Young Master Romeo and trouble up the Piazza.

 Young Master Romeo and trouble up the Piazza.

The romantic Gallant, Romeo, visiting Venice, has seduced Lucrezia, daughter of the Doge's cousin.  The villainous Don John "the bastard of Arragon," has been paid, by the Capulets amongst many others, to see that young Master Romeo's time is Venice is over.  Swords are drawn.  Can the arrival of the local hoodlums save young Romeo?

• Leader: Romeo – Hot-blooded Nobilis  youth.
• Traits: Charismatic, Reckless, “Fortune Favours the Bold.”

Romeo is waiting alone on the Gondola landing, expecting an assignation.

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 Retinue of Don John of Arragon

• Leader: The Don, villainous noble.  
• Traits: Proud, Duelist.
• Companions:
  • Borachio “drunkard”. Gentleman
  • Conrade Gentlemen with fancy rapiers and cloak.
• Troops:
  • 4–6 Mercenary Swordsmen (condottieri-style, some with polearms or arquebuses).
  • 1 Musician/Herald (scenario flavour – )

Playstyle: Balanced retinue, with elite fighters but fewer numbers.

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• Launcelot Gobbo & the Street Rabble

The clownish servant of Bassanio, but also a leader among the city beggar's guild— comic but surprisingly scrappy. 

• Leader: Launcelot Gobbo – Traits: Comic Relief (friendly morale +1 when he survives a test), Lucky Fool (once per game cancel a hit against him).
• Companions: Old Gobbo (his blind father, counts as objective marker), 
• Dogberry, formerly of the watch, street rogue
• Verges, street rogue.
• Troops: 6 Venetian Rabble (daggers, cudgels, stones), 2 Thieves (crossbows).
• Playstyle: Unpredictable, fragile, but swarms the table and causes chaos. ranged threat.

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Romeo waits on the dock while Gobbo and the rabble mess about in the market.

Don John and his cronies cross the bridge, spotting Master Romeo below.  The Capulets will pay for Romeo to meet his timely end!

Launcelot Gobbo to the rescue

The factions started too far apart maybe?

And the street rabble use carts to block the approach.

But Don John is a soldier.  His men are quality.

Borachio kills his way towards the poor excuse for a Montague heir 

Romeo inspects his fingernails.  Not so hot blooded then!

Borachio dives towards him.  Picture fail!

And Romeo is shoved into the canal.  Don John can claim my men didn't kill him!"

And Gobbo withdraws.  It's a win for the Don and his reputation soars.

Eugene's Last Performance, Police Gazette 20th June 1863

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Police Gazette – Southern District, June 20th 1863

From the Office of Sir Marmaduke Whitmore, District Commissioner – Southern District

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Wanted / Dangerous Persons

• “The Butler Gang”
  Now confirmed to be operating in strength within the Gorge bush. Numbers estimated at 8–12 armed men. Increasingly bold in actions.
  Reward: £50

• Mary O’Leary, alias “Red Mary”
  Last seen fleeing a violent incident near a Constabulary tent encampment. Believed complicit in ambush of a government officer.
  Considered armed and dangerous. Reward: £10

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New Notice

• Unidentified Māori Male (“Koawa Watcher”)
  Observed again near the Koawa Track. Now reported carrying a double-barrel gun and shadowing both Constabulary and miner movements.
  Behaviour suggests deliberate reconnaissance. Allegiance unknown.

• Eugene (surname unknown), itinerant pianist
  Recently arrived at Te Awa Koawa. Of limited musical ability but attracting gatherings in camp.
  Intelligence suggests his presence may be used as cover for criminal movement or meetings.
  Keep under observation.

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Major Incidents & Property Reports

• Assault on Probationary Constable Clarence Whitmore
  Officer found beaten and disarmed near forward tent position. Sustained head injuries consistent with pistol whipping.
  Government revolver missing.
  Incident believed to be work of Butler Gang.
  Condition: Recovering, unfit for duty.

• Supply Pack Still Missing
  Government revolvers, ammunition, and rations remain unaccounted for.

• Claim #12 – Further Developments
  Blood traces discovered. No bodies. Increased likelihood occupants removed rather than killed on site.

• Horse Theft (Ongoing)
  Tracks indicate organised removal. Likely supporting increased mobility of outlaw elements.

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Criminal Intelligence / Notices

• The Butler Gang are now assessed to be establishing control over sections of the Gorge, not merely raiding.

• Reports confirm:

  • Armed pickets posted in bush approaches
  • Movement coordinated between camps
  • Use of civilians (willing or otherwise) for information

• Gatherings around the pianist Eugene have drawn mixed company:

  • Miners
  • Camp followers
  • Known or suspected outlaw associates

  These events present both risk and opportunity.

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Native Affairs / Local Intelligence

• Increased movement along unmapped bush tracks.

• Some parties avoiding all contact; others moving openly but cautiously.

• It remains unclear whether:

  • Independent groups are operating
  • Or coordination exists between local elements and the Butler Gang

• The “Koawa Watcher” may be acting as:

  • Scout
  • Intermediary
  • Or observer for unknown interests

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Orders to the Armed Constabulary

• Recover stolen government weapons
• Locate and, if possible, apprehend members of the Butler Gang
• Identify and detain “Red Mary” for questioning
• Investigate gatherings around Eugene the pianist
• Maintain order within Te Awa Koawa camp
• Use initiative—situation increasingly fluid and dangerous

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Scenario Hook – “Eugene's Last Performance”

Word spreads: Eugene is to perform tonight at a rough gathering near the edge of camp.

• Lanterns lit
• Tents crowded
• Miners drunk and distracted

But in the shadows:

• Butler men drift in
• Informants watch
• Constables close cautiously

And somewhere nearby…
Red Mary may yet reappear.

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Before the Law even moves Red Mary charges out of her tent furious at Eugene's terrible piano playing.  Marmite that boy.

The Butler boys cross the creek

And the rifles of the constables are effective.

Red Mary puts the boot into Eugene.

And the Police dog goes for Big Brian Butler

Hiding behind a tent.  Not a great tactic.

As Red Mary continues to beat Eugene the bullets fly around them 

A shotgun blast catches one of the Constables.

But one of the Butler Gang falls to three pistol shots in rapid succession 

And the boy with the shotgun is flanked and hit 

And the dog forces Benny Butler into the stream. (they all have first names beginning with B)

The rogue Maori lad makes a break and gets away 

Two prisoners for the Superintendent.

And the battered Eugene is given a caution for his piano playing 

With Mary getting away with it yet again.

🎶 🎵 "Waltzing the Butlers..." Music 🎵 🎶 Perhaps?

Red Mary's Revenge.

Police Gazette – Southern District, June 19th 1863

From the Office of  District Commissioner – Southern District

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Wanted / Dangerous Persons

• “The Butler Gang,” reported active beyond Gorge Creek. Sightings confirm they now travel with 6–10 armed men. Reward increased to £40.
• “Red Mary,” believed to be coordinating movements between mining camps. Said to carry a revolver and act as lookout. Reward £5.

New Notice:

• Unknown Māori male, described as young, armed with double-barrel gun, seen observing patrol movements near the Koawa Track. Intent unknown.

• Eugene (surname unknown), itinerant pianist
  Recently arrived at Te Awa Koawa. Of limited musical ability but attracting gatherings in camp.
  Intelligence suggests his presence may be used as cover for criminal movement or meetings.
  Keep under observation.

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Major Incidents & Property Reports

• Supply Pack Missing – Three Government-issued revolvers ammunition and rations lost by a Probationary Constable between Upper Gorge and Te Awa Koawa. 
• Claim #12 Abandoned – Signs of struggle. No bodies recovered. Equipment left scattered.
• Horse Theft – Two mounts taken from camp outskirts during night hours. Pickets report no alarm raised.

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Criminal Intelligence / Notices

• Reports suggest the Butler Gang are no longer acting as simple raiders, but are establishing semi-permanent positions in the Gorge bush.
• Several miners claim protection has been offered in exchange for gold shares.
• Tensions rising between:
  • Lawful claim holders
  • Those suspected of cooperating with outlaws

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Native Affairs / Local Intelligence

• reports signs of multiple trail systems in use beyond known tracks.
• Some local parties appear to be avoiding contact entirely, while others have been seen moving at night.
• It is unclear whether these movements are:
  • Independent
  • In cooperation with outlaw elements

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Orders to the Armed Police Detachment

1. Locate and recover missing government supplies
2. Investigate abandoned claim and determine fate of occupants
3. Disrupt any organised outlaw presence
4. Maintain order within Te Awa Koawa camp

Discretion authorised in the field. 

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The Detachment
Senior Constable Thomas R. Calder — The Veteran
Constable Edwin Pike — The Recruit
Constable Samuel “Sly” Mercer — The Thief
Constable William Hargreaves — The Soldier
Constable Joseph “Joe” Rangi — The Tracker
Kuri. Constable Rangi’s Dog

Constable Clarence Whitmore, the Superintendent's son, has been "sparking" Red Mary

But Red Mary is a known affiliate of the Butler Gang!

Turns out Clarence is in love!

But she's really Billy Butler's girl.  That shotgun blast missed by the way!

Mary runs away leaving Clardnce to face the furious Billy.

And it's a pistol whipping.
Clarence falls, grieviously beaten.

Two Constables arrive.  Billy unleashes his shotgun again and Sam Hargreaves takes a hit.

But Sam's return shot drops Billy.

And Sly closes and whips Bobby.  The Butlers are down.

And the dice shows that Clarence will need a few weeks rest, and a good talking to.

Shootout around the pianist

 Police Gazette – Southern District, June 18th 1863

From the Office of  District Commissioner – Southern District

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Wanted / Dangerous Persons

• “The Butler Gang,” reported active beyond Gorge Creek. Sightings confirm they now travel with 6–10 armed men. Reward increased to £40.
• “Red Mary,” believed to be coordinating movements between mining camps. Said to carry a revolver and act as lookout. Reward £5.

New Notice:

• Unknown Māori male, described as young, armed with double-barrel gun, seen observing patrol movements near the Koawa Track. Intent unknown.

• Eugene (surname unknown), itinerant pianist
  Recently arrived at Te Awa Koawa. Of limited musical ability but attracting gatherings in camp.
  Intelligence suggests his presence may be used as cover for criminal movement or meetings.
  Keep under observation.

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Major Incidents & Property Reports

• Supply Pack Missing – Three Government-issued revolvers ammunition and rations lost by a Probationary Constable between Upper Gorge and Te Awa Koawa. 
• Claim #12 Abandoned – Signs of struggle. No bodies recovered. Equipment left scattered.
• Horse Theft – Two mounts taken from camp outskirts during night hours. Pickets report no alarm raised.

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Criminal Intelligence / Notices

• Reports suggest the Butler Gang are no longer acting as simple raiders, but are establishing semi-permanent positions in the Gorge bush.
• Several miners claim protection has been offered in exchange for gold shares.
• Tensions rising between:
  • Lawful claim holders
  • Those suspected of cooperating with outlaws

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Native Affairs / Local Intelligence

• reports signs of multiple trail systems in use beyond known tracks.
• Some local parties appear to be avoiding contact entirely, while others have been seen moving at night.
• It is unclear whether these movements are:
  • Independent
  • In cooperation with outlaw elements

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Orders to the Armed Police Detachment

1. Locate and recover missing government supplies
2. Investigate abandoned claim and determine fate of occupants
3. Disrupt any organised outlaw presence
4. Maintain order within Te Awa Koawa camp

Discretion authorised in the field. 

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The Detachment
Senior Constable Thomas R. Calder — The Veteran
Constable Edwin Pike — The Recruit
Constable Samuel “Sly” Mercer — The Thief
Constable William Hargreaves — The Soldier
Constable Joseph “Joe” Rangi — The Tracker
Kuri. Constable Rangi’s Dog

The Butler gang reappear in the Gorge.  Up to their old claim jumping tricks.

But the Police Detachment turn out.

And a shootout proceeds as Eugene accompanys the event with an unclear rendition of something that just could be Chopin.  Just.

The detachment close in. 

And the Police dog is released.

Turns out the Butlers couldn't get the job done.  Three down, two fled.

The Police dog subdued it's Maori.

But the Butlers are good runners!

They will be back!

And Eugene is warned for being a public nuisance.

🧭 Campaign Tracks After Game 2

Track three pressures:

• Outlaw Strength (Weak / Growing / Entrenched)
• Camp Order (Stable / Uneasy / Lawless)
• Local Relations (Neutral / Wary / Hostile)

These will shape Game 3 Gazette and scenario pool.

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