Murder on Baker Street
Sherlock and Watson are hosting a dinner party with an intriguing group of guests at their flat on Baker Street.
Londoners were shocked recently when the infamous Lord Blackstone assisted Scotland Yard with the capture of the depraved serial killer,
Victor von Vacher. Has Lord Blackstone turned a new leaf and abandoned his cult of followers? Or, is this all a ruse to gain the trust of those he seeks to destroy?
Alas, you have been invited to the party and wouldn't miss it for the world. This is where your story begins.
Guest List
Sherlock
Consulting Detective
Sherlock is a renowned private investigator from London with an intellect that borders superhuman. Sherlock understands the minds of criminals more than they know themselves. Courteous and considerate to others, Sherlock often puts self-care on the back-burner. Sherlock’s flatmate is a physician that goes by the name Watson, but their relationship has been strained ever since William proposed marriage to Mary Birdwhistle.
Sherlock has many foes around the world due to his crime-solving talent. Sherlock has learned over the years that it is best to keep your enemies close and never to look away or turn your back.
Sherlock has mastered the art of disguise, logical reasoning, deduction, and has a vast knowledge of forensic science. He is a freelance detective for hire who often works for powerful monarchs and governments throughout Europe, aristocrats, and industrialists on hard to solve cases. Scotland Yard calls upon Sherlock for help when needed, but many of the detectives do not care for Sherlock's theatrics.
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Suggested attire: Sherlock costume, or a knee-length frock coat, waistcoat, and pants. Deerstalker hat.
Watson
Physician
A retired military man now working as a physician and part-time private investigator, William Watson is a good friend to Sherlock. Accustomed to thorough documentation with his medical practice, Watson has taken on the role as the official record keeper for Sherlock’s investigations. This adventure seeking doc also serves as a counselor for Sherlock, as he’s the only one who can force reason into Sherlock’s head.
Watson has published many books about Sherlock's cases. To his dismay, Sherlock has become somewhat famous, but now he can charge top dollar for his sought after services. Watson dislikes Sherlock's problems with hoarding and disarray, but they have been best friends their entire lives. When Watson and Sherlock get into a disagreement, their friend, Ada Adler, is called upon to mediate.
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Suggested attire: knee-length frock coat, waistcoat, pants. Pocket watch, walking cane as optional props. Bowler hat.
Charles Chattoway
Editor
Charles Chattoway is the editor for The Daily Graphic, a day-to-day newspaper in London, England. Charles includes news events, notable personalities, illustrations, and poems in the widely distributed publication. Charles is the primary news source in London but is also a notorious blackmailer who pays footmen, housekeepers, and other servants for dirty laundry on his victims. It is best to stay off of Charles’ radar.
Charles will take bribes for positive features in his publication and will send a blackmail when he has a potentially negative story about someone. He has double-crossed nearly everyone in town, but with the number of readers that subscribe to the newspaper, there isn't much his victims can do if they get on his bad side.
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Suggested attire: Victorian/Edwardian double-breasted waistcoat over a white button up. Matching pants, tie. Top hat.
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Ada Adler
Opera Singer
Ada Adler was born in London, England, but travels around Europe to perform in the Opera of Windsor. She is a talented singer who has performed for royalty on multiple occasions. A five-time widow, members of high society believe she poisoned her late husbands for their money. Scotland Yard also has Ada Adler on their radar, as there have been many reports of expensive jewels that went missing after Ada was around.
Sherlock has a soft spot for Ada, so when he is hired to investigate her, Ada often outfoxes him. Watson has warned Sherlock about Ada's charms, but Sherlock is oblivious to the one woman who can outsmart him. Ada is currently being accused of thievery by the president of France. Émile Loubet. Mr. Loubet hired Sherlock to recover the Vauquelin Chalice, a mid-15th-century goblet of medieval silver and ivory. The president claims it went missing from a glass case in the foyer of his estate after Ada performed for a small dinner party held there. Ada denies all accusations.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era glamorous dress, wide-brimmed hat with feathers. Lace-up boots.
Lottie Urwin
Poet
Lottie Urwin is a famous author of beloved poems but has published her works under a pen name, Norman Browning. She keeps her identity a secret so that her bound collections of poetry will continue to sell out on the shelves, for she believes if she published as a woman, she wouldn't keep her fan base.
Lottie was a victim of Lord Blackstone two years ago when she was abducted from her home and taken to a hidden temple inside of a cave outside of the city. Sherlock saved Lottie at his own peril, as that is one of the times that Lord Blackstone nearly took Sherlock's life. However, both escaped, and Lord Blackstone was put on trial for his crimes. Albeit, he was found not guilty, as his numerous cult members testified that Lottie was a willing participant in the ceremony. The judge that set him free was never seen again. Many believe he was paid off by Lord Blackstone.
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Suggested attire: vintage Victorian/Edwardian era glamorous dress, wide-brimmed hat. Lace-up boots.
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Alex Black
Baker
Alex Black is the most famous baker in London. People flock to Alex’s bread shop on Piccadilly Street. In addition to fresh bread and buns, Alex offers delicious scones, sponge cake, and shortbread. Alex is well-connected in the city, and nobody knows on which side of the law that Alex is truly aligned.
Alex has been seen on occasion speaking to Lord Blackstone. Is it because Lord Blackstone is a fan of Alex's Victorian sponge cake? Or, is it because Alex Black is a member of the Order of the Blackstone Knights? Scotland Yard is aware of Alex's affiliation, and are watching this closely.
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Suggested attire: Late Victorian/Edwardian era attire fit for a baker. Not too flashy. If you wish to wear a baker’s uniform from this era, that’s also great.
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Bertie Soule
Matchstick Maker
Bertie spends the days at the matchstick shop, cutting wood into thin sticks and dipping the ends in white phosphorous – a toxic chemical that is thought to shorten the life span of humans. Bertie works sixteen hours a day with no breaks. Bertie is desperately seeking a new opportunity in life. One thing is certain about this matchstick maker - Bertie doesn’t follow Lord Blackstone…yet.
Bertie's health has been declining recently, and this is in due to the harsh, toxic chemicals that Bertie works with while making matchsticks. For this reason, Bertie has been searching other opportunities in the city. Will Bertie take the easy route and join Lord Blackstone's underground cult? Or, will Bertie find honest work and remain an upstanding citizen? Only time will tell.
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Suggested attire: Late Victorian/Edwardian era attire fit for a matchstick maker. Not too flashy, boxes of matches as optional props.
Kit Keldgord
Undertaker
As a child, Kit was a member of the high society of London. However, the Keldgord name lost its luster when the patriarch of the family was found guilty of being a serial killer known as Thames Strangler, who had terrorized the city for over a decade. As an adult, Kit holds an upstanding position as an undertaker for the most prominent funeral parlor in the city, Holdsworth’s Passing.
It is rumored that Kit never buries the bodies in the cemetery. Some of the local grave-robbers have reported to Scotland Yard, at their own risk of being caught, that there were no bodies in the freshly buried graves that they unearthed. Kit adamantly denies the allegations.
Suggested attire:Vintage Victorian/Edwardian style attire – all black. Be more mysterious by wearing a cloak.
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Lord Roderick Blackstone
Illusionist
Lord Blackstone is Sherlock’s intellectual twin but on the dark side of things. Accused of practicing dark magic, founding a cult, and being a murderer, Lord Blackstone has surprisingly made amends with Sherlock and Scotland Yard, as he proved crucial to the capture of the notorious Victor von Vacher – a serial killer who plagued the streets of London and poisoned over twenty young girls. Watson has cautioned Sherlock about trusting Lord Blackstone, but Sherlock claims to have it under control.
Lord Roderick Blackstone has attempted to murder both Sherlock and Watson on numerous occasions. Watson is convinced that Lord Blackstone only gave up Victor because of a revenge plot, as Victor had poisoned his niece. Watson does not believe that Lord Blackstone has any regret for his crimes in the past.
Lord and Lady Roderick have five children and live with a full staff of servants at their manor in London. Lord Blackstone is an heir, and Lady Blackstone is an heiress. The Blackstones are one of the wealthiest (and mysterious) families in London.
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Suggested attire: velvet or faux leather (real if you have it), knee-length long coat with a thick collar. Hair slicked back.
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Ollie Cabot
Crossing-sweeper
Ollie Cabot is a crossing-sweeper for Spencer Primrose, an aristocrat of London. Ollie travels with Lord Primrose and clears the way in front of him as he strolls down the street, sweeping the debris and soil from his path. Ollie is a bit of an entrepreneur, as Lord Primrose didn’t have a sweeper before Ollie pitched the idea and created the job.
Some members of high society have said that Ollie might be a spy working for another aristocratic family or foreign entity. Ollie laughs at the accusations and wishes that could be true - for that would mean Ollie is more than a glorified peasant.
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Suggested attire: Late Victorian/Edwardian era attire fit for a cross sweeper. Not too flashy. Small broom as an optional prop.
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Shannon Smith
Mudlark
Shannon Smith is one of the notorious thieves of London, but Scotland Yard has never found enough evidence to put Shannon behind iron bars. Shannon claims to be a mudlark, which is a profession only a few dares to take on. Shannon dredges the scums of society and the Thames River for coins and treasures to sell, collecting anything that can be sold, such as driftwood, rags, etc.
Shannon is often seen with Lord Blackstone, and it is obvious that Shannon is under his spell. Shannon has been accused of many crimes in the city, but for whatever reason, the evidence always disappears against Shannon. Many believe Lord Blackstone holds power in the courts and maybe even in Scotland Yard.
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Suggested attire: Late Victorian/Edwardian era attire fit for a mudlark. You are a peasant, so wear dirty-looking attire.
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Devon Ferguson
Banker
Devon Ferguson is a banker at the new Barclays Bank in London, England. Surrounded by leather-bound ledgers stamped in gold with pages filled with copperplate writing, Devon spends the days taking care of his customer’s bank accounts. Scotland Yard has recently received reports that Devon might be smuggling rare artifacts from Bulgaria and using the bank vaults to store them until time for the drop-off. Devon denies the accusations and calls it an outrageous scandal.
Devon has a secret affiliation with Lord Blackstone and has been seen leaving the Blackstone estate on multiple occasions. Sherlock and Watson are convinced that Devon has an evil side and they have been hired by the bank president to investigate Devon. However, Sherlock and Watson have been spread thin lately, as the amount of crime in London has skyrocketed.
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Suggested attire: double-breasted waistcoat over a white button up. Matching pants, tie. Top hat.
Vic Lowell
Apothecary Owner
Vic Lowell owns the London Apothecary, which is the shop in the center of the city that cells wine, spices, herbs, and medicine. Vic’s family founded the store over a hundred years ago, and the Lowell family is known for providing Londoners with their basic needs. Vic is a caring person who dotes over a pet cat named Dotty.
Two days ago, Vic's pet cat was abducted with a ransom note left on the front door of the store. Vic has been miserable ever since but refuses to pay the kidnapper. Vic has hired Sherlock to locate the cat, but Sherlock has been spread so thin of late, he hasn't had the time to work the case.
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Suggested attire: Late Victorian/Edwardian era attire fit for a mudlark. You are a peasant, so wear dirty-looking attire.
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Mary Birdwhistle
Nurse
Mary Birdwhistle met Watson at the Baker Street Hospital, where both of them are employed. Mary refuses to speak about her past and claims to be the last survivor of her family. Watson recently proposed marriage to her, and she accepted. Sherlock is apprehensive about their wedding that is scheduled in six months. Sherlock warned Watson that Mary might not be who she claims to be – a nurse from Luton, England. Sherlock is usually right about people, so Dr. Watson should be careful.
Mary moved to London from Luton only seven months ago. With no family or friends to speak of, she made a fresh start in the big city. Mary does what she can to drive a wedge between Sherlock and Watson, for she knows that Sherlock will be her demise if he ever figures out her dark past. Mary was the final victim of London's notorious serial killer, Victor von Vacher, but was saved by Sherlock at the last minute - thanks to the information provided by Lord Blackstone. Mary has thanked Lord Blackstone for saving her, but not Sherlock.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era nursing uniform. White-collared dress, floor length. Nursing hat.
Ellie Berrycloth
Schoolteacher
In recent years, Queen Victoria made schools free for children. Ellie teaches arithmetic, writing, and reading to students up to ten years old. She has up to eighty pupils on her roster and runs a strict regimen in the classroom. Ellie is intolerant of nonsense. Ellie has become good friends with Mary Birdwhistle ever since she moved to London seven months ago.
Ellie Berrycloth and Theodosia Culpepper used to be friends until Mary Birdwhistle moved to town. Now, they cannot stand to be around each other for a minute.
Ellie Berrycloth and Lady Blackstone have quarreled a bit because the Blackstones refused to send their children to the Aldersgate School of London, where Ellie teaches.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era conservative dress, wide-brimmed hat. Lace-up boots.
Theodosia Culpepper
Nurse
Theodosia Culpepper is a nurse at Baker Street Hospital and friend of Mary Birdwhistle. Theodosia is not a fan of Watson and has encouraged Mary to stay far away from the doc – to no avail. Theodosia is a gossip and loves to stir up trouble. Theodosia doesn’t care for Ellie Berrycloth. Maybe she is the jealous type and doesn’t want Mary to have other friends?
Theodosia has been nicknamed the Angel of Mercy, for many of her patients that were suffering seemed to die before their time by unexplained causes. The only similar thing between these hundred or so patients is that Nurse Culpepper was the last to see them. Sherlock was hired by the hospital administrator to investigate this case, but due to the amount of crime in the city of London, this case hasn't taken precedence.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era nursing uniform. White collared dress, floor length. Nursing hat.
Victoria Villain
Laundry Maid
Victoria Villain is a laundry maid at the Baker Street Hospital. This housekeeper is a sweet, kindhearted, and loving person. Victoria is an advocate for prisoners and believes the conditions of the London jails and prisons should undergo reform, including the prison at the Tower of London. Having two brothers serving life sentences, she knows what the prison life is like.
Victoria was secretly involved with her jailed siblings' crimes, but they took all of the blame and proclaimed her innocence during their trials. They were accused of many crimes, including ritualistic slayings of two women, robbery of many homes in London, and grave robbing. At the time of their arrest by the Metropolitan police (thanks to Sherlock), her brothers were affiliated with Lord Blackstone - a presumed cult leader and dark magician. Nobody can prove that Victoria works for Lord Blackstone, but this should not be ruled out, given her past.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era dress (nothing too fancy), wide-brimmed hat. Lace-up boots.
Grace Edevane
Cook
Grace Edevane is a cook for Spencer Primrose, an aristocrat of London. Grace snoops on conversations between her employer and his upper-class dinner guests. Grace knows all the high society gossip in the city and is currently blackmailing many people that she has dirt on due to her eavesdropping endeavors.
Grace recently made a grave mistake by attempting to blackmail a German aristocrat, the Duke of Brunswick. She has dodged multiple attempts on her life and has hired Sherlock to broker a deal with the duke to save her life. Sherlock took the case but hasn't had the time to travel to Germany to meet with her foe. Grace is worried that she will be murdered by the time Sherlock can help her.
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Suggested attire: late Victorian/Edwardian era housekeeping/servant uniform. Bonnet style chef hat. Lace-up boots.
Harland Gastrell
Train Conductor
Harland Gastrell is a conductor at the City & South London Railway – the first underground railway in the world. Harland helped design the tube-style railway that was the first to use electric traction. The railway has six stations and runs for over five kilometers, passing under the River Thames. Some say that Harland is a wicked mastermind who works as a conductor to hide his criminal activities and transport illegal things around London. With a genius-level intellect that nearly rivals that of Sherlock, Harland has excellent skills of deduction.
Harland Gastrell is often seen visiting the Blackstone Castle. That is how the rumors began of Harland living a double life on both sides of the law. Anyone associated with Lord Blackstone is presumed to be a member of his cult of criminals.
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Suggested attire: vintage train conductor costume. Real/fake handlebar mustache, pocket watch as an optional prop.
Oscar Bregdan
Rat Catcher
Known as the Slayer of Plagues, Oscar is a rat catcher who keeps the streets of London free of vermin. A brave soul who will go where no others wish to go, Oscar uses his loyal companions (three dogs and a ferret) to help find the rats who have invaded the city. Many say that Oscar raises the rats who roam the streets to keep his job with the city.
Oscar earns a meager salary from the city of London and has been in a spot of trouble on occasion for stealing food from street vendors. Given the value of what Oscar does for the city, the Metropolitan Police take it easy on the chap. However, Oscar has started an underground gambling ring where he takes bets for his daily catch of rats to race. If this is true, Oscar might lose his good standing with the police department.
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Suggested attire: vintage Victorian/Edwardian topcoat, waistcoat, breeches with a huge leather sash decorated with rats. Top hat. (Look up ‘her majesty’s rat catcher’ for inspiration).
Rowena Beechworth
Governess
Rowena Beechworth is a governess for the Blackstone family. She teaches and trains Lord and Lady Blackstone’s five children in reading, writing, and arithmetic. Rowena lives at Blackstone Castle, but some have said she might be a prisoner or possibly a member of Lord Blackstone’s cult.
Rowena never leaves the manor unless escorted by the Blackstone's butler or driver. She hardly speaks to anyone and keeps her head down while in public. However, the Blackstone children appear to be thriving by her teachings, as they are well spoken and well read.
Suggested attire: Edwardian era glamorous dress, wide-brimmed hat. Lace-up boots.
Fanny Forge
Telephone Operator
Fanny Forge works every day at the National Telephone Company connecting cords to circuits at the switchboard. She has a soothing, calm voice and is a dependable hard worker. Fanny follows a strict schedule every day and never strays off the course. Fanny is the final heir of a wealthy family from Scotland. One day, she will inherit the estate and be able to retire.
Fanny admits to eavesdropping on conversations while at work. She is the holder of secrets of the big names in London. Unlike Grace Edevane, she isn't known to use the information she unveils to blackmail people. She does spread gossip on occasion, however.
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Suggested attire: vintage Victorian/Edwardian style blouse. Asymmetrical Steampunk/Victorian/
Edwardian floor length skirt and lace-up boots.
Franklin Wraith
Detective
Inspector Wraith is a hardnosed sleuth from Scotland Yard. Franklin is often at odds with Sherlock but realizes he’s necessary for the more complex investigations in the city. This detective is determined but has insufficient skills of deduction when the facts are staring back at his face. When Inspector Wraith is stumped, he reluctantly calls for Sherlock.
Sherlock loves to taunt Detective Wraith, and their banter amuses Watson. Because Sherlock realizes Franklin needs him, he takes liberties and pushes the detective to his limits. Alas, Sherlock always comes through for Franklin, so he endures having to work with him. Always avoiding the spotlight, Sherlock avoids taking credit for solving the cases - which is a bonus for Franklin.
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Suggested attire: Victorian/Edwardian Metropolitan police uniform.
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Rufus Kenward
Chimney Sweep
With knees and elbows continually scraped raw from climbing through narrow chimneys, Rufus Kenward is the town’s most popular chimney sweep. Rumors are lurking about that Rufus has a part-time position as a grave robber working to provide the medical school with cadavers. Rufus denies all accusations regarding the resurrections but admits to selling leeches to the school. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
Rufus often has dark circles underneath his eyes, which indicate a lack of sleep. He also has been seen by neighbors coming in after three p.m., but he only cleans chimneys during the day. Something suspicious is going on with Rufus, but only time will tell.
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Suggested attire:Victorian/Edwardian era chimney sweep costume. Button up shirt, necktie, vest, and sweeper as an optional prop. Newsboy cap. A few black smudges on your face (optional).
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