The Jewell in the Copper is an original mystery designed in the style of Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective. When a young nun named Sister Engels, an overseer at a Magdalene Laundry, is pushed into a copper vat of boiling water, the police are mystified. How could something like this happen in a respected Catholic Institution? And why was Sister Engels, a holy woman, spotted in a tavern in Spitalfields the night before the murder? In The Jewell in the Copper, players must nagivate a mysterious underworld of religious beurocracy, corruption, and sinister intentions— all while discovering the true identity of the woman they thought was innocent.

Note: I am one of three student designers.

Created and designed the narrative setting of 1890s London, drawing from historical research on Magdalene Laundries, Victorian social systems, and real-world religious institutions. Researched real archival documents, including registries, street directories, and newspaper clippings to shape the historical accuracy of the story.

Wrote and edited passages across the investigation, including interrogations, environment descriptions, and the opening case briefing.

Worked with a team of writers to maintain narrative cohesion, continuity, and pacing across interconnected story threads. Developed core narrative paths and worked to create and test these collaboratively.

Learned how to create a narrative game based on and set in the world of a previously established IP.

Strengthened my ability to balance and streamline narrative style and tone across a team of different writers.

Learned how to create a ludonarrative structure based on historical documents, mimicing the language and culture of that era as much as possible.

Learned how to create a non-linear narrative mystery, guiding players across three variable narrative paths.