Play@YSDC

Hi there

It`s been a long time since I did any dungeon mastering and I'm itching to try keeping a game. I know The Haunting has been done on this site several years ago but perhaps its time for ghosts to be resurrected.

This might appeal to less experienced players (like me) but of course anyone is welcome, and I would value the input of veteran players.

I'd like to use 6th edition rules, I have a quickstart copy if anyone needs.

Let me know if you're interested!

Hi!

I'm new to the site and love The Haunting, so I'm definitely interested in playing.

As far as editions go, I don't have any experience with the 6th, but I have played the 5th a lot. CoC editions are quite consistent anyways, so I think I will be able to manage with the aid of the quickstart rules.

Gosh! I just replied to your welcome thread.

Glad to have you - yes, there`s not much difference until you get to the 7th edition rules.

We'll see if anyone else would like to join - it will need at least 2 players.

HoneyDog wrote:Gosh! I just replied to your welcome thread.

Yes, eldritch synchronicity

Let's wait for others to sign up, then.

I've never played the game, so I'd be up for it... but I've had my fingers burned soooooo many times by folks disappearing from this site; got any pregens.?--it's the role play which I enjoy.

Thanks Tabs! I understand about the frustrations of people disappearing - I can only say that I've been wanting to play these games for a long time now and as there is no other option for me I believe that I'll be visiting this site for some time to come. So I promise I won't abandon the game, unless something unforeseen happens of course.

There are pregen characters in the 6th edition book but if you want something more exciting I can make one up for you - I have some ideas in mind.

I wasn't thinking. I'll use a character from an abandoned game or Google for one instead. Who did you have in mind?

I had one I was wanting to try out - an explorer with expertise in Arctic regions, waiting for his next commission, but who is growing short of funds and is on the lookout for any new opportunities, even if they are a bit unusual...

But by all means use one of your characters. I will probably wait a few more days to see if anyone else would like to join, and then get started.

Cool, I'd totally like that!-- Nansen et. al.

I assume the story will be set in the 1920s?

I would like play a minor Surrealist artist turned paranormal investigator, maybe? Based on the fact that the Surrealist group was heavily influenced by various mystic and occult movements.

Yes, 1920. I`m thinking that the characters might have their own 'hauntings' - some previous traumatic experience which has left a mark, for example the war, or a personal tragedy.

I like the sound of your character - they would be on the look out for opportunities to investigate any local weirdness. Perhaps she or he is looking for inspiration?

HoneyDog wrote:Yes, 1920. I`m thinking that the characters might have their own 'hauntings' - some previous traumatic experience which has left a mark, for example the war, or a personal tragedy.

That's good, I was planning the character to be originally from Europe so maybe he or she was traumatized by the war.

HoneyDog wrote:I like the sound of your character - they would be on the look out for opportunities to investigate any local weirdness. Perhaps she or he is looking for inspiration?

Perhaps he or she perceives the two (occult investigations and art) as one, forays into the deeper realms of the psyche, the subconscious.

Okay Tabs - an explorer of the far north, I imagine someone who began their experiences in Northern Scandinavia accompanying their professor on research and who decided that they could find what they wanted in such an environment. Maybe based in Finland but had to leave after the fighting during independence in 1917.

Evil Scientist - yes, another one having to leave Europe. Your character's occult sensibilities might clash with the explorer's pragmatic approach to his surroundings - could be a good match.

I've already played The Haunting, or I would join as well, but I'm looking forward to reading along and seeing what you do with it.

When you're ready to start, I can create a forum for you. Tabs has the ability to do it as well. Just post here to let me know, and include a small text description of the scenario like you'll see on the home page for the other games on this site.

Understood Mr. Handy - thanks very much. I'll get on to that.

Yes, please read along, and I welcome any input you have to give.

HoneyDog wrote:Okay Tabs - an explorer of the far north, I imagine someone who began their experiences in Northern Scandinavia accompanying their professor on research and who decided that they could find what they wanted in such an environment. Maybe based in Finland but had to leave after the fighting during independence in 1917.

Evil Scientist - yes, another one having to leave Europe. Your character's occult sensibilities might clash with the explorer's pragmatic approach to his surroundings - could be a good match.

Sure, sounds good!

I stumbled upon this book today:
"Mountains of Madness: A Scientist's Odyssey in Antarctica", by John Long.
https://www.nap.edu/catalog/9848/mounta ... antarctica

This extraordinary book is the first-person account of John Long's two unforgettable "summers" on the southern continent. Told in a highly accessible and entertaining style, Mountains of Madness is the account of his three-month long fossil hunt. As the story unfolds, we learn of both the highs of scientific discovery as well as the grueling yet essential routines that must be practiced every day just to stay alive in one of the harshest environments on our planet. Alternating with the author's wonder at the intense beauty of his surroundings are his immense frustration and boredom that stem from being completely at the mercy of the elements.

Throughout the course of the expedition, danger is never far off in this inhospitable land. Despite having been trained in the art of building snow caves and practiced in the skill of traversing glaciers, Long tells of two brushes with death in just one afternoon. The hair-raising escape from a deep crevasse is fraught with tension-only to be followed by yet another encounter with sudden disaster when the crash of an avalanche buries Long deep in the snow.

The book is up my street, so to speak. I've found and bought a second-hand copy.

Your signature, from a favourite book?

It sounds like a great book for background atmosphere. To be honest, such an environment sounds like a nightmare to me. I hate being cold!

I'm working on the character now Tabs, it should be ready soon.

Tabs wrote:Your signature, from a favourite book?

Not exactly a top favorite, but a book I enjoy nonetheless: The Secrets of Dr. Taverner by Dion Fortune. A snippet from the third story, "The Man Who Sought". Classic supernatural detective fiction, written by a practicing occultist. I though it would be a fitting signature for this forum

---

I will try to work out some details of my character too.

Tabs - here are the character details. If you like it feel free to use it and embellish it as you see fit. Let me know if there are any discrepancies; I haven't done this kind of thing for a while:

Name: Norman Owens
Age: 33
Sex: Male
Occupation: Explorer
Current Residence: Boston, MA

Characteristics:
STR: 10
CON: 14
SIZ: 14
DEX: 10
APP: 11
INT: 12 (Idea - 60)
POW: 10 (Luck - 50)
EDU: 17 (Knowledge - 60)
SAN: 50

Sanity: 50
Phobias/Mental Disorders: N/A
Maximum Sanity: 99
Hit Points: 14
Magic Points: 10
Damage Bonus: +0

Appearance & Personality: Norman is of unremarkable appearance; brown, graying hair worn short, no facial hair. His time outdoors has given him a deep tan and a somewhat ‘weathered’ appearance. He has lost the tips of two fingers on his left hand due to frostbite, which he attempts to conceal. In daily life he wears a business suit, although his clothes are in good condition they are obviously not recent purchases.

He is quite self-reliant and is used to being alone for long periods, so he can appear a bit aloof. Very well-read and knowledgeable with a great interest in other cultures and environments. Generally, a calm and thoughtful individual, not prone to excitable outbursts.

Background: Norman comes from a middle-class family who made enough money through business and land ownership to send their children to university. He hails from rural Washington State where he spent a lot of his youth roaming the woods and mountains; camping, hunting and fishing, developing his love of the outdoors and the skills needed to survive in it. At Harvard he studied biology and zoology. Although not a natural student, he applied himself very seriously to his studies, and this combined with his outdoor skills led to him being asked to accompany his professor to Svarlbard to study the local fauna. Here, he enjoyed the peace and solitude of the Arctic so much he decided to abandon his planned post-graduate degree and instead devote his time to learning more about the polar regions and how to survive there.

He accepted a commission from a Harvard anthropologist to help study the migratory patterns of the Sami reindeer herds in Finland, but disaster struck the expedition and some members lost their lives. Norman was not to blame for what happened, and his reputation did not suffer, but he still feels some responsibility which led to him deciding to stay on in Finland, working with locals to survey the far north wilderness regions.

During the civil war following independence from Russia in 1917 Norman followed his friends and fought for the ‘Whites’, the anti-socialist forces, but grew weary of the brutality of the fighting. He returned to the US to seek new opportunities, choosing Boston to be close to his contacts at Harvard.

He is beginning to run low on funds; although he could ask his parents, pride and self-sufficiency demand he goes his own way.

Family Members: Norman has a younger sister studying at the University of California. His parents, Beatrice and Howard, would like him to return to Washington to enter the family business, but they are realistic enough to know that he is compelled to choose his own way in life.

Skills: (Occupational skills BOLD, Personal Skills ITALICS)
Accounting (10%):
Anthropology (01%): 16
Archaeology (01%):
Art (05%):
Astronomy (01%):
Bargain (05%):
Biology (01%):
Climb (40%): 60
Conceal (15%):
Craft (05%):
Credit Rating (15%):
Cthulhu Mythos (00%):
Disguise (01%):
Dodge (DEX x 2): 40%
Drive Auto (20%):
Electrical Repair (10%):
Fast Talk (05%):
First Aid (30%): 50
Geology (01%):
Hide (10%):
History (20%): 40
Jump (25%): 40
Law (05%):
Library Use (25%):
Listen (25%):
Locksmith (01%):
Martial Arts (01%):
Mechanical Repair (20%):
Medicine (05%): 20
Natural History (10%): 50
Navigate (10%):50
Occult (05%):
Operate Heavy Machinery (01%):
Other Language: Finnish (01%): 26
Own Language: English (EDU x 5%): 85%
Persuade (15%):
Pharmacy (01%):
Photography (10%): 30
Physics (01%):
Pilot (01%):
Psychoanalysis (01%):
Psychology (05%):
Ride (05%):
Sneak (10%):
Spot Hidden (25%):
Swim (25%): 40
Throw (25%):
Track (10%):

Hand-to-Hand:
Fist/Punch (50%):
Grapple (25%):
Head Butt (10%):
Kick (25%):
Knife (25%):

Firearms:
Handgun (20%): 40
Machine Gun (15%): 20
Rifle (25%): 50
Shotgun (30%): 50
SMG (15%): 20

You have 120 points to spend for personal skills, please use for whatever you think may suit the character.

Good stuff! What was the disaster which struck the expedition?

Geology, Hide, Ride and Sneak, 30 points each. Owens' Knowledge s/be 85.

Thanks Tabs. We'll get going in the next few days hopefully

Tabs wrote:Good stuff! What was the disaster which struck the expedition?

Let's discuss it later - it might come back to 'haunt' him...

HoneyDog, this is what I have so far. What do you think?

Name: Isadora Carmichael
Age: 34
Sex: Female
Occupation: Artist and visionary
Current residence: Boston, MA

Characteristics:
STR: 7
CON: 9
SIZ: 13
DEX: 13
APP: 9
INT: 14 (Idea - 70)
POW: 13 (Luck - 65)
EDU: 8 (Knowledge - 40)
SAN: 65 Phobias/Mental Disorders: ?
Maximum Sanity: 99
Hit Points: 11
Magic Points: 13
Damage Bonus: +0

Occupational skill points (EDU x 15): 120
Personal skill points (INT x 10): 140

Skills: (Occupational skills BOLD, Personal Skills ITALICS)

Appearance & Personality: Work in progress...

Background:
Isadora was born in India, in the family of an influential and wealthy Colonial Service officer. She had a sheltered childhood, with nannies and tutors watching her every step. She was a quiet, introverted daydreamer, deeply immersed in her own fantasies. The family decided to send her off to a private school in Switzerland, hoping that the company of peers would help her open up a little. Isadora did become a bit more sociable, although mostly by dragging her schoolmates into her elaborate fantasies. Her vivid descriptions of other worlds and weird proved to be infectious, especially in the environment of an all-girl establishment. Isadora and her friends also dabbled in the occult, in their naïve way, held small séances… They didn’t have much success (which is probably for the best!!), but from that time Isadora became interested in the occult, seeing it as a possible bridge between her fantasies and the "real" world.

It also became evident, that Isadora was a talented artist; although she was, once again, more interested in depicting the weird shapes from inside her mind, her dream-like visions, than painting still lives with flowers and realistic landscapes.

Upon finishing school, Isadora decided to pursue art and her father was ready to finance her career. She moved to Paris and began to study painting. But the bohemian social circle, the constant drama and anxiety, and also her forays into the occult turned out to be very bad for her health. Before this her inner dream world was a place full of light and hopes. But now strange, terrifying creatures began appearing in them… She had a serious nervous breakdown, disappeared, and was found three days later in a small village 50 miles from Paris, in a near catatonic state.

This forced her to interrupt her studies and go back to Switzerland – this time to a psychiatric clinic deep in the mountains, led by Dr. Jakob Klaesi. Here Isadora underwent many different experimental treatments, including deep sleep therapy. But not even hypnosis could recover any memories about her three day black-out and disappearance. After months of therapy, her superficial neurotic problems were "cured", but she was plunged back into her dream worlds, deeper than ever before.

After a short break, she returned to her art, now drawing and painting more than ever.

At the same time, a certain George Auden from Boston was staying at Dr. Klaesi's clinic as well. Auden, heir to a major American industrialist, was recovering after the trauma he received when the ship he was travelling on was torpedoed by a German U-Boat. He was a connoisseur of arts and member of a Theosophical Society, so no wonder he became infatuated at first with Isadora's paintings and then with her as well. Isadora didn't fall in love with George (she could never establish deep connections with other people), but enjoyed his profound fascination, and they also shared many interests, supernatural experimentation included. After the end of the war, they got married and moved to the States, to Boston.

Now she resides in Boston, attending the meetings of Auden's Theosophical Society, working on her paintings (sometimes she has small exhibitions), pursuing her interest in the supernatural.


Short version/timeline:
Secluded childhood -> Private school in Switzerland -> Studies in Paris -> Disappearance -> Psychiatric clinic in Switzerland -> Meeting with George Auden -> Move to Boston

This is a great character Evil S, really well-rounded. She has the right touch of mystery. I suspect that she would clash very much in terms of character and outlook with Norman Owens, which should make for interesting playing. I might think though according to the conventions of the age, that she would share her husbands last name? Or I suppose her artwork is associated with Carmichael so she keeps that name?

Mr Handy or Tabs, here is the scenario description for the game as was requested for setting up the forum:

"Boston 1920: strange events at 20 Copp’s Hill Terrace have left minds ruined and families shattered. But how believable are such tales as strange figures and moving inanimate objects in our modern age? How readily should we disregard the influence of the otherworldly? After the recent real-life horrors of poison gas and industrialized slaughter, can we give credence to tales of odd visions and supernatural presences?

Investigating 20 Copp’s Hill will prove that we should not dismiss such tales too lightly..."

Not too overly dramatic I hope. I am working now on introducing the characters to the mystery, please give me a few days to get that ready.

Really good, e_s.

I'm writing this on a tablet so I'll setup the game later on my desktop.

Right, it's my first time setting up a game and I can't see what I need to do. I'll PM Mr. Handy.

Here's Norman Owens with a cousin and her children:

E_s, will try to remember for Norman to find out about Isadora's lost weekend.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakob_Klaesi

HoneyDog wrote:This is a great character Evil S, really well-rounded. She has the right touch of mystery. I suspect that she would clash very much in terms of character and outlook with Norman Owens, which should make for interesting playing. I might think though according to the conventions of the age, that she would share her husbands last name? Or I suppose her artwork is associated with Carmichael so she keeps that name?

For official documents she hyphenates it: Carmichael-Auden.

But generally she goes by Carmichael, as she already has some renown in certain circles (she isn't a widely known artist, and is more likely to be known to occultists than art dealers; although her works sometimes appeal to the "uninitiated" as well).

Tabs wrote:E_s, will try to remember for Norman to find out about Isadora's lost weekend.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakob_Klaesi

Cool!

Yes, I used a real-life psychiatrist for my backstory. Isadora's background was also influenced by the life of Ithell Colquhoun: http://www.ithellcolquhoun.co.uk/

Thanks Tabs! Nice photo.

I looked through Colquhoun's biography Evil s, she's quite an inspiration.

I haven't read about Ithell, but this photo is fab.

I've created the forum for you here and made HoneyDog the Keeper. Have fun!

Thanks Mr. Handy! I'll set up the threads there.

I love that photo Tabs.

Tabs wrote:I haven't read about Ithell, but this photo is fab.

Great photo!


The same person (Moina Mathers) channeling Isis...