Second time GMing, and trying to make a short campaign that will probably take 1 or 2 days to complete.
Number of players: 3 or 4
Starting level: 10
The Story: The players will make their own characters based around specific tasks that they will have to work on simultaneously. It is an assassination attempt on a duke who has suddenly risen into power over the course of several years, but has obtained great wealth with the passing of his late uncle, supposedly from "natural causes". Some disagree with the motivations the duke, and have recruited the players to complete the task. The nicknames of the characters will be as follows.
The Smoothtalker: This person is infiltrating under the guise of a new lord who had originally pledged allegiances to the uncle, and is there to pay his condolences.
The Sneak: The likely contender for the assassination, be it through sharpshooting from a banister, poisoning, or some other nefarious tactic.
The Brute: In case the original tactics work, break in and finish the job. Naturally, the employees prefer it to be more "subtle", but would like the task to be finished if able. Until such a time occurs where things do go awry, the player can attempt another role, such as joining with the sneak to ensure the enemies get pummeled quick enough not to alarm others, or perhaps be under the guise as the Smoothtalker's bodyguard.
If there is a 4th player, The Mingler: Attempting to divert other peoples attention. Can choose either path, to perhaps distract guards letting the sneak to land a solid blow on his/her foes, or perhaps to distract other lords and ladies who have attended while the Smoothtalker performs some underhanded methods, such as persuading the duke to a backroom, or perhaps giving time to drop some poison into a chalice.
Where I am lacking are notable npc's. I know I want atleast one inspector, which will be a strong challenge for the Smoothtalker and/or Mingler, and probably a paladin who is a royal guard for the duke. Any others that should be noteworthy other than the various other random npc lords and ladies?
Sounds like a murder mystery, but the players are the murderers.
I have no experience in this realm, but when I read that you want one inspector, the thing that sprang to my mind is a butler like Alfred in Batman, who doesn't miss a thing. For the royal guard you could go overboard and an ogre with class levels, as long as he had a couple of extra points in mental stats. :)
Perhaps the duke needs his own mingler. A childhood friend in the court who has nothing better to do than get in everyone's business. He needs a prime minster/chancellor type as well.