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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Peni Griffin" data-source="post: 4199164" data-attributes="member: 50322">You can't kill the impresario unless someone is standing by ready to step into his place.  This person (disgruntled stage hand?  Method Actor?) will then be the chief murder suspect.  In that case, he either must be a red herring or (in true Christie style) have an ironclad "proof" that it couldn't have been him which will come out when he's accused; only of course it's faked and evidence of premeditation.I favor the Method Actor as either the murderer or the second victim, as his ambition, ego, and unscrupulous nature (advancing you into bed etc.) provide a motive for either murder or blackmail along with the overconfidence to think he can pull them off.I think that the spectre of the theater is a red herring who knows all about it and could come down on the murderer's side, or on the protagonist's.  Her presence may precipitate deaths by heightening the emotions that lead to it, but ultimately she wants the show to go on.  Maybe the protagonist can win her assistance by persuading her to view the new arrangement as the highest possible compliment, but could also push her over to the dark side by offending her, so that the outcome of the investigation as comedy or tragedy hinges on this character and your PC's capacity to understand and communicate with her.  If the murder method involves staged accidents, this will operate against the Goddess of Luck - in effect, your protagonist's patron goddess will be blamed for the deaths unless your heroine demonstrates that they are murder.  The fallen chandelier, the grease on the catwalk, the malfunctioning special effect, the whispers of a curse...The murderer will be advancing his/her own career, clearing away rivals, and taking financial control of the theater all at once.  The PC need not be targeted by direct murder.  A frame-up is also motivating.  Is the Impresario in the habit of making separate financial arrangements with his cast and crew?  Is he in serious need of investors, paying in shares, mortgaged to the hilt and anxious to be rescued?  If so, unexpected people could wind up with large financial interests in the theater and, therefore, a motive.Is there an Attractive Detective in the city law enforcement structure?  If  not, consider creating one.  Someone very Lawful to her Chaotic, who would deeply regret having to arrest her, but would do it out of Duty.</blockquote>

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