Case Briefing
Lord Archibald Blackwood has been found dead. Four suspects. One killer. Review the evidence before initiating the investigative protocol.
Lord Archibald Blackwood
The Victim — Collector, Swindler, Keeper of Grudges
Found dead in his manor at midnight. A single fatal wound, a shattered window, and a cryptic note pinned to his chest: “The Serpent has collected its debt.” The Serpent's Coil — an ancient golden amulet he unearthed and claimed sole credit for — sits in a glass case in his Study.
The Suspects
Lady Eleanor Ashford
The Vengeful Widow
Widow of Sir Reginald Ashford, Blackwood's expedition partner, who died under suspicious circumstances during the dig. She believes Blackwood murdered her husband to steal the Serpent's Coil.
Professor Alistair Thorn
The Disgraced Scholar
Once a respected Egyptologist who co-authored the paper on the Coil's discovery. Blackwood removed his name and published alone, destroying Thorn's academic career.
Miss Clara Whitmore
The Patient Governess
The manor's governess, quiet and watchful. Her family once owned the land Blackwood Manor sits on — land acquired through forged documents.
Captain James Sterling
The Desperate Officer
Retired cavalry officer, decorated but broken. Owes Blackwood 12,000 pounds from gambling debts. Blackwood threatened to expose his debts publicly.