Game Overview

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

The goal is to manage a Victorian family’s social circle by hosting various activities. Meanwhile, the country estate must also be built up and restored for the ultimate prize…

The Fairchilds boast wealth beyond bounds, and to marry off a child to one of them is the enviable victory condition!

The Ponsonby Family

Years of careful investments fell to the wayside for the Earl of Ponsonby. He withdrew his family from society, shuttered the massive estate, and bided his time.

When his peers preemptively returned to usual, they were ruined within months. Theodore was fiercely protective of his children, and would not see their futures destroyed.

Mabel stood beside her husband in solidarity as Edward and Margaret grew up in the shadows of society.

Their peers were limited in means but had strong moral backgrounds. That was all the Ponsonbys could hope for.

A Return to Society

One spring, Edward enjoyed a game of bowls with his lifelong friend, Francis. They discussed a great deal.

Of the utmost importance, however, was the arrival of the Fairchilds. Edward knew of their existence and immense wealth. He scuffed his boot at a knob of old grass.

His family’s standing in the world was improving with regular cash earnings. He himself knew how to manage the estate, thanks to his father’s teachings.

However, the Ponsonbys were unknown. Edward doubted if Miss Elizabeth Fairchild had ever heard his name.

Fortunate Expansion

As luck would have it, Edward need not worry. His friend wrote home to his wealthy mother. Widowed at an early age, she was a wildly successful lady of society.

She kindly sent an introduction to a famous architect, Aston Webb. Edward’s father was impressed, for the man was well-known and sought after at every estate.

The earl took a keen interest in his son’s desire to improve the Ponsonby family name, as well as the grounds.

They concluded that a butler’s pantry and a new member of staff would be the most important additions.

Discord Downstairs

Little did the Ponsonbys know that there would be discord among the existing staff. All had remained with the family for more than 10 years, through the worst of it all.

The new underbutler, George, was rather a braggart, and a bit cheeky. His place was beneath the butler, Cedric, though he disregarded his superior at every opportunity.

Cedric implored the earl to hire additional valets to tend to the gentlemen guests who were expected in the future.

Of course, this was his way of recruiting loyal individuals who would side with him. The Butler War had begun.

Architectural Teatime

Theodore wasted no time in securing a meeting with Aston Webb. The architect was only too happy to stop over for afternoon tea on his way further north.

The gentlemen spoke candidly about their generation. Early successes seemed to open chasms of failure.

Nothing was as it had been. However, the architect was quite taken by the shuttered gardens. The lack of vegetation was somewhat embarrassing, though.

He ran his hands over his wide-brimmed hat. Mental calculations slipped out periodically as he considered.

The Sculpture Garden

Just as the earl was about to apologize for the state of his home, the architect snapped his fingers. There was no need to replant these gardens. No. There was more…

Aston Webb feverishly laid out the plans for a sculpture garden that would rival some of the best in the world.

Payment was out of the question. This land was some of the finest he had ever seen. To put his name on this small monument would give him great satisfaction.

The earl felt a kindred spirit in the architect. He accepted the terms and oversaw the construction over the summer.

Unexpected Attention

As autumn approached, the sculpture garden received its final touches. Aston Webb was long gone to other ventures, but his presence would always remain.

The Ponsonbys were rather stunned when the one and only Charles Fairchild sent a calling card and letter.

He heard of the sporting activities at the manor. Living with his aunts, he respectfully found himself cramped indoors most days. Outdoor leisure was what he desired.

Theodore and Mabel were utterly stunned. Their young Margaret was behind in her society training. Or was she?

A Ride to Remember

An etiquette specialist from Paris lived with the family during that mild winter. Margaret had no rest from the incessant lessons in proper ladylike conduct.

Under normal conditions, a lady might be driven to the brink with so much pressure. Young Margaret had a light heart, though. She found it all most amusing.

Charles Fairchild arrived on the first day of spring, a frigid day with frigid manners for the introductions.

Margaret obliged with a quiet afternoon ride until she let out a wild laugh and galloped off. Charles could only gape.

Rising Reputations

No one was any wiser for Margaret’s behavior. Charles left silently without a word, though he was the picture of a true gentleman. The young lady was, again, amused.

Between the Fairchild visit and the famous sculpture garden, the Ponsonbys rose in societal standing.

With an improved reputation, they even attracted the attention of Count Hoyos. No one knew much about him, though he was a celebrated Derbyshire figure.

Meanwhile, Edward found his original idea of attracting Elizabeth Fairchild entirely ignored. Even thrown out.

To the Riding Stables

Improvements to the exterior of the country estate led to the full restoration of the riding stables. The mounts may not have been the best, yet they were respectable.

On a hot summer morning, the surprised Mabel found Count Hoyos at the front entrance. The puzzled man was at the wrong residence, yet she was not about to out him.

Instead, she called for refreshments and a ride around the estate’s grounds, including the sculpture garden path.

Count Hoyos was most impressed. He thanked the countess profusely, knowing she understood his blunder.

New Acquaintances

Within weeks, the Ponsonbys received letters of introduction to some of Derbyshire’s up-and-coming gentleman. Mabel had an idea who was behind them all.

The family’s social circle continued to blossom. Their strong focus on propriety and morals was highly regarded.

Theodore and Mabel met one evening to discuss the possibilities for the future. The manor was in order, yet their children had to be considered. And the Fairchilds?

No other word had come from the finest family in Derbyshire. The etiquette specialist might have failed.

A Cornwallis Intrusion

The grasses withered. The leaves fell. It was during late autumn that the Ponsonbys received distressing news.

It was the Cornwallis family. Their immense wealth and flock of eligible daughters were practically irresistible to every bachelor from Derbyshire to London.

Yet Charles Fairchild still showed interest in Margaret. No one was more surprised than she herself, though.

This sudden realization of competition sent the older Ponsonbys into a flurry of activity. If there was a chance to secure a future for their daughter, they would grab it.

Essentially Essential

Winter, normally a season of hibernation, was a time of work for the Ponsonbys. Staff and family alike worked to restore the shuttered rooms, like the north dining room.

The drafty windows were replaced. Motheaten rugs and curtains were traded for new patterns. The old wood was polished to a stunning sheen. It was a picture of beauty.

In all the hubbub, Edward continued to find himself at the bottom of priorities. Now was a time for his sister.

Now was his time, too. Miss Elizabeth was out of his reach, yet he was still a respectable young heir. What of him?

A Gentlemanly Dinner

As spring sprung, the formal dinner of the year was ready. Invitations made their way to esteemed members of the gentry. Theodore had a most auspicious plan in mind.

Course after course arrived on that fateful night. Wine poured freely, as did the friendly conversation.

The clever earl proposed a business deal between Count Hoyos and the families represented at the table. Though small now, the arrangement would prove lucrative.

It was a bold move that was delivered at precisely the right time. The men agreed and toasted to a successful future.

An Unsavory Bunch

With fame and fortune came the terrible. As the Ponsonby business initiative took off, others moved into the pristine social circle. There was no stopping them.

The spinster daughter of a wealthy earl became a close companion to Mabel. Little did she know that the younger woman’s travels had connected her with the wrong sort.

An adventuress was bad enough, but talk of an American heiress in Derbyshire was grounds for rumor and gossip.

Edward was intrigued. What differed between being heir to an American or British fortune? His interest was piqued.

Riding and Traveling

Not wishing to offend Lady Elizabeth Hastings, Mabel decided to invite her out for a short morning ride. There was no telling what would happen if she were slighted.

Lord Mortimer obliged in escorting the lady around the grounds. They shared exciting tales of hunting and traveling abroad that might shock others.

It was a fortunate encounter. But again, young Edward questioned the ideas that held society together.

This spinster would never marry, mostly due to her colorful and worldly friends. It bewildered him entirely.

Continued Expansion

With a fairly steady income, the Ponsonbys found more ways to return their manor back to its former glory. Some might even say that it was better than ever.

Builders constructed a new barn on the grounds. The sculpture garden looked more amazing than ever with its backdrop of fresh buds and blossoms.

Mabel was most pleased with the restoration of the Queen’s Suite. It was a magnificent place, indeed.

Rumors of a weekend stay by Queen Anne abounded. The Ponsonbys gladly allowed the rumor to persist.

Unwavering Interest

Margaret changed in no obvious way since her meeting with Charles. Months passed. Seasons changed. She still kept to herself and enjoyed laughing at social customs.

The earl met with her on a cold, dusky evening. As they overlooked the gardens together, he shared his wisdom with her. He sought to not be overbearing, only kind.

Something changed within her, almost imperceptibly. This was all for her. The ridiculous ideas were for her.

A short letter arrived from Charles Fairchild with his interest. This time, Margaret saw no reason to poke fun.

The Royal Slumber

Ever the devoted countess, Mabel managed all of the affairs from a discreet distance. Theodore was so wrapped up in his business matters that he barely noticed.

Yet it was a partnership that worked. When Lord Brooks called upon the Ponsonbys, the countess was ready.

The young man was on his way to London when he was suddenly taken ill on the road. With nowhere proper to stay, he implored the lady of the manor for a place.

The Queen’s Suite was his for the weekend as the staff nursed him back to health. His gratitude was invaluable.

New Introductions

Rumors of the Queen’s Suite began to spread beyond the boundaries of Derbyshire. Not only was it the undisputed weekend retreat of Queen Anne, but it was restorative.

Lord Brooks may have exaggerated, yet it was welcome. A pair of exceptional individuals found their way into the Ponsonby social circle. Mabel was thrilled.

The only trouble was the question of when to invite them. The household was ill-equipped for female guests.

The Dowager Countess Clare had to visit Derbyshire. Mabel didn’t care how. She would make it happen.

Small Formalities

With the earl off in London for business matters, it was up to the rest of the Ponsonby family to host a formal affair. It was all rather easy to do, of course.

The only trouble was the mixup with the invitations. Margaret misinterpreted the guest list. The royal blunder might not have been so bad, save for one little thing.

It was the American heiress who walked into the manor, side by side with the rather horrified Charles Fairchild.

The evening went well enough, though Miss Pendergast was appalling to all. All that is, save for Edward.

A Selfless Kindness

As the Ponsonbys righted themselves and tried to scrub the memory of Miss Pendergast from their minds, the prestigious Dowager Countess Clare prepared to visit.

The slight scandal with Miss Pendergast saw cancellation after cancellation. There was no one to accompany her.

Margaret listened intently and took her own actions. Mabel was told not to worry, and worry she tried not to.

The ill woman was a frightful sight, yet she adored the outdoors. To her immense surprise, Charles Fairchild arrived to accompany her around the gardens.

One Last Memory

The Dowager Countess Clare declared her visit to be the most precious gift. She felt like a young lady again as Charles doted on her in a truly gentlemanly way.

Less than a month later, a letter arrived. She passed away peacefully, still talking about her day in Derbyshire.

The family shared their condolences and thought of a way to remember her. Aston Webb’s sculpture garden struck a chord. A new guest suite became the Recebba Suite.

Margaret never shared her part in asking Charles for his help. Nor did she tell how he never hesitated.

Home at Alderley

Margaret married Charles in a surprisingly simple ceremony. There would be no pomp and circumstance for them. Their lives were intertwined with much more.

Theodore and Mabel walked through the grounds after their daughter’s wedding. They looked in on the sculpture garden. They peeked into the empty manor rooms.

This was a place filled with memories and hard work. They had succeeded, but not only in securing a future for her.

The Ponsonby name was in good hands. It would always be remembered with the names of those living and gone.

Home at Alderley Hall

Margaret married Charles in a surprisingly simple ceremony. There would be no pomp and circumstance for them. Their lives were intertwined with much more.

Theodore and Mabel walked through the grounds after their daughter’s wedding. They looked in on the sculpture garden. They peeked into the empty manor rooms.

This was a place filled with memories and hard work. They had succeeded, but not only in securing a future for her.

The Ponsonby name was in good hands. It would always be remembered with the names of those living and gone.

What of Edward?

Perhaps it was fate. Edward never could escape from the way Miss Pendergast had been shunned for being an American heiress. He took a keen liking to her.

The Ponsonbys might have stopped him long ago. But with Margaret in a good position, Edward could choose.

He left Derbyshire for America with his new bride. As much as an American heiress was disliked in Britain, her social circle welcomed a British heir with open arms.

His life would never be the same. There was Carol. And a future without judgment. That was all he ever wanted.

Session Overview

Play Number: 15
Expansion 1: Obsession: Promotional Cards
Expansion 2: Obsession: Wessex Expansion
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Standard Play with Closed Courtship
Required Play Space: 24″ x 28″
Setup Time: 10 Minutes
Play Time: 1 Hour
Outcome: 138-110 (Win)

Aside from a wonderful story, I had a fantastic time with the country estate. It turned out rather nicely! Success!

Affordability

Price & Value

10

Functionality

Challenges & Mechanics

10

Originality

Design & Theme

10

Quality

Components & Rules

10