You make merry in the halls of Castle Blackwood, praising or cursing your host's name in jovial conversation, as you nurse your cups and pick at your sumptuous plates. And at the head of it all, is Sir Aldric Blackwood himself, the man of the hour, telling again his timeless tale of how he slew the barbaric chieftain of the Tironde with naught but a broken spear.
Whether or not you count yourself among his believers, you listen intently still, as you do not wish to draw undue attention to yourself. Verily, you are among those that clap the loudest, striving for favor in his eyes. There is something he alone can do for you, and as the supplicant, you have no other option but to seek his approval.
As the meal gives way to carousing and drunken games of derring-do, you break away and rehearse your persuasions, knowing that Sir Aldric's aid would solve the worst of your problems. You consider how to enter into the circles that currently hold him hostage in conversation, and you realize that you must act quickly, lest your enemies gain his favor before you do.
Little did you know that it would all be for naught, for the very next day, Sir Aldric would be found with a dagger in his heart. His death also means the death of your hopes... until you hear his wife proclaim a boon to whomever finds the murderer of her love and her life.
In a show of support, and of the sway Lord Aldric held in life, you soon realize that the servants and guards have quietly barred the gates of the castle. No one can leave, and neither can anyone enter, without the Captain's approval. You sense a growing unrest, a disquieting unease in their state of mind as they watch you with disdain.
Yet, you resolve to earn your salvation, for one thing is certain - the murderer is locked up along with you all, like a viper in a stable, and one knows not whether they wish to strike again.
Welcome to The Shadows of Blackwood Keep, a Medieval Whodunnit !
This game is set in Castle Blackwood, one of the few great fortresses of the new Kingdom of Ondevras. You, the players, have been invited to a feast by Sir Aldric for various reasons known only to yourselves and your host - of course, rumors about you may abound behind your back. Unfortunately, as you now know, the poor lord has been found with a dagger in his chest. His death has shocked all, and in a frenzied attempt at justice, the lord's Captain has ordered the castle gates to be shut, preventing any entry or exit by the guests and the lord's household. Fortunately, access to food and water is not a problem on account of preparations made for a lengthy feast.
The real danger is the killer on the loose. Also on the line is the Lady's boon, of which will be forfeit, if she perishes in this quest for retribution. No doubt there are likeminded folk in the group, and perhaps, working together with them, you may all find a better ending to the ghastly tale.
Now, who are you and how did you get into this mess?
Any interest in this concept? Still working out the homebrew mechanics of it all, but this is pretty much the vibe.
With regards to number of players, I think I'll be sticking to a group of 3 to 4.
Would love feedback!
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