The General’s Murder
Episode 1 of Shadows of War
For 4-6 players, level 5
SETUP
General Darius Vale, key advocate for democratic reforms and strategic genius behind Aldemar’s defensive success, is found dead in his study. The official story claims heart failure, but subtle clues suggest a more sinister truth.
LOCATIONS
🏰 Vale Manor
Crime Scene
Study: - Locked from inside - Strange symbols in ash - Scattered military plans - Faint ozone smell
Hidden Features: - Secret passages - Listening tubes - Warded rooms - Coded messages
🏛️ War Ministry
Center of Operations - Military planning rooms - Diplomatic offices - Intelligence bureau - Archive section
🌃 The Capital District
Political Heart - Noble houses - Embassy row - Military barracks - Underground networks
KEY NPCS
👑 Lady Helena Vale
General’s Widow - Sharp political mind - Hidden intelligence network - Suspects foul play - Dangerous allies Secret: Knows about cult influence
🎭 Captain Marcus Thorne
Military Investigator - Official investigation lead - Pressure to close case - Growing suspicions - Combat veteran Secret: Being blackmailed
⚔️ Ambassador Crane
Iron Coalition Representative - Diplomatic immunity - Subtle threats - Perfect alibis - Strange mannerisms Secret: Cult agent
INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS
Physical Evidence
- Ash patterns
- Hidden messages
- Poison traces
- Ritual components
Political Context
- Peace negotiations
- Military strategies
- Reform proposals
- Coalition threats
ENCOUNTERS
Combat
- Assassin ambush (CR 4)
- Street thugs (CR 3)
- Cultist scout (CR 4)
- Guard patrol (CR 3)
Social
- Noble interrogations
- Military briefings
- Diplomatic meetings
- Servant interviews
CLUES & REVELATIONS
The Murder
- Supernatural means
- Multiple conspirators
- Political motivation
- Ritual elements
The Conspiracy
- Military infiltration
- Political corruption
- Cult influence
- Foreign agents
KEY SCENES
🔍 The Investigation
Features: - Crime scene analysis - Witness interviews - Evidence collection - Pattern recognition
🗣️ The State Funeral
Elements: - Political gathering - Hidden meetings - Assassination attempt - Cult observation
⚔️ The Ambush
Features: - Night attack - Supernatural elements - Information retrieval - Escape sequence
COMPLICATIONS
Political
- Diplomatic pressure
- Military interference
- Noble obstruction
- Media manipulation
Personal
- Family grief
- Career threats
- Moral dilemmas
- Time pressure
DM GUIDANCE
Investigation Flow
- Crime scene examination
- Witness interviews
- Political connections
- Supernatural discovery
Red Herrings
- Rival generals
- Foreign spies
- Personal vendettas
- Financial motives
VICTORY CONDITIONS
Required
- Identify supernatural cause
- Link to larger conspiracy
- Survive attempts on life
- Gather actionable evidence
Optional
- Protect Lady Helena
- Secure military documents
- Identify cult members
- Preserve crime scene
HOOKS FOR EPISODE 2
Major
- Military sabotage plans
- Cult ritual schedule
- Coalition movements
- Political assassinations
Minor
- Suspicious promotions
- Strange shipments
- Coded messages
- Missing personnel
RESOURCES
Allies
- Loyal officers
- Family servants
- Street informants
- Reform supporters
Tools
- Military clearance
- Investigation authority
- Noble contacts
- Secret passages
Continues in Episode 2: “Whispers of Treason”


