Brindlewood Bay

Setting

Brindlewood Bay is a small Massachusetts coastal town—once a whaling hub, now a quaint spot of B&Bs, antique shops, and cozy eateries with a thriving arts scene. It feels safe and friendly, but the town’s long history hides stranger currents beneath the surface.

Characters

You play the Murder Mavens: older women in a mystery-book club who keep finding themselves solving real crimes. They’re capable, connected, and often two steps ahead of the authorities, blending community savvy with sharp instincts. Expect warm friendships, distinctive hobbies, and a talent for noticing what others miss. Over time, your cases weave into a darker thread that hints at something uncanny pulling strings behind the town.

Tone

“Dark & cozy” mystery—Murder, She Wrote meets creeping cosmic horror. The vibe starts comfy and character-forward, then tilts toward cults, the uncanny, and existential dread as a hidden conspiracy comes into focus.

Rules

PbtA-inspired play: the table’s conversation triggers moves and most rolls are 2d6 + ability (miss/7–9/10+ tiers, with 12+ for standout successes). Core moves include the Day Move, Night Move (harsher stakes), and Meddling Move to find clues; sessions culminate in Theorize, where you propose the solution using gathered clues. Advantage/disadvantage exists (3d6 keep best/worst two), and crowns, conditions, and clue count shape outcomes and tone.