The Last Ashcombe

A country estate’s family settlement needs one heir. Several relatives claim it.

Identify the rightful successor — and prove why the strongest rival does not take. A printable rightful-heir mystery for solo play or a small group. Rules and records — not a murder case.

The Last Ashcombe drops you into Ashcombe Hall, Mereshire, March 1913. The life tenant is dead. The fictional family settlement requires one successor. More than one relative has stepped forward. A solicitor’s first note favors the claim that looks strongest on the surface.

You are hired to determine who takes the settled estate under the governing instrument, the qualifying relationship route, and why the strongest rival does not take — with clause IDs and record citations.

The Ashcombe Family Settlement (clauses S1–S8) is provided and labeled fictional game rules. The genealogy is the puzzle; the rules are the contract. Progressive hints stay sealed until you need them. The solution packet stays sealed until you submit.

What’s included

• player.pdf — 29-page player case (Settlement booklet, exhibits, worksheets, determination form)
• hints.pdf — 4 pages, progressive hints
• sealed-solution.pdf — 8 pages, answer key (open only after you commit)
• START-HERE — print notes and how to play

Play details

• Solo or small group
• About one evening
• US Letter · grayscale OK · print at 100%
• Medium difficulty — rules are visible; surprise is in pedigree facts + correct traversal

Digital download · No shipping · Print US Letter at 100%.