"The Year is 1927. For America it is a time of growth and prosperity. Lon Chaney, Babe Ruth, and Charlie Chan are celebrities, while the average young American enjoys speakeasies, jazz and the new "talkies". All that is about to change. A young psychic by the name of Paul LeMond has seen the future, and it is a sight which has driven him insane." - Call of Cthulhu, Day of the Beast.
Overview
Setting: The United States of America, but many more places awaits us all. Time Frame: Late 1920's, the golden age of jazz and everything illegal. Magic Availability: Haha, good joke. But seriously there may be magic, though beware your sanity. RPG system: Call of Cthulhu - 7th Edition
Welcome to Call of Cthulhu, the fan favourite tabletop RPG that's both entertained and terrified their players for decades! Not in the least me, who absolutely love this game! I'm happy to present to you lucky few investigators a campaign that will send you across the globe to stop the world from chaos, madness and destruction. I'm looking for a group of four to five devote players to partake in this adventure, in order to better manage the story. But before we're presented with the story, what exactly is "Call of Cthulhu"?
Call of Cthulhu is a tabletop roleplaying game made by Chaosium, based on the fictional works of Howard Phillips Lovecraft and other authors who have contributed to what is known as the "Cthulhu Mythos". To quote the Wikipedia article on said topic, "An ongoing theme in Lovecraft's work is the complete irrelevance of mankind in the face of the cosmic horrors that apparently exist in the universe." These horrors, either beings associated with gods or inhuman monsters, are either unaware or simply not interested in humanity. Those who do use humanity for their own evil purposes through their many cults around the world, or seek to wipe us off the face of the Earth for good. But what about us, humanity?
Not only are us non-hairy primates insignificant in the grand scheme of the universe. Humanity would go mad if we were to know the awful truth; "The most merciful thing in the world, I think, is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents. We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far. The sciences, each straining in its own direction, have hitherto harmed us little; but some day the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality, and of our frightful position therein, that we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the light into the peace and safety of a new dark age."
What is the goal of Call of Cthulhu then? What are you supposed to do? The player characters, referred to as "investigators", are normal human beings with average jobs who live every day lives. Mostly. For one reason or another, your investigator gets involved in a mystery connected to the Cthulhu Mythos. Either directly or indirectly caused by the dark powers unknown to mankind, your goal is to solve the mystery and make sure the Mythos doesn't cause more damaged than already done. This of course strains the investigators mental health, their amount of sanity. The more you learn about the truth about the cosmic horrors, the closer you crawl towards the abyss of madness. Lucky investigators die as heroes, while the rest live long enough to become the villains themselves. Until then, you are the first and last line of defense against the Elder Gods, Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep and the rest of the Mythos.
Good luck, you will all need it.
Plot
Our story begins in the summer of 1927. Charles Lindberg, the aviation hero, is paraded through the street of New York after his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The Great Mississippi Flood affects up to 700 000 Americans, while the Italian anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti are excecuted for murder. Mount Rushmore gets its first chizel. The silent movie "Wings", the only of its kind to win an Academy Award, is premiered. It is still two years until the economy crashes, and for all the underlying tension in the American society, the future is bright.
We find you and the investigators in the village of Corbis Wood, New Hampshire. For one reason or another, you have all decided to travel to the supposedly haunted Tannerhill house - Either through reading an advertisement in your local newspapers or being contacted by the spiritualist Paul LeMond, his agent Herb Whitefield or the man owning the haunted house, Robert Carrington. You all are about to attend the publicized seanse that seeks to verify the validity of Mr. LeMond. Are you there to support a good friend, experience the occult and supernatural, or just for a good laugh at someone believing too hard in ghosts?
Whatever your intentions with the coming weekend in the Tannerhill house may have been, the following events will thrust you and your investigator onto a path that will take you across the world on an adventure. An adventure to save the world from an evil cult and the summoning of "The Beast". Only time will tell who this cult is and what the beast is, but one is certain. If left to their own devices, the world as we know it will be cleansed in madness. So step forth you investigators; doctors, librarians, scientists, private detectives, adventures and mechanics! The world, though it does not know it yet, needs you.
Rules
GM's word is law. Discussions and in-put is much appriciated during the course of the campaign, but I have the final say on whatever matter is on the table.
Previous experience and rulebooks. I'm not requiring previous experience with Call of Cthulhu for participation in the RP, neither that you actually own the Investigator's Handbook. Both are of course recommended and useful, but if not I will be assisting as much as I can. The free CoC quick-start rules is a recommend quick read to get the gist of the rules.
Posting-Habits. In order to keep the story going on for as long as I think it will take, players are required to post at least once a week. If you can't make that commitment, this campaign is not for you. A post consisting of something between 200-250 words spread between paragraphs is desired.
Even more posting-habits! Posts are to written with a provided header that includes character's portrait, location, skills used, current HP and Sanity Points. Edits to your own posts are prohbitited, and must be given permission by me in case an edit is needed.
Realism and Horror! This is a slice-of-life RP, where actions have real consequences for your characters and their surrounding world. Only realistic characters are accepted, in true Lovecraft fashion. Terrible things will happen that your characters can't simply shrug off. Prepare for gore, cursing and such will occur.
No Meta-gaming. Seriously, this is the worst. Know the difference between player knowledge and character knowledge. The characters will learn the horrific truth in the end, it's the slow burn that's fun.
Character Creation. Only characters made using the Guild's built-in dice roller and the character sheet provided below will be accepted. You're mostly free to decide for yourself who and what your character will be, though I reserve the right to request changes I see fit. Believable characters are more fun to play. Only characters ACCEPTED by me personally can be placed in the character thread and gain entry to the story.
Skills skills skill. Throughout the RP we'll be using skill rolls to determine what your characters can or cannot do. CoC uses a percentage-system, meaning that a skill has a certain percentage chance of being successful compared to how many skillpoints have been invested in said skill. Either I'll request a roll from your characters in the Keeper's Post, or you can request a roll that sounds appropriate for the occasion. In order to get your rolls, go to the Guild's dice roller and create your own campaign under the name "Call of Cthulhu - Day of the beast: Your Character Name". Remember to link the campaign to your character under the "Anything else" section, and link the respective roll in your posts when done. Add a description to what the roll was for.
Have fun! No matter the rules and cosmic horror I as Keeper hold, we're all here to have fun, aren't we? I certainly am, and steps will be taken in order for the story to remain entertaining in the long run.
Character Sheet
Here is the provided character sheet we'll be using. Copy-paste the text and fill it out as approriate. Remember to pick a different colour than what's provided in the code as it is, to add at least one character portrait that fits your character and ask for my approval before they're accepted into the RP. If in any doubt and in need of assistence, PLEASE do ask! Better to ask once too much than too little.
[color=6ecff6][b]Name:[/b][/color] (Full name) [color=6ecff6]Aliases:[/color] (Nicknames, previous names, maiden names, etc.) [color=6ecff6][b]Age:[/b][/color] [color=6ecff6][b]Gender:[/b][/color] [color=6ecff6][b]Birthplace:[/b][/color] (List both city and country if applicable.) [color=6ecff6][b]Residence:[/b][/color] (Your characters current place of residence, where you live.) [color=6ecff6][b]Occupation:[/b][/color] (What your character does for a living. Can be chosen from a list during character creation, just ask and I'll help if needed.)
[hr.][center][img]Character Image[/img][/center][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Appearance and Physical attributes[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3]
[table=bordered] [row][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Strength⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Constistution⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Size⊱[/b][/color] [i]2d6+6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Dexterity⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Apperance⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Hit Points⊱[/b][/color] [i]Size + Constitution /10, rounded down[/i][/center][/cell] [/row] [/table]
[color=6ecff6][b]Physical description[/b][/color] [b][color=6ecff6]Height:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Weight:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Build:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Eyes:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Hair:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Skin Tone:[/color][/b] [b][color=6ecff6]Tattoos/Scars/Piercings:[/color][/b] (Not neccecarry unless you think it fits your character.) [b][color=6ecff6]Personal Style:[/color][/b]
[hr.][center][img]Character Image[/img][/center][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Psychology and Mental Attributes[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3]
[table=bordered] [row][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Intelligence⊱[/b][/color] [i]2d6+6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Education⊱[/b][/color] [i]2d6+6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Power⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Luck⊱[/b][/color] [i]3d6 X 5[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Sanity Points⊱[/b][/color] [i]Equal to Power[/i][/center][/cell][cell][center][color=6ecff6][b]⊰Magic Points⊱[/b][/color] [i]Equal to Power/5[/i][/center][/cell][/row] [/table]
[b][color=6ecff6]Sexuality:[/color][/b] (What your characters true sexuality is, even though they may not be aware of it. This is set in stone when submitted, and a character deemed 1 sexuality may not flip to be attracted to something else later on) [b][color=6ecff6]Relationship Status:[/color][/b] (Remember if you place Marries, Engaged, Dating - no Rper may play your significant other - They will be a Non-playable NPC that is only referenced) [b][color=6ecff6]Personality:[/color][/b] Minimal 2 paragraphs that tells us how the characters mind works [b][color=6ecff6]Habits:[/color][/b] Minimal 2 [b][color=6ecff6]Hobbies:[/color][/b] At least 1 [b][color=6ecff6]Greatest fear:[/color][/b] Your character's main big fear, something that WILL make your character act unhinged. Must be something tangiable and possible. Fears like "dying", "death" and the like is not accepted. [list] [*][/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Likes:[/color][/b] 6 minimal [list][*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*][/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Dislikes:[/color][/b] 6 minimal [list][*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*][/list]
[hr.][center][img]Character Image[/img][/center][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Cards On The Table[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [center][color=6ecff6][h2]Skills[/h2][/color][/center] Call of Cthulhu is notorious for it's long list of skills, but it will become managable for you in no time! Here are the offical list of skills used in Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition with they base percentage chance of success listed. Just give me a call during character creation and in-case you need some help. I'm more than happy to help!
[hider=Skills] [list] [*]Accounting - 05% [*]Anthropology - 01% [*]Appraise - 05% [*]Archaeology - 01% [*]Art/Craft - 05% -Insert craft if specified by your occupation. [*]Charm - 15% [*]Climb - 20% [*]Credit rating - 00% -Based on your occupation. Occupation skill point must be used to raise your credit rating. [*]Cthulhu Mythos - 00% -Cannot be raised by normal means, only by being exposed to the Mythos. Increased skills in CM reduced your maximum sanity. [*]Disguise - 05% [*]Dodge - Half dexterity % -Can be added onto with skill points during character creation. [*]Drive auto - 20% [*]Electrial Repair - 10% [*]Fast Talk - 05% [*]Fighting (Brawl) - 25% -Other means of fighting may be added here during character creation. [*]Firearms (Handgun) - 20% [*]Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) - 25% -Other forms of firearms may be added here during character creation. [*]First Aid - 30% [*]History - 05% [*]Indimidate - 15% [*]Jump - 20% [*]Language (Other) - 01% -May be added during character creation, either from your occupation or personal skill. [*]Language (Own) - Equal to Education [*]Law - 05% [*]Library Use - 20% [*]Listen - 20 % [*]Locksmith - 01% [*]Mechanical Repair - 10% [*]Medicine - 01% [*]Natural World - 10% [*]Navigate - 10% [*]Occult - 05% [*]Operate Heavy Machinery - 01% [*]Persuade - 10% [*]Pilot - 01% -What type of pilot you are is deteremined by your occupation or personal skills. [*]Psychology - 10% [*]Psychoanalysis - 01% [*]Ride - 05% [*]Science - 01% -What field of science you are skilled in, is determined by your occupation or personal skills. [*]Sleight of hand - 10% [*]Spot Hidden - 25% [*]Stealth - 20% [*]Survival - 10% -What climate and/or terrain you are skilled in surviving, is determined by your occupation or personal skills. [*]Swim - 20% [*]Track - 10% [*][b]Additionl slots of not listed skills[/b] [*] [*] [*] [*] [/list][/hider]
[center][h2][color=6ecff6]Weapons and Combat[/color][/h2][/center]
[color=6ecff6][b]Damage Bonus:[/b][/color] Strenght + Size, match against DB-table: 65-84 equals -1 in DB, 85-124 equals + DB, 125-164 equals 1d4 DB [color=6ecff6][b]Build:[/b][/color] Strength + Size, match against Build-table: 65-84 equals -1, 85-124 equals + 0, 125-164 equals DB [color=6ecff6][b]Dodge:[/b][/color] Same as the skill "Dodge"
Weapons: [list][*]Unarmed: Regular Success - Hard Success Extreme Success - Damage (1d3 + DB)- Range (N/A) - Attacks (1) - Ammo (N/A) - Malfunction (N/A) [*]Weapon name: Regular Success - Hard Success Extreme Success - Damage - Range - Attacks - Ammo - Malfunction [*] [*] [/list]
[b][color=6ecff6]What Is On Your Person:[/color][/b] This includes your clothing, jewelry, your wallet, your id, your keys; cash(denote which country), a picture (a rare thing), papers and tobacco, pipe, matches, weapons you may carry, shoes, purse, bag, canteen, walking stick, and so forth. If it is not listed you are not carrying it. Again, keep it grounded in the real world for the 1920's. Limited to spots provided. [list][*] Clothing - [*] Purse/Wallet - [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [/list] [b][color=6ecff6]Residence:[/color][/b] This is your stash basically - all your items that are not on you at all times. General things need not be listed like a bed, blanket and so forth. Somethings are just a given. But things like Weapons stash, books, files on people, books, special mementos, and so forth are something that need to be listed out and very detailed. Make sure to know that this will be updated through out the RP - Bullets get used, weapons get lost, ropes break. Again, keep this grounded in reality. You won't have an arsenal! Bare bones to start folks and keep it with your profession and what your income would have been. Not everyone is going to have money... Limited to spots provided. [list][*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] [*] This spot is for an animal only - Cat, Goat, Horse, Camel (Basic animal, nothing special about it. It may not even obey every command.) [/list]
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]History[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]What brings you to the LeMond's seanse:[/color][/b] One well-written paragaph on why you decided to attend this seanse. [b][color=6ecff6]Life before current day:[/color][/b] Three well-written paragraphs on your character's life up until this point in the story. Why did they turn to their specific occupation, why do they have the skills they have, etc. [b][color=6ecff6]Your belief in/encounters with the supernatural:[/color][/b] Unless cleared by me, this does not mean your character actually has faced the Mythos. This is more akin to strange occurances in passing, odd things happening around you or rumors you've heard. Do you really believe in them, or are you a rational person? [b][color=6ecff6]Ideology/Belief:[/color][/b] What does your character actually believe in? Politics, religion, social movements etc. [b][color=6ecff6]Significant people:[/color][/b] Someone near and dear to you, not neccecarrily your possible spouse or partner. [b][color=6ecff6]Meaningful location:[/color][/b] Someplace that has deep meaning to you. Your place of work? Your home? Place of worship? [b][color=6ecff6]Treasured possessions:[/color][/b] A single item that hold great value to you.
[hr.][hr.][h3][b][i][color=6ecff6][center]Extras[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=6ecff6]Character Quote:[/color][/b] Something they say a lot or live by [b][color=6ecff6]Theme Song:[/color][/b] What would be playing when they walk up if we were in a movie? [b][color=6ecff6]Anything Else:[/color][/b]
Posting In-Character
When your character is done and accepted, we'll come to actually posting in-game. When you post as your character, you'll be using a header-template as to make it easier for both you and the rest of the group to identify your post and your character information. The header includes:
Character name
Small character portrait
Character's current location
Character's Hit Points, Sanity Points and Luck.
Character's current mental state: Sane, Temporary Insane or Indefinete Insane.
Been a while since I've had a good dice game, I'm interested! Quick question for you though, as far as post edits - I understand why the rule is there but I'm human, sometimes a typo makes it through into my post. Would I have to ask every time I noticed a typo to go back and fix it?
@Yankee I'm glad to have your interest! Good question, and I guess the answer is no for normal typos. It's more aimed towards changing your character's actions or observations. For typos I'll allow it.
Did you have a character in mind? So far I've heard from a bird we've got a private detective in the works.
Edit: I mean I hope the RP can improve all our skills in writing, but hey, I get what you mean :P
@ONL Thanks for the answer! Yeah, like I said I totally understand why the rule is there, but sometimes hours or even a day later I reread my post and see a horrible typo and just think, how the heck could that have slipped by the first time? Then I just have to get rid of the evidence
As for character, I was thinking someone simple, like a personal assistant to a newspaper editor or similar... someone that gets sent there to see if the claims are true and it would be worth their employer's time or if it's all bogus. Of course, once it's revealed that something sinister is going on, they get caught up in it.
@ONL Thanks for the answer! Yeah, like I said I totally understand why the rule is there, but sometimes hours or even a day later I reread my post and see a horrible typo and just think, how the heck could that have slipped by the first time? Then I just have to get rid of the evidence
As for character, I was thinking someone simple, like a personal assistant to a newspaper editor or similar... someone that gets sent there to see if the claims are true and it would be worth their employer's time or if it's all bogus. Of course, once it's revealed that something sinister is going on, they get caught up in it.
Know the feeling, it hurts so bad to read it later!
I like the sound of that. We can hammer out what type of newspaper/magazine he works for later and all that ^^ Something that fits a possible one-shot later on after the first chapter. Welcome aboard! Have you played Call of Cthulhu before?
On another note, might post a link in the Casual RP section to get some more attention. You wouldn't happen to know anyone who would be interested in this? @Yankee@rivaan
Oh no rush on my part. Stats are just important for figuring out what occupations work or not. Don't want to be an ugly Cult Leader, after all~
Fair point, a cult leader needs his face to sacrifice to the Old Ones after all. If you're not satisfied with the rolls for what you had in mind, I may allow some tweaking.
@ONL nah not sure on inviting anyone on my side. Will work on the character in the next few days however
