by Greg Smith
The suspects whose names are marked with an asterix are those whose names appear on the Magistrix's list given to the PCs. Baron Calima* A little man with beady eyes and short, dark, greasy hair Formerly a Duke, he was stripped of most of his titles when he was found to be plotting to overthrow the Magestrix. He is trying to locate the man behind the plot in order to join him.
Count Moloq* A tall man with a proud bearing, he is grey-haired and balding. He is the Magestrix's most influential political enemy. He opposes her moves against the Free Worlds League, fearing that involvement in Andurien independence will destroy Canopus. He is not involved in the assassination, but her death would be very convenient for him.
Count Laxa* Average height, but muscular and powerfully built. His eyes seem to miss nothing. A former MechWarrior who believes the Magestrix was responsible for the death of a friend in battle. He can be used by anyone who wishes to kille her, but he had nothing to do with the attempt.
Captain Quon* Tall and muscular, handsome. The Magestrix's former favorite, who is jealous of her current lover, Colonel Lange. He is planning to kill Lange, but he is loyal to the Magestrix and may even aid the PCs if he's approached properly. He saw Tara Yamara meet with Baron Varna the second time; he saw her hand him something in a bag. He will not remember this unless he is trying to aid the PCs.
Baron Varna* Medium build, curly black hair and beard. He is about forty years old. He is very ambitious and wants to rule the Magistracy. He hired and killed the assassin. He used Tara Yamora to switch the Sniffer for a fake, and poisoned the Magestrix's food. He intends to marry Emma to gain control of the throne.
Emma Centrella* Daughter to the Magestrix and heir to her throne. Cute rather than beautiful. Dusky complexion, long curly dark hair. She is blunt and honest, though quite intelligent. She wants a more active role in the Magistracy. She is having an affair with Baron Varna which her mother actually does not know about. She believes he loves her. She has no intention of marrying him. She is impulsive, laughs readily, and trusts no one at court. If the Magestrix is attacked in her prescence, Emma will fight to save her.
Colonel Lange Medium height, good looking, graceful. The Magestrix' current favorite. He is jealous of the PC who is pretending to replace him (he does not know the truth). He will challenge the PC to a non-lethal duel with swords or 'Mechs, PC gets the choice as challenged party. He pilots an Archer.
Femme (or Homme) Fatale If the investigations continue into Day 3, Baron Varna will blackmail a minor noble. The noble, male or female as appropriate, is to seduce a PC and murder him or her. The noble's name is Sir or Dame Samtox. Tara Yamora The housekeeper was raised on the estates of Baron Varna. Her loyalty is to him rather than to the Magestrix. She distrusts Lord Kerlin. The players may be able to play on that distrust.
(Backstairs is a skill like Streetwise or Diplomacy; it is usable only by servants in great houses. For every 3 levels of Backstairs, 1 level of Interrogation is given (a gossip skill). Lord Kerlin A tall and imposing man in his fifties. He is the Ambassador from the Free Worlds League. He is behind Varna's plot. He has convinced Varna that House Marik will aid him, but his intention is to unbalance Canopus so it will not aid Andurien. It is unlikely that the PCs will actually uncover his role.
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