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Death in Pictures
Picture the scene: You have been invited to attend a party held by the famous silent movie actress Freddie Grant and her management team. Held in a grand manor in the secret and isolated heart of the New Forest, by gentlefolk whose reputation for debauchery suggests it should be the event of the year. Still, Burley Manor House has gotten itself a bit of a reputation for strange goings on, and there was that dubious incident that hit the papers just five years ago! Oh well, you can't believe everything you read.
 You have been invited to attend a party held by the famous silent movie actress Freddie Grant and her management team. Held in a grand manor in the secret and isolated heart of the New Forest, by gentlefolk whose reputation for debauchery suggests it should be the event of the year. Still, Burley Manor House has gotten itself a bit of a reputation for strange goings on, and there was that dubious incident that hit the papers just five years ago! Oh well, you can't believe everything you read.
Venue
Cott Lane
A former family home, this hostel stands in extensive grounds with immediate access to the New Forest and within easy reach of the Beaulieu Motor Museum and the beaches of Bournemouth. With cycling, pony trekking and watersports all possible to arrange locally, it's the ideal base for a get-away-from-it-all break close to the seaside.
Cott Lane
Burley
Ringwood
Hampshire
BH24 4BB
Tel: 0870 770 5734
Fax: (+44) 1425 403233
Email: burley@yha.org.uk
Cast of Characters
Freddie Grant's Manager and Husband
A failed screenwriter Scott Fitzwarren got himself heavily into debt until he borrowed a large sum of money from Sirius Barrington-Hart, sold his soul to the cult and became a manager. After meeting Winifred Grant he successfully manipulated her into selling her soul to him, sealing the deal by taking her virginity and has since set her up as an actress in the silent movie industry. Although Winifred has no idea of the deal struck, Scott Fitzwarren has continued to manipulate the situation, later marrying Winifred and using her career as an excellent way to raise funds to support the cult in its dealings. A potential thorn in the side is Charlie Warren and his suspected extramarital relationship with Winifred Grant.
Straight Laced Businessman
Little is known, a seemingly respectable and well mannered gentleman, its is believed that privately he has somewhat of a deviant sexual streak and a fetish for "specialised photography"
Freddie's (actress) Personal Assistant
PA to Freddie Grant, secretly Davina loathes the actress and has sold her out to an undercover journalist and is engaged in digging up as much dirt of the actress as possible.
Tenant Farmer
A local Tenant farmer and chief agricultural land manager for the master's estates. Was recently bitten by a rabid child on rare visit to the cattle markets and has since suffered from severe headaches. Our dear Butler Richard Eldon has been helping him with regular infusions of wolfs bane. However is still suffering from blackouts, and carelessly seems to have lost several sheep in mysterious circumstances.
Housekeeper
Virginia came to us as a half starved street urchin and things have got worse for her ever since. She's been drugged, beaten, brainwashed and tortured till there really very little left but a rather pasty automaton. She is ours to do with as we will... marvellous.
Ringmaster / Performance Artist / Occult Researcher - Guru
(AKA Edwardo the Enigma) Raised in a devoutly religious household (Plymouth Brethren) he rebelled to form his own ideology (mostly centred around getting what he wants). After practising Raja Yoga he went on to mix ideas of sex magic with freemasonry to establish what he calls the "Foundation of the Silver Sun" and claims to scientifically investigate spiritual phenomenon.
Gerald Warmington
Mysterious Guest
This nasty piece of work was born into a bottom feeding poor family and grew up eking out a living as a petty thief until the day he sold his own sister to the cult to be used as our fu... err ritual dupe. He is now on retainer as fence and general doer of dastardly things.
Historian
A foolish fray into drugs whilst at oxford somehow got him married to Jenny Pinter. Whilst he does seem to love her dearly, he seems less impressed with her sexual proclivities. As a historian has been engaged to do some research for the master of the house Lord Sirius Barrington-Hart.
Architect / Folly Builder
Spoilt and overindulged as a child Isaac went from one hobby to another, after displaying a natural aptitude and enthusiasm for architecture he was funded in his studies and his first project by Lord Richard Harrington. However that project and all subsequent projects started well but somehow Isaac could never complete them. Recommended by his last employer Robert Grant as a means to get rid of the useless lump he is now considering a contract by Lord Barrington-Hart
Mesmerist
(AKA Marvellous Marvolo) After receiving a large inheritance Albert travelled extensively mostly throughout the orient where he was introduced to many mystic arts. He discovered a natural talent for hypnotism and whilst in Shang-Hai met Prudence Blatt and became rather addicted to opium in many forms. When the money ran out he returned to England and now uses his hypnotic skills to con money out of people to feed his opium habit.
Specialist Photographer
Specialising in what we should probably refer to as "glamour" shots of attractive young lady's with very few clothes on. However recently he has discovered a strange phenomenon in that he appears to be able to photograph "auras". Is rumoured to have in his possession some rather candid photographs of the famous actress Winifred Grant.
Servant to the Princess of the Raj (Martha Rose Maitland)
Lifelong servant in the Maitland household. Mother was subject of an honour killing after being raped by Sir Thomas Maitland (Martha's father), Father died in a fishing accident shortly after (Danuka is believed to be responsible). Has been having a secret affair with Martha Maitland for some time now as part of a planned "great revenge" on Sir Thomas. Suspects Martha is pregnant with his child, which is great news, as it would serve to utterly destroy the family Maitland.
RAF Officer
Dutch descended Boer from South Africa with British citizenship. Fought against Britain during the Boar war (1899-1902) but with the British forces during the Great War (or as it is known now WWI 1914-1920). A die-hard socialist has become increasingly enamoured with the ideals of the German National Socialist Workers Party (Nazi's)
Minor silent movie actor (comedies) and professional "Hanger On"
Descended from Romany Gypsies (although will not publicly acknowledge it). Father was an Alcoholic; Mother was committed to insane asylum. Travelled with vaudeville theatre for some years before getting a break as a minor league silent movie actor. Has been having an illicit affair with Winifred Grant for some four years.
Henrietta Carter
Egyptologist
Twin of Howard Carter (yes that Howard Carter) and instrumental on his and Lord Canarvons (yes that Lord Canarvon) expedition to Egypt to discover the tomb of Tutankhamen (yes that... well you get the picture). A clever and talented Egyptologist and far better than her brother who gets most of the credit for her discoveries.
Agatha Christie Fanatic
Is an old school friend of the Mistress Charity Barrington-Hart.
Princess of the Raj
Spoiled only child raised Ceylon India. Father a well to do Governor (and Raj), Mother dies in childbirth. Secretly in love with Danuka Chandra (a Ceylonese servant). Strident campaigner for women's rights, although this is principally due to her desire to overturn the current law prohibiting mixed race marriages.
Spiritualist
From American Deep South left family plantation to seek fortune in New York and trafficked in booze during the "prohibition". After trying to brew his own gin sent several people blind he ran back south away from his new found enemies. A chance encounter with Lionel Blatt introduced him to the possibilities of Opium and he converted his plantation for the growing and production of drugs. After the plantation was raided by the feds he fled to England to seek Lionel Blatt. Is currently using the cover of a spiritualist and psychic descended from a line of German "schatenjeagers" (demon hunters) to gain entry into well-to-do households and obtain cash etc.
Showman's Support / Artist / Chaos Magician
Daughter of a London Policeman, gained some celebrity as an Artist. From an early age trained under a self styled with by the name of Mrs Paterson and still practices magic and produces "occult art" in conjunction with her more famous and reputable public artwork. For several years now has been working with Edward Rook and his "Silver Sun" organisation in their ongoing occult research
League Lady / Debauched Harlot
Thrill seeking former high-class prostitute who got married to Philip Masterson whilst dabbling in drugs. Marriage however has not slowed down her rather overactive sex-drive and she continues to be outrageously debauched at every available opportunity.
Gemma Muck
Neighbour's Ward
The Rules
We've tried to keep the rules extremely minimalist to encourage "hands-on" roleplay and simplicity.
As in other role-play systems there are some key calls that you may well hear in specific situations. These area as follows.
SAFETY- There is a potentially dangerous situation happening for example a fight breaking out at the top of the stairs. Any player may use this call. If heard please freeze, stop what you're doing and listen to further instructions and explanation from the individual making the call.
MAN DOWN - Stop role-playing when you hear this call. This call can be used by anyone as it indicates that a real injury has occurred. If you hear this call stop all role-playing and move away from the injured person. You may resume role-playing when time in is called.
TIME FREEZE - Stop role-playing, close your eyes and hum quietly to yourself when you hear this call. This call is used to allow the referees to make rapid unseen changes to the scene. You may resume role-playing when time in is called.
TIME IN - Resume role-playing when you hear this call. This call is used by a referee to start or restart the game after it has been stopped for any reason.
TIME OUT - Stop role-playing when you hear this call. This call is used when the referee needs to suspend role-playing for a period of time. You must remain still but you may talk out of character with people nearby. You may resume role-playing when time in is called.
SAFETY WORD- because of the adult nature of this event. We felt it was important to provide a safety word for use when any member of the player or crew feels uncomfortable Out Of Character. If for whatever reason you feel you need to remove yourself from the situation, please put one finger in the air, say the word "Tesco" and remove yourself to either room 1 (the out of character crew room) or the out of character kitchen. If you see anyone make such a call, please ensure a member of the team is aware so the issue can be dealt with promptly.
FINGER IN THE AIR- Although not a call as such any person deemed to be acting as a referee (clearly identifiable by modern clothing) or with their finger in the air should be deemed by the player as not being there and should be ignored appropriately by the character.
Other than these calls we want to keep the role-play as realistic as possible. With regards to combat, grappling will be allowed. However please use your discretion- do not actually punch someone in the face, but mimic such an action by aiming beyond their cheek. If someone holds a cotton wool pad to your face and says chloroform please react accordingly by falling to the floor unconscious.
If you do not want to be involved in activities which may involve physical contact, please let a member of the team know when you sign in and you will be issued with a red buttonhole to wear in an obvious position on their costume. In this case you will receive a description of what is happening to you (for example "You have been hit over the head and will fall to the floor unconscious"). However if you choose to wear a buttonhole, there is no way to negate the effects of what is happening- if you are told you are tied naked to a lamppost (for ironies sake) you will not be able to escape your bonds and flee. Those agreeing to be physically tied to a lamppost can always escape their bonds (if the player themselves manages to physically do so).
It is likely that if something unexpected is going to happen to your character personally, you will be warned in advance by a ref and will have to role-play the shock accordingly- for example, if you were to find a dead fish in your lingerie drawer we would probably tell you (the player not the character) in advance. Please use common sense at all times.
You will be asked to sign in and give the following details on your arrival at the youth hostel: Name, Address, Telephone, Medical Conditions, Allergies, Car registration, First Aid Certification, Next of Kin Emergency Contact Details.
NOTE: we are not insured as a public event. The event is deemed a private party and as such you will be asked to sign a disclaimer taking responsibility for your own actions when you check in. However there are qualified first aiders on site and these individuals will be pointed out to you at the pre-Time in briefing.
Please note- anyone caught using illegal drugs may be asked to leave the site. Furthermore anyone deemed to be too drunk to continue to participate in the game will be asked by a referee to go to bed and "sleep it off", they will not be allowed to participate in events until the next day.
Booking
You must be registered and logged in to book.
Login
Galleries
Death in Pictures (Taken by Kate Appleby)
DIP- The Blackmail of Jenny Pinter (Taken by Jay Pushman)
DIP- The Death of Jenny Pinter (Courtesy of Zoe Viner)
DIP- The Master Bedroom (John Wilson)
Keith's 1920s Black and White Shots
Resources
1920's British Raj
British Raj (rÄj, lit. "rule" in Hindi) or British India, officially the British Indian Empire, and internationally and contemporaneously, India, was the term used synonymously for the region, the rule, and the period, from 1858 to 1947, of the British Empire on the Indian subcontinent. The Indian Empire, which issued its own passports, was commonly referred to as India both in the region and internationally. As India, it was a founding member of the League of Nations, and a member nation of the Summer Olympics in 1900 and 1920.
Among other countries in the region, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), which was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1802 under the Treaty of Amiens, was a British Crown Colony, but not part of British India. The system of governance lasted from 1858, when the rule of the British East India Company was transferred to the Crown in the person of Queen Victoria (and who, in 1877, was proclaimed Empress of India), until 1947, when the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two sovereign states, the Union of India (later the Republic of India) and the Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of Bangladesh).
[ Download Word Document]
A Guide to the Roaring Twenties
A quick tour of the events, look and feel of the 1920's. With lots of lovely pictures to keep you interested and lots of references for further research for you mega keen out there! [ Download PDF]
1920's Mens' Fashion
Fashionable men of the 1920s had money and the time to enjoy it. Others were less fortunate and the rich young undergraduates who manned the trams and trains of the General Strike in the UK had little comprehension of the miseries of working class life. The gilded youth of the jazz Age, men like Cecil Beaton, Evelyn Waugh and Scott Fitzgerald drove Hispano-Suizaâs from one party to another and roared down the South of France to indulge the new craze for sunbathing. Elegant men of this period wore their hair short, usually parted at the side and slicked down. Sideburns were not considered fashionable and beards and moustaches were generally seen on older men. âSilly Assesâ had centre partings and wore monocles. [ Download Word Document]
1920's Women's Fashion
As the 1920s progresses most women bobbed and finger waved their hair, but the invention of the Marcel wave, the first permanent wave, was a great boon for those with straight hair. In the 1920s Kurlash eyelash curlers appeared and Pinaud produced mascara â612â. In Hollywood where stars like Theda Bara were becoming major influences for women worldwide, Max Factor received an academy award for his Pancromatic foundation, the first award for a make-up product. All fashionable women wore make-up, boldly wearing powder over vanishing creams, strong rouge and kohl round their eyes. The brightly coloured lip rouge was applied with two fingers for the top lip and one for the bottom in imitation of Clara Bow (the girl with the bee sting lips). Pale skin still held sway but in Paris the American Josephine Bakers sensational appearance in âLe Revue Negreâ generated a fashion for all things African- and tanned skin. By 1925 American women were spending a billion dollars a year on cosmetic and skin care, and fears were being expressed over the safety of cosmetics [ Download Word Document]
1920's Ceylon
Ceylon in the 1920s was in a process of change â the British began introducing limited electoral reforms and the âfreedom movementâ pushed for total independence from the colonial masters. The Ceylonese were calling for freedom and Mahatma Gandhi backed that call. However he did not arrive in Ceylon on his first and last visit to the island until 1927 (3 years after the event is set). [ Download Word Document]
1920s etiquette
A guide to the complicated etiquette of the time- see below for example:
Excerpt from Correct Behaviour on a Picnic by Donald Ogden Stewart
A young man, for example, is often asked by a young lady to accompany her on an outing. To this invitation he should, after some consideration, reply either "Yes" or "No," and if the former, he should present himself at the young lady's house promptly on the day set for the affair (usually Sunday).
[ Download Word Document]
A Potted History of the 1920s
Keeps your role-play fresh and shiny-clean :-) Taken from the Role Play Book âCall Of Cthulhuâ, this is a simple list of all the major events characters may have been aware of at the time. [ Download Word Document]
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