[OOC] Old One Rising (A Lovecraftian adventure-horror RP - Full)

[IndianGiver]

Old One Rising
____________________________

"The process of delving into the black abyss is to me the keenest form of fascination." - Howard Phillips Lovecraft

The unofficial Old One Rising title theme

Of things irrefutably true, that there exists a mysticism to the world is one; that which alludes simultaneously to the grandeur of life and also all the macabre happenings and sights we are privy to. After the closing of the Great War, the United States is experiencing a widespread shifting of identity. Some say it was the American progressive movement at its finest, while others say that the war snuffed out its already dying light. The Prohibition is in full swing, intolerance and prejudice towards immigrants and foreigners is rife, youth is disenfranchised with the prominent individuals of government and science has found itself called upon to answer the social questions of the time.

Arkham, Massachusets, 1925. The sea-softened town of Arkham, at once both large and small, home to schools of thought both conservative and youthful, sees most of this social struggle through word-of-mouth and printed news. Once a humble fishing village, and lies some significant distance north of Boston. It is home to the Miskatonic University, an institution known for its quality of education in the sciences of both the world and mind. Arkham is historical in that it is host to dark legends, rumors and dreadful wive's tales that have lurked about its wooded hills and rock-laden, driftwood shores for centuries. Bizarre happenings in the sea, disappearances, plagues, a furtively operated sanitarium and a number of resident cults are among this plethora of grim stories.

It would seem, however, that this morbid air that hangs over the town of Arkham is to be requited; an ancient horror, something beyond the comprehension of mere mortals and dwelling within a loathful otherworldly realm, has chosen Arkham as its bastion by which to awaken, and enslave the world of man. Once again, as happened so many decades ago, the tides of the ocean have begun to swell and recede and strange happenings are abound. An impenetrable fog broods in the hills, slowly seeping forward, and inmates of the Arkham Asylum howl madly at the waning moon.

The signs are there, patterns hinting at an imminent evil churning in the ether. For those few in Arkham who question the freakish occurrences, those who are possessed of a curiousity, courage or dark fascination to peer into the eyes impending doom - they shall face the Old One rising.

Map of Arkham

Map of "Lovecraft Country" - Arkham and the surrounding towns

____________________________

The tentative goal of the characters, or investigators as they may be referred to, will be to work together to discover the nature of the bizarre things happening in Arkham, unveil their source, battle the forces of evil and ultimately attempt to stop the coming of the Great Old One. However, each character may have their own ambitions or personal goals that could further or hinder this task. Any number of things from a sudden banishment of monsters to a character death could mean Arkham is closer to either being saved, or consumed.

General rules of Old One Rising

1.) This roleplay will be dynamic, for lack of better words. Given, interactions will still determine the course of the plot, but as time progresses and the Great Old One gets closer and closer to awakening, things in Arkham will change in relation to how much "progress" the characters have made. The utmost will be done to ensure that this does not impede the main goal of roleplaying.

2.) I'd ask everyone to work together to make this a very difficult roleplay. To elaborate, as these individuals in Arkham learn of the Great Old One and its coming, combat the horrors spawning from other dimensions and even enter these other-world realms themselves, they face great danger. Horrific sights, be they nightmarish creatures, atrocities or abstractions of reality, will pose a threat both physically and psychologically to each investigator of the paranormal. They will come to question their own sanity and courage. Death, insanity and disappearance are all very readily available fates for any character, be they a hardened war veteran or inquisitive student of the Miskatonic University. Should your character meet their end, it need not mean the end of your involvement however, another character can be brought in and the previous simply becomes part of the plotline.

3.) Static NPC's shall be controlled by me unless someone expresses interest in temporarily assuming the role of an NPC. Combat mechanics are to be decided.

4.) It is 1925. With that said, appropriate era technology applies. Characters shall fight with such things as cavalry sabres and tommy guns, but magic will be made available as otherworldly power seeps into Arkham.

5.) By this point, you should expect this RP to involve somewhat mature themes of violence, psychological development (or degradation), anguish and keep a general air of horror to itself. It goes without saying that the rules of the roleplayers guild, as well as common courtesy, should be obeyed so we may all enjoy in peace.

6.) You may format your posts and character sheet however you like. Though, I ask that you include in each post a sort of "status" that gives insight into their physical and psychological condition. It may be as simple as "Hemmoraging from the gut /\ Panicked", but if you would prefer to write a brief piece detailing their condition that is just as well.

Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of any original content used to preface this roleplay; the works of HP Lovecraft, images used in the creation of the setting and character sheets, as well as songs referenced with the roleplay are all the property of their owners.

Thank you.

Old One Rising character sheet - format however you'd like

* Please post your tentative character in the OOC thread so we may all get an idea of what characters have already been created. I will look them over, accept them, and you are then free to post them to the character thread. *

Basics

Name:
Nickname/title: (The Monster Hunter, The Doctor, The Gangster etc.)
Gender:
Age:
Build/physicality:
Appearance: (Period black and white photos/portraits are preferred, but please, no anime)

Background

Psychological status: (Is your character of sound mental status at the beginning of the RP?)
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: (Ex.: Personality traits, or if they have a history of bizarre dreams/visions)
Magical potential (Y/N): (**You may opt for a "squishy" character now, over a solid, magicless gunslinger only to harness the power later. Nothing is set in stone as far as a "class", just don't expect Dual-Shotty Joe to be hurling fireballs later on**)
Personality:
Hometown:
Education:
Occupation:
Achievements: (Career-related, personal etc.)
Sexuality:
Religion/philosophy:
Marital status:
Family status: (Parents deceased? Sibling back home? Orphan?)
Biographical writeup: (Whatever you like, but include either why they came to Arkham or, if a resident, their history there.)

Miscellaneous information

Combative belongings: (Please don't begin the RP packing an armory with you - more can be acquired later.)
Noncombative belongings: (Keys to a storage closet at the university? A pet rock?)
Other information (optional):
Theme song (optional):

[RBYDark]

I'm gonna repost my WIP here and finish it tomorrow - sorry, ended up sick tonight.

Amanda Smith

Basics

Name: Amanda Smith
Nickname/title: A. Smith; "The Journalist"
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Build/physicality: Not particularly muscular though still solid-looking. She couldn't last long in a fistfight, but she could probably get away from the fistfight with incredible speed.
Appearance: Linked due to size.

Background

Psychological status: A touch of general anxiety, largely untreated.
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: She tends to fidget - mostly plays with her lighter if she is not in a higher-class setting.
Magical potential: Yes, albeit low; don't expect her to be hurling fireballs.
Personality:
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Education: Basic education; did not complete high school due to a need to support her family.
Occupation: Journalist for "Arkham Sun" (placeholder name until otherwise informed by GM of local papers)
Achievements:
Sexuality: Apparently disinterested
Marital status: Single
Family status: Mother deceased, father alive and employed, younger brother alive and in high school.
Biographical writeup: Amanda Smith was born 1893 in Baltimore, MD, to a pair of lower-class parents. When her mother died of tuberculosis, she was expected to seek employment at the age of 10 - however, this was around the time pressure was put on factories that hired children, and she was turned down. The best she could do to help her father was beg on the street. During her time, though, she saw quite a few things that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. She had a knack for writing and was able to sell a few articles to local papers under the name 'A. Smith'. When she was old enough, she was hired by one of her publishers to work as a full-time journalist. She was able to begin relaxing then, reading and beginning to study writing and past news articles in an attempt to improve her own work. She's also taught herself how to operate a camera and has been trying to learn Chinese due to the number of Chinese workers in her city. At 25, she received a better offer and moved away from her hometown to Boston. However, the offer didn't quite pan out as well as she hoped, and she had used considerable funds to get to Boston. She's been working her way home since, in a way. Her most recent stop is in Arkham while following a potential bootlegger piece.

Miscellaneous information

Belongings
Combative: N/A
Noncombative: A few memo pads, pencils and pens, a pair of reading glasses, a lighter, a clutch purse, and a charm from one man she interviewed that supposedly wards off evil spirits.
Other information (optional):
Theme song (optional):

[Odysseus]

Here are my characters. I had an idea for a sister, if anyone wants to make a 20's era Hollywood starlet (or failed starlet, your choice) I'd be up to collaborating so she fit into the York family.

Preston York

Basics

Name:
Preston York

Nickname/title:
Press, "The Bootlegger"

Gender:
Male

Age:
25

Build/physicality:
Press is stocky, he's tall and mixes some fat and some muscle.

Appearance:

Press

Background

Psychological status:
Mentally sound.

Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal:
None whatsoever. His senses are fully dulled to the paranormal.

Magical potential (Y/N):
No magical potential.

Personality:
Press was always smarter than your average kid, and he was always aware of the fact. He likes being the smartest person in the room. He tends to underestimate others while overestimating himself. He has contempt for authority figures and is naturally rebellious. He has morals, but he tends to adopt a Machiavellian view of the world: everyone is out for themselves, and it's best to be the one on top committing the crime than the guy who's getting robbed or killed. His friends are few and far between. His one soft spot is for his brother, whom he guards with his life. He is a natural leader, although few are willing to follow.

Hometown:
Arkham, Mass.

Education:
College educated, majored in business at his local state school.

Occupation:
Bootlegger - Press is more of a courier, setting up different places to buy and sell alcohol for his friends back west, and then making sure the beginning market goes smoothly.

Achievements:
Graduating college, getting out of Arkham, becoming accepted into his Bootlegging gang.

Sexuality:
Heterosexual

Religion/philosophy:
Officially Protestant, although he only goes to church on the holidays with his family.

Marital status:
Single

Family status:
Press watches over Joshua like a parental figure. He has a sister who has been trying to make it as an actress in Hollywood, and he hasn't heard from her in some time. She doesn't know about his criminal activities. The Yorks are orphans, and have been since a young age.

Biographical writeup:
Press always felt out of place in a small town. He felt that it limited his potential, and always dreamed about going off to big cities and living a fast-paced life. As a child, Press was a curious mix of brains and brawn. He was one of the smarter kids in his class, but he was also an athlete and a jock. He often got into after-school fights, mixed himself up with drugs and alcohol, but always found time to study. Press would often get into fights in defense of his brother Joshua, who would be a target for the other kids at school. He would beat up anyone who made fun of his brother, until most kids knew to stay far away from the York brothers. The Yorks never had a father growing up, and as Press was the oldest, he took the place of a father figure to his brother and sister. Their mother died shortly after Press entered his freshman year of college, and from then on he fully supported his two siblings. His sister got the same wanderlust that he had and left for Hollywood as soon as she could, but Josh had to be taken care of.

Preston loves Josh fiercely, and would do anything for him. That being said, Preston doesn't quite understand Josh. He thinks Josh is just not "all there" in the head, and often doesn't know what is best for him.

Press went to a Massachusetts state school, close enough to Boston that he could explore the city on the weekends but also close enough to home that he could take care of his siblings. When Preston graduated, he took Josh and moved to Boston. By then, prohibition was in effect and Press was growing more and more anti-authority. He began to attend meetings and rallies with like-minded young people, and was big on illegal drinking. He eventually came into contact with a local named Lawrence Dunn, who ran a bootlegging operation. Press wanted in, and continued to hound the man night and day. Dunn didn't trust Press, however, and always turned him away. It wasn't until Dunn took note of Joshua's savant-like skill with maps until he agreed to allow the York brothers to join his small gang. Press became a runner for the gang, transporting booze to different parts of the city. The gang grew rather fast, and eventually became successful enough to spread to the countryside. Press began to travel from town to town, recruiting locals to run underground breweries for Dunn's gang.

Eventually, the Yorks reached Arkham. Press took Josh and returned to their old house, technically in their sister's name. He has a dozen old friends he knows would be good potential recruits, but Press plans to take his time in Arkham. As it turns out, he actually could use a break from the fast paced life as a bootlegging courier.

Miscellaneous information

Combative belongings:
A switchblade and a small, rather dinky pistol.

Noncombative belongings:
Continuous shipments of bootleg alcohol, distillery equipment

Joshua York

Basics

Name:
Joshua York
Nickname/title:
Josh, Joshy, "That Kid with the Maps"
Gender:
Male
Age:
21
Build/physicality:
Josh is slim, small in stature and tends to slouch.

Appearance:

Josh

Background

Psychological status: A doctor could guess Joshua has mild autism, but it has yet gone undiagnosed. Note: Joshua doesn't have an intellectual disorder, he just has trouble expressing himself.

Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: Josh has several, of all of the aforementioned things. Josh rarely looks people in the eyes, and he often has trouble determining what a person means through the tone of their voice. He lacks some social graces that make him come across as slightly awkward. He often misses social cues. He has an extremely good memory, enjoys studying maps of the US and memorizing them. He is very sensitive to the paranormal.

Magical potential (Y/N):
Joshua has considerable magical potential.
Personality:
Josh's developmental issues cause him to be reserved, shy, and passive. Instead of leading a conversation, or choosing what to do in his own life, he will readily let someone else decide what is best. Josh is friendly when he does interact with people, and very peaceful. He wouldn't harm a living being, even an ant. Josh feels an escape while memorizing maps, and has most of the US geography memorized, including many local and state details. He also enjoys reading.

Hometown:
Arkham, Mass.

Education:
High school expelled him during his junior year for developmental struggles

Occupation:
Bootlegger - Joshua works with Press. His job is to map out routes alcohol can be transported secretly, and without police interference.

Achievements:
Memorizing every county in every state and their location

Sexuality:
Bisexual, but mostly unable to express interest in anything sexual

Religion/philosophy:
Nominally Protestant, Josh never really 'got' religion, though.

Marital status:
Single

Family status:
Press is his guardian, who makes sure he gets by in life. He has a sister who has been trying to make it as an actress in Hollywood, and he hasn't heard from her in some time. She doesn't know about his criminal activities. The Yorks are orphans, and have been since a young age.

Biographical writeup:
Since he was a small child, everyone knew that Josh was 'different'. He played apart from the other boys, alone, reserved. He always seemed content playing by himself, always deeply interested in his toys, especially his globe. His mother didn't want to face the fact that Josh might be developmentally challenged, however, so she never took him to the doctor. His mother often felt the need to hide Josh away, which just added to his sense that he wasn't worthy or good enough for other people. Josh would also do or say things outside the social norm that would exacerbate this, such as comment if he thought another boy was attractive. Such comments, which Josh could never tell were socially unacceptable, would cause his mother to freak out and punish him.

Joshua had some trouble in school. Intellectually, he was as smart as most of the kids, but he often had trouble expressing that intelligence. Anything that wasn't a written, multiple choice test, Josh had trouble with. He continued to pass by into his high school years, his grades growing worse as time went on and more was expected of him. Teachers didn't understand him and most didn't want to make the effort to. Most kids thought he was a freak, and many tried to make fun of him, only to be beat up by Press. Eventually, enough parents complained to the school that the easiest perceived course of action, as the school saw it, was to remove the source of the problem and pretend it didn't exist. Joshua was expelled from school in his junior year. Joshua lived with Preston after that in his apartment. Preston took care of Joshua when he was in college. Joshua reveres Preston as a guardian figure, and the two are the closest of friends and companions. When Preston graduated, the two moved to Boston. Joshua was frankly amazed, if slightly disturbed, by the city life. He spent his time walking the streets and plotting out the city on his own. He'd often come home to find Preston passed out on the couch, or maybe absent altogether, but Joshua didn't mind. In a big place where he could stay anonymous, Joshua did better than he ever did in Arkham.

One day, Joshua returned home to find Preston talking with a man Preston called Larry Dunn. They were talking some sort of business, so Joshua just zoned out and went back to plotting out Boston through his travels. Dunn took notice, and offered Josh a job. Preston agreed on behalf of Josh, and the two began working in a gang. Joshua enjoyed his work because he was given challenges; he'd get a police schedule or go out and watch their patrols, then record their movements on a map. He'd then draw routes where the police would be least likely to go. Both Preston and Dunn were very happy with Joshua's work, which made Joshua happy. He even became more social within the gang, and made a friend or two. Preston began to travel around the countryside for work, and Joshua lived on his own for a while.

However, when Preston returned to Arkham, he insisted that Joshua come along, for old times' sake. Plus, Preston felt guilty leaving Joshua alone for so long. Despite Joshua's protests, they returned to Arkham. Surrounded by familiarity, both in places and people who know and judge him, Joshua has regressed considerably and is far less capable than he was before.

Miscellaneous information

Combative belongings:
None

Noncombative belongings:
Several books, Maps of most of the world. Varying from county, state, and federal level of the US, as well as many foreign maps.

[IndianGiver]

Glad to see some sheets already. I'm out the door shortly, so I will review them tomorrow.

@Odysseus If you'd like to coin the "York gang" or something of the like and take the open spot for Arkham's resident gang, feel free. It will work well with what I had in mind in terms of organized crime.

I've decided on at least three NPC's to start with: A police constable, a university professor, and a speakeasy barkeep. There's another I'm unsure of whether or not I'd like to make; a locksmith that doubles as a weapons dealer. The locksmith and the barkeep could both have ties to the York gang. Should have my own CS done tomorrow.

[Odysseus]

My characters are more like envoys from another gang and may try to set up a branch of said gang in the story.

[Levythelevy]

Let me know what needs to be fixed up!

Constable Deon Williams

Basics

Name: Deon Williams
Nickname/title: The Constable
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Build/physicality: 6 ft tall, muscled
Appearance:

Background

Psychological status: Stable at the beginning, recovering from grief from loss of father
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: Nailbiter
Magical potential (Y/N): No, Deon has no magical potential.
Personality: Serious, Inquisitive, Observant, Quick to Anger, but also fair and understanding. He cares more about protecting citizens then he does enforcing the letter of the law.
Hometown: New York City, New York
Education: High School, Police training, Army Training
Occupation: Police Constable
Achievements: Fought in WW1, completed his schooling.
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Marital status: Single
Family status: His father passed away about a month ago and his mother is still alive back in New York. He has a brother that takes care of his mother in New York
Biographical writeup: Deon was born in 1896 in a rundown part part of New York City. Deon finished his schooling at around the age of 18, and went on the police academy. He had worked for a cop for about a year when he found evidence that one of his superior officers was taking bribes. Deon went in to his office and confronted him about it, his superior threatened him with his political clout, saying that he would never work again. The conflict was still ongoing when the Selective Service Act of 1917 was enacted into law and he was drafted. Deon joined one of the two active African American only combat units, the 93rd Infantry Division, 371st regiment and was sent to France to work alongside French troops. Williams fought at the Second Battle of the Marne under the Red Hand Division, a combination of French and African American troops. Having spent time in French company, Williams is fluent in French and made several lifelong friends overseas. When he returned home, however, the disdain that people treated with him returned. The corrupt superior made a point to visit him and informed him that his younger brother had gotten into some trouble and gave him a clear choice: Keep his mouth shut and leave New York or see his brother incarcerated. Deon choose to leave and wound up in the town of Arkham and he has remained in town for eight years now working as a constable for the local police. Deon mainly worked cases involving the Prohibition laws, but due to the color of his skin still remains largely untrusted by the town and has not risen in the ranks. About a month ago, he was informed that his father had passed away. Deon is still grieving from the loss, but strangely also began to notice odd occurrences in the town and decided to begin investigating...

Miscellaneous information

Belongings
Combative: .38 Special Revolver, Billy Club, Handcuffs
Noncombative: Police Badge, Handcuff Keys, Notepad and pen, Police Uniform, Father's Lighter,
Other information (optional): Fluent in French

[Queen Tomato]

WIP <16 year old mini-cultist

Basics

Name: Alma Wells
Title: The Child
Gender: Female
Age: 10
Build/physicality: Alma has a lithe, and overall child-like figure. Manual labour has never really been an active part of her life, so she doesn't have much in the way of muscles, but does have a great natural sense of balance.
Appearance: She stands at a whopping 4'5, sporting proportions and endowments befitting a girl of her age. Her hair is blonde and, at her mother's insistence, is usually allowed to grow to just past her shoulders in length. Alma is rather proud of her hair, and enjoys it greatly when her mother takes her time brushing it, and fixing it up for her. Her face is likely her most defining feature, however, with its much admired innocent, and even attractive look to it. Her eyes are a soft blue, and her skin is fair, without freckles or blemishes.

Background

Psychological status: Psychologically vulnerable, and prone to occasionally intense delusions or extended hallucinations. May have been a victim of brainwashing. Has some, deep-rooted mental traumas.
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal:

The Water Dreams

For as long as she can remember, Alma has had a fascination with water. Apparently, she almost drowned in the bathtub when she was a child. She thinks that's probably when they started. The Water Dreams.

She dreams that she's in her classroom, or her bedroom, or in the basement. She's cold, and there's always water. The water is always dripping. At first, it's nothing more than that. A sensation of dampness. The feeling of water droplets pattering against her skin.

But, in time, the water starts to rise.

She isn't scared of it anymore. She used to be, though. She would scream, and kick, and try everything to try and escape. But no matter where she went, or what she did, the water kept dripping. It kept rising.

And, when the water finally rose over the top of her head, and all of the breathe was stolen from her lungs, that would be when she could finally feel it. The sensation of not being alone. And she would look down, to the floor, or the abyss, or whatever it was.

And then, she would wake. But she would never forget. And, the next time she closed her eyes, it would start up all over again. The constant drip. The feeling of drowning, over and over again. And then, when she could finally take it no longer, the presence, looking up at her from the bottom of the water.

Sometimes, she dreams when she is awake. She can feel it then, too. The drip. It was when this first happened that she realized it. The drip was always there. She just couldn't feel it unless she was dreaming.

The dreams got worse after that.

Magical Potential: Yes. Very high, too.
Personality: Alma can be defined by her sharp social aptitude and skills with people, manifesting themselves as a pleasant, sociable nature. When it comes to people, she can be incredibly observant, often showing perception and judgement for others better than adults would give her credit for. She's a great talker, when she wants to be, although she prefers to be quiet more often than not.

She is highly empathetic of others, and can usually come to an understanding with people very quickly, even those suffering from typically adult issues. She can, and usually will think up just the right things to say to cheer somebody up, and she prides herself on this.

Alma wholeheartedly, and without a hint of arrogance, believes that she possesses some greater purpose in life, and that everything that happens to her or that she does is somehow meant to further this purpose. This has been further reinforced by her mother, and the others of her mother's cult, as well as the frequent and praise and approval of her family, peers and even neighbors.

Hometown: Arkham, Massachusetts
Education: Fourth-grade level or equivalent.
Occupation: Child
Achievements: Was named "Best Daughter in the World" by Otis Wells, with no challengers to date.
Sexuality: Undeveloped
Religion/philosophy: The closest thing she has to a religion is her Mother's cult. She is ten years old, she does not have a philosophy.
Marital status: Single
Family status:
-Mother, Anna Wells, Age 31. Occupation: Woman, Cult Leader.
-Father, Otis Wells, Age 37. Occupation: Doctor.
-Aunt, Rose Foster, Age 36. Occupation: Teacher. *Close to Alma's Mother.

Biographical writeup: (Whatever you like, but include either why they came to Arkham or, if a resident, their history there.)

Miscellaneous information

Combative belongings: N/A
Noncombative belongings: (Keys to a storage closet at the university? A pet rock?)
Other information (optional):
Theme song (optional):

I figured I should probably post this before I put any real time into it. I have no idea what the GM would think about me playing this kind of character, after all. Especially since it goes against the common archetypes of the genre. God, I feel so pretentious, squish!

[IndianGiver]

Apologies for the delay.

Upon review, I can happily approve everyone's characters. I've commented individually, but otherwise you're all free to post to the character thread.

@RBYDark I did some looking; Lovecraft actually gave two different names for Arkham's paper in two different stories. Whether these were separate companies or just differences in the same, it doesn't matter. The Arkham Sun is just fine. I added a new field or two in the new version of the CS, they're somewhat optional so change them at your discretion.

@Odysseus I like that we will already have a subplot or two with the involvement of gangs and local law enforcement. I'm glad to see two characters already lined up that are either children or "childlike" in nature. Apologies that I can't roleplay the dilettante sister, as I'll have the NPC's to handle as well.

@Levythelevy Pleased you did some research for his background. I was originally writing a constable NPC for Arkham, but he was somewhat boring and after seeing Deon I can happily scrap him. Perhaps the NPC will be his boss, I am not sure yet.

@Queen Tomato Thanks for checking with me, but you're a-ok to finish the profile. Intrigued to see what you come up with.

I will kick the roleplay itself off with an introductory post tomorrow, tonight I'd like to at least get the NPC's squared away. Thank you for your work on the character sheets folks!

[Odysseus]

Just a thought, maybe you could open the RP up? 4 players may be hard to sustain the RP with, and I doubt everyone who expressed interest will follow through.

[IndianGiver]

Just a thought, maybe you could open the RP up? 4 players may be hard to sustain the RP with, and I doubt everyone who expressed interest will follow through.

@Odysseus

I probably will. Not to sound expectant, but I was worried I would get more people applying than it could handle. So far I number 7 potential characters, my own included.

[Cello]

I'll be making my character sometime today assuming I can pull myself away from Bloodborne.

[redbaron1234]

@IndianGiverHey, are you still accepting new characters? If so here is my CS:

Jason Mercer

Basics
Name: Jason Mercer
Nickname/title: The Showman
Gender: Male
Age: 45
Build/physicality: An adept but ageing rough rider
Appearance:

Picture

Background:
Psychological status: A little morose over the death of his Aunt, though there is some frustration over being burdened with having to be the one that finishes her affairs.
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: Likes to collect Indian trinkets like dream-catchers. Knows a few ghost stories
Magical potential (Y/N): Very little, if any.
Personality: Crusty, but likes to perform. Not one to hold prejudices or grudges. Feels awkward whenever speaking to a Great War veteran.
Hometown: Abilene, Kansas
Education: The Three R's: Reading, Writing, And Arithmetic. Also knows how to read a contract.
Occupation: Ranch hand in his younger years, paralegal clerk in his early 20's. Currently part of the "Devil Dog Wild West Show".

Achievements: Billed as "Hawkeye Mercer" for his shooting abilities.
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Religion/philosophy: Lutheran
Marital status: Single
Family status: Elderly parents Gerald and Annie, Older brothers Frank and Quieten, Younger Brother Samuel
Biographical write-up:
Jason was born on a ranch near Abilene, Kansas. The third of four brothers, Jason was neither the baby of the family nor expected to carry on the family business. He was only expected to help handle the cattle on the ranch until he moved out. One of his first paying jobs was helping arrange for the sale of cattle coming up the Chisholm Trail and and shipping them back East. This job bored him greatly.

When he learned of a Wild West show heading back East, and more importantly the pay the show offered, he signed on at the first opportunity he could get. He started out by playing minor parts and as a general stage hand, but he studied the tricks of the other performers and became an act in himself at the age of 25. He was known for being able to shoot the pips out of a playing card while riding on horseback. In this capacity he could emulate the heroes of the dime novels that filled his childhood. The show Jason was with toured throughout the East, and managed to gain some acclaim. They even did a few shows for soldiers in Europe during the Great War.

After the war the show continued to tour up and down the East coast. Jason was surprised to receive a letter from his Aunt Gale Yearling's lawyer, Mr. Downey, containing news of her passing. Being geographically the closest family member to Arkham at the time, Jason managed to make it to town a few weeks ahead of the rest of his family. This has, by default, left him in charge of wrapping up his late Aunt's affairs before the rest of the family shows up for the reading of the will.

Miscellaneous information
Combative belongings: Engraved Winchester Rifle, Engraved Colt Peacemaker and Holster. Bullets for both. Buck Knife.
Noncombative belongings: Trunk with his belongings, riding boots, bowler hat, pocket watch, reading glasses with case, cigarette case, lighter.
Other information (optional):
Theme song (optional):

[Cello]

Really heavy WIP

Started it but I have something urgent to attend to. Will finish tomorrow.

EDIT: Still working on it. Terribly sorry for the delay but things are slightly hectic at the moment.

Lilliana Pinelli

Lilliana Pinelli

The Woman of Pleasure

Character Theme - Rhiannon

General Information

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Full Name: Lilliana Pinelli
Title: The Woman of Pleasure
Gender: Female
Age: 38
Build: Tall with a pear shaped body. Not a fighter, but she is far from frail. Mothers are tougher than they look.
Appearance: A loving housewife in appearance. She keeps a simple elegance about her appearance with make up and jewelry passed down from her own mother. Mostly wears silk dresses and lace, never really dressing casually. She was taught to believe that a woman who doesn't present themselves as such would surely be shamed wherever they went. As of recently, she tends to dress in black mostly to signify her status as a mourning widow.

Background

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Psychological status: Relatively stable. Still in mourning for her husband. Insomniac. Burdened by guilt and shamed by those who know of the sins she has committed.
Quirks, ticks, conditions, sensitivities to the paranormal: Since the death of her husband, Lilliana has been able to hear the inhuman uttering of the Old One in her nightmares. She is incapable of understanding them, nor does she fully realise what is happening. In truth, she has simply labelled these "visions" as just nightmares. As of recently, they have become frighteningly frequent. In fear of being sent to the sanitarium, she has not informed anyone of her nightmares.
Magical potential: As a result of her unexplained connection to the Old Ones, Lilliana has very high, latent magical potential.
Personality: Lilliana was once a proud woman; a role model for aspiring housewives and young ladies of the sort. She was kind and respectful to those around her, yet fierce and independent when need be. Her love towards her husband was only shadowed by her love for her children. It was this love that was her downfall. After she committed an unspeakable act for the sake of her family, all the respect she had built up in her town had shattered. No longer was she a proud role model. Now she is a quiet, miserable woman who is just trying to get through the days. The only thing that keeps her sane are her children, and she constantly puts on a brave face for their sake despite the recent loss of her husband. She is ridden with guilt and grief over what she has done, but takes solace in the fact that it was for the sake of her children.
Hometown: Roccamandolfi, Italy
Education: Highschool Education. Experience in business administration.
Occupation: Former housewife. Former prostitute. Currently employed as a secretary for a law firm in Arkham.
Achievements: Completed highschool. Gave birth to two beautiful boys.
Sexuality: Heterosexual
Religion/philosophy: Catholic
Marital status: Widowed
Family status: Deceased husband - Giovanni Pinelli, Eldest son (18 years) - Giovanni (Johnny) Pinelli II, Youngest son (15 years) - Dominic Pinelli
Biographical writeup: (Whatever you like, but include either why they came to Arkham or, if a resident, their history there.)

Miscellaneous information

Combative belongings: (Please don't begin the RP packing an armory with you - more can be acquired later.)
Noncombative belongings: (Keys to a storage closet at the university? A pet rock?)
Other information (optional):

[Sixsmith]

Won't have my CS up until sometime Monday. Dun have Internet until then so I'm stuck with my phone.

[IndianGiver]

I will get the intro post up this morning so anyone who is ready can start. Still chipping away at the NPC's and my own CS. I have a few users who may benefit from having details on the Great Old One to develop their characters, but I wanted to take a consensus and see if anyone would prefer to have it largely unveiled later or now.

A map of Arkham and the general region has been added to the title post.

[Twhirtley]

Are you still accepting applications?

[Levythelevy]

@IndianGiver Maybe you can send that info to the characters you think would best benefit from it? That way the information is spread out through the characters and we can learn more once our characters begin to interact.

[IndianGiver]

@Twhirtley We are currently numbering 7 characters if I count correctly, and potentially 10 if others that expressed interest do not show. I don't want to it to get too big, but you could fill out a sheet and send it to me and it will help me decide. Keep in mind, characters may die, users may lose interest, the space may be there.

@Levythelevy That's what I was thinking; having gaps in information/observations between the characters is exactly what I was looking for.

The intro post is up and I'm almost out of time. Hopefully I can get the NPCs done by this evening and utilize one or two of them. Wishful thinking.

Update: Some users have been messaged the "profile" of the Great Old One I've created. For everyone else, parcel details will be added to the characters page and continually added as the story progresses.

[RBYDark]

Thanks for the approval and note. Added the sheet, will read the intro and try to post tonight.

[IndianGiver]

Everything looks good, folks. I'd ask only that you be sure your character has been approved by me and then posted to the character page before you go at it.