Game Overview

Game Name: Obsession
Publication Year: 2018
Designer: Dan Hallagan
Artist: Dan Hallagan
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game

Each available family features unique portraits, along with a different characteristic. This might mean more money, staff, reputation, or even something else.

The Cavendishes started off closer to the next reputation level. This would have to do for an early lead…

Bowling for Bowls

As summer reached its zenith, the county was aflutter with news of the Fairchild children. It was only a matter of time before they would settle down. But with whom?

Earl Paul was a wise man of excellent means. He all but ignored the news, much to the consternation of his wife.

However, he had a tactic that would surely succeed. Time and time again, he developed interest in the Cavendishes by taking an indirect route. His first move? Bowls.

The distinguished colonel accepted the invitation. He waxed poetic, and Earl Paul listened intently.

Wistful Whist

The matriarch of the Cavendish family had always been Lady Evelyn. She ruled over her children with an iron fist and expected the world from them on a daily basis.

It was a difficult sort of life, particularly for Lady Tara. She had never truly been a child, at least in the usual sense. Proper etiquette never did allow for frolicking or laughing.

The pair enjoyed a game of whist during a summer evening. Tension permeated the air. The winner was clear.

According to the housekeeper, who presided over the event, Lady Tara was expected to marry Charles Fairchild. 

Calculated Risks

The family’s reputation slowly began to rise. Their social circle was admirable. Meanwhile, the property continued to be restored and built upon. Life was quite pleasant.

That autumn, the earl and his wife disagreed vehemently about a new contact. Anne Hawkins was the worst sort of person: An American heiress. She had to go, and quickly.

Yet Earl Paul saw what could be. They would suffer a small scandal. There was no doubt about the prickly rumors.

She arrived on a cold morning with a cold demeanor. But by the time Anne left, she invested a small fortune.

A Quiet Respite

Lady Evelyn was mortified by the gossip. Activities were brusquely called off. Invitations were rescinded at the last moment. It was a most embarrassing situation.

As the family sank out of the public eye, Earl Paul saw one opportunity after another laid before him.

He instructed the butler to hire a pair of new valets. One would simply not do when the family reentered society.

The manor experienced unprecedented growth. Expensive builders could be hired, courtesy of the American heiress. He kept this to himself, though. Matters were already dire.

Lady Tara’s Success

With the newly restored smoking room and music room, the Cavendishes slowly improved their reputation. Derbyshire certainly disliked American heiresses. Indeed.

Earl Paul was most pleased when he opened the post one fine morning. Inside was a letter of introduction from the one and only Charles Fairchild.

Lady Evelyn was less convinced about his reasoning. It couldn’t simply be prestige. There was Lady Tara.

She was tasked with marrying this man. Lady Evelyn knew there was more to this letter than met the eye.

An Enlightening Tea

Viscount Stephen was spared from the worst of his mother’s expectations. However, he was unable to shield his sister from the wrath of the Beast. So he investigated.

Much to the chagrin of his parents, he proposed a simple afternoon tea between the Fairchild chap and himself.

If there was one thing Stephen was skilled in, it was negotiation. He got his way. The esteemed guest was treated kindly, though Stephen sought one truth.

There had been no contact with Lady Tara. Charles knew nothing of the young girl. Lady Evelyn was simply wrong.

More Preparations

Stephen did all he could to bring Lady Evelyn’s attention back to reality. She assumed a marriage proposal was imminent, but the season was far from over.

The Cavendish heir began to take matters into his own hands. He worked with the butler to bring in more staff.

The new lady’s maid was a treasure, but the footman was less experienced than his references indicated. Stephen was glad for the distraction, as was Lady Tara.

She still had yet to formally meet the Fairchild heir. Mother was rather tiresome, yet Stephen was winning.

Tennis on the Lawn

Earl Paul was proud of his son for taking on many responsibilities, but it was time to put the Cavendish name back on the society roster. He planned and plotted.

In late spring, a mixed match of tennis seemed like just the thing to bring Derbyshire out of its winter slumber.

Terrance Whitlow and Lady Ann Austen made impeccable guests. The small match captivated the county and even led to an amateur tournament of sorts.

The Cavendish name was restored. Whispers of an American heiress persisted, but only amongst the rudest.

The Gross Grosvenors

Naturally, one of the rudest families in the county was the Grosvenor clan. They had not earned the nickname of the “Gross Grosvenors” by accident.

They had a penchant for terrible rumors and even worse gossip. If something bad happened, they were the first to report it to their neighbors. Repeatedly.

Alarmingly, they kept the American heiress story alive with the Fairchilds. This season, there would be no letter.

Earl Paul was aghast, and Lady Evelyn was ready to declare a societal war. But there was another way.

On the Subject of War

The distinguished colonel arrived for an evening of cigars and port. The stormy evening mirrored the feelings of the Cavendish family. Even Earl Paul was in bad spirits.

Usual mundane talk fizzled out quicker than a candle in the rain. The colonel sensed that something was amiss.

As the earl confided in his old friend, the man understood. He talked about his old war days. In particular, he spoke of how to overcome an impossible enemy in a single blow.

The Grosvenors were untouchable in Derbyshire society. Yet slowly, little by little, a plan began to emerge.

Croquet and Crumpets

Lady Evelyn had plans of her own. Without warning, an impromptu weekend of croquet occurred at the manor. Even the staff worked well into the morning hours.

It was all for the simple pleasure of Lady Ann. She remarked on the pleasantries and how the crumpets brought her back to a delightful Parisian tea shop.

The only trouble was how very small it was. The weekend yielded small potatoes, as the gardeners would say.

Still, Lady Evelyn believed she was securing marriage for her daughter. Nothing would stand in her way. Nothing.

Dangerous Games

The dreadful American woman appeared again with no proper notice. Even the earl was flustered.

Stephen saw an opportunity to step in. He graciously welcomed the unwanted visitor and invited her to the newly renovated riding stables for some fresh air.

According to myth, Americans were more of the outdoor type than the dainty British ladies from the county.

Anne Hawkins was pleased, yet there was no hiding her presence at the Cavendish estate. Once again, the Grosvenors renewed the scandalous rumors.

Moral Distractions

The cycle of recovery continued to plague the Cavendish family. They set out to organize another sporting event to escape the whispered persecution from all round.

A game of lawn tennis was just the distraction Derbyshire needed. The very well-respected Viscountess Peele arrived to showcase her brilliant athletic skills.

Young Terrance Whitlow was caught flat-footed, much to the delight of the elderly gentry. The viscountess was a hit.

This time, the Grosvenors never sank their claws in. The county liked the Cavendishes, possibly more than ever.

A Surprise Visit

Quite out of the blue, Miss Elizabeth Fairchild requested an invitation to the Cavendish manor. She was a quiet, shy sort in comparison to her brother, the heir apparent.

Earl Paul and Lady Evelyn knew not what to make of this. Could both children be married off into wealth?

Lady Tara had secretly given up on the Fairchild lad. He was rather horrid with a keen eye for nothing but money. Yet to tell her mother was to face complete ruin.

Stephen took the letter in stride. Perhaps this was simply a way for the mysterious young lady to introduce herself.

Friends and Music

The Cavendishes were nearly entirely worn out from endless months of garden parties, soirees, lawn tennis, and all manner of activities. They needed a rest.

But the Fairchild girl would not wait forever. Lady Tara was ordered to play the pianoforte and entertain.

The evening was illuminating. Dear Theo also attended, and the hot topic turned to the injustices against daughters. Even Theo had a story to share of his sister.

Lady Tara and Miss Elizabeth became instant friends. Their plights were much the same, sad as it was to admit.

Curious Curios

After a necessary respite from the social scene, the Cavendishes were well-prepared to host a grand event in celebration of the national holiday.

A most handsome cabinet was procured to display their heirloom trinkets. It was a grand sight, most assuredly.

The Dowager Countess of Exeter was the distinguished guest of honor. She doted on the miniature jewelry and hand-painted teacups from India.

An evening of success rewarded the family with rippling praise throughout the county… Even from the Grosvenors.

A Final Work of Art

The end of the season afforded a final chance to explore the Cavendish art collection. Viscount Stephen organized it all in an effort to showcase his newly honed skills.

He presided over it to perfection, according to the butler. The older guests were most pleased and impressed.

Miss Elizabeth Fairchild was the guest of honor. Stephen afforded her every respect, knowing full well her timidity.

He grew fond of her as she shared her insights into the painters’ backgrounds. Beneath that shy exterior was a mind full of wisdom. And, at times, even wry humor.

Season’s End

When all was said and done, the Grosvenors still wanted to point out the frequent visits of the American heiress.

But Derbyshire grew tired of the old rumors. They should have dried up and rotted already, and so they did.

The Cavendishes were the epitome of the county, with unrivaled prestige. Perfection radiated from the ceilings down to the newly polished Italian marble floor.

A proposal was most assuredly in order. Lady Evelyn put all her hopes on her daughter. Charles Fairchild would arrive shortly and guarantee a proper sort of marriage. 

Session Overview

Play Number: 18
Expansion 1: Obsession: Promotional Cards
Expansion 2: Obsession: Wessex Expansion
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Extended Play with Closed Courtship
Required Play Space: 24″ x 28″
Setup Time: 10 Minutes
Play Time: 1 Hour
Outcome: 184-154 (Win)

What a happy sort of marriage! I believe Charles married a Grosvenor, and they lived rather miserably. Take that!

Affordability

Price & Value

10

Functionality

Challenges & Mechanics

10

Originality

Design & Theme

10

Quality

Components & Rules

10