Foreword. 10.17pm, Wednesday 16th, January, 1906. A country residence. Great Britain.Curiously, just as you are finishing your port in the Drawing Room after dinner, the butler - what's his name, Smythe? anyway, the butler brings you the following telegram:
IF YOU ARE A PATRIOTIC SUPPORTER OF THE KING AND EMPEROR STOP IF YOU WISH TO GAIN GREAT HONOUR AND NOBILITY IN HIS SERVICE STOP IF YOU ARE FREE FOR A PERIOD OF ADVENTURE AND EXCITEMENT STOP PLEASE ACCEPT THIS INVITATION TO MY CARD GAME STOP 9 O'CLOCK THURSDAY THE TURF CLUB STOP"No signatory, Smythe?"
"It's Jenkins, Sir"
"Who the ruddy heck is Jenkins? What's he doing inviting one to mysterious games of cards at this hour of the evening?"
"
I'm Jenkins, Sir. The telegram was merely signed with a letter M"
"Well, I say. I have to admit I was rather taken at the bit where it says 'patriotic'. Get the car ready for first thing tomorrow morning Smythe, and telephone ahead to prepare the town house! And fetch another glass of port!"
9.51pm, Thursday 17th, January, 1906. The Turf Club, Piccadilly, London.You are enjoying the game of cards you and these fellow gentlemen have been invited to when one of the butlers approaches and offers you a telegram. The other gentlemen around the table all seem to be receiving a telegram as well.
YOUR FAVOURITE DOG HAS JUST PASSED AWAY STOP VERY SORRY STOPMy word! The Turf Club's butlers are famously reliable! Your favourite dog must have passed away!
What will you do?
[Please post your gentlemanly (re)actions!]
It's just the last of your (unfailable) tests to become a MI: Gentleman and a minor action before the Prologue. It's just for your character to show he can react in a gentlemanly fashion. I was inspired by the dragons breaking out of their eggs (i.e. traits may be gained).