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

1. Crime scene examination
2. Witness interviews
3. Political connections
4. 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”