The Case of the Missing Artifact

BAKER STREET: Roleplaying in the World of

Sherlock Holmes

THE CASE OF THE MISSING ARTIFACT

By Adventure Contest Winner (2014): Melissa Millar

Additional Content: Bryce Whitacre

Layout: Amanda KahlPage 4 Art: Sidney PagetPage 9 Art: Amanda Kahl

Fearlight Games: Kirby Young

John Varan (order #6984440)

THE CASE OF THE

By Melissa Millar

THE CRIME

Miss White is the daughter of a wealthy businessman and ex-military man, Major Charles White. Because of her fathers connections and his interest in history, Elizabeth became acquainted with scholars and Elizabeth became acquainted with scholars and archaeologists. She had always been lively and interested in male pursuits. Because she was

his only daughter (his son had joined the military and was often away) and only child at home, Charles doted on her and allowed her interest in archaeology to flourish. He was happy to allow her to travel the world, exploring and going on adventures. Her mother, however, believes that it is time for her adventures to end believes that it is time for her adventures to end and her life as a married woman and mother to begin.

Elizabeth has told her mother that she plans to continue traveling and that she has been entrusted to deliver several important artifacts to entrusted to deliver several important artifacts to the British Museum. She has been working with Flinders Petrie in Meidum and has several delicate items that she is to give to the curator, delicate items that she is to give to the curator, Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks. Elizabeths mother, Mary, sees this as a chance to remove her daughter from the excavation and discredit her as an amateur archaeologist. Mary has asked the son of one of her friends to take the item and hide it. Mary hopes that losing the artifact will

Missing Artifact


4 THE CASE OF THE MISSING ARTIFACT

cause Petrie and Franks (along with Elizabeths father) to lose faith in her and deny her further work. Mary plans to introduce her daughter to several wealthy young men and hopes that Elizabeth will forget about her silly adventures.

THE THREAT METER

First level:

Mary gets nervous and becomes more evasive. 1s on the Sherlock die no make 1s successful.

Second level:

Mary will actively throw off the investigation. Mary will actively throw off the investigation. She will plant a false clue. During the interviews in Scene 3, Mary will produce a newspaper describing several recent burglaries in the neighborhood. She will say that she believes that the artifact was taken by the same thief. If the investigators follow this false lead, raise the investigators follow this false lead, raise the threat level OR treat it as a opportunity to add some physical adventure into the story if your investigators are looking for a fight. A quick canvasing of the neighborhood will find a number of Snoozers equal to the number of investigators (see the core book under reprobates investigators (see the core book under reprobates for Snoozers) attempting to break into a home. Even though these reprobates have nothing to do with the theft in this adventure, award a couple circles of status if the investigators end the string of robberies in the neighborhood.

Third level:

Mary and Richard have hidden the artifact well Mary and Richard have hidden the artifact well and begin covering their tracks. Mary will overhear the investigators speaking to Elizabeth and she will send a message to warn Richard. He will then have two friends with him waiting outside of the club to fight the investigators.

Endgame:Mary and the Richard will destroy the priceless Mary and the Richard will destroy the priceless artifact and get rid of the remains. The investigators will not gain as much experience and will lose two status circles as they have contributed to the loss of an important ancient artifact.

ADVICE FOR THE MASTERMIND

The longer the investigation takes, the more nervous Mary White will become about her daughter discovering the truth. She will begin distorting evidence and ask that Richard destroy the artifact.

Any investigators with a criminal background Any investigators with a criminal background or police background may be interested in checking out collectors (or others interested in historical items) who may have stolen or bought the artifact. They can do this, but it will take at least one day and will raise the threat meter as it will lead them away from the real criminals.real criminals.


5THE CASE OF THE MISSING ARTIFACT

SCENE 1

All the investigators are gathered at Baker Street enjoying tea and waiting for the arrival of Miss White. There will be a ring at the door and after several minutes, Billy will enter the drawing room with an attractive young woman. The investigators should offer her a seat and she will investigators should offer her a seat and she will begin to explain her situation. However, the investigators may first roll to make some observations about the young woman. They should roll perception and may add (knowledge of archaeology, knowledge of fashion). For each success above 2 they will notice:

1- Miss Whites skin is not the usual pale white of a 1- Miss Whites skin is not the usual pale white of a wealthy young woman. Rather it looks tanned and a bit weather-worn.

2- Miss White is dressed well and is obviously wealthy; however her clothing is cut in a non-popular fashion. It appears to be more suited for travel and for movement.

3- Miss Whites boots are typical of mens 3- Miss Whites boots are typical of mens expedition boots, but look to be specially made or ordered. They seem to have bits of dirt or sand clinging to them in places.

After making these observations, the investigators After making these observations, the investigators should listen closely to what Miss White has to say. She will accept a seat and then stand again after a few moments. She will pace as she speaks and is very obviously upset.

I have just recently returned from excavations at Meidum in Egypt. I have been working with archaeologists there for several months, but archaeologists there for several months, but because my mothers health has been poor I decided to return home early. Because I was traveling here, I was entrusted with several artifacts that Mr. Petrie had uncovered during the artifacts that Mr. Petrie had uncovered during the excavation. He and my father are friends, so he felt that he could trust me to transport the artifacts to the museum. I arrived home two days ago and as you may imagine, I was quite exhausted from the long journey. My parents sent the driver and a footman to assist me with the artifacts and drive me to the house. I brought the artifacts directly to me to the house. I brought the artifacts directly to our house here in London, where my mother is

resting currently. I intended to take the artifacts to the museum after I had a day or two to recover. However, one of the artifacts has disappeared and though I have searched the house, I was unable to find any trace of it. If I cannot find it, I will have caused a great disappointment to Mr. Petrie and to my father. I disappointment to Mr. Petrie and to my father. I have been told that you are good at solving mysteries without involving the constables. I would like to find this item without alerting anyone to the artifacts disappearance.

The investigators may now, as a group, ask her four questions about the crime. If any investigator is an antiques dealer, adventurer, investigator is an antiques dealer, adventurer, archaeologist, historian, or has a skill relating to knowledge of Egypt they may ask an extra question.

Time of disappearance?

Elizabeth remembers that the artifacts had all Elizabeth remembers that the artifacts had all been left in their wooden boxes in her room while she went down to breakfast yesterday. She noticed later in the afternoon that the lid was askew on one of the boxes. When she opened it, she saw that the artifact was missing.

The Artifact?

It is a small figurine, about 20cm long. It is It is a small figurine, about 20cm long. It is made of clay and has the remains of some gold and blue paint. Although it is exotic, it has no great worth because of it what it is made of, rather it would be worth something only to a collector of artifacts or a historian. It seems to have been a fertility goddess.

Who knew about the artifacts?Who knew about the artifacts?

Elizabeth had only told her parents that she was returning home and she thinks that her father was the only one who knew that she was carrying the artifacts. Her mother never had any interest in archaeology, so Elizabeth had not said anything to her about the artifacts. Elizabeth did anything to her about the artifacts. Elizabeth did not have many friends who would have had any interest in artifacts and she had told no one else that she was returning home. The museum curator also knows and obviously Petrie, the archaeologist.



Clue-Sand in corner of the room- (false lead)

A. The sand is from the excavationB. The sand is from a local riverC. The sand is from a beach

Clue-White horsehair on a chair in Ms. Whites room

A. The hair is from Ms. Whites horse (false)A. The hair is from Ms. Whites horse (false)B. The hair fell off one of Ms. Whites bags (false)C. The thief enjoys horseback riding and her/his clothing may still contain white horse hairs

Clue- The window is unlocked

A. Ms. White forgot to lock the window after closing it the night before (false)B. The thief left through the windowB. The thief left through the windowC. The maid opened the window to air the room and forgot to lock it (false)

Clue-Love Note To My Dearest Elizabeth Please enjoy these flowers- Richard left on the floor behind the desk.

A. Perhaps wind from the window blew it behind A. Perhaps wind from the window blew it behind the writing desk. (False)B. Perhaps Elizabeth threw it behind the desk, because she was made at this man.(False)C. Perhaps Elizabeth felt the love note was not as important as the work she was doing and brushed it aside carelessly. (true)

Clue- Newspaper Clipping about Albert HuntingClue- Newspaper Clipping about Albert Hunting-ton, Archeologist. The writer accuses Mr. Huntington of faking artifacts. (False Clue) A. Perhaps Elizabeth's was stolen by Huntington.B. Perhaps the artifact was never original.C. Perhaps Huntington is looking to discredit Elizabeth.

RESOLVE AWARD:

Give each investigator one point of Resolve.

Who else was working on the excavation?

Mostly hired local workers.

Did she take the artifacts out at all during the trip?

She did not take the artifacts out during the She did not take the artifacts out during the voyage home. The small crates were not opened during the voyage.

Who was in the house?

Ms. White remembers seeing her mother at Ms. White remembers seeing her mother at breakfast as well as the butler. The cook was in the kitchen, Ms. White could hear her humming. Ms. Whites ladys maid was not at the house as she was visiting her mother (after the long time she spent in Egypt with Ms. White). Ms. White also remembers seeing the housemaid, but did not see her mothers ladys maid that morning not see her mothers ladys maid that morning and that was not unusual.

RESOLVE AWARD:


SCENE 2

At the White residence in London. With no further clues, the best place for the investigators to look for clues is at Ms. Whites home. Ms. White will be happy to allow the investigators Ms. White will be happy to allow the investigators to look around the house, even her room. The only room they will not be allowed to search is Mr. and Mrs. Whites bedroom and dressing room.

Clue- Partial Bootprint in Ms. Whites room

A. It is a mans bootprintB. It has been made by Ms. Whites own boots B. It has been made by Ms. Whites own boots (false)C. It was made by a man with very large feet



artifact, perhaps Esther did see someone. If asked about the tall man with curly red hair, Mrs. Landlow will recall that she has seen a man like that, but cannot remember who he is, The family has so many friends and acquaintances, I am sorry I cannot be of more assistance. (True)

Mr. Blackwell- Butler

He remembers Mrs. And Miss White eating He remembers Mrs. And Miss White eating breakfast together on the day in question. Miss White dined for about 30 minutes, while talking occasionally to her mother. Mrs. White arrived first and left about ten minutes after Miss White. There was nothing unusual to note. (True)

Mrs. Rose- Cook-

She was in the kitchen all morning preparing She was in the kitchen all morning preparing breakfast and then preparing luncheon. Mrs. White had invited two of her friends for luncheon that day, but the meal was not to be served until noon and the other ladies would not have arrived until eleven at the earliest. (True)

Esther-Maid-

She remembers seeing a man entering Ms. She remembers seeing a man entering Ms. Whites room. She found this odd and went to find Mrs. Landlow. By the time they had returned, the man was gone. Mrs. Landlow believed that Esther had imagined seeing a man. The man had curly red hair and was very tall. Esther thought he looked familiar. (True)

Roger-Footman- Roger-Footman-

Was sent on an errand with the driver that morning.

RESOLVE AWARD:




SCENE 4

After speaking to the staff and Mrs. White, the After speaking to the staff and Mrs. White, the investigators will be approached by Elizabeth. She will inquire on how the case is going and what clues the investigators have uncovered. If the investigators mention the tall, red haired man, Elizabeth will seem surprised. She will reply that it is a good description of the son of one of her mothers friends. Richard Loftwood is one of her mothers friends. Richard Loftwood is one of several suitors that Elizabeths mother has tried to convince Elizabeth to take. Elizabeth has known him for years as their mothers are friends, but Elizabeth has never been interested in him.

He is a fine young gentleman, or at least I always believed him to be until I discovered he might be involved in this horrible crime. But I am not interested in marrying anyone now. I am young and I would like to continue my work at the excavation while I can. If I marry and have children, it could be years before I could continue my work. And even then, I would need continue my work. And even then, I would need my husband to approve of my work. No, I mustnt marry now. But I wonder, how did he know that I had the artifact and why would he want to steal it? I have not seen him in two years, she says.

By this point, the investigators should have a good idea of what has occurred and why. But they still need to recover the artifact. They should ask Elizabeth about where they can find Richard. She will tell them where his familys house is in London and also the riding club where he spends much of his time when in London.London.

If the investigators go to the family house, they will speak to a footman who will tell them that Master Loftwood is not in and asks if they would like to leave a message. The investigators should then go to the riding club.

At the club, they can gain entrance in several ways: If one of the investigators is wealthy, they may be able to gain admittance for the day; one of the investigators may be a member or may have a friend who is a member. The

may find some other way of gaining entrance.

Once inside, they will be able to find Richard Loftwood easily as he is quite tall and one of the only members with red hair. As most of the evidence the investigators have is based on the evidence the investigators have is based on the maid seeing him and the horse hair (and a boot print the investigators may have copied to paper), Richard will deny knowing anything about the incident. If pressed about the incident and if the investigators have put together that Mary was involved in this, hell relent.

Elizabeth is a fine girl, very beautiful and kind. I Elizabeth is a fine girl, very beautiful and kind. I had spoken to her parents about courting and her mother seemed very happy. But her father wanted to let her continue with her traveling and digging in the dirt. But I couldnt stop thinking about her and I spoke again with her mother. She said that if I took the artifact and hid it, then Elizabeth could stay in London and I would have a chance to court stay in London and I would have a chance to court her. This is all just silliness, Elizabeth aught to think about her future. Her father wont live forever, she needs a husband and time is fleeting, Richard will say.

He will agree to turn over the artifact, but asks if perhaps he could give it to Elizabeth and tell her that he found it for her. He insists that he cares for her and wants what is best for her. Either way, he will tell the investigators that he will take them back to his home and retrieve the artifact. He will lead the investigators out of the club and as they pass an alley, he will attack the investigators (with pass an alley, he will attack the investigators (with two friends, if the threat level reached 3). Once Richard (and his friends, if the threat meter reached level 3) has been subdued, the investigators should take Richard back to his house and retrieve the item. As long as the Endgame Threat level has not been reached, Richard will give them the artifact. They can then return it to Elizabeth. She will be very pleased and will take all the artifacts over to the museum immediately. If the Endgame threat was reached, Richard tells the investigators that they are too late and the artifact was destroyed and is gone forever. He rants about winning Elizabeths hand. forever. He rants about winning Elizabeths hand. Elizabeth will be heartbroken about the loss of the artifact. She will thank the investigators for their help, but she will ask them to leave so that she can



prepare to tell the museum curator about this tragedy.

RESOLVE AWARD:

If the artifact is returned to Elizabeth, give the investigators five experience each.

If the artifact has been destroyed, give the investigators two experience each and they will investigators two experience each and they will each lose 2 circles of status as they have failed to protect and find a priceless artifact.

Mr. Richard Loftwood-

A young man who has been interested in Elizabeth for several years. He is the son of one of Mary Whites friends.

Charm - 3 SeductionCustoms - 3 Customs - 3 Dodge & Defense - 3Fight - 3 BoxingHunting - 3 Tracking Ride - 4 Horse

Richards friends -

Dodge and Defense - 4 Vs Blades Vs Brawling Endurance - 5 Fight - 4 BrawlingStrength - 6 Stunning blows

Mrs. Mary White

Major Charles White

Mrs. Landlow-Head Housekeeper

Mr. Blackwell- Butler

Mrs. Rose- CookMrs. Rose- Cook

Esther-Maid

APPENDIX

Miss Elizabeth White-

Charm - 3 Customs - 3 Oratory - 4 LyingRide - 3Ride - 3


The Case of the Missing Artifact

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