TEXT: The  
  Fictional  
  Memoirs of
  The fictional story of four real sisters and their lives  
  of love, loss, lust, and a little bit of ladylike blackmail.  
  A single session GM-less game for 3-4 players.
  STORYBREWERS ROLEPLAYING  
   Design: Hayley Gordon 
  Layout: Vee Hendro 
  Art: Amanda Rae
  Harriette 
  Wilson  
  & Her Sisters
  
  HARRIETTE WILSON was one of the most celebrated 
  courtesans of the Regency era. When she reached her late 
  thirties, she could no longer find men to lavish upon her  
  the lifestyle she desired. 
  So, she developed an alternative business plan. She wrote  
  and published a scandalous memoir revealing all the details 
  of her intimacies. 
  The memoir was published in 12 volumes. Between each, 
  she wrote to her former lovers and generously offered the 
  opportunity to be excluded from her work—provided of 
  course, they paid a substantial sum.
  The memoir was a smashing success and a lucrative source 
  of income. So great was the demand that a barrier had to be 
  erected in Stockdale’s shop to regulate the crowd that came to 
  buy each new volume.
  Harriette had three sisters who shared her unusual profession—
  her older sister Amy and younger sisters Fanny and Sophia.
  IN THIS GAME, you will take on the role of one of the four 
  Wilson sisters, revisiting moments from their fictitious past 
  as they write their memoirs together.
  You will also play several of the string of lovers who weaved 
  their way in and out of the sisters’ lives.
  This game is about four courtesans and their lovers. But this 
  is not a sexually graphic game. Instead, like the memoirs 
  themselves, this is a game about relationships. It is about 
  sisterhood, the passage of time, and the complexities of the 
  human heart. 
  As Harriette herself said:
  “I will be the mere instrument of pleasure to no man.  
  He must make a friend and companion of me, or he  
  will lose me.”
  Safety
  This is a game about intimate relationships and as such, 
  player safety is very important.
  For this game, we recommend using Script Change by Brie 
  Beau Sheldon. Take a moment before you start playing to 
  make sure all players understand how it works.
  Play Materials
   
  A Sister sheets
   
  A Lover sheets
   
  A A d4
   
  A A token to represent the active sister (the sister token) ♟
   
  A A token to represent the player currently playing the lover 
  (the lover token) ♟
  NOTE: In this game we have used ♠ to denote the sister token 
  and ♥ to denote the lover token. You could choose the Queen 
  of Spades and the Ace of Hearts as your tokens.  
  Playing Online
   
  A Online play document (here) 
   
  A Online dice roller (rollforyour.party)
  NOTE: When playing online, roll a die to randomly 
  determine a lover instead of drawing from a pile.
  a 
  a 
  a
  A Note About History
  Harriette Wilson published 
  her memoirs in 1825 in 
  England. This time and 
  place form the loose setting 
  for the game. However, 
  historical accuracy is not 
  at all important in play. 
  Follow the story and 
  don’t worry about getting 
  the history right.
  A Memoir...
  
  The Sisters
   
  A Amy Wilson
   
  A Harriette Wilson
   
  A Fanny Wilson
   
  A Sophia Wilson
  Read all four sister sheets, then choose one. You, and only 
  you, will play this sister for the rest of the game. 
  Each sister has their own story to tell, their own joys, angers, 
  passions, and persuasions swirled together in a misty soup of 
  memory. Make them your own.
  Every family has its history; this one is no different. 
  Form a relationship to each other sister by filling out the 
  relationships on your sister sheet.
   
  Only make one bond with each other sister. Don’t think too 
  hard when choosing, just follow your instincts.
  a 
  a 
  a
  ...of Four Sisters...
  Step Summary
  Choose a sister to play. 
  Make them your own. 
  Form a relationship to 
  each other sister.
  Amy
  Sophia
  Fanny
  
  “Miserably tired was I of Craven, and his cocoa trees,  
  and his sailing-boats, and his ugly, cotton nightcap...”
  In their time as courtesans, the sisters had many lovers.  
  Some were notable, others nobles. Some were sweethearts 
  and others scoundrels. Some were shared between the sisters, 
  and others secret and jealously guarded. But all could afford 
  the lifestyle the sisters required.
  You will now create them together.
  The lovers you create may be male, female, non-binary,  
  and use any pronouns or presentation you wish. 
  Unlike the sisters, the lovers will be played by different 
  people as the game progresses. 
   [Graphic: filled out lover sheet, different handwriting to 
  imply answers written by different people.] 
  Creating the Lovers
  To create the lovers, read aloud and complete each step below:
   
  A Each player takes one lover sheet. 
   
  A On this sheet, write the name and pronouns of a lover, 
  including any titles they may hold (e.g. Duchess, Doctor, 
  Lord). Then, pass that sheet left.
   
  A On the sheet you received, write the lover’s occupation (or 
  lack thereof). Then, pass left again.
   
  A On the sheet you received, write a single sentence about 
  the lover’s appearance. Then, place the completed sheets 
  face down in the middle of the play space.
   
  A Repeat the above a second time, until 6 or 8 lovers have 
  been created (depending on the number of players).
   
  A Shuffle the completed sheets together and place them 
  face-down in a pile in the middle of the play space.
  These are the lovers who will appear in your game. Each in 
  turn will either pay up, or find the juicy details of their lives 
  immortalised in the sisters’ memoirs. 
  During the game, you will draw lovers randomly from this 
  pile to determine who will appear in the next scene.
  a 
  a 
  a
  ...and their Lovers.
  Example: 
  Completed Lover Sheet
  Different players will define 
  different parts of each lover.
  Additional details created 
  during play will be added in 
  the 'As I recall...' section.
  Ms. Marybelle Wilcox
  she/her
  famous etiquette book author
  Small cruel eyes and a sly smile
  
  IN THIS GAME, each sister will take turns to explore 
  their connection with a specific lover. But as they do, the 
  relationships between the sisters will also be thrust  
  into focus. 
  Each turn begins in the present, as a sister sends a letter of 
  blackmail to one of the lovers. We then flash back to a pivotal 
  moment in their relationship.
  When you play this game, be as flippant, irreverent,  
  and courageous as Harriette herself.
  But be tender, jealous, mournful, and wistful too.  
  For no matter our wishes, our hearts just can’t help but feel.
  Harriette takes the first turn of the game. 
  ♠ Give her the sister token. She is the first active sister.
  The person to Harriette’s left will play the first lover. 
  ♥ Give them the lover token. 
  A Turn
  Each turn consists of three different phases.
  THE DEmAND: The lover receives a letter from the active sister 
  containing a scandalous demand (it’s money).  This phase is 
  skipped if the active sister has already written to this lover.
  THE PAST: A scene from the sister’s past, exploring the 
  beginning, middle or end of their relationship with the lover.
  THE DEcISION: A return to the present day. The lover decides 
  whether or not they wish to pay up to be omitted from the 
  memoir.
  Each of these phases are described in more detail in the 
  following sections and are also summarised on the turn 
  reference sheet.
  a 
  a 
  a
  Playing the Game
  Each player has 
  a sister sheet
  Harriette's player starts 
  with the sister token
  Place a d4 somewhere 
  close within reach
  All lover sheets 
  are placed in a 
  facedown pile
  The player to the left 
  of Harriette starts with 
  the lover token
  
  a 
  a
  a 
  a 
  a
  a 
  a 
  The present day. A demanding letter—tender or threatening?
  ♥ The player with the lover token draws a lover sheet at random 
  (from anywhere in the stack) to determine who they will play this 
  turn.
  If the active sister has already written to this lover, skip 
  the rest of the Demand phase for this turn.
  ♠ The active sister composes (aloud) a letter to the lover about 
  the delicate subject of the upcoming memoir and their inclusion 
  within it.
  The letter should set the tone of the relationship between 
  the sister and lover. It may also reveal clues about their 
  time together. 
  ♥ The lover then describes a short vignette in which they receive  
  and open the letter.
  This should include details of their appearance, current 
  surroundings, and reaction to the letter. It can include 
  any other details the lover wishes.
  Example: Letter
  Dear Lilliana,
  As you may have heard,  
  I am writing a memoir of my life, of which you played so fond 
  a part.  While I cherish the memory of the bath we took in your 
  husband’s porcelain tub, others may not share the same sentiments. 
  Therefore I generously offer you the chance to be 
  omitted from my memoir, in return, of course, for some 
  substantial recompense for my discretion.
  Yours always,
  H.W.
  Memories live and breathe as if they were yesterday.
  In this phase, the active sister frames a flashback between 
  themselves and the lover. We then see how this scene plays out.
  1. Decide when in the relationship  
    the scene occurs
  ♠ The active sister decides when in the relationship this scene will 
  occur—the beginning, the middle, or the end.
  ♥ The lover marks the chosen option on their current lover sheet.
  The Beginning
  The first time the sister and lover looked upon 
  the other with the eyes of possibility.
  The Middle
  A time when the two lives are deeply entwined.
  The End
  The final moments of the relationship—
  whether they know it yet or not.
  2. Determine the focus of the scene
  ♠ The active sister rolls 1d4, and finds the result on the scene table 
  (over the page). This reveals the focus of the scene.
  3. Frame the scene
  ♠ The active sister frames the scene. 
  This is her life, her story, her perspective. She decides where 
  the scene takes place, how it starts, and, if multiple lovers or 
  sisters are involved, when each enters and exits.
  4. Play the scene
  Show us what happens. The active sister decides when the 
  scene is over.
  a 
  a 
  a
  "They are all rich. I have 
  applied to them and they 
  refuse me the bare means 
  of existence. Must I not 
  strive to live by my wits? 
  You say you have not read 
  even the first part of my 
  book. How do you know 
  that it is severe?"
  —Harriette Wilson
  The Demand
  The Past
  
  Scene Table
  1
  This scene involves a conflict between the sister 
  and the lover. Or, choose (3) instead.
  2
  This scene involves genuine affection between the 
  sister and the lover. Or, choose (3) instead.
  3
  This scene involves a lover, but it is really about 
  the relationship between the sisters. 
  The active sister chooses one of her relationships, 
  this is the moment where it was formed. 
  Both sisters and the active lover must appear in 
  this scene. It is up to the active sister whether they 
  appear at the same time, separately, or both.
  4
  This scene involves more than one lover. 
  Follow the steps below to introduce the second lover:
  The player to the left of the current lover (skip over the 
  active sister) draws a lover sheet at random to determine 
  who the second lover will be. They will play this lover.
  If the lover has not appeared in a scene with the 
  active sister before, repeat The DemanD.
  The active sister decides when in the relationship 
  with the second lover this scene will occur— 
  the beginning, the middle, or the end.
  The second lover writes her choice on their lover sheet.
  The Past (2)
  The Decision
  a 
  a
  a 
  a 
  a
  a 
  a 
  a 
  a 
  a
  Memories from another time—are they best forgotten?
  After the flashback, we return to the present, to the scene of 
  the lover reading the letter (or similar scene if this step was 
  skipped). 
  ♥ The lover now dictates a reply to the sister’s letter explaining 
  whether or not they wish to pay up to be omitted from the memoirs.
  If they pay up, their lover sheet is removed from the game. 
  Throw it on the floor or tear it into pieces. It is of no 
  importance to the memoir.
  ♠ If they do not pay up, the active sister writes a juicy detail about 
  that lover on their sheet. This detail will be included in the memoir.
  If that lover is drawn again, this detail is available to 
  incorporate into the scene. 
  ♥ The lover sheet is then shuffled back into the pile.
  If more than one lover appeared in the scene, repeat this 
  process for both.
  Ending the Turn
  ♠ The sister token moves to the left.
  ♥ The lover token then moves to the left, skipping the new active sister, 
  and if the last scene involved two lovers, the player of the second lover.
  Example: Moving Tokens
  The active sister moves left from Harriette to Fanny. The lover token 
  moves left from Fanny’s player, skipping Sophia’s player who played 
  the second lover in the previous scene, and settling on Amy’s player.
  Example: Adding a 
  Detail to a Lover
  Lilliana refuses to pay up. 
  Harriette writes the following 
  on Lilliana’s lover sheet: 
  “Lilliana has no natural hair, 
  but wears at all times a 
  wig.” The next time Lilliana 
  appears in the story, in a 
  scene between her and Amy, 
  we know she is wearing a 
  wig. Amy pulls it off cruelly 
  in a dramatic scene that 
  ends their relationship.
   
    Lilliana has no 
  natural hair, but wears 
  at all times a wig.
  
  Continue taking turns until either:
   
  A a lover is drawn that has completed a beginning, middle, 
  and end scene; or
   
  A only one lover sheet remains
  Then, instead of taking a normal turn, move on to the final 
  scene.
  The Final Scene
  The final scene takes place in the present day.
  The past and present collide as the active sister and the lover 
  who triggered the game’s end meet face to face. The memories 
  of the past loom over them like a canopy of stars. Have hearts 
  hardened, or does tenderness still linger? 
  This final scene is framed by the active sister. If she desires, 
  she may include other sisters as well. Do not follow the 
  normal process for this scene; simply frame the scene when 
  everyone is ready.
  After the scene ends, the game is over.
  Debrief
  After the game is done, give everyone a moment or two to 
  shed their characters. Then, gather round and take some 
  time to talk about your experiences.
  It’s also important to give everyone a chance to talk about 
  anything they would like to raise as a result of your time 
  together.
  Playing Again
  This game, like all roleplaying games, is different every time 
  you play it. 
  However, if you want change the game further, you can 
  replace the descriptions of the sisters with words of your own 
  choosing. 
  Alternatively, you can use the same words but rearrange them 
  between the sisters.
  Resources
  Actual Play 
   
  A GauntletCon (Oct 22, 2018) 
   
  A Playtest (Apr 3, 2018)
   
  Credits
  Storybrewers Roleplaying  
   Design: Hayley Gordon 
  Layout: Vee Hendro 
  Art: Amanda Rae
   
  Support from  
  our wonderful Patrons
  a 
  a 
  a
  Ending the Game
  With amorous love and dedication to  
  Harriette Wilson, the author of the  
  Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
  
  Amy Wilson
  ELDEST, FEARLESS, JEALOUS
  Relationships
   
  A   
   
      
  took what should 
  have been mine.
   
  A   
   
      
  saved me in a 
  time of crisis.
   
  A   
   
      
  led me down the 
  wrong path.
   
  A   
   
      
  taught me what 
  it means to love.
   
  A   
   
      
  helped me to 
  forgive.
   
  A I gave up 
  everything for 
    
   
       .
  Fanny Wilson
  SECOND YOUNGEST, KIND-HEARTED, DYING
  Relationships
   
  A   
   
      
  took what should 
  have been mine.
   
  A   
   
      
  saved me in a 
  time of crisis.
   
  A   
   
      
  led me down the 
  wrong path.
   
  A   
   
      
  taught me what 
  it means to love.
   
  A   
   
      
  helped me to 
  forgive.
   
  A I gave up 
  everything for 
    
   
       .
  Harriette Wilson
  SECOND ELDEST, FLIPPANT, MANIPULATIVE
  Relationships
   
  A   
   
      
  took what should 
  have been mine.
   
  A   
   
      
  saved me in a 
  time of crisis.
   
  A   
   
      
  led me down the 
  wrong path.
   
  A   
   
      
  taught me what 
  it means to love.
   
  A   
   
      
  helped me to 
  forgive.
   
  A I gave up 
  everything for 
    
   
       .
  Sophia Wilson
  YOUNGEST, RECKLESS, MARRIED RICH
  Relationships
   
  A   
   
      
  took what should 
  have been mine.
   
  A   
   
      
  saved me in a 
  time of crisis.
   
  A   
   
      
  led me down the 
  wrong path.
   
  A   
   
      
  taught me what 
  it means to love.
   
  A   
   
      
  helped me to 
  forgive.
   
  A I gave up 
  everything for 
    
   
       .
  Sister Sheets ♠
  
  Lover Sheets 1 ♥
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
  
  Lover Sheets 2 ♥
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  NAME
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  AMY 
  HARRIETTE 
  FANNY 
  SOPHIA
  OCCUPATION
  PRONOUNS
  APPEARANCE
  e
  n
  d
  m
  i
  d
  d
  l
  e
  b
  e
  g
  i
  n
  n
  i
  n
  g
  ♡
  ♥
  ♥
  As I recall...
  ...and of course...
  
  Turn Reference
  When you play this game, be as flippant, irreverent,  
  and courageous as Harriette herself....
  ...but be tender, jealous, mournful, and wistful too.  
  For no matter our wishes, our hearts just can’t help but feel.
  a 
  a 
  a
  The Demand
  The present day.  
  A demanding letter— 
  tender or threatening?
  ♥ Draw a random lover
  The active lover draws a sheet at random. 
  If the active sister has already written to this 
  lover, skip the rest of this demand phase. 
  ♠ Compose the letter 
  The active sister composes (aloud) 
  a letter making their demand.
  ♥ Lover receives the letter
  The lover describes a short vignette in 
  which they receive and open the letter.
  The Decision
  Memories from  
  another time— 
  are they best forgotten?
  ♥ Compose a letter in reply
  The lover now dictates a reply to the sister’s 
  letter explaining whether or not they wish to 
  pay up to be omitted from the memoirs.
  If they pay up, their lover sheet is removed from 
  the game. Tear it into pieces, throw it on the 
  floor. It is of no importance to the memoir.
  If they Do noT pay up, the active sister (♠) writes 
  a juicy detail about that lover on their lover sheet. 
  This detail will be included in the memoir. 
  ♥ Shuffle the sheet back into the pile
  If more than one lover appeared in the scene, 
  repeat The Decision for them as well.
  The Past
  An earlier time. 
  Memories live and breathe  
  as if they were yesterday.
  ♠ ♥ Beginning, middle or end?
  The active sister decides when in the relationship this 
  scene will occur. The lover marks this option, along 
  with the sister who chose it, on their lover sheet.
  ♠ Roll 1d4 to determine scene focus 
  The active sister rolls 1d4 and consults the  
  scene Table to find out the focus of the scene.
  ♠ Frame and play out the scene
  The active sister decides where the scene takes 
  place, how it starts, and, if multiple lovers or sisters 
  are involved, indicate when each enters and exits. 
  Play out the scene and show us what happens. 
  The active sister decides when the scene is over.
  Ending  
  the Turn
  ♠ The sister token 
  moves to the left.
  ♥ The lover token 
  then moves to the 
  left, skipping the new 
  active sister, and if the 
  last scene involved 
  two lovers, the player 
  of the second lover.
  It is now the next 
  active sister's turn.
  Scene Table
  3
  This scene involves a lover, but it is really 
  about the relationship between the sisters. 
  The active sister chooses one 
  of her relationships, this is the 
  moment where it was formed. 
  Both sisters and the active lover must 
  appear in this scene. It is up to the 
  active sister whether they appear at 
  the same time, separately, or both.
  1
  This scene involves a conflict 
  between the sister and the 
  lover. Or, choose (3) instead.
  2
  This scene involves genuine 
  affection between the sister and 
  the lover. Or, choose (3) instead.
  4
  This scene involves more than one lover. 
  Introduce a second lover, by having the player 
  to the left of the current lover (skip over the 
  active sister) follow the steps in The DemanD. 
  The active sister also decides when in 
  the relationship with the second lover 
  this scene will occur—the beginning, the 
  middle, or the end. The second lover 
  marks the choice on their lover sheet.
  
SOURCE: textdata/thevault/Deduped  Shit/Storybrewers/Storybrewers Mini-Games - The Fictional Memoirs of Harriette Wilson & Her Sisters.pdf