tales from the wild blue yonder

L ord is dead. His estranged children have returned home to Ilysium for the funeral
and disbursement of the estate.

created by however–There is little left; the manor servant, Jedmund, has collected the last
John Harper 82 crowns in a small coffer, and with it only a shabby coach and two withered
horses, the family crest and swords, a portrait of a strange woman, and Lord
revised by Scurlock’s prized hunting rifle (hidden away from prying eyes).
Jesse Ross & Rich Rogers
The other attendees at the funeral are Lord Scurlock’s creditors. They hover
influences
about the manor like vultures, eager to recoup some measure of their losses.
Clinton Dreisbach, James V. West, Luke
Crane, Vincent Baker, Jonathan Walton,
❖ Viceroy Skein has come to collect his bribe for withholding certain unpleas-
Judd Karlman, Jason Morningstar, Fred
ant facts from public knowledge. He expects the children to continue the
Hicks, Rob Donoghue, Leonard Balsera,
payments. He is owed 14 crowns and 5 crowns per month ongoing.
Ben Lehman, Mark Causey, Brandon
❖ Narcus Kerp is owed for delivery of “medicines” that helped ease the
Amancio, Claudio Cipolla, Mike Riverso,
tortured mind of Lord Scurlock in his final years. He is owed 6 crowns.
Brie Sheldon, Joss Whedon, George Lucas,
❖ Constable Tume is soliciting the tax payment on the manor. 67 crowns.
Hayao Miyazaki, Reiko Kodama, Richard
❖ Mister Bailey of the Fox & Anchor kindly asks for the stable fees for the
Halliwell, Rick Priestley.
coach and horses: 11 crowns for the past six months.
❖ Mister Plom demands the regular “protection” payment to the local goblin
playtesters
Paul Riddle, Sage LaTorra, Shannon Riddle crime boss, Kudger. 1 crown per week (you owe 16 already).
❖ Magistrate Holpine, a city judge, discreetly informs you that Lord
contact Scurlock owes him certain trivial deeds and paperwork as a result of a gentle-
games@ladyblackbird.org man’s wager on a game of cards. It will take but a moment to retrieve them
from the study.
❖ Milvoy Ollum, the priest who is about to perform the rites, is due 1 gold
crown for his service.
❖ Petrice Sevoy, the esteemed artist, is completing a portrait of Lord Scurlock
and lacks only the final payment of 2 crowns to deliver it.

in addition–Lord Scurlock’s half-brother, Alward, is snooping about the

house, looking to claim anything that looks valuable. “My brother would have
wanted me to have this,” he mumbles.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License. who will they pay? who decides?
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
what entanglements remain from lord scurlock’s nefarious
version 2019.02.20 a life, and who will turn them to their advantage?
 Arras Scurlock
A refined and educated arisocrat; a dabbler in magic
TRAITS & TAGS
Educated Refined Arcane Adept
PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
Academics Etiquette Awareness Attack ___________ __________
Fencing Charm Willpower Defend ___________ __________
PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL

Duelist
Host Arcane Sight Create ___________ __________
Skirmisher
Influence Gather Power Control ___________ __________
Command Aetheric Travel PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL ___________ __________
Athletics
Dance Radiant Flame ___________ __________
History
Compose Spectral Force ___________ __________
Science
Dark Void ___________ __________
Art
Law Fly ___________ __________
Occult Rituals ___________ __________
Demons vs. Demons ___________ __________
KEYS SECRETS

Key of the Dark Legacy Secret of Scurlock

You are Lord Scurlock’s child. Turn this key when you find yourself Your Scurlock blood binds you to an ancient pact with the demon
following in his strange and dangerous footsteps. Setarra. She may not harm you directly, and must provide services
Buyoff: Disclaim your birthright. commanded by the heir to the Scurlock line until the scope of the
binding is fulfilled.
Key of the Refinement
Secret of Sorcery Expertise
You are a cut above the common people. Turn this key when you
remind them of your superiority or refuse to stoop to the level of the Once per refresh, when using sorcery, you can re-roll all your dice that
lower classes. have missed.
Buyoff: Get over yourself or play dirty.

Key of Arcane Knowledge Secret of

Turn this key when you discover new and interesting arcane,
occult or magical knowledge. Secret of
Buyoff: Pass up the chance to educate yourself.
CONDITIONS POOL
Key of INJURED ANGRY
MAXIMUM

DRAINED SHAKEN
INCAPACITATED SWAYED
Key of
CURRENT

DEAD ( PRESUMED ) DOMINATED

When you turn a key, take an experience point (xp). If you go into danger because of
your key, take 2 xp. Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you may ITEMS & APPEARANCE
permanently remove that key and replace it with a new one, and earn 5 xp.
items: Fine noble garb — Sword and dagger.
Spend xp at any time to:
XP 5 xp — Add a new trait with 3 tags.
5 xp — Add a new key you’ve never had before.
5 xp — Add or unlock a new secret.
5 xp — Increase pool maximum by 1 (and get a pool die).
3 xp — Unlock a tag on an existing trait.
1 xp — Get a pool die (up to your pool maximum).

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Baston Scurlock
A curiosity from the Wild Blue, claiming an unlikely birthright
TRAITS & TAGS
Sensors Interface Electroplasmic Mind Clockwork Body

Scan Imposing Mechanist Powerful ___________ __________

PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
Life Presence Craft
Attack
___________ __________
Energy Intimidating Inventor
Defend
___________ __________
PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
Lie Detector Orator Trade Maneuver
___________ __________
Retro-Temporal Bargain Labor ___________ __________
Vision Leap
Politics ___________ __________
Aetheric Calculations Grapple
Connections
Nobles ___________ __________
Facts & Figures Impervious
Empathy ___________ __________
Detailed Analysis Insight Traps
Mimic Voice ___________ __________
Built-In Weapons
___________ __________
___________ __________
KEYS SECRETS

Key of the Dark Legacy Secret of the Automaton

You are Lord Scurlock’s creation. Turn this key when you find You are a living machine of clockwork and electroplasm. You do not
yourself following in his strange and dangerous footsteps. age and you cannot die. If destroyed, you may be re-created using
Buyoff: Disclaim your birthright. Lord Scurlock’s secret mechanist laboratory.

Key of the Machine Secret of Modification

You do not yet fully comprehend human feelings and subtleties. Turn Once per refresh, you may tinker with your configuration to add a
this key when your stiff machine nature interferes with your ability to temporary tag (or use a locked tag). You may only have one tempo-
deal with and understand organic beings. rary tag at a time.
Buyoff: Develop empathy.

Key of the Duty Secret of

You must not allow those with Scurlock blood to come to harm.
Buyoff: Allow a Scurlock to be harmed. Secret of

CONDITIONS POOL
Key of DAMAGED EMOTIONAL
MAXIMUM

DRAINED MISFIRING
INCAPACITATED IMPEDED
Key of
CURRENT

DESTROYED CONTROLLED
When you turn a key, take an experience point (xp). If you go into danger because of
your key, take 2 xp. Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you may ITEMS & APPEARANCE
permanently remove that key and replace it with a new one, and earn 5 xp.
Metal body with whirring clockworks and pulsing electroplasm inside.
Spend xp at any time to: items: A sash and tunic in Scurlock livery — Lord Scurlock’s voice.
XP 5 xp — Add a new trait with 3 tags.
5 xp — Add a new key you’ve never had before.
5 xp — Add or unlock a new secret.
5 xp — Increase pool maximum by 1 (and get a pool die).
3 xp — Unlock a tag on an existing trait.
1 xp — Get a pool die (up to your pool maximum).

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Tertius Scurlock
A sky pirate
TRAITS & TAGS
Traveler Survivor Dashing Scoundrel

Connections Fighter Bravado Stealth ___________ __________

PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL

Blades
Charm Lockpicking ___________ __________
Cultures
Wrestling
Seduction Tracker ___________ __________
Languages
Bargain Ambush ___________ __________
Underworld Stealth
Pilot Smuggler ___________ __________
Pirates Fearless
Stunts Cunning ___________ __________
Contraband Underdog
Drugs Tough Presence ___________ __________
Occult Scavenger Leadership ___________ __________
Demon Lore Threaten ___________ __________
Brutal ___________ __________
___________ __________
KEYS SECRETS

Key of the Dark Legacy Secret of Scurlock

You are Lord Scurlock’s child. Turn this key when you find yourself Your Scurlock blood binds you to an ancient pact with the demon
following in his strange and dangerous footsteps. Setarra. She may not harm you directly, and must provide services
Buyoff: Disclaim your birthright. commanded by the heir to the Scurlock line until the scope of the
binding is fulfilled.
Key of the Outcast
Secret of the Reaver
You left home young and grew up in the wild. Turn this key when
your defensive and suspicious nature causes a problem for you. Once per refresh, you can assemble a small gang of pirates from the
Buyoff: Accept fidelity with a parental figure, mentor, loved stragglers around the docks.They’ll follow your orders if you seem like
one or organization. you know what you’re doing.

Key of Vice Secret of

You live to indulge your array of vices, especially smoking Black
Lotus.Turn this key when you put this need before other concerns. Secret of
Buyoff: Stop using.

CONDITIONS POOL
Key of INJURED ANGRY
MAXIMUM

DRAINED SHAKEN
INCAPACITATED SWAYED
Key of
CURRENT

DEAD ( PRESUMED ) DOMINATED

When you turn a key, take an experience point (xp). If you go into danger because of
your key, take 2 xp. Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you may ITEMS & APPEARANCE
permanently remove that key and replace it with a new one, and earn 5 xp.
items: Pirate’s garb — Stash of Black Lotus & Pipe — Cutlass
Spend xp at any time to:
— Pistols — Dagger.
XP 5 xp — Add a new trait with 3 tags.
5 xp — Add a new key you’ve never had before.
5 xp — Add or unlock a new secret.
5 xp — Increase pool maximum by 1 (and get a pool die).
3 xp — Unlock a tag on an existing trait.
1 xp — Get a pool die (up to your pool maximum).

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Jedmund
Faithful servant to the Scurlock family
TRAITS & TAGS
Wise Veteran Attentive Savvy

Persuade Soldier Assess Educated ___________ __________

Advice Firearms Soothe History ___________ __________
Experience Swordplay Gossip Ilysium ___________ __________
Insight Pugilist Secrets Contraband ___________ __________
Negotiate Vigorous Connections Underworld ___________ __________
Compromise Bodyguard Etiquette Crime ___________ __________
Reproach Security Inconspicuous Occult ___________ __________
Tactics Healer Demons ___________ __________
Medicine Nobles ___________ __________
___________ __________
___________ __________
KEYS SECRETS

Key of Servitude Secret of the Mentor

You are sworn to serve the Scurlock family. Turn this key when you You raised Scurlock’s children and still have a close bond with them.
submit to one of their commands against your better judgement or Once per refresh, when you give one of them advice and they follow
put their needs above your own. through they take +1d to their rolls to accomplish it and you get 1xp.
Buyoff: Openly defy a Scurlock’s command.
Secret of the Old-Timer
Key of the New Path
You’ve been around and seen it all. Once per refresh, when your
Lord Scurlock’s children are likely to follow in his sinister footsteps. opponent is younger than you, you can re-roll all your dice that have
Turn this key when you lead them away from that dark legacy. missed.
Buyoff: Allow one of them to be consumed by darkness.

Key of Ruin Secret of

You have seen (and done) terrible things in service to the Scurlocks.
Turn this key when dark things overwhelm you and you must turn Secret of
away.
Buyoff: Stop feeling.
CONDITIONS POOL
Key of INJURED ANGRY
MAXIMUM

DRAINED SHAKEN
INCAPACITATED SWAYED
Key of
CURRENT

DEAD ( PRESUMED ) DOMINATED

When you turn a key, take an experience point (xp). If you go into danger because of
your key, take 2 xp. Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you may ITEMS & APPEARANCE
permanently remove that key and replace it with a new one, and earn 5 xp.
items: Faded Servants Uniform — Cane — Pocketwatch —
Spend xp at any time to:
Necklace & Locket w/ Small Portrait — Signet ring.
XP 5 xp — Add a new trait with 3 tags.
5 xp — Add a new key you’ve never had before.
5 xp — Add or unlock a new secret.
5 xp — Increase pool maximum by 1 (and get a pool die).
3 xp — Unlock a tag on an existing trait.
1 xp — Get a pool die (up to your pool maximum).

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Playing the Game
Rules for playing in the Wild Blue Yonder
ROLLING THE DICE CONDITIONS

When you try to overcome an obstacle, you roll dice. Follow When events warrant or especially when you fail a roll, the gm
these steps to determine how many dice you get to roll. may impose a condition on your character: Injured, Drained,
etc. A condition might incease the difficulty level of a roll, or may
try: Start with one die just for trying. restrict your choice of action (you can’t be reasonable if you’re
angry). note: The “dead” condition just means “presumed dead”
trait: Select one trait that applies, add a die for that. unless you say otherwise.

tags: If that trait has any tags that apply, add another die for REFRESH
each filled circle on that tag. Tags with empty circles cannot be used
until you unlock them with experience. Some tags are grouped in In between dice rolls, characters can have refreshment scenes
a box; you can use only one tag within that box per roll. with each other. Refreshment scenes are a good way for the
characters to show their personalities and develop their relation-
pool: Finally, add any number of dice from your personal pool. ships with one another. The conversation between characters can
happen in the moment, but can also take the form of a flashback.
Roll all the dice you’ve gathered. difficulty levels
Each 4, 5 or 6 (or each x if you’re 2 easy After a refreshment scene, each character:
using 50/50 dice) is a hit. Each 3 difficult ❖ Restores their pool back to their maximum pool.
1, 2 or 3 (or each blank) is a miss. ❖ Removes one condition (if they did something during the
You need hits equal to the difficulty
4 challenging
scene to deal with the condition).
level to succeed. 5 extreme ❖ Regains the use of their secrets.

If you succeed, discard all the dice you rolled (including any pool SCRIPT CHANGE
dice you used). Don’t worry, you can get your pool dice back.
Generally, games in the Wild Blue Yonder are rated pg-13 for
If you fail, you don’t yet achieve your goal. But, you get to keep intense action, fantasy violence, sexual situations and occasional
the pool dice you rolled and add another die to your pool (up to strong language.
your maximum pool size). The gm will escalate the danger of the
situation and probably inflict a condition. You might be able to However, if a situation happens in the game that makes you—as
try again. a player—feel uncomfortable, or the game is going in a direction
that doesn’t reflect the tone or content you expected, you can call
The gm may give some obstacles two difficulty levels (typically for a script change.
two steps apart, for example 2 and 4). Getting a number of hits
equal to the higher difficulty level allows for a greater success. pause
If a scene is getting too intense, you’re confused about something,
example: “Yes, Arras, you can persuade Viceroy Skein to keep his or you just need to take a break, you can say “Pause” and, optionally,
mouth shut for only 10 crowns, the difficulty level is 3. However, if you discuss what just happened and where the story is going. After
get 5 hits, then Skein will also stop demanding monthly payments.” the break or discussion, you can decide if you want to continue
playing without any changes or if you want to adjust something.
pc vs. pc: If your character contends with other another pc, both
players roll against a difficulty level set by the gm. If one player fast forward
succeeds, that player wins the conflict and discards dice normally. If you don’t want to play through what’s about to happen, you
The other player keeps their rolled pool dice and gets another. can say “Fast Forward” to skip past it (sort of like when you know
If both players succeed, no pool dice are discarded or gained, but what’s about to happen in a movie but it fades to black instead of
the gm interrupts the conflict in whatever manner they see fit. showing the action).
If both players fail, they keep their pool dice and get another die,
and the gm escalates the situation or introduces a new obstacle. rewind
If something already happened that you object to, you can say
Helping: If your character is in a position to help another pc, “Rewind” to jump back to the point in the scene where it went off
you can give that player a die from your pool. Say what your course for you. Work with the gm and the other players to take
character does to help. The outcome of the roll affects both pcs. the story in a different direction.
LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Capitol of the Empire

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
Lakeshore District
 Scurlock Manor
With subterranean canal dock and barred
canal doorway with curious markings

CURIOSITIES ABOUND

Lord Scurlock collected a vast array of trinkets, oddities, books, maps, and artwork, hidden away in various secret places. When the players
ransack the manor, roll on the following lists to determine what they find and what it may be worth to an interested party, if one exists.

you find worth

i A collection of... i occult... i writing(s). i Half a crown.
2 A pristine... 2 ancient... 2 map(s). 2 1 gold crown.
3 A faded and worn... 3 criminal... 3 artwork. 3 2 gold crowns.
4 An inscrutable... 4 arcane... 4 device(s). 4 3 gold crowns.
5 A ruined... 5 mechanical... 5 weapon(s). 5 4 gold crowns.
6 A strangely modified... 6 sentimental 6 trinket(s). 6 18 gold crowns.

The dusty, painstaking search leaves you: [Mark a condition].

Perhaps [npc on relationship map] would be interested in the item.

A Note to the GM
Each of these items was personally meaningful to Lord Scurlock. When an item is found, describe a distinctive feature and, if you feel the
mood hit you, wax briefly about a moment from the pc’s childhood when they observed him acquiring, using, or cherishing it.

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 HOLPINE EDLAND LADY BLACKBIRD

SKEIN KUDGER LIZA

JASTER WYETH
RADEK
BRANCE VERLEY KROLE PITCH
ANIKA WYETH
NARKUS KERP
MR PLOM
HORLUND
SETARRA
VLADIM STOYEV

WILHELM
ARRAS BASTON TRULZKU

JEDMUND TERTIUS ESRIKA QUESS MARKO

CAUL

BROON KELETH TUME MELINDRA

ILYSIUM
JOFFRAM OGDEN
 Running the Game
Tips, tricks and advice for the GM
GETTING STARTED SAY YES, LOOK FOR THE OBSTACLES

Read the opening passage to set up the situation. Then hand out By default, characters can accomplish anything covered by their
the character sheets and help everyone pick who they want to play. traits. They’re competent and effective people, in other words.
It’s no fun to ask for a roll when there’s no cool obstacle in the
This game is designed as a multi-session campaign. Ideally, the
way. Just say yes to the action, listen, and ask questions as usual.
pcs will undergo satisfying character arcs, as the xp reward for
But also, be on the look out for the opportunity to create obsta-
buying off keys has been built specifically to encourage that. Pay
cles as the action develops. Because you’re asking leading
close attention to when the players turn their keys, don’t be
questions and listening closely, they’ll be all over the place, so it
stingy with xp, and look for opportune moments to introduce
won’t be too hard to spot them.
scenarios that lead to an eventual buyoff.
Obstacles can be other characters, situations (explosions, falling,
The game should naturally fall into a cinematic cycle of
chases, escapes) or anything else you can imagine.
action—rest—action because of the way the dice pool gets
replenished. Give players that time in their refreshment scenes, as If a character tries something not covered by their traits, that’s an
that’s where their characters and relationships really come to life. obstacle right there: lack of experience and training. Lots of fun
things can go wrong when you don’t know what you’re doing!
LISTEN AND ASK QUESTIONS, DON’T PLAN Also, players will sometimes try things they’re bad at so they can
fail and add dice to their pool. It’s a fine move for them and it
When you’re the gm, don’t try to “direct” the action or plan out gives you the chance to create more trouble, so everyone wins.
what will happen. Instead, ask questions—lots and lots and For some rolls, you may want to set two difficulty levels: the
make them pointed toward the things you’re interested in. Like, normal one and an even higher one (at least 2 steps higher) for a
say Tertius threatens Arras, So I ask Jedmund’s player, “How do grander success. This encourages higher risk-taking from
you react to that? Is that okay with you?” And then, when it’s players, which increases the expenditure of pool dice. Spending
totally not okay, “What do you say? What do you do?” and then pool dice forces refresh scenes, which builds characters and
“Baston, what are you doing? Everyone is distracted, do you want relationships, and deepens the story. It’s a wonderful thing!
to seize the opportunity to do something?” A few more leading
questions like that and everyone is yelling at each other and
CONDITIONS
rolling dice to impose their will.
Also ask questions like: A condition constrains what the player should say about their
❖ “You can probably just pull the door off its hinges with your character. It’s a cue to tell the gm and players to pay attention to
automaton strength, huh?” that thing and use it as material for the developing fiction.
Gaming is just us saying stuff to each other, right? So you’re like,
❖ “That sounds like a bold plan. What’s the first step?”
“What do I say now?” and you look down and go, “Oh, I’m
❖ “The two of you have a quiet moment here in the library. What Angry. Right. No, in fact I won’t listen to reason!”
do you say to each other?”
For the gm, the conditions can create opportunities or give
❖ “Do you know anything about Demons? What are they like? permissions. “You’re Shaken, right? While you’re trying to
Have you ever seen a real one before this?” recover your wits, Tertius, Arras has time to act. What do you
do, Arras?” Sometimes a condition will become an Obstacle in its
Keep that going at a steady pace and the game flies along pretty well.
own right, calling for a roll to deal with it.
Part of the job of the gm is listening to what the players say,
catching it, turning it around and looking at it, and seeing if ADDITIONAL SECRET
there’s anything else to be done with it.
The gm’s jobs: listen and reincorporate, play the npcs with Players will likely be interested in gaining this particular secret,
gusto, create interesting obstacles, impose conditions as events and only one member of House Scurlock may have this secret at
warrant (especially when rolls fail), call for refreshment scenes a time.
(especially flashbacks).
The Secret of the Lord or Lady
You are the head of a noble house, with all the rights and privileges
SETARRA AS A PC owed to you. You have a seat on the Governor’s council. You may
make arrests and prosecute law. You get +1d when your status
Events may conspire to make Setarra a viable pc (via possession
helps you.
or other means). You’ll find her character sheet on the next page.

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Setarra
An ancient demon, bound to the Scurlock line
TRAITS & TAGS
Cunning Terrible Arcane Monstrous

Deception Demonic Gaze Power Demonic ___________ __________

Manipulation Intimidate Leech Strength ___________ __________
PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
Education Terrify
Summon
Speed ___________ __________
PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
History Willpower
Control Razor Claws ___________ __________
Occult Resist PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL
Crushing Grip ___________ __________
Arcane Lore Hypnotize Water PICK ONE TAG PER ROLL ___________ __________
Lost Mysteries Storm vs. Sorcerers ___________ __________
Stealth Cloud vs. Demons ___________ __________
Human Guise Leviathans ___________ __________
Essence ___________ __________
___________ __________
KEYS SECRETS

Key of Temptation Secret of the Sea Demon

You are luring the Scurlock children down the same strange and You are immortal. You cannot be killed or destroyed. You may be
dangerous path walked by their father. Turn this key when you lead injured by magic or star metal. You may be bound by ritual magic
them deeper into the occult. and controlled by the commands of a sorcerer. You were made in the
Buyoff: Lead them away from darkness. ancient sea and know the song to call leviathans — the greater
demons of the lower depths.
Key of the Liberator
Secret of Essence Leeching
You will release any bound demon you find. Turn this key when you
attempt to do so. Once per refresh, you may steal life essence from up to four humans
Buyoff: Leave a demon imprisoned. youSecret
can see.ofThey may attempt to resist or avoid your power if they
have the means. If you overcome them, you steal one of their pool dice
Key of Servitude (this can take you over the maximum). If they have none to give, they
Secret of
become drained.
You are a demon, sworn by arcane oaths to obey when under the
sway of sorcery. Turn this key when you submit to the magical Secret of
command of a sorcerer or the current heir to the Scurlock line.
Buyoff: Defy a sorcerer’s will.
CONDITIONS POOL
Key of INJURED BOUND
MAXIMUM

DRAINED FURIOUS
DRIVEN OFF SWAYED
Key of
CURRENT

HINDERED OVERWHELMED
When you turn a key, take an experience point (xp). If you go into danger because of
your key, take 2 xp. Each key also has a buyoff. If the buyoff condition occurs, you may ITEMS & APPEARANCE
permanently remove that key and replace it with a new one, and earn 5 xp.
Large, black shark-eyes. Razor claws and teeth. Black, wet scales.
Spend xp at any time to:
A hideous beauty.
XP 5 xp — Add a new trait with 3 tags.
5 xp — Add a new key you’ve never had before.
5 xp — Add a new secret.
5 xp — Increase pool maximum by 1 (and get a pool die).
3 xp — Unlock a tag on an existing trait.
1 xp — Get a pool die (up to your pool maximum).

LADYBLACKBIRD.ORG
 Starting Questions
The pcs have a lot of tangled backstory to unravel regarding their from their father or supply different details regarding the same
strange father and the fallout from his nefarious entanglements. issue.
Below, there’s a questionnaire for the players to help them
establish their relationship to their father, using the secrets he gm, put the relationship map out on the table for everyone to see
confided to them and why they all now want to stay in the city during the q&a. Players are free to modify, detail, or revise the
and deal with the fallout. map in any way to suit their answers, but there’s no guarantee
that the secrets are always fully accurate or even true at all. You’ll
When the players answer the questions, they may choose similar discover that in play.
options. They might want to introduce conflicting confessions

WHICH SECRET DID LORD SCURLOCK CONFIDE IN YOU (POSSIBLY WHILE DRUNK OR DRUGGED)? CHOOSE ONE.

A detail regarding the A detail regarding the A detail regarding Baston’s A detail regarding Baston’s
conspiracy with Holpine and conspiracy with Holpine and strange heritage. strange heritage.
the city treasury. the city treasury. A detail regarding his The secret access method to his
A detail regarding Baston’s A detail regarding his association with the demon occult lair in the canals.
strange heritage. association with the demon Setarra. A confession of love for the
A confession regarding Setarra. A confession of love for Anika street thief, Quess, Tertius’s
Jedmund’s complicity in his A confession of love for the Wyeth, Arras’s unknown unknown mother.
various conspiracies and painter Anika Wyeth, Arras’s mother.
crimes. secret mother.

WHICH DESIRE DRIVES YOU TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE AT THE MANOR NOW? CHOOSE ONE OR TWO.

A desire for magical secrets A desire for occult secrets, A desire to exploit Lord A desire to find the best heir for
and the power of the “family clues to ancient treasures Scurlock’s underworld the Scurlock name and ensure
demon,” Setarra. scattered across the wild blue. connections, leveraged to it sheds its tainted image.
A desire for status and A desire for status and outfit a criminal enterprise. A desire for Scurlock’s children
recognition as the rightful heir recognition as the rightful heir A desire for status and to achieve their dreams and be
of the Scurlock name. of the Scurlock name. recognition as the rightful heir happy.
A desire for wealth, extracted A desire for wealth, extracted of the Scurlock name A desire to for wealth,
from the spiderweb of Lord from the spiderweb of Lord A desire for wealth, extracted extracted from the spiderweb
Scurlock’s conspiracies. Scurlock’s conspiracies. from the spiderweb of Lord of Lord Scurlock’s conspiracies,
Scurlock’s conspiracies.
the servant’s life.

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 Play Tracker
An aid for the GM to keep track of conditions and watch for when keys are turned

Arras INJURED DRAINED INCAPACITATED DEAD ANGRY SHAKEN SWAYED DOMINATED

KEY OF THE DARK LEGACY KEY OF REFINEMENT KEY OF ARCANE KNOWLEDGE

They find themselves following in They remind someone of their They discover new and
Lord Scurlock’s strange and own superiority or refuse to stoop interesting arcane, occult,
dangerous footsteps. to the level of the lower classes. or magical knowledge.

Baston DAMAGED DRAINED INCAPACITATED DESTROYED EMOTIONAL MISFIRING IMPEDED CONTROLLED

KEY OF THE DARK LEGACY KEY OF THE MACHINE KEY OF DUTY

They find themselves following in Their stiff machine nature They keep those of Scurlock
Lord Scurlock’s strange and interferes with ability to deal with blood from coming to harm.
dangerous footsteps. and understand organic beings.

Tertius INJURED DRAINED INCAPACITATED DEAD ANGRY SHAKEN SWAYED DOMINATED

KEY OF THE DARK LEGACY KEY OF THE OUTCAST KEY OF VICE

They find themselves following in Their defensive and suspicious They put their vices, especially
Lord Scurlock’s strange and nature causes them a problem. smoking Black Lotus, before
dangerous footsteps. other concerns.

Jedmund INJURED DRAINED INCAPACITATED DEAD ANGRY SHAKEN SWAYED DOMINATED

KEY OF SERVITUDE KEY OF THE NEW PATH KEY OF RUIN

They submit to the commands or They lead a Scurlock child away They are overwhelmed by dark
needs of a Scurlock against their from their father’s dark legacy. things and must turn away.
better judgement.

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