We continue the playthrough of my new game, Blaydon Grange Solo Edition (available at Itch or DriveThruRpg, free or pay what you want). This is a solo RPG based in the genre of girls boarding school fiction, similar to the Malory Towers books (and TV series), the St Clares books, the Trebizon novels and others. So far we have introduced two Story Arcs- the New Teacher (Miss Penrose) has already made her cynical mark, and Verity Mason has been asked to help plan the Open Day at the end of term… but alongside her dorm mate Tabitha, and the unbearable Penelope.
Let’s start off with a random scene, and after resolving that I have an idea of what I want to pursue. The draw for the random scene is King of Diamonds – it takes place at night and is a Sidestory, not related to the main arcs. From the Sidestory Oracle I draw the 8 of Spades: Your House or Dorm loses status somehow and must regain it. Why? And how?
Well it’s night time so let’s make it the Dorm that loses status? How would that work? Okay… after lessons that day the girls of Verity’s dorm were confronted by Matron Holmes in the Common Room.
“I looked in your dormitory this afternoon and I was appalled! A mess does not begin to describe it! It’s as if you’ve all forgotten everything you learned about looking after yourselves during the summer! I shall be inspecting your dormitory first thing tomorrow and if it is not greatly improved there shall be demerits awarded for each of you!”
Stella, the head of form, apologises, but everyone is a little stunned. Surely things weren’t that bad.
“Sherlock’s gone mad,” someone says as they return to the Dormitory, “I mean maybe we need to pick up a… oh my giddy aunt.”
As they open the door they see a scene of utter disarray. Beds unmade, laundry on the floor… a general mess everywhere. “Oh your giddy aunt indeed,” says Stella.
“This wasn’t my doing!” Penelope complains, “Why should I have to… who emptied my trunk!”
Verity narrows her eyes.
“Someone has done this to us,” she says, “And I think I can guess who.”
There are two Houses at Blaydon Grange – the Grange (where Verity and her friends reside) and the Annex – a separate and newer building. There has always been a rivalry between the two Houses that sometimes flares up into pranks or worse. Let’s make a new NPC as a particular enemy from the Annex…
Name: 9 of Diamonds and Jack of Hearts – Imelda Day – character traits 8 of Spades, Ace of Spades, 10 of Diamonds – Forgetful Scatterbrain, Has a Dangerous Enemy (Verity of course!), Unethical Corner Cutter
“Imelda’s behind this,” Verity says. “As revenge for locking that sheep in her dorm last term.” (why not?) “We can deal with her later… but we’ll need to get our Dorm sorted out properly before morning. Let’s get started.”
“Don’t be so bossy, Verity Mason,” says Penelope still looking aghast at the mess, “I didn’t make this mess and I shan’t be cleaning it up.”
We’ll have two Challenges for this scene I think. The first a Heart check for Verity to convince everyone including Penelope to pull their weight and help (difficulty 8). The second will be using Courage – just for the physical effort required to get it done thoroughly without becoming exhausted. I’ll make the difficulty of that one 8 too… but if the first check is a success the second will only be difficulty 6 since everyone is helping.
“Come on Penelope, or we’ll all get demerits in the morning.” Verity leads by example starting to pick things up.
She draws a King of Clubs for the first check… a clear success!
“Oh very well!” Penelope grudgingly starts helping, albeit spending most of her time picking up her own things.
The difficulty for the second, Courage, check drops to a 6. The draw is a Ten of Spades. Another success
All the girls join in and by the time Matron comes around to turn out the lights the place is presentable. She gives a final glare around. “Better. I’ll still be conducting a full inspection in the morning. Sleep well.”
“Well done everyone,” Stella whispers as Matron departs. “We’ll sort out revenge on Imelda and her rascally Annex friends tomorrow.”
“Count on it,” says Verity who is already planning.
The Committee
We shall leave revenge till later and cut to the next scene which is the first planning Committee for the Open Day. Verity, Penelope and Tabitha are in one of the lesser-used classrooms, complete with notebooks. Penelope has taken the seat at the end of the table of course and is doing her best to make sure she is seen as in charge. Tabitha who is somewhat of a show off herself has already made brightly coloured agenda that she has pinned to the wall. Verity, her thoughts having been occupied with thoughts of vengeance on Imelda, is having to improvise.
The talk this morning is of potential events for the Open Day. Penelope clearly wants to do the bare minimum (“We can have the girls draw posters and I shall decide where to hang them”) while Tabitha is a trifle overambitious (“We can redecorate the whole school as though it was a century ago, and all the girls and teachers can dress like it and recreate the old classes…”).
Random challenges for this scene I think…
Jack of Diamonds –Brains Challenge, difficulty (10) – Compiling a better itinerary that satisfies both of the others
and 6 of Spades – Mischief Challenge, difficulty (6) – A simple craftiness check to convince each of the others that this is their idea.
That first Brains Challenge looks tough – Verity will spend a Knowledge Asset to pick out some historical details from her knowledge of the school that can be used at the Open Day without turning the whole school upside down. Spending the Asset gives Advantage on the draw, so two cards drawn and taking the best… 10 of Diamonds (we’ll take this one) and a 3 of Hearts. The Ten of Diamonds plus the 2 Brains that Verity has is a success and since the suit matches the Challenge type it’s an exceptional success. I’ll use it to get rid of Verity’s lingering Distress.
The second draw is the King of Hearts – a success but not a matched suit.
Verity comes up with a few simple displays and events based on the history of the school, and cleverly makes both Penelope and Tabitha think it was their idea – thus avoiding having them squabble amongst themselves.
“These are excellent ideas,” says Penelope boastfully, not noticing Tabitha’s pleased “Thank you” in response. “We shall make a start on getting the rest of the girls organised. Perhaps you can come up with some ideas of your own at some point, Verity Mason.”
That’s worth a tick mark toward the Open Day Arc I think!
Otherworlds 