Belle Gunness, “The Black Widow of the Midwest.”

“The Black Widow of the Midwest: Unraveling the Twisted Tale of Belle Gunness”

• Alias: Belle Gunness was also known as “The Black Widow of the Midwest.”
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Serial killer, farmer
• Religion: Believed to be Lutheran
• Allies: Belle may have had accomplices in her crimes, but their identities remain uncertain.
• Enemies: The victims of her crimes and those who grew suspicious of her actions.
• Abode/Base of Operations: Her farm located in La Porte, Indiana, was the center of her operations.
• Nationality: Norwegian-American
• Languages: Norwegian, English
• Alignment: Chaotic Evil
• Affiliation(s): No known affiliations, as she operated mostly in secret.
• Significant Others: Belle Gunness was married several times, and some of her partners were potential victims of her crimes. Notable figures in her life include her first husband, Mads Sorenson, and Peter Gunness, whom she married and then allegedly murdered.

Belle Gunness, a woman of mystery and deception, is a haunting figure in the annals of criminal history. Known as the “Black Widow of the Midwest,” she lures unsuspecting suitors to their doom with her beguiling charm. Born in Norway, Belle’s early life was marred by tragedy and misfortune. As a young woman, she immigrated to the United States in search of a better life, but her dreams soon turned sinister.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for wealth and power, Belle devises a chilling plan to amass a fortune. With a disarming smile and a seemingly caring demeanor, she seduces wealthy men into her web of deceit, only to bring them to a grisly end. Belle’s true motives remain shrouded in darkness. Some speculate that greed and a lust for control guide her actions, while others believe a deeply disturbed psyche lies at the heart of her crimes.

Operating from her farm in La Porte, Indiana, Belle establishes an eerie domain where secrets are buried deep beneath the soil. Her property serves as the stage for a macabre drama, as unsuspecting victims fall prey to her calculated machinations. Behind closed doors, Belle’s true nature emerges, revealing a cold-blooded killer with no remorse.

Belle’s ultimate goal is to accumulate immense wealth through a series of calculated murders. As she ruthlessly eliminates those who stand in her way, she crafts a new identity for herself, ensuring her dark secrets remain buried. With each victim, she becomes more skilled at erasing evidence and maintaining an air of innocence.

Driven by a twisted desire for control and a hunger for material gain, Belle Gunness stops at nothing to achieve her sinister objectives. She presents herself as a pillar of the community, while secretly plotting the demise of those who unknowingly cross her path. Her quest for wealth and power knows no bounds, and her web of deception grows ever larger.

But as the body count rises and the walls begin to close in, Belle’s carefully constructed facade teeters on the brink of collapse. Will her reign of terror come to an end, or will she continue her deadly game, forever leaving a trail of destruction in her wake?

Belle Gunness, the Black Widow

Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil

Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Hit Points 150 (20d8 + 60) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14	18	16	15	12	20

Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6 Skills Deception +9, Investigation +6, Perception +5, Persuasion +9 Senses passive Perception 15 Languages Common Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions

Multiattack. Belle Gunness makes two attacks: one with her poisoned dagger and one with her derringer pistol.

Poisoned Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Derringer Pistol. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

Reactions

Dodge. Belle Gunness can use her reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll against her.

Legendary Actions

Belle Gunness can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Belle Gunness regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

Poisonous Whisper. Belle Gunness whispers a curse upon a creature she can see within 30 feet of her. The target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) poison damage and be poisoned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Lure of Wealth. Belle Gunness presents a small chest of treasure to a creature within 30 feet of her, attempting to distract and manipulate them. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Belle Gunness for 1 minute. While charmed, the target is willing to do whatever Belle Gunness asks and sees her as a trusted friend.

Deadly Ploy. Belle Gunness uses her cunning to set up an ambush or trap. She can create a snare, tripwire, or other form of concealed hazard within 30 feet of her as a legendary action.

Equipment

Belle Gunness is equipped with a poisoned dagger, a derringer pistol, and a small chest filled with ill-gotten treasures. She also carries a vial of deadly poison.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Belle Gunness takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

Echoing Whispers. The lair fills with eerie whispers, distracting creatures within 60 feet of Belle Gunness. Each affected creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on its next attack roll or ability check.

Hidden Snares. Snares and traps hidden throughout the lair are activated, ensnaring creatures within 30 feet of Belle Gunness. Each affected creature must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained until the end of its next turn.

Lair Charm. Belle Gunness exudes an aura of charm and deceit, affecting creatures within 30 feet of her. Each affected creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Belle Gunness for 1 minute. While charmed, the target is willing to do whatever Belle Gunness asks and sees her as a trusted friend.

Notes:

Belle Gunness, known as the Black Widow, is a notorious and dangerous individual. Armed with a poisoned dagger and a derringer pistol, she strikes fear into the hearts of her victims. Her lair is filled with traps and hidden snares, making it a dangerous place for those who oppose her. Belle Gunness is a master of deception and manipulation, able to charm her adversaries into doing her bidding. Players should exercise caution when facing Belle Gunness, as her deadly ploys and treachery know no bounds.

Plot Hooks

The Widow’s Web: The players are approached by a distraught woman named Emily, who recently lost her husband, John, under mysterious circumstances. Emily suspects that Belle Gunness, known as the Black Widow, seduced and murdered her husband for his wealth. She provides the players with a letter that she found, hinting at John’s involvement with Belle. The players must gather evidence, interview witnesses, and dig deeper into Belle’s past to expose her true identity and bring her to justice. Along the way, they uncover a trail of unsuspecting victims and learn of Belle’s insidious motives.

The Farm of Secrets: The players receive a desperate plea for help from a farming community plagued by the unsolved disappearances of several individuals. They suspect that Belle Gunness, who once ran a farm nearby, is responsible for luring innocent people to their deaths. The players visit the abandoned farm, now overgrown with weeds and shrouded in an eerie atmosphere. As they explore, they uncover hidden tunnels, secret rooms, and disturbing evidence of Belle’s heinous crimes. They must gather clues, confront the ghosts of Belle’s victims, and put an end to her reign of terror before more lives are lost.

The Charred Remains: While traveling through a remote countryside, the players come across the charred remains of a house that was burned down under suspicious circumstances. Among the ruins, they find a traumatized survivor, Sarah, who claims to have narrowly escaped Belle Gunness’ deadly trap. Sarah recounts the horrifying events leading up to the fire, detailing Belle’s manipulative tactics and her use of fire as a cover-up for her crimes. Determined to uncover the truth, the players embark on a quest to investigate the origins of the fire, unmask Belle, and bring justice to the victims.

The Vengeful Spirit: Late one night, the players are visited by the vengeful spirit of a woman named Margaret, who reveals herself as one of Belle Gunness’ victims. Margaret implores the players to help her seek revenge and bring justice to Belle. She provides cryptic clues and visions that lead the players on a dangerous journey, navigating treacherous landscapes, encountering malevolent spirits, and facing off against Belle’s supernatural allies. As they unravel the truth behind Belle’s crimes, the players must confront the darkness within themselves and make choices that will shape their own fate.

The Illusionist’s Deception: The players attend a traveling circus where they encounter an enigmatic illusionist named Isabella. Unbeknownst to them, Isabella is actually Belle Gunness in disguise, using her skills in illusion and deception to manipulate unsuspecting victims. She mesmerizes the players with her captivating performances and draws them into a twisted game of cat and mouse. The players must navigate a series of deadly challenges, deciphering illusions, overcoming mind games, and ultimately exposing Belle’s true identity before they become her next victims.

The Legacy of Greed: Rumors circulate about a hidden treasure that was amassed by Belle Gunness during her murderous spree. The players are approached by a group of treasure hunters who seek their assistance in locating and claiming the fabled riches. As they delve into Belle’s dark history, the players uncover clues, solve riddles, and face dangerous trials left behind by the infamous Black Widow. Along the way, they encounter the restless spirits of Belle’s victims, who offer guidance or seek vengeance. The players must decide whether they are driven by the lure of wealth or the desire to bring closure to the tormented souls and end Belle’s legacy of greed.

The Betrayed Lover: One of the players becomes entangled in a romantic relationship with a charming woman named Isabelle. Unbeknownst to the player, Isabelle is actually Belle Gunness, who assumes a new identity to continue her murderous activities. As the relationship deepens, the player starts to suspect Isabelle’s true nature as inconsistencies and strange behaviors arise. The player must navigate the complexities of this dangerous liaison, gathering evidence, and unraveling the truth about Isabelle’s past. Along the way, they encounter Belle’s former accomplices, vengeful victims, and must confront their own emotions as they decide whether to protect or expose Isabelle.

The Journal of Horrors: In a dusty attic of an old house, the players discover a hidden journal written by one of Belle Gunness’ surviving victims. The journal contains chilling firsthand accounts of the horrors endured at Belle’s hands. Each entry provides clues to Belle’s methods, hidden lairs, and victims. As the players read the journal, they are pulled into a quest to find justice for the victims and expose Belle’s reign of terror. The journal also reveals the existence of a secret society dedicated to hunting down and eradicating the remnants of Belle’s dark legacy. The players must decide whether to join this society, navigate the dangerous world of vigilante justice, and bring closure to the victims.

The False Identity: The players encounter a woman named Victoria, who claims to be Belle Gunness’ long-lost sister seeking closure and reconciliation. Victoria weaves a convincing tale of familial bonds shattered by Belle’s wicked deeds, appealing to the players’ sense of empathy and compassion. However, as the players investigate Victoria’s claims, they slowly unravel a web of deception. They discover that Victoria is actually Belle herself, assuming a new identity to continue her murderous spree and manipulate others. The players must confront the imposter, expose her true identity, and bring an end to her reign of terror.

The Rebirth of Evil: Whispers spread among arcane circles of a powerful necromancer who has found a way to resurrect the dead. The players uncover the truth that this necromancer is none other than Belle Gunness, using dark magic to bring her victims back to life as loyal servants. As the players delve into necromantic realms, battle undead minions, and navigate treacherous ethereal landscapes, they must uncover Belle’s ultimate goal and put an end to her unholy experiments. Along the way, they encounter the tormented souls of Belle’s victims, trapped in eternal servitude, and must make difficult choices to grant them peace and ensure that the world is freed from Belle’s grip of darkness.

Currently in the World

Belle Gunness was a woman of average height, standing around 5’8″ tall, with a robust and imposing figure. She had a round face with sharp features, including a prominent chin and piercing dark eyes. Her hair, usually worn in a neat bun, was dark and beginning to show streaks of gray. Belle had a commanding presence, exuding an air of confidence and charm that she used to manipulate those around her.

Currently, Belle Gunness is on her farm in La Porte, Indiana. The farmhouse is a modest yet well-maintained building, surrounded by vast stretches of farmland. The air is filled with the scent of the crops and the sounds of animals in the distance. Belle is in her study, sitting at her desk, carefully reviewing financial records and letters from potential suitors. Her mood is calculated and focused, a mask hiding the darker intentions that lurk beneath.