Canticle of the End

Story

Characters

World

Reference

PM

Prudence Middleham

Role Landlady Nationality British Status alive Age 57
Overview Mrs. Prudence Middleham is a 57-year-old widow who rents rooms to genteel young ladies in Bloomsbury. She prides herself on discretion, cleanliness, and propriety, and considers herself a mot

Overview

Mrs. Prudence Middleham is a 57-year-old widow who rents rooms to genteel young ladies in Bloomsbury. She prides herself on discretion, cleanliness, and propriety, and considers herself a motherly figure to her lodgers, whether they appreciate it or not.

She was the last known person to speak with Imogen Bellamy before her disappearance.

Description

Round of face and firmly corseted, Middleham wears black bombazine and a frilled cap. Her spectacles hang from a ribbon. She always carries a ring of keys and a lavender-scented handkerchief. She moves with the determination of one who has kept a house since age fourteen.

Personality & Traits

  • Gossipy but cautious; protective of her reputation
  • Deeply believes in moral order and dangers of “musical men”
  • Distrustful of students who don’t eat regularly
  • Suspicious of Italians and foreigners

Combat Stats (CoC 7e)

Attribute Value
STR 40
CON 50
SIZ 55
DEX 40
INT 60
POW 50
APP 45
EDU 55
SAN 65
HP 10
MP 10
Luck 50
DB 0

Skills

Skill Rating
Charm 50%
Psychology 45%
Persuade 40%
Listen 55%
Spot Hidden 50%
Gossip 70%

Key Information She Possesses

  • Last saw Bellamy ten days before campaign start
  • Can describe Bellamy’s behavior and habits
  • May have noticed Bellamy’s nervousness or concern
  • Might recall visitors or unusual circumstances
  • Holds keys to Bellamy’s flat
  • May possess a diary page or letter found in the lodgings

Roleplaying Hooks

  • Will speak freely if treated with courtesy and shown genuine concern for Miss Bellamy’s wellbeing
  • Easily flattered by references to her vigilance or taste in lodgers
  • Can be won over with proper manners and deference
  • May reveal details about Clara Fen’s visits if gently pressed

Relationship to Campaign

Middleham is a minor but important NPC who:

  1. Provides investigators with access to Bellamy’s lodgings
  2. Offers testimony about Bellamy’s last known activities
  3. May produce handouts (torn diary, letters) found in the flat
  4. Adds atmosphere and period detail to investigation scenes

Appearances

Relationships

  • Employed by Imogen Bellamy — Bellamy's landlady; was last person to speak with her before disappearance
  • Owns Marchbank Terrace — Proprietor of lodging house