estate in her nephew Hugh Penvellyn’s absence. With Hugh working as a British diplomat and frequently away on business, the responsibility fell on Leticia’s shoulders to oversee the household affairs.

When Linda marries Hugh and moves into Blackmoor Manor, Linda’s health mysteriously begins to deteriorate. Leticia takes it upon herself to care for Linda during her illness and is deeply concerned about her well-being. However, she, too, is at a loss as to what is causing Linda’s decline.

Leticia is a traditionalist who diligently adheres to the Penvellyn family’s customs and rules. This includes the Six Month Habitation Clause, which stipulates that the current owner’s spouse must reside in Blackmoor Manor for at least six consecutive months. Failure to do so would result in half of the estate passing to the next legal heir, which, in this case, is Leticia.

Ultimately, Leticia’s concern for Linda’s well-being and dedication to the Penvellyn family history prove her genuine love for her family’s legacy. Despite her firm exterior, she is a woman deeply rooted in tradition and family values.

ETHEL BOSINNY

Ethel Bosinny is Jane Penvellyn’s tutor. Mrs. Drake hired her to continue to the tradition of the Bosinny family tutoring the Penvellyns.

Ethel’s teaching approach seems to be quite rigorous and comprehensive. She ensures that Jane receives a well-rounded education, including subjects like history and geometry. Ethel’s emphasis on Penvellyn family history and obscure history seems to be unique to her tutoring.

Ethel knows about the “Mutus Liber,” an old book left by Jane’s grandfather, which she regards as an heirloom and insists should belong to Jane.

Ethel has a secretive side and seems to be involved in some mysterious activities that may be connected to the Penvellyn family’s history or traditions. She warns Nancy not to explore the secret passageways, implying that there are consequences for the “uninitiated.”

Ethel appears to have a close and supportive relationship with Jane. Jane admires her and looks up to her as a role model. They share a secret ritual involving a chant and pouring oil into a hole in the floor of the Great Hall, the purpose of which remains mysterious to others.

NIGEL MOOKERJEE

Nigel Mookerjee is an ambitious scholar and aspiring author conducting research on the Penvellyn family at Blackmoor Manor and their history, from witch trials of Elinor Penvellyn in 1650 to tales of its legendary creature known as “Blackmoor Beast”, with red eyes who roamed freely over its grounds.

At Blackmoor Manor, Nigel can often study old manuscripts and books related to the Penvellyns in his library, taking particular pleasure in uncovering their hidden treasure and dark mysteries. He takes great delight in finding out the truth behind them all.

Nigel seems more intent on sensationalizing his family history to write a bestseller rather than providing an accurate historical account. Furthermore, his publisher seems intent on pressuring Nigel into producing captivating material for his book, which raises serious doubts about his intentions and credibility as a historian.

Nigel decides to leave Blackmoor Manor after concluding it is haunted, only to realize after returning for his laptop that some compelling material may have been missed out. When Nigel returns for it he becomes more eager than ever for more info from Nancy and starts pestering her with questions.

 

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