Hidden Compartment - Golden Hand Log Book
Hidden Compartment
Hendrick kept a second, more dangerous record hidden in his office. A narrow false panel has been built into the underside of a wall shelf behind his desk. It can also be concealed inside the back of a ledger cabinet, beneath a loose floorboard, or behind a removable timber brace if that better fits your staging.
Inside is a smaller bound notebook wrapped in oilcloth: a Golden Hand log book. Unlike Hendrick's ordinary camp records, this book was never meant to survive inspection by outsiders.
Challenge: Search Hendrick's Office
After the obvious papers are recovered, a careful search of the office can reveal signs that Hendrick concealed something more. Scratches on wood, uneven dust, and a hidden seam indicate a secret compartment built into the room.
Primary Check Perception DC 17, Thievery DC 16, or Society DC 17
Critical Success The character notices the compartment quickly and opens it without damage. They also recognize that the smaller book was deliberately kept separate from Hendrick's ordinary records. Reward: The party recovers the Golden Hand Log Book and realizes immediately that it is a private, concealed record rather than ordinary camp paperwork.
Success The character discovers and opens the hidden compartment. Reward: The party recovers the Golden Hand Log Book.
Failure The office appears thoroughly searched, but the hidden compartment goes unnoticed for now.
Critical Failure The character overlooks the compartment and becomes confident that the office contains nothing else of value. Another character can still search the room later, though the false confidence may delay that effort.