Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
city to those who came with peaceful intent – there
would be no fighting inside its bounds.
Background
From the uninhabitable
lands, scorched by ravaging heat and fire, a great
mountain rises. Many thousands of feet above the
devastation, where the air is cool and fir trees still
thrive, lies the Citadel of the Sky Pirates, founded
shortly after the great Cataclysm.
This also allowed the Citadel to become a haven for
all sorts of pirates, smugglers, and other nefarious
types. The Citadel authorities are not concerned
with activities that take place outside their walls.
Inaccessible except by air, the Citadel developed in
isolation, relying heavily on the secret innovations of
the automata for which the Citadel is best known.
At the opposite side of the known world of the
Arctici, those lands surrounding the Arctic Ocean,
the Empire of Iysl dominates. The Empire (a
constitutional oligarchy) has been the vanguard of a
renaissance in science and engineering – a cultural
revival based on an impossibly well preserved
archaeological find from before the Cataclysm.
Though the languages of the ancient texts were
impossible to decipher, the artifacts spurred a revival
of science, style, engineering, and culture - a new
industrial revolution was born. Toffs strutted their
swell flash, corsets, and goggles. Steam-powered
vehicles dominated the streets and skies. These
technological advances established the Empire as the
most powerful nation on earth. Their airships were
the symbol of their might and cunning.
The airships managed to explore hitherto uncharted
deserts, eventually crossing to the other side of the
Arctic. Explorers made contact with an isolated citystate known as the Citadel. The initial interaction
between the cultures resulted in significant
technology sharing, and there followed a boom of
airship construction in the Citadel. The city-state
grew prosperous through shrewd trade of their
superior automata. Their mounting riches caught the
eye of the Empire.
The fleet sent to “negotiate” the Citadel’s
incorporation into the Empire found a people well
prepared to defend itself. The distance from the
Empire’s capital and the fierce independence of the
citizenry resulted in a different, more flexible
arrangement. The Citadel was declared to be an open
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
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In its explorations, the Empire also found another
mighty power; a belligerent, autocratic society
governed through a brutal caste system - the
Dominion of the Tenebrous Throne, the sole power
of the southern continent. The Thronesmen
(sometimes known as Tasmen) killed the Empire
crew and captured the Arctici airship.
A fleet of Thronesmen airships was hastily
assembled in crude imitation of the Empire vessel.
This fleet sailed north on a voyage of conquest, but
the Thronesmen were unprepared for the level of
technology and training of the Iysl. The
Thronesmen were utterly defeated in this first foray.
The Thronesmen have realized a more diplomatic
approach is necessary while a new invasion fleet is
assembled.
The independent Citadel invites diplomats from all
nations; here the Empire and Thronesmen mingle
and plot, spies and merchants alike.
Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
Your Role
Key Players
Based on your class flat, you may be aligned with the
Empire, the Throne, Pirates, the Citadel, or
Socialists. You are under no compulsion to hold to
these associations, and the Citadel is full of crosstraders, double-agents, and individuals with even
more doubtful motivations. As the Chronicle
unfolds, you will make some friends, some enemies,
and a fair number in between. Just take care not to
end up in the morgue!
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Registering Your Character
Campaign registration is available at our booth and
at the events. At registration you will receive one
starter deck of 18 flats, 3 of which are immediately
removed; a CoSP button, rules, and this background.
Which 3 flats are removed depends on the character
you wish to portray.
Everyone attending one of the scheduled events will
be registered for free. Registration at the booth costs
$5.00. Additional decks can be purchased for $3.00
each.
A player who has already registered and attends a
second Gen Con event will be provided a second
deck of their choice, subject to availability.
Starting Character Packs
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Tasman Spy
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Pirate
Captain
Empire
Ambassador
Seducer
Inventor
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Explorer
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Tasman Thug
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Citadel
Lawman
Empire Prole
Soldier of the
Crown
Citadel
Apothecary
Bon Vivant
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After Gen Con
The Registration process:
 Assigning a player number, and marking
that on your button
 Getting your name, your character’s name,
and your email (optional).
 Indicating the flats in your deck. If you wish
to rearrange your deck with new flats (other
than Item Flats – see the rules), your badge
will be marked to indicate you have altered
your cards. Each player may alter their deck
once during Gen Con.
During a gaming session, we will keep track of any
damage you’ve sustained, and points you’ve earned.
If you earn enough points to advance, you can add a
card to your deck at the end of the game or during
registration for the next session.
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
Ian – First Mate Slushington
Karin – Lady Peacock, Empire High Ambassador
Nick – Marshal of the Citadel
Freya – Freya , The Wayward Princess
Naomi – Sky Pirate Captain
Michael – A Citadel Card Sharp
Serra (CCA) - Evee, Empire Explorer
Kat (CCA) – Kat Alyst, Manages the Circle City
Aerodrome
Griggling Games is located in Booth #2927
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Feedback
We are very interested in getting your feedback on
the game. If you gave us your email, we will send
you a survey about your experience and if you have
any thoughts about how the rules and/or the cards
might be improved.
Future Sales
Shortly after Gen Con, we intend to sell Starter
Packs onDriveThruCards.com - however the Gen
Con 2014 promo card will not appear in these decks.
Sponsoring a Card
You, your group, store, club, or business can sponsor
a card. Please talk to Ian if you are interested!
Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
Chronicle I
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Setup
The Empire Ambassador has announced a new trade
agreement with the Citadel. The Princess Dottirisil,
niece of the Emperor, came from all the way from
Iysl to sign the agreement on behalf of the Empire.
Meanwhile, the Thronesmen seem determined to
undermine the agreement in any way possible.
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This morning, news buzzes all over the Citadel. The
visiting Princess from the Empire has been
murdered, and her priceless jewels stolen. Her body
was found in the Empire Embassy. Meanwhile the
Empire Ambassador is missing, presumed kidnapped
or dead.
A few witnesses have come forward to say they saw
Thronesmen lurking around the walls to the
Embassy prior to the event, a wild gear-coach driven
by a Thronesman Brute leaving the scene. Everyone
speculates the attackers must have had inside help,
but whom?
Especially damning is the testimony given by the
young Wayward Princess Freya1, formerly under the
care of the Ambassador. The Wayward Princess has
recently seen among the crew of a certain local
Airship.
Contacts
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Upon registration, each player will decide on a
contact card to use.
After 30 minutes, players will be advised to line
up for a second contact card.
After 60 minutes players will be advised to line
up for a third contact card.
Rooms (4)
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Market Square
Empire Embassy off Market Square; open to
Empire Class and their guests only
o Ante-chamber
o Private Quarters
Thronesmen Private Home – off Market Square;
open to Throne Class Only
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The Wayward Princess Freya is very distantly related to
the murdered Princess.
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
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The Sky Pirate Captain and Wayward Princess
inside Embassy Private Quarters
First Mate Slushington stands outside the
Embassy, in the market square, in private
conversation with Kat, liason with Circle City
Aerodrome, well known in the Citadel.
Evee’s scouting the marketplace in search of
adventure, somewhat oblivious to the intrigue.
Starting
Players begin at full health and full income.
Chronicle I Specific Scoring
Subservient
Thrall
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1 point per 100 pounds
donated in excess of starting
income
Loyal to the
 1 point per successful Scandal
Crown
or Whispering campaign vs.
Thronesman.
 1 points per Thronesman
completely disarmed, all
weapons taken (split as
victors see fit)
Agitator
 1 point per 100 pounds
donated in excess of starting
income
All
 3 points per Gem in hand at
end
To donate money, hand it to one of Thems that
Know.
Thems that Know
Ian – First Mate Slushington / Game Master
Karin – Empire Ambassador, Lady Peacock
(Kidnapped, location Unknown)
Naomi – Sky Pirate Captain
Karin, the missing Ambassador, will be handing out
contacts and dealing with other “Out-of-Character”
issues.
Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
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Chronicle II
Private Room of Publick House
Dark Alley near Market
Friday, August 15, 2014
The kidnapping, murder, and the remarkable number
of precious gems available has turned every Publick
House into a Brawlers Hall. Accusations are being
tossed around; the Thronesmen have been forced
onto the defensive. Now reports have come that a
Thronesman was killed in the night.
Meanwhile, an off-schedule courier ship departed
from the Embassy yesterday eve, full throttle. That
speedy craft could have already reached an Empire
outpost; few doubt that the Empire will respond in
some manner. An aerotilla of well-armed craft could
arrive in as soon as one or two days from now. And
in a few more days, news will reach Iysl, and from
there who knows?
Tensions among the Citadel citizenry heat up, as the
Empire does not have a good reputation in how it
responds to attacks on its nobility. Socialist
Agitators are using the crisis to try to get both the
Thronesmen and Empire tossed from the Citadel.
Lastly, a well-known Thronesman was found dead
yesterday evening. He was last seen in the company
of Evee, an explorer from the Empire.
Setup
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Wayward Princess is inside the Embassy
Antechamber, receiving condolences, with her
friend the Pirate Captain
First Mate Slushington inside Publick House
Kat has errands in the Market
Evee, in the Market, looking into the demise of
the Throneman she met yesterday.
Starting
Players heal half damage. All flats begin fresh,
income is refreshed.
Chronicle Specific Scoring
Subservient 
Thrall
Loyal to
the Crown
Agitator
Contacts
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Upon registration, each player will decide upon a
contact card to use.
 After 30 minutes, players will be advised to line
up for a second contact card.
 After 60 minutes players will be advised to line
up for a third contact card.
Contacts in this adventure may require a “payment”
or “gift”. Quietly announce your sum when
presenting your contact card.
Rooms (6)
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Market Square
Empire Embassy off Market Square; open to
Empire Class and their guests only
o Embassy Antechamber
Thronesmen Private Home – off Market Square;
open to Throne Class Only
Publick House – “The Pilot’s Demise”
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
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All
1 point per Scandal or
Whispering Campaign
discredited.
 1 point per Empire Captured but
not killed (1 per person, split as
captors see fit).
 1 point per Thronesman killed or
captured with no non-Empire
witnesses.
 1 point per Thronesman killed
by Empire
 1 point per Empire killed by
Thronesman.
In either case, Row must be started
by Agitator.
 6 points per bounty earned from
the Marshal
Thems that Know
Ian – First Mate Slushington / Game Master
Nick – (2nd half) Marshal of the Citadel, Lawman
Karin (1st half) – Empire Ambassador, Lady Peacock
(Kidnapped, location Unknown)
Naomi – Pirate Captain
Karin, the missing Ambassador, will be handing out
contact info and dealing with other “Out-ofCharacter” issues. Karin will leave and Nick will
take her place, to evaluate Bounties.
Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
Chronicle: Soiree
Setup
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Everyone in the Publick House
Starting
Friday Evening Soiree, August 15, 2014
The excitement of the last couple days has left the
Citadel tense, and thirsty. Unfortunately, many of
the smaller establishments have closed for the
evening, to clean up the day’s mess.
Upscale venue The Absinthe Lounge has its own
guards, is frequented by Johnny Law, and has
decided to remain open having been spared the
brawling experienced elsewhere in the Citadel. As
such, is full-up with the Citadel’s Noteworthies.
Players not healed. All flats begin fresh, income is
refreshed.
Chronicle Specific Scoring
Subservient
Thrall
Loyal to the
Crown
Agitator
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All
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No Rows (combat) will be permitted at the Soiree.
A mysterious magician is amusing the crowd, which
is being carefully watched by The Marshal of the
Citadel, who has stationed a sizable contingent of
rozzers in and around the building. He’s also brought
all those brought in earlier for a bounty. He wants to
observe what happens, as he has heard too many
conflicting reports.
Contacts
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Upon registration, each player will decide on a
contact card to use.
After 30 minutes, players will be advised to line
up for a second contact card.
After 60 minutes players will be advised to line
up for a third contact card.
Rooms (1)
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A Publick House, “The Absinthe Lounge”
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
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1 point per successful
Intrigue
1 point per successful
Intrigue
1 per Item or 100 pounds
gained
4 points for avoiding being
the Mark of any successful
Intrigue.
Good Cheer – 1 point 1 per
person for whom you
purchase a drink
Thems that Know
Ian – First Mate Slushington / Chronicler
Karin – Empire Ambassador, Lady Peacock
(Kidnapped, location Unknown)
Naomi – Pirate Captain
Eddie – The Undertaker
Nick – Marshal of the Citadel
Karin, the missing Ambassador, will be handing out
contact info and dealing with other “Out-ofCharacter” issues. Ian, the First Mate, and
Chronicler, will also be helping in this capacity.
Citadel of the Sky Pirates
Gen Con 2014 Adventure – Murder at the Embassy
Chronicle III
Setup
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Saturday, August 16, 2014
The Rumor Mill predicts the Thronesmen will send
one of their own ships from the Citadel before it is
too late.
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The Empire Ambassador, the Pirate Captain,
First Mate, Wayward Princess are out of play.
Evee is at the Upper City Mooring Masts
Kat is at the Circle City Aerodrome
Starting
All the players start in the Market Square, which is
filled with Lawmen looking to bring in anyone who
starts a Row.
Players heal half damage. All flats begin fresh,
income is refreshed.
Chronicle Specific Scoring
The hour will be spent reviewing the clues, at a
hastily court convened to hear evidence. Kat, a city
notable, has been asked to hear evidence.
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Contacts
Subservient
Thrall
Loyal to the
Crown
Agitator
Upon registration, all contact cards can be used,
although you might go back later for more info.
All
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Market Square
Circle City Aerodrome
o At Mooring Masts
o Inside Airship
Upper City Mooring Masts
o At Mooring Masts
o Inside Airship
Another Airship (if it becomes available)
Thems that Know
Ian – First Mate Slushington / Game Master
Karin – Empire Ambassador, Lady Peacock
(Kidnapped, location Unknown)
Naomi – Pirate Captain
The Market Square is some distance from the Circle
City Aerodrome and the Upper City Mooring
Masts.
© 2014 Griggling Games, Inc.
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Rooms (6)
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2 points for escaping the
citadel with weapons
2 points if the Throne did not
escape with the weapon
a point Per Empire or Throne
killed outside Market
1 point Per Clue supplied;
2 point for not going to any
mooring mast
0 for the "wrong" one
5 for the "correct" one.
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