(Angie)
*You appear to be*
The Inspector called in by the house staff to investigate the murder. Your mission is to bring justice to the person who did this terrible deed. You asked for everyone who was at the mansion to return that evening so you could conduct a proper and full investigation.
*You really are*
An aspiring actor. You were hired by Mr. White weeks ago to help him fake his death. He had reason to fear for his life, and the opportunity to investigate all of those that might do such a thing would be invaluable. His grounds-keeper (Burt Sienna) was to fire a gun on the South Terrace at 2am at which time Mr. White would collapse in the lounge with fake blood on his chest. Burt Sienna would then return from his outdoor home and pronounce Mr. White dead with any witnesses that may come by. He'd then (possibly with help from other house staff) move Mr. White to the Billiard Room (no windows) and lock the door to that section of the house so Mr. White could have living space to himself while you ran the investigation.
*Last night you were*
Not at the mansion as you weren't to arrive until the next day in the afternoon (to make it look like you had to travel in from the city). You were supposedly contacted via telegraph.
*What you know*
Since you're new to the area, you only know what Mr. White has told you. Mr. White has many enemies. He's British but came to the Bay via India (picked up Maid and Butler here) and Hong Kong (met Captain Quicksilver here and he took them to the USA). He runs a large import/export operation with East Asia - clothes, exotic goods, and opium. Mr. White fears that competitors that he was able to "remove" from the market might want to get back at him. He also had a thing for women of "ill-repute" - having his way with them (and his opium) before his marriage to Mrs. White. He believes that Mrs. White is cheating on him and doesn't trust her at all as the marriage was more out of convenience than love. He says that Mrs. White was actually a prostitute that worked in Lady Burgundy's "Ladies' Society of Benevolence and Rescue Home" - a nice cover for a brothel. Mr. White already has a will written and secretly entrusted to his lawyer, Mr. Steel. If Steel or anyone else saw it, they may want to seek his death if they're on it or not on it.
*Advice*
This is your chance to shine - if you're found out, you at least want folks to remember you for your bravado performance as an actor (whether it be British and snobbish, or Charlie Chan like)! You'll have everyone's attention and, if not, you'll get it by the threat of accusing them of murder ("Where were you late last night?!" "By chance, how did you get the red mark on your neck?" etc). You need to keep folks somewhat on their toes and keep anyone from discovering who you really are (as there's a Sheriff there). At around 8:15 or whenever it looks like everyone is there, go ahead and welcome everyone and thank them for their cooperation. You probably want to say something about how you'll speak with each one there and if folks get more info, feel free to let you know (as you really don't have that much to go off of here as it looks like Mr. White may have not been as forthright as he could have been). After some more intro dramatics, you'll want to state the facts (as you know them) of the case: A gun shot was heard at 2am and Mr. White was found shot dead in the Lounge by one of the house staff (if folks correct you, feel free to take their advice and/or belittle their contribution, but you probably want to follow the advice of any of the house-staff - especially Burt Sienna as you know he was involved in the plan with Mr. White). You need to find the weapon (gun), the motives that each person may have, and their alibis. Lastly, shortly after 10pm you'll ask for the assistance of everyone there by submitting to you this on a small sheet of paper (the house-staff will help you organize this):
1) Who'dunit 2) How was it dun? 3) Where was it dun? 4) Why was it dun? 5) Name of submitter.
After we go through these notes, you can decide who you think did it (probably want to go with the safe bet of Mrs. White, but you'll need to dig up more dirt on her - or whoever or nobody) and then we can start the end process of accusing/defending leading one by one until we reach the "killer".
*Addendum*
The "Rache" looks familiar - maybe it's short for Rachel? Mean something in another language? Also, if you are discovered to be a fake near the end, feel free to step down dramatically or with a thud. Someone will step in for you. ;-)