Crimes of the Body: A Murder Mystery RP

Started by Jellineck, February 14, 2010, 07:58:44 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Jellineck

Got a penchant for Clue? Wish there was more fucking Ms. Scarlett? For the mixers of Agatha Christie and all-out debauchery, I hope to invite you to a good old-fashioned murder mystery (with an erotic twist). Vaguely inspired by How to Host a Murder, it will be a game of wits, intrigue, and ballsy survival to see if your character can solve the secrets. Or, of course, if they even survive at all.

I'm heavily considering setting it during a party in the insane era of the 1920s. Speakeasy owning gangsters, former virgins shredding their skirts and going flapper, businessmen profiting from the burgeoning brothels, and the blossoming world of Hollywood are among the many backgrounds for characters. The game would probably take place at a party at an Mulholland Drive mansion, where all the rich and their playthings go to conduct affairs away from the eyes of "polite society."

The style of RP would be freeform with no strict system. However, you should go into with the idea that something bad may happen to your character, and just be willing to have fun and play around with a rather macabre RP. Given the themes, it's likely to say the story may contain its fair share of blood and violence.

Let me know if there's interest!
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

Hera

Oh my god, Clue  and How to Host a Murder?  You are obviously my twin!  I've had three of those parties!

Count me in, if you'll have me :)


Beguile's Mistress

Murder mysteries are some of my favorite stories.  I'll gladly play along and would be to write two or more characters if necessary.

Jellineck

You're both more than welcome, lovelies! I am hoping for one or two more players, but I also think a small intimate game is a better fit for a story rich with intrigue. Let's put up some character ideas so I can start plotting how to involve your characters in the mystery. Here's the nice simple template:

Name:
Gender:
Age:
Profession:
Physical appearance:
Personality:
Background: (The generic bibliography version. And do those ever really include all the dark little secrets? The jilted lovers, the people trampled, the bodies in the backyard...? Choose what you want to keep hidden.)
Rumors: (This is a bit more unique to the game setting. What's floating around old Hollywood about your gentleman or dame? Are they known as a player, having a tryst with a well-known actor? Are they a notorious gossip? Connections with the mob? These are things everyone might have heard at the party, and can be true or pointless deceptions.)

A special section you send only to me. This is your character's secrets. Things you don't want other people to know, but that I may choose to include as part of the intrigue. Does your character have a long lost lover or relative? Maybe their whereabouts will resurface. A rival that went mysteriously missing? Maybe a blackmail note will show up at their door.

Here's an example and also a character that will show up in the game...



Name: Frederick "Ricky" Cain
Gender: Male
Age: 46
Profession: Businessman
Physical appearance: Mr. Cain is classically groomed; always looking smart with a carefully tended moustache, slicked hair, and immaculate suits. He's considered a handsome example of a rich fat-cat who, in the heyday of his youth, could have passed for a Hollywood version of Robin Hood. A devilish smile, piercing eyes, and a trim figure all contribute to his continuing reputation of a lady killer.
Personality: The charming, generous, and oh-so-debonair front he portrays to guests and associates mask his mercurial inner nature. Only the servants and his few enemies dare to whisper of Mr. Cain's violent and unpredictable temper. Although quick to anger even around those he wishes to manipulate, he is equally swift to mask it with sugar-coated pleasantries. Perhaps it's well-disguised fury that has contributed to his fast rise to the top of the business food chain.
Background: Mr. Cain owns a chain of highly successful jewelry stores along the east coast simply called "Cain's Jewelry Co." He supplies diamonds fresh from the mines of Africa - big, beautiful, and wiped clean of blood. It is his products that are featured on every major magazine cover and around every starlet's neck up on the gleaming silver screen. For a formerly penniless entrepreneur, his path to fortune is nothing short of miraculous, and steeped in mystery.

Rumors:
- Although constantly seen escorting the prettiest of the socialites and actresses around town, not much is known of Cain's most personal relations. What is known is that he has been married three times, all of which have ended in divorce. However, none of his wives can ever be reached for an interview. Which makes sense, of course, because all have seemed to mysteriously relocated out of the country shortly after their legal separations.
- Word on the street is that Cain has paid his fair number of gangsters and mafiosos to help get rid of budding jewelry companies that pop up along the west coast. It is rumored he wants to take the second side of the continent by storm and set up a national monopoly.
- Henrietta Gabba, head writer for the L.A. Gabbler (a gossip magazine), writes that she saw Mr. Cain going to an all-boys party on the arm of a flamboyantly flexible young actor. In her words, he is a "enthusiastic fan of ungodly sodomy" and should be avoided at all costs.

“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

jazz

Ohhhh  Damn!!!  I have to be in on this!  I know you have two females interested already and need a few guys…  I simply have to be in… PLEASE!!!

I’ll work immediately on a character but I am thinking Maffia princess who wants to be an actress, daddy or daddy’s name opens doors….   
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. ~ Pablo Neruda

Hera

OK, here's mine.  Secrets to follow by PM.  (Also, if you find yourself short on characters, I would be willing to play two.)

 

Name: Louise Breckdale-Hurst

Gender: Female   

Age:20

Profession: Idle rich

Physical appearance: Louise has fully embraced the liberating ideals of beauty that modern times have afforded women.  She sports a short bob of glossy, dark hair, perfectly arched brows, dark green eyes that hint of secret and sin, and a lushly made-up face at all times.  Her elegant, slim frame is a perfect fit with the day's figure-revealing fashions: short skirts, bare arms, even trousers. She is never seen in public without a gorgeous outfit, the perfect shoes and expensive art deco jewelry.

Personality: She's vivacious, outgoing, up for mischief, and constantly bored.  Her words are often cutting and cruel, as she seems to entertain herself by sharpening her wit against the feelings of others.

Background: Louise is the only daughter of one of England's most wealthy families.  Although her mother brought a title to the clan, her father is one of the "new money" rich industrialists that the British upper class at once denounce as vulgar and embrace as a salvation to their crumbling estates and emptied coffers.  She was raised as daddy's girl, spoiled, indulged, undisciplined.  Now, for some reason, her parents despair of her wild behavior.  She's joined in with the set of her peers, young men and women with more money than direction, content to move from social event to social event looking for thrills to alleviate the boredom of doing nothing all day. 

Rumors:
It's said that she's come to America to hide from her father, who threatens to disown her if she doesn't settle down and stop embarrassing hm.

More than once, tabloids on both sides of the pond have run tidbits about Louise's "wild nights", with salacious hints of drugs, alcohol, and "immoral behavior". 



Jellineck

Looks absolutely enchanting, Hera! Particularly since you're using the likeness of my favorite Lulu. I've only seen Pandora's Box about fifty times  ;D. Rest assured I'm stewing up some plots for your character.

You're more than welcome to join in, jazz. Hey, I'm sure Ricky boy won't mind being surrounded by the ladies. He's the sort of cad to stack the odds in his favors. Of course, more gents are always appreciated.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

Hera

We can't be the only murder-mystery fans around here... :P


wildstar

nice idea. I like Clue and would be interested in this. I think I have an idea for a young man who is an amuater detective.


jazz

Sorry it took me so long to get this posted.  But My character finally got clear in my jumpled little head :P





Name: Jassima Katrina Marina Rosini, but tries to simply go by Jazz both socially and prfessionally
Gender: Female   
Age:22
Profession: Maffia princess/aspiring Actress

Physical appearance: Like many newly indepentant women, she revels in wearing pants during the day.  It still shocks old bitties and she has found it charms men.  Even turns a few on.  But she still has curves to fill a cotail drees or eveneing dress out.  She's never had a complaint and has never had a lack of attention;from men or women.  Her hair, though she prefers to keep it long, it  has that sexy curl that sometimes she lets fall over one eye for added sex appeal.  That's what her agent has said at least.  Every outfit is carefully checked before she leaves and adorned with the right jewlery. 

Personality: At first she can be hard to read. She smiles easily, but has a devious mind back there, gears constantly turning

Background: Jazz's got her own bank account so is not dependant on a man...  Even though she can wrap daddy around her little finger, she rarely has to.  She does have a pension lately for older men.  Realizing, a batting of her lashes and sometimes just a hint that there might be more can get her what she wants.

So far she's appeared in two little but important films.  Nothing very big, but her agent is in talks for at least two good roles.  One is for a the lead and one a supporting one, but very substantial.  Until her next film role he has suggested she simply get her face seen in the right places and with the right people.  Sometimes getting into the society pages or even the gossip rags can boost a career.  So Jazz has lately been contemplating doin a few more racey things to get noticed...

Rumors:
Jazz doesn't exactly like to let it be known her father is a maffia boss.  It simply doesn't go with the image she wants to portray.  She's been seen on enough arms of rich and powerful men to have gotten her face in a paper or two.  But she hasn't found the right venue to get much attention, yet.



I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. ~ Pablo Neruda

GreenHavok

Is this rp still looking for players? if so i am interested.

wildstar

ok I got the idea down now hope you like it? will post a pic later though need to find a good one of a young man in the 1920's.

Name:Adam Green
Gender:Male
Age:22
Profession:private detective
Physical appearance:
Personality:Adam is a kind and gentle man who likes good food, song, and the accational girl. he does't like booze or drugs. will help people in a pinch.

Background: Adam was born in 1900. his father had served in the Great war and now had served as a police chief. his mother was a nurse. life was hard but good. Adam's father had for 15 years served as the chief until one day Adam had come home from school to find his father had mother shoot to death. Adam didn't know who or why. his father's fellow cops seem to investigate the matter loosely, stumbling at every turn. Adam wouldn't let it go. soon he found out his father was investigating someone in his office and the mob. he had the dirt on who it was but they got to his father first. lucky for Adam he found the evidence and got it to the right people. but even then they didn't do anything. Adam shore that one day he would find the men who did it and make them pay.  until them he became a private detective. helping those who needed his services.     
Rumors: as for rumors their is talk that Adam is on a hit list. so far no one has succeeded in carrying out the hit. another is that Adam has a brother. but no one can confirm it.

Jellineck

Bios look great, wildstar and jazz! I have a few plot ideas forming that I will e-mail to you later. I'm on vacation this weekend and bum butt busy (I have no idea what the fuck that means).

Sure we're open, GreenHavok. That should put us at more than enough players. Keep the bios rolling in and I'll contact those who have submitted once I get back.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

GreenHavok

#14
Name: Arthur "Tommy" Green

Gender: Male

Age: 24

Profession: "Financial Advisor"

Physical appearance: Standing around 6'3", this lean young man can blend in with the crowds of Hollywood with his dashing looks and mild features. He is usually finely dressed in his best suits or a pressed shirt and tie. He wears his medium length hair either slicked back or tucked under a felt fedora.

Personality: Very much the people person, Tommy can mingle with anyone, with a smooth voice, and cautious eyes. He has moved up the ranks of his "profession" with ease and skill. He is the first to make a joke, and the first to make an enemy with that joke.

Background:
Growing up in southern California, Arthur was the son of a fish monger. His father sold his catch, while his mother tended to the family and kept the shop in good repair. Arthur would work the cash register when he was old enough, and quickly learned he liked money. More money meant more freedom. During high school, he joined a local bike gang and his illicit career began. Starting small with simple scams, Arthur soon found his pockets full, but he wanted more, so he began to build his gang up, and eventually he started outfitting himself in the finest threads, and with the best weapons. He was a big shot with no experience, and was quickly quieted by another gang, but this one was a large family organization from Italy. They squashed his operation, but he didn't back down in the face of defeat, in awe of his bravado, the Morelli family offered him a grunt position. He accepted and began to quickly climb the ranks, becoming the don's right hand man, over the leader's own son. Nicknamed for his weapon of choice, the newly dubbed Tommy Green would make enemies and friends alike, all of whom were in high places.

Rumors: Not much is known of Tommy's history, but he is a big mover in the Hollywood scene. Often seen at the biggest events with two women hanging on his arms. He is thought to have mob connections, but nothing has been placed on him yet, although he is under close police watch, especially in public. He is the first one to buy you a drink at a speakeasy and the first to help an old lady across the street. If it is business though, he is known as a cutthroat. The biggest rumor floating around is that he is the hitman for the Morelli family, which isn't entirely true.

Jellineck

Okay, so most of the responses have trickled in, and it's just about time to start. I have just a couple more replies I need from people, though, so please send those. I'll probably post the starter tomorrow afternoon.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

Jellineck

Yay! The starter is finished! We can start playing now. We might be having a new person joining in soon - he'll keep me updated. I'll also probably add a few charries myself. So, I highlighted a few of char histories with Cain in the intro, and a good amount in private messages as well. Feel free to have your characters make their ways to the door to be greeted for their grand entrances. You might want to think if several might arrive at the same time, or maybe fashionably late (or early). Please let me know if you have any questions. Here's the link:

Game thread.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

wildstar

ok glad I came to look here. I am happy to see this is started tell me when is a good time to start posting ok?

Jellineck

Now would be a great time to start posting. :)
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

sinera

OMG How did I miss this when it first came up? I'd Love to get involved if it's not too late; I can play a guy or a dame, depending on what you need!
O/O | A/A | My Intro | Fairytale Requests
Apparently some people don't read my O/O before adding me on MSN/Y! - so I'll say it here: IF YOU DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE FROM E, I WILL NOT ACCEPT BUDDY REQUESTS. Please read my O/O before PMing me with ideas, thanks.
Best IRC cybersex come-on line EVER: "I see you're an erotica writer...So, do you ever do any realtime collaborations?"

Jellineck

You're certainly welcome to play! Just post a brief character description up here. We're just starting out.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

Jellineck

I'd like to wait until we have all four of our main players in the parlor before Cain comes down, but if there's no reply in the next couple of days or so, I'll go ahead and continue.
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead

sinera

#22
Will this suffice?



Name: Ella Blanchette
Gender: F
Age: 22
Profession: Debutante
Physical appearance: Hair so blonde it looks like it came from a bottle, dark eyes; a petite woman always dressed impeccably, thanks to daddy's money.

Personality: Quiet, reserved - until she's had some alcohol in her, then she becomes bubbly and talkative. Her doll-like features make her seem quite attractive, but she shies away from most social functions.
Background: Ella's daddy is one of those new "Oil Barons." He's rough around the edges, but had the good luck to marry into money, which he quadrupled before Ella was born. She has always been quiet and a bit intimidated by men, perhaps because of the boisterous ways of her father and 3 older brothers. She's the baby of the family, and has been pampered and protected all of her life (or has she?)
Rumors: Ella has been seen around town with several Hollywood notables including Charlie Chaplin and William Harrison. Rumor has it that she was in fact engaged to Chaplin at one point, but broke off the engagement and left for a vacation to Europe. She has just returned, and this is her first foray back into social circles, avoiding those she'd associated with before her 'vacation.'

O/O | A/A | My Intro | Fairytale Requests
Apparently some people don't read my O/O before adding me on MSN/Y! - so I'll say it here: IF YOU DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE FROM E, I WILL NOT ACCEPT BUDDY REQUESTS. Please read my O/O before PMing me with ideas, thanks.
Best IRC cybersex come-on line EVER: "I see you're an erotica writer...So, do you ever do any realtime collaborations?"

Hera



Jellineck

Hey all! Sorry for the sudden silence - mass Internet failure. Since I see no one else posting, I'm going to post Cain's response. Newcomers can feel free to still join in. I'll just figure out a special way to get you in. :)
“If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” - Tallulah Bankhead