Whodunnit Structure

{  (set: $perp to (either: "A","B","C","D"))  } $perp is the perpetrator! Obviously, in the full game, we won't be told that. I've just written it here to make it easier to debug the test project. In this introductory passage, you might want to give some context to the crime. Maybe you go a little into the victim's history, or maybe - like a movie scene which shows the exterior, then cuts to the interior - we start by describing the area around the crime scene, perhaps the investigator's first impressions of the place. But not too much waffle, your reader will want to get on and [[begin the investigation]]

{  } The crime scene is pretty boring becase the writer of this Twine described it in a *really* dull way that doesn't engage the senses to put a picture in the reader's mind. There's a dead [[body->"examine the body"]] that you should probably examine. [[Arnold->"talk to A"]] stands nearby, watching shiftily. Your colleague, Officer [[Meades->"consult colleague"]] is bagging up some evidence nearby. {  (set: $time to 2) }

{(set: $time to it - 1)} Arnold is still at the crime scene. I don't know why, he probably wouldn't be, but maybe this is one of them Poirot type things. Yes, that'll do. {(if: $perp is "A")[Arnold looks really shifty. He says something incriminating, because he's going to be the lead suspect. Obviously he wouldn't drop himself right into it. Maybe he overplays how much he liked the victim, or maybe he tries to make smalltalk but comes off really nervous.] (if: $perp is "B")[Maybe Arnold says something inconsequential, which could later drop B in it.] (if: $perp is "C")[Maybe Arnold says something inconsequential, which could later drop C in it.] (if: $perp is "D")[Maybe Arnold says something inconsequential, which could later drop D in it.] } { (if: $time is 0)[Satisfied you've heard enough from him, you decide it's time to search for [[more clues]] elsewhere.](else:)[You try to decide whether to take a closer look at the [[body->"examine the body"]], or discuss the crime with your [[partner->"consult colleague"]].] }

{(set: $time to it - 1)} It's a dead body for sure. This passage will probably contain a few red-herrings. {(if: $perp is "A")[Is there something about an object nearby which incriminates A?] (if: $perp is "B")[Is there a smell on the body which incriminates B?] (if: $perp is "C")[Is there a small object on the body which incriminates C?] (if: $perp is "D")[Is there something about the shape of the wound which incriminates D?] } Depending on the tone of the story and the nature of the crime, you'll want to use a different type of description to make the player feel sad, angry, or amused. { (if: $time is 0)[Reeling from what you've just seen, you decide it's time to search for [[more clues]] elsewhere.](else:)[You try to decide whether to question [[Arnold->"talk to A"]], or discuss your findings with your [[partner->"consult colleague"]].] }

{(set: $time to it - 1)} Officer Meades looks down at the body (either: "and wrinkles his nose in disgust","and lets out a deep sigh","and shakes his head in disbelief"). {(if: $perp is "A")["I've got a hunch that suspect A did it. I should really say something a bit less direct, like pointing out a piece of evidence I found which you could later relate to suspect A."] (if: $perp is "B")["I've got a hunch that suspect B did it. I should really say something a bit less direct, like pointing out a piece of evidence I found which you could later relate to suspect B."] (if: $perp is "C")["I've got a hunch that suspect C did it. I should really say something a bit less direct, like pointing out a piece of evidence I found which you could later relate to suspect C."] (if: $perp is "D")["I've got a hunch that suspect D did it. I should really say something a bit less direct, like pointing out a piece of evidence I found which you could later relate to suspect D. Also, I don't know who suspect D *is* yet, we'll find out later, but we only know about A B and C at the start of the case."] } { (if: $time is 0)["Come on partner, it's time to look for some [[more clues]] elsewhere."] (else:)[You try to decide whether to take a closer look at the [[body->"examine the body"]], or talk to [[Arnold->"talk to A"]], who is still standing nearby.] }

As you go to leave the crime scene, one of the coroners comes over to you with something in their hand. "You're gonna want a look at this". {(if: $perp is "A" or $perp is "B")[The coroner shows you something that could incriminate suspects A *or* B!](else-if: $perp is "C" or $perp is "D")[The coroner shows you something that could incriminate suspects C *or* D!]} You thank the coroner and then make your leave of the crime scene to [[continue the investigation]] elsewhere.

{(set: $time to 3)} On the way back to the station, Officer Meades asks: "so, let's think about the suspects. Who's connected to the victim, who we know of?" Well, there's [[Arnold]], [[Becky]] and [[Colin]]. Those are our three main suspects at this point.

{(set: $time to it -1)} "Arnold, yeah. The guy who was there at the scene of the crime. If I remember rightly..." The partner says something that would tie A to evidence found on the body, and by the coroner, *if* it was A who actually commited the murder. Otherwise, it's a red herring. { (if: $time is 0)[You arrive at the [[police station]].](else:)["How about [[Becky]] and [[Colin]]?"] }

{(set: $time to it -1)} "Becky, yeah." The partner says something that would tie B to evidence found on the body, and by the coroner, *if* it was B who actually commited the murder. Otherwise, it's a red herring. { (if: $time is 0)[You arrive at the [[police station]].](else:)["How about [[Arnold]] and [[Colin]]?"] }

{(set: $time to it -1)} "Colin, yeah." Your parnter says something that would tie C to evidence found on the body, and by the coroner, *if* it was C who actually commited the murder. Otherwise, it's a red herring. (if: $perp is "D")["I don't know, partner. It just don't add up. I feel like there's someone missing."] { (if: $time is 0)[You arrive at the [[police station]].](else:)["How about [[Arnold]] and [[Becky]]?"] }

There's probably some moody description of the police station, or whatever your detectives' base of operations is. No sooner have you got through the door, when a junior officer approaches with an envelope. "Got these for ya, [[CCTV stills]] from shortly after the crime."

You look at the CCTV stills and see suspect D, who you don't know about. "Hey, that's not Arnold, Becky *or* Colin" your partner remarks. You retire to your [[office]] to consider your findings some more.

You look at all the evidence. "What next?" asks your partner. "We don't know who this person in the photos is, and they were there shortly before the murder. But without any leads on who they are... I suppose we have to go and speak to [[Becky->interview B]], [[Colin->interview C]] or maybe visit [[Arnold->interview A]] at home?" (set: $interviews to 0)

Victim = Crime = --Suspect A-- Appearance: Possible Motive: Possible Method: Interesting Quirk: --Suspect B-- Appearance: Possible Motive: Possible Method: Interesting Quirk: --Suspect C-- Appearance: Possible Motive: Possible Method: Interesting Quirk: --Suspect D-- Appearance: Possible Motive: Possible Method: Interesting Quirk: Similarity between A & B = both have... Similarity between B & C = both have... Similarity between C & D = both have... Similarity between D & A = both have... Similarity between A & C = both have... Similarity between B & D = both have...

{(set: $time to 2)}You'll probably want to do some scene-setting here. Describe B's residence. Maybe have some signs that link back to what B's motive could've been. You stir your tea while considering whether to ask Becky about the [[victim->victim-susp. B]], or the person in the [[photograph->photograph-susp. B]].

{(set: $time to 2)}You'll probably want to do some scene-setting here. Describe C's residence. Maybe have some signs that link back to what C's motive could've been. You stir your tea while considering whether to ask Becky about the [[victim->victim-susp. C]], or the person in the [[photograph->photograph-susp. C]].

{(set: $time to 2)}You'll probably want to do some scene-setting here. Describe A's residence. Maybe have some signs that link back to what A's motive could've been. You stir your tea while considering whether to ask Arnold about the [[victim->victim-susp. A]], or the person in the [[photograph->photograph-susp. A]].

{(set: $time to 2)}You'll probably want to do some scene-setting here. Describe D's residence. Maybe have some signs that link back to what D's motive could've been. You stir your tea while considering whether to ask Becky about the [[victim->victim-susp. D]], or the [[photographic evidence->photograph-susp. D]] of them leaving the scene of the crime.

{(set: $time to it -1)}Let's have suspect A talk about the victim and their relationship. If suspect A is the perpetrator, there should be some extra lines in here to indicate A is feeling guilty, or to hint at their motivation for doing it. Suspect A might also inadvertantly or deliberately dob in B, C, or D here. Just don't include too many of these red herrings or your case will be unsolvable! Have a go at including a small bit of environmental detail about A's home or workplace here, plus some body language. { (if: $time > 0)["We'd like to ask if you know the person in this [[photograph->photograph-susp. A]]?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1)(if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Arnold" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, A" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Becky->interview B]], [[Colin->interview C]] or this new [[Davros->interview D]] character?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}"Oh, that's Davros. (if: $perp is "D" or $perp is "A")[Now you mention it, there was something about D's relationship to the victim that suspects they might want to do a murder on them. Although... no... they wouldn't, would they?](else:)[There's no reason why they'd want to do a murder on the victim. I'm not sure how I know this, but they're a nice person, not a murdery one.]" You see, in this scene, A will incriminate D *if* D did it, or if A did it, but not if B or C did it. Tricksy! { (if: $time > 0)["Do you have any other [[questions->victim-susp. A]], officers?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1) (if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Arnold" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, A" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Becky->interview B]], [[Colin->interview C]] or this new [[Davros->interview D]] character?"]] }

"Well, what's your take on it?" asks Meades, back at the station. "Who has the strongest motive? Who does the evidence put in the frame?" [[Arnold->accuse A]] [[Becky->accuse B]] [[Colin->accuse C]] [[Davros->accuse D]]

{(set: $time to it -1)}Let's have suspect B talk about the victim and their relationship. If suspect B is the perpetrator, there should be some extra lines in here to indicate B is feeling guilty, or to hint at their motivation for doing it. Suspect B might also inadvertantly or deliberately dob in A, C, or D here. Just don't include too many of these red herrings or your case will be unsolvable! Have a go at including a small bit of environmental detail about B's home or workplace here, plus some body language. { (if: $time > 0)["We'd like to ask if you know the person in this [[photograph->photograph-susp. B]]?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1)(if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Becky" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, B" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Arnold->interview A]], [[Colin->interview C]] or [[Davros->interview D]]?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}"Oh, that's Davros. (if: $perp is "B" or $perp is "D")[Now you mention it, there was something about D's relationship to the victim that suspects they might want to do a murder on them. Although... no... they wouldn't, would they?](else:)[There's no reason why they'd want to do a murder on the victim. I'm not sure how I know this, but they're a nice person, not a murdery one.]" You see, in this scene, B will incriminate D *if* D did it, or if B did it, but not if A or C did it. Tricksy! { (if: $time > 0)["Do you have any other [[questions->victim-susp. B]], officers?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1) (if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Arnold" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, A" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Arnold->interview A]], [[Colin->interview C]] or this new [[Davros->interview D]] character?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}Let's have suspect C talk about the victim and their relationship. If suspect C is the perpetrator, there should be some extra lines in here to indicate B is feeling guilty, or to hint at their motivation for doing it. Suspect C might also inadvertantly or deliberately dob in A, B, or D here. Just don't include too many of these red herrings or your case will be unsolvable! Have a go at including a small bit of environmental detail about C's home or workplace here, plus some body language. { (if: $time > 0)["We'd like to ask if you know the person in this [[photograph->photograph-susp. C]]?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1)(if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Colin" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, Colin" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Becky->interview B]], [[Arnold->interview A]] or [[Davros->interview D]]?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}"Oh, that's Davros. (if: $perp is "C" or $perp is "D")[Now you mention it, there was something about Davros's relationship to the victim that suspects they might want to do a murder on them. Although... no... they wouldn't, would they?](else:)[There's no reason why they'd want to do a murder on the victim. I'm not sure how I know this, but they're a nice person, not a murdery one.]" You see, in this scene, C will incriminate D *if* D did it, or if B did it, but not if A or B did it. Tricksy! { (if: $time > 0)["Do you have any other [[questions->victim-susp. B]], officers?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1) (if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Colin" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, Colin" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Arnold->interview A]], [[Becky->interview B]] or this new [[Davros->interview D]] character?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}Let's have suspect D talk about the victim and their relationship. If suspect D is the perpetrator, there should be some extra lines in here to indicate D is feeling guilty, or to hint at their motivation for doing it. Suspect D might also inadvertantly or deliberately dob in A, B, or C here. Just don't include too many of these red herrings or your case will be unsolvable! Have a go at including a small bit of environmental detail about D's home or workplace here, plus some body language. { (if: $time > 0)["You were photographed leaving the murdery crime-place at quarter-to-crime. Can you tell us what you were [[doing there->photograph-susp. D]] at that time?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1)(if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Davros" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, Davros" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Becky->interview B]], [[Arnold->interview A]] or [[Colin->interview C]]?"]] }

{(set: $time to it -1)}(if: $perp is "D")[Well, Davros did it, so let's have him make an excuse in quite a flustered manner.](else:)[Let's have Davros give a pretty decent alibi explaining that how, despite being there at the time, he couldn't have known about the crime.] { (if: $time > 0)["Do you have any other [[questions->victim-susp. D]], officers?"](else:)[(set: $interviews to it +1) (if: $interviews is 4)["Thanks, Davros" says your partner. "If you think of anything else, please do contact us [[back at the station]]."](else:)["Thanks for your time, Davros" says your partner before turning to you. "Where next, [[Arnold->interview A]], [[Becky->interview B]] or our friend [[Colin->interview C]] character?"]] }

(if: $perp is "A")[Meades nods solemnly. "I'm afraid I'm in agreement. Nice as he seems, our friend Arnold has been up to some naughty business. Let's pay him another visit, this time with a warrant."](else:)[Meades grimaces. "I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but this one's your call. Let's get a warrant and pay them a visit"] *To be continued...* (if: $perp is "A")[(The correct answer was Arnold btw)](if: $perp is "B")[(The correct answer was Becky btw)](if: $perp is "C")[(The correct answer was Colin btw)](if: $perp is "D")[(The correct answer was Davros btw)]

(if: $perp is "B")[Meades nods solemnly. "I'm afraid I'm in agreement. Becky seems like butter wouldn't melt, but she's got a clear motive here. Let's pay him another visit, this time with a warrant."](else:)[Meades grimaces. "I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but this one's your call. Let's get a warrant and pay them a visit"] *To be continued...* (if: $perp is "A")[(The correct answer was Arnold btw)](if: $perp is "B")[(The correct answer was Becky btw)](if: $perp is "C")[(The correct answer was Colin btw)](if: $perp is "D")[(The correct answer was Davros btw)]

(if: $perp is "C")[Meades nods solemnly. "Our mate Colin has been a very naughty boy!"](else:)[Meades grimaces. "I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but this one's your call. Let's get a warrant and pay them a visit"] *To be continued...* (if: $perp is "A")[(The correct answer was Arnold btw)](if: $perp is "B")[(The correct answer was Becky btw)](if: $perp is "C")[(The correct answer was Colin btw)](if: $perp is "D")[(The correct answer was Davros btw)]

(if: $perp is "D")[Meades nods solemnly. "Oh dear, Davros. Been a bit sloppy covering up your tracks haven't you. Let's pay him a visit, this time with a warrant..."](else:)[Meades grimaces. "I'm not sure how you came to that conclusion, but this one's your call. Let's get a warrant and pay them a visit"] *To be continued...* (if: $perp is "A")[(The correct answer was Arnold btw)](if: $perp is "B")[(The correct answer was Becky btw)](if: $perp is "C")[(The correct answer was Colin btw)](if: $perp is "D")[(The correct answer was Davros btw)]