[DL] Youthful Sherlock Holmes

["Dan Diamond" <diamond@invisioncs.com>]

I am very surprised that THE principle Victorian literary figure has not
drawn the attention of the creative minds here.  Granted, it is four
years before he is set up as a consulting detective, and has yet to
develop many of the skills associate with this character.  But at 23
Sherlock Holmes has much potential, both for the future and as an
interesting encounter for certain campaigns.  In the Cannon Holmes
spends 1877 in frustrated inaction, but in 1879 he may be encountered in
America as an actor in the Sasanoff Shakespeare Co (where presumably he
learns his infamous skill at Disguise).  

In the altered Deadlands history, one might not go too far to suggest
that he toured with the company very slightly early.  While highly
skeptical but with a curious and enquiring mind, he would not look to
supernatural horrors as an answer to a mystery.  But without any other
explanations, Holme's famous adage would lead him to the truth.  And
that would lead to a very interesting later career.  

Holmes could be useful in a single background encounter, possibly used
by the GM as a way to put a stymied "Back East: the North" investigation
back on the right track without taking the spotlight from them.
Remember the experience of being a consulting detective still lies ahead
of Holmes at this point, so he may provide the vital insight that allows
a confused posse to move forward, but won't necessarily take the
investigation upon himself.   

D:1d10, N:1d8, Q:4d6, S:2d8, V:2d8
C:4d12, K:3d10, M:1d8, Sm:4d12, Sp:1d6

Academia - History 2
Area Knowledge - London 3
Bluff 1
Climbin' 2
Dodge 2
Fightin' - Boxing, fencing, Baritsu 3
Guts 1
Horse Riding 1
Languages - English (native) French, Latin, German, Greek
Performin - Violin 3
Pursuasion 2
Professional - Law 2
Science - Botany 2, Chemistry 5, Zoology 2
Scrutinize 4
Search 4
Shootin' - Pistol 1
Sneak 3
Swimmin' 2
Trackin' 4

Heroic 
Hankerin for a mental challenge (in later years, when he can't get a
challenge he uses cocaine).  
Curious
Tinhorn
Keen



Traits associated with Holmes which he has yet to develop:
Academia - Occult 
Academia - Criminology 
Academia - Poisons 
Academia - Tobacco ashes 
Disguise 5
Filtchin
Leadership
Lockpickin
Streetwise 
Will certainly gain Grit starting in 1881.
Enemies
Sidekick - Watson
Renown (as the World's Greatest Consulting Detective).

And of course many of the skills and even a few of the traits I listed
will go up as Holmes begins his adventures and spends bounty points.
He'll also soon buy off the "Tinhorn" disadvantage.  If encountered in
his tour as an actor, he will have a rapidly rising Disguise skill.
Holmes in this period is of limitless potential, but not the
ultra-experienced detective we all have come to know.