Ok. I was kind of intimidated because I felt that I screwed up this game a little bit as one player wasn't really all that into it.
The other though I think had a good session. But I am kind of negative a lot and focus on my failings. (Boo!)
If I was to do it again I'd probably make it clear that the maid did it from the start and trust everyone to build on the game as we has a weird metagame situation where the maid's player kept passing me notes as his primary way of interacting with the game. I've never GMed a game where a player has passed a note to me and I found it a bit weird and it was still obvious anyway that the maid was up to something.
At this convention I played a game with Meg from the podcast and it was a really amazing game. It's too bad there's not been a show since.
Blanche the Maid
Name: Blanche the maid
Concept/Bio: Dangerous maid
Lifepaths: City Born, Pickpocket, Lead to Villager, Serving Wench, Lead to Noble Court, Servant
Age : 27
Stats: Wi: B4, Pe: B4, Po: B4, Fo: B4, Ag: B4, Sp: B4, Speed Mult.: x3.5
Attributes: Ref: B4, Ste: B4, Hes: 6, Hea: B5, MW: B10, Circles: B2, Resources: B0
PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B5 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10
Beliefs:
I will direct the Constable to suspect Percival, I've been serving long enough!
I must find the will first and forge a replacement.
The land deed is worthless to me without the will. But I can still use it as leverage over the others.
Instincts:
When discriminated against plan revenge.
Always provide a cup of tea.
Always hide my tool kits.
Traits: [Char] Plain Face, [Char] Veneer of Obedience, [Char] Extremely Bitter, [Char] Buxom, [C-O] Charming
Skills: Etiquette B2, Forgery B3, Inconspicuous B4, Poisons B3, Sleight of Hand B5, Soothing Platitudes B3, Streetwise B2, Ugly Truth B2
Affiliations: 1D Black Manor
Reputations:
Relationships: Old Boris the Brewer (Minor, romantic love, forbidden)
Gear: Poison Toolkit, Forgery Toolkit, Clothes, Shoes
Property:
Spells:
Weapons:
Bare Fisted I:B2 M:B4 S:B6 Add 2 VA 0 Fast Shortest
Situation cheat sheet:
Lord Black:
I was Lord Black's maid. Very trusted. But I secretly resented him and saw an opportunity to claim his estate as my own.
Lord Black's Will:
I don't know what the will says. I think it is inside the globe in the study with his whisky.
Lord Black's Land Deed:
I know that Lord Black owned some land that he wasn't using. It is barren.
Lord Black's Death:
He was meant to die in his sleep but died far sooner than I'd anticipated.
Thassleroot Powder:
I powdered the thassleroot from the gardens and placed the poison in his food.
Percival Black:
Percy is Lord Black's nephew he's a fop and is not capable of managing the late Lord Black's assets.
Hollyhill:
He's a spooky one. He's the gardener and has a family. We've socialised in the past but not beyond acquaintances.
Grimace:
He's part of Lando's gang. They're a mean group. But he's a predicable dumb muscle.
Constable Wiggins:
Constable Wiggins is with the church. If he discovers it was me I'll likely be drowned as punishment. He knew Lord Black quite well. I wouldn't be surprised if he was mentioned in the will.
The night before:
The guests all arrived late. I gave Lord Black his meal later than usual as he hadn't eaten. He showed all the guests in (Wiggins, Percy and Grimace) in whilst I was busy.
Constable Percy Wiggins
Name: Constable Wiggins
Concept/Bio: Stern Constable to deliver justice
Lifepaths: City Born, Temple Acolyte, Tax Collector, Judge
Age : 32
Stats: Wi: B5, Pe: B5, Po: B3, Fo: B3, Ag: B4, Sp: B4, Speed Mult.: x3.5
Attributes: Ref: B4, Ste: B6, Hes: 5, Hea: B4, MW: B9, Circles: B2, Resources: B3
PTGS: Su: B2 Li: B4 Mi: B6 Se: B7 Tr: B8 Mo: B9
Beliefs:
Lord Black was my friend. I will arrest his murderer.
I know Blacks will is hidden somewhere in the manor. I will retrieve it and fulfil his wishes, I know he'd have left something to the church to ensure that his soul has it's rightful place in heaven.
I will arrest Grimace for something, even if not this.
Instincts:
Always say a prayer before enacting justice.
Never trust a criminal.
Always gets a confession.
Traits: [Dt] Believer, [Dt] Hard Hearted, [Char] Ornery, [Dt] Tonsured, [Char] Stern
Skills: Amercement B3, Boxing (Martial Arts) B3, Church Law B2, Criminal-Wise B3, Doctrine B2, Interrogation B3, Intimidation B3, Observation B2, Read B4, Rule of Law B3
Affiliations: 2D The Church of of He Almighty, 1D Local Courts
Reputations: 1D Dispenser of brutal justice
Relationships: Lando - Criminal Boss (Significant, hateful/rival)
Gear: Clothes, Shoes, Holy Book, Riding Pony
Property: Church Villa
Spells:
Weapons:
Bare Fisted I:B2 M:B3 S:B4 Add 2 VA 0 Fast Shortest
Situation Cheat sheet:
Lord Black:
I was Lord Black's friend. We regularly discussed matters of faith and land use.
Lord Black's Will:
There are others around that want it. As his friend I must ensure his will is done. I expect he'd leave his lands to the church.
Lord Black's Death:
I heard a commotion. I headed to the upstairs hall. Lord Black was at the bottom of the stairs, dead. The four suspects were there, yawning and rubbing their eyes.
Lord Black's business:
I came to Black Manor because Lord Black had summoned me. He wanted to discuss something with but he told me we'd do it tomorrow as it was late.
Percival Black:
Lord Black had no heirs but had a brother who is Percy's father. He may have done it for the money. My first name is also Percy but hardly anybody ever calls me that.
Hollyhill:
He is the gardener and stable master. I've only seen him in background before. There's something odd about him.
Grimace:
He's part of Lando's criminal gang. I don't know why he is here but surely it's a criminal intent.
Blanche the Maid:
I've been served tea by her before. She keeps to herself. Lord Black trusted her.
The night before:
The rain last night had upset my pony and I had to feed her at a stable. I arrived late to Black Manor, so late that I only saw Lord Black briefly, he said we'd discuss business tomorrow. I was allocated a spare room and went to bed.
Grimace the extortionist
Name: Grimace
Concept/Bio: Extrotionist
Lifepaths: City Born, Coin Clipper, Lead to Outcast, Bandit, Freebooter
Age : 26
Stats: Wi: B5, Pe: B3, Po: B5, Fo: B4, Ag: B4, Sp: B4, Speed Mult.: x3.5
Attributes: Ref: B3, Ste: B7, Hes: 5, Hea: B3, MW: B10, Circles: B2, Resources: B1
PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B5 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10
Beliefs:
Lord Black owed my boss a land deed. I will not leave until I have it.
I am not a bad person, I will do something good for someone.
The only one worth extorting is Percy. I could be his worst enemy if he lets me be.
Instincts:
Always draw my sword when trouble starts.
Always thank the divine when I win.
Never make a promise that I don't intend to keep.
Traits: [Dt] Light Sleeper, [Dt] Cold Blooded, [Dt] Clumsy, [Char] Merciless, [Char] Amenable
Skills: Coin-Wise B1, Extortion B4, Falsehood B3, Forgery B2, Gambling B2, Intimidation B2, Lockpick B1, Persuasion B3, Stealthy B4, Streetwise B2, Sword B4
Affiliations: 1D Lando's Gang
Reputations: 1D Local thug
Relationships: Lando - Criminal boss (Significant, other family)
Gear: Sword, Clothes, Shoes, Reinforced Leather Armour
Property: Small cottage
Spells:
Weapons:
Bare Fisted I:B3 M:B5 S:B7 Add 2 VA 0 Fast Shortest
Sword I:B4 M:B7 S:B10 Add 2 VA 0 Fast Long May Great Strike
Situation Cheat Sheet:
Lord Black:
I didn't know Lord Black well. My boss Lando did some kind of deal with his land. No malice. I was greeted and welcomed warmly.
Lord Black's Land Deed:
I need to bring this to my Boss. I don't care that Lord Black's dead, Lando made it very clear that I bring it back no matter what.
Lord Black's Business:
He was going to give me the land deed. Somebody else arrived at the manor later than I did so he said that I'd get it tomorrow. He must have needed to explain the deal to one of the others.
Lord Black's Death:
I arrived on the upper landing first. I saw Lord Black broken at the base of the stairs. Then everyone else showed up.
Percival Black:
Percival is a noble. He's some kind of relative of Lord Black.
Hollyhill:
This man is a gardener he seems pretty down to earth if somewhat spooky.
Blanche:
Blanche gave me some tea when I arrived. She's the maid.
Constable Wiggins:
The constable has it in for me. He knows my boss and we've been avoiding confronting him for a long time.
The night before:
I arrived quite late and was greeted by Lord Black. It seems someone else was also late so we'd have to discuss my acquisition of the land deed in the morning.
Hollyhill the gardener:
Name: Eric Hollyhill
Concept/Bio: The guilt ridden gardener.
Lifepaths: Village Born, Kid, Wizard's Apprentice, Groom, Lead to City Dweller, Groom, Groom
Age : 34
Stats: Wi: B4, Pe: B4, Po: B5, Fo: B4, Ag: B4, Sp: B4, Speed Mult.: x3.5
Attributes: Ref: B4, Ste: B4, Hes: 6, Hea: B5, MW: B10, Circles: B2, Resources: B1
PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B5 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10
Beliefs:
My crime heavy on me but justice is so brutal that I'd rather go down fighting.
My family means the most to me. I can only stay employed if Lord Percy inherits!
My dark gift has exposed me to powers and people that could allow me to frame another.
Instincts:
When in the gardens check the plants and soil.
When working do it loudly.
Always ensure the master's animals do not want.
Traits: [Char] Bad Egg, [Char] Always in the Way, [Char] Assistant Pig Keeper, [Dt] Gifted, [Char] Hardwork, [Char] Spooky
Skills: Animal Husbandry B4, City-Wise B2, Farming B2, Foraging B4, Horse-Wise B2, Inconspicuous B5, Mending B5, Pig-wise B2, Read B2, Riding B4, Road-Wise B2, Soothing Platitudes B2, Traveller-Wise B3, Trouble-Wise B2, Ugly Truth B2
Affiliations: 1D Black Manor
Reputations: 1D Spooky gardener
Relationships: Marie Hollyhill (Minor, immediate family, romantic love), Little Bobby Hollyhill (Minor, immediate family), Crazy Manannan the Sorcerer (Minor, other family, forbidden, hateful/rival)
Gear: Gardening tools, Clothes, Shoes, Gold medal (biggest vegetable growing contest)
Property: The leaky shed
Spells:
Weapons:
Bare Fisted I:B3 M:B5 S:B7 Add 2 VA 0 Speed:3 Shortest
Garden Implement I:B4 M:B7 S:B10 Add 2 VA 0 Speed:2 Long Two Handed May Great Strike
Situation cheat sheet:
Lord Black:
My master was a good fellow. He was a good man to employ me and very understanding. I am sad that he's dead.
Lord Black's Death:
I was at the top of the stair and I saw Lord Black upset about something. I tried to comfort him but managed to upset him further. He told me that I was going to be fired. My untrained powers ignited and repelled the master down the stairs. He shouted a loud curse as he fell so I ran away.
Lord Black's Business:
I don't know what he wanted to do but he brought three very different people to the manor. Percy, Wiggins and Grimace.
Thassleroot:
I grow thassleroot in the gardens. Some went missing a while back.
Percival Black:
As a gardener I need to show respect to my social superiors such as Percival. I need to be invaluable to such people. Although he's a bit of a dandy. He's visiting the manor regarding some business. He comes here maybe once every few years.
Blanche:
Blanche is the maid. I have drank with her once in the past but she rarely talks about herself.
Grimace:
Folks in the town say he's a bad man. If you should come across him in the wilds he'd cut you down for coin. He is here on business with Lord Black but I don't know the details. He's not been to the manor before.
Constable Wiggins:
If he discovers that I did it, even if it was an accident, I'm going to get hung up, cut open and have my entrails burned before me. He's been here before and knew Lord Black well. He's visited the manor several times.
The night before:
The three guests were all late. I spent my time alone until I next saw the master atop the stairs. I was planning on enquiring about the harvest plans when he became upset and muttered to me my dismissal.
Lord Percival Black
Name: Lord Percival Black
Concept/Bio: Foppish lord.
Lifepaths: Born Noble, Page, Student, Lead to Noble Court, Courtier
Age : 24
Stats: Wi: B5, Pe: B4, Po: B4, Fo: B4, Ag: B4, Sp: B5, Speed Mult.: x3.5
Attributes: Ref: B4, Ste: B4, Hes: 5, Hea: B4, MW: B10, Circles: B2, Resources: B2
PTGS: Su: B3 Li: B5 Mi: B7 Se: B8 Tr: B9 Mo: B10
Beliefs:
I am an innocent man. I'll prove it with my regal bearing and claim my inheritance.
It's obvious, the murderer is whoever is after my uncle's estate and land.
I need to fire Blanche and Hollyhill in case they wish me dead.
Instincts:
Always get them to challenge you to a duel so I can set the terms.
Always keep my preferences in matters of love a secret.
Never get my hands dirty.
Traits: [Dt] Mark of Privilege, [Dt] Rapier Wit, [Char] Fop, [Char] Your Lordship, [Char] Pompous
Skills: Brawling B2, Court Gossip-Wise B5, Dance B2, Etiquette B3, Hunting B2, Inconspicuous B2, Noble-Wise B2, Observation B2, Oratory B2, Persuasion B4, Read B3, Riding B4, Seduction B4, Stealthy B3, Sword B3
Affiliations: 2D Constantine's Court
Reputations: 1D Court Fop
Relationships: Sir Geoffrey (Minor, romantic love, forbidden)
Gear: Finery, Shoes, Sword, Villa
Property:
Spells:
Weapons:
Bare Fisted I:B2 M:B4 S:B6 Add 2 VA 0 Fast Shortest
Situation cheat sheet:
Lord Black:
Lord Black was my uncle. He was much more involved with the lower classes than he ought to have been.
Lord Black's Land Deed:
I know my uncle had land that was not worth anything without investment.
Lord Black's Business:
I don't know why my uncle invited the church representative and a common thug to discuss business.
Lord Black's Death:
I came out of my room to see everyone looking down from the upper landing to the body at the base of the stairs. I nearly fainted!
Blanche:
My uncle's house keeper. I don't know her really but she's been living in the servant's quarter for some years.
Hollyhill:
My uncle's gardener. He used to scare me when I was younger.
Grimace:
I don't know why my uncle brought this common villain to the manor even if it was business.
Constable Wiggins:
The constable was a friend of my uncle. They discussed the religion frequently. I bet he'd have something to gain from my uncle's death.
The night before:
I had to take a different path to the as I had heard of robbers on the road so I was late for the meeting. My uncle greeted me and told me that his news would have to wait until tomorrow as it was a late hour. I was then shown to my room.
The will:
I, Lord Lazerus Black, being of sound mind and disposing memory and not acting under duress or undue influence, declare this document to be my Last Will and Testament, and do hereby revoke any and all other wills and codicils heretofore made by me.
First I direct all my debts, and funeral costs be paid by my estate. Constable Percy Wiggins shall act as my executor and oversee that my funeral is in accordance with the faith and I am rested in most holy manner.
Second my lands owned by me, should I still own them, with the exclusion of Black Manor and gardens within its walls, will be passed on to my nephew Percival Black however there will be conditions. As of writing this the land will need much work to become valuable and I intend to make to make my nephew a stronger person by having him personally take responsibility for its welfare. Should the land be neglected 2 years from my death it shall be passed onto the Church of He Almighty.
Third the entire property known as Black Manor and other assets of my estate owned by me at my death I bequeath to Percy for I am without wife or son of my own.
Fourth should any party be unable to receive any part of my will or should I have overlooked any item that I acquired between writing the will and my death then those things shall be passed to the Church of He Almighty.
Fifth this will was witnessed by Bishop Hardcastle in the year of our Lord 1550.
The tricks in the will are two technicalities. The land had probably already been sold to the bandits after the will was written, Lord Black's business was going to be about this matter. The other technicality is that there are two people called Percy in this scenario so the estate's rightful owner is ambiguous as the will could mean either. Read the line starting "Third" again.
I've jiggered the beliefs to make it run better if I ever do it again. And I've created a more comprehensive situation cheat sheet for each player.
