Running an Enola Holmes Inspired TTRPG Campaign: Tips and Tricks

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Enola Holmes is a popular movie that follows the adventures of Sherlock Holmes' younger sister, Enola, as she sets out to solve a mystery and find her missing mother. The movie is full of action, adventure, and mystery, making it an ideal source of inspiration for a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) campaign. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for running an Enola Holmes inspired TTRPG campaign.

Setting

The setting of an Enola Holmes inspired campaign should be Victorian England, with a focus on the bustling city of London and its unique culture and history. The campaign should be set in the same time period as the movie, with a touch of steampunk and adventure. The players should feel like they are part of a world of intrigue and danger, where every action and decision has consequences.

Characters

The characters in an Enola Holmes inspired campaign should be a mix of detectives, adventurers, and scholars, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. It's important to work with the players to create characters that fit into the world of Enola Holmes, and that have ties to the other characters in the group. The characters should be brave and adventurous, but also vulnerable and flawed. They should have weaknesses and secrets that can be exploited by their enemies.

Story

The story of an Enola Holmes inspired campaign should be focused on the search for a missing person or the solving of a mystery, just like in the movie. The campaign should be driven by the actions of the players, with their decisions and choices shaping the outcome of the campaign. The story should be full of action, adventure, and mystery, with plenty of opportunities for the players to develop their characters and explore the world of Enola Holmes.

Gameplay

The gameplay of an Enola Holmes inspired campaign should be focused on investigation and deduction, with combat playing a secondary role to character development and narrative. The players should have opportunities to use their skills and creativity to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, but these should come with consequences. The campaign should be challenging, with the players facing dangerous enemies and navigating treacherous terrain.

Example Adventure Outline

Title: The Case of the Missing Scholar


The players are hired by a wealthy patron to find a missing scholar who has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The scholar is known for his research into ancient artifacts and is rumored to have uncovered a powerful artifact that could change the course of history. The players must search for the missing scholar and uncover the truth behind his disappearance, while also dealing with dangerous enemies who are also searching for the artifact.

Suggested Player Characters and NPCs:


  •     Enola Holmes - A young and brilliant detective who has a talent for deduction and a rebellious streak.
  •     Dr. John Watson - A skilled physician and detective who is a close friend of Enola's.
  •     Irene Adler - A cunning and resourceful thief who is also searching for the missing scholar.
  •     Inspector Lestrade - A bumbling but well-meaning police detective who is often out of his depth.
  •     The Missing Scholar - A brilliant researcher who has uncovered a powerful artifact that could change the course of history.


Suitable RPG Systems


  1.     Call of Cthulhu: Call of Cthulhu is a TTRPG system that is focused on investigation and horror. It is designed to capture the atmosphere of H.P. Lovecraft's stories, making it a great choice for an Enola Holmes inspired campaign that involves mystery and danger.
  2.     GUMSHOE: GUMSHOE is a TTRPG system that is designed for investigative campaigns where players must solve mysteries and uncover hidden secrets. It is a great choice for an Enola Holmes inspired campaign that involves the search for a missing person and the uncovering of dark secrets.
  3.     Savage Worlds: Savage Worlds is a flexible TTRPG system that can be adapted to a wide range of settings and genres. It is known for its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay, making it a great choice for an Enola Holmes inspired campaign that focuses on adventure and exploration.
  4.     Trail of Cthulhu: Trail of Cthulhu is a TTRPG system that is similar to Call of Cthulhu but with a focus on investigation and deduction. It is designed to capture the atmosphere of classic pulp detective stories, making it a great choice for an Enola Holmes inspired campaign that involves mystery and danger.


In conclusion, running an Enola Holmes inspired TTRPG campaign can be a thrilling and exciting experience. By focusing on the unique culture and history of Victorian England, creating interesting and compelling characters, crafting a challenging and engaging story, and using investigation and deduction as the main gameplay focus,

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