Play@YSDC

Hi!
All your characters are members of the Miskatonic University, from different departments. You can choose from any archetype. The more diverse, the better.


A quick question:
Does anyone need help to create a pulp character?

I haven't played pulp cthulhu but I'll pick up the rules and have a skim through - how hard can it be?

ETA we're doing 7th edn CoC?

Yes, it's the 7 th edition. But the pulp rules have some differences with the normal edition; CoC with steroids ).

I'm thinking about a doubting priest who is a professor of theology and philosophy.

I think he'll have been a missionary and learned a few unsettling things out in the wilds of XXXX, perhaps even picked up some Cthulhu Mythos (as a talent) and is now desperately trying to reconcile these discoveries with his faith while uncovering more and more troubling things as his research progresses. I'm thinking a bit like Max von Sydow's character in the Exorcist.

Anywhere it might be story appropriate to have had him be a missionary (countries, languages etc)?

I'd like to play an archaeologist.

I have the 7th edition basic rules, but not Pulp Cthulhu. I'm not sure what the Pulp options are or which ones we'll be using. I remember that Pulp characters get double Hit Points, and one of the options is for Pulp Talents, though I don't know what all of them are.

Hi there!

I have the rules although I've never actually played Pulp.

I'm thinking about a somewhat two-fisted gentleman investigator type, of the ilk of Sexton Blake or Dennis Nayland-Smith (nemesis of the sinister Fu Manchu), if no one minds me going with that archetype.

Perhaps he's a history prof at Miskatonic? Albeit a rather less intellectual, more active prof...

Will come up with a suitably pulp explanation/backstory!

Cheers,

Snapper

Addendum:
If no one objects, I'm looking at the "Seeker" archetype and the "Explorer" occupation. When my character isn't participating in Miskatonic explorations (#), he's lecturing history.

(#) Pabodie Antarctic Expedition, anybody?

Mr. Handy wrote:I'd like to play an archaeologist.

I have the 7th edition basic rules, but not Pulp Cthulhu. I'm not sure what the Pulp options are or which ones we'll be using. I remember that Pulp characters get double Hit Points, and one of the options is for Pulp Talents, though I don't know what all of them are.

The archetype is a concept of a hero, like "femme fatal " or adventurer; they all give some benefits like extra skill points and characteristics.
They are:
Adventurer
Beefcake
Bon Vivant
Cold Blooded
Dreamer
Egghead
Explorer
Femme Fatale
Grease Monkey
Hard Boiled
Harlequin
Hunter
Mystic
Outsider
Rogue
Scholar
Seeker -taken by Snapper.
Sidekick
Steadfast
Swashbuckler
Thrill seeker
Two-Fisted



I cannot give the characteristics from all of them: it's about 9 pages and I'm sure that would be copyright infringement. But Adventurer, Explorer and Scholar are favored archaeologist archetypes; the first two are more action oriented. If you like any of those three, I'l give you the rest of the info.




Mephistophilis:
Yes, a missionary with past experience in south America would be great. Maybe a mystic? But without psychic powers.

I'm leaning towards a Grease Monkey archetype and Engineer occupation. I can teach Chemistry or Physics at Miskatonic University. Do you want us to roll our stats online or are we doing a point buy or shall we just roll and post the characters?

I'm definitely thinking of an action type, so it would be either Adventurer or Explorer. I'm leaning toward Explorer, but could I have the info on them before I decide?

Can I just check, are we using the "Mid Pulp" character generation option as described on page 8 of the rules? That would seem to be standard for Pulp Cthulhu.

Mr. Handy wrote:I'm definitely thinking of an action type, so it would be either Adventurer or Explorer. I'm leaning toward Explorer, but could I have the info on them before I decide?

Below are the mechanics, I'm sure you can imagine the fluff.

Explorer:

Adjustments• Core characteristic: choose either DEX or POW.• Add 100 bonus points divided among any of the following skills: Animal Handling, Anthropology, Archaeology, Climb, Fighting (Brawl), First Aid, Jump, Language Other (any), Natural World, Navigate, Pilot (any), Ride, Stealth, Survival (any), Track.• Suggested occupations: Agency Detective, Archaeologist, Big Game Hunter, Bounty Hunter, Dilettante, Explorer, Get-Away Driver, Gun Moll, Itinerant Worker, Investigative Journalist, Missionary, Photographer, Ranger, Sailor, Soldier, Tribe Member.• Talents: any two.• Suggested traits: outcast, brave, misfit, loner, bullish, strong willed, leader, restless.

Adventurer:

Adjustments• Core characteristic: choose either DEX or APP.• Add 100 bonus points divided among any of the following skills: Climb, Diving, Drive Auto, First Aid, Fighting (any), Firearms (any), Jump, Language Other (any), Mechanical Repair, Pilot (any), Ride, Stealth, Survival (any), Swim.• Suggested occupations: Actor, Archaeologist, Athlete, Aviator, Bank Robber, Big Game Hunter, Cat Burglar, Dilettante, Drifter, Gambler, Gangster, Hobo, Investigative Journalist, Missionary, Nurse, Photographer, Ranger, Sailor, Soldier, Tribe Member.• Talents: any two.• Suggested traits: easily bored, tenacious, glory hunter, egotistical.

I'll be an Explorer, then.

Snapper wrote:Can I just check, are we using the "Mid Pulp" character generation option as described on page 8 of the rules? That would seem to be standard for Pulp Cthulhu.

Yes, middle pulp.

Should we roll characteristics online in this thread?

Mr Handy, can I just check this with you to avoid crossing wires?

You are considering the "Explorer" archetype, and perhaps the "Archeologist" profession?

Whereas I am looking at the "Seeker" archetype and probably the "Explorer" profession.

Please note that (a) I am happy to reconsider my choices here and (b) no, the Seeker archetype is not a character primarily focused on catching the golden snitch.

Cheers,

Snapper

Yes, that's correct. I want the Explorer archetype and Archaeologist profession.

Perfect! I'll get on with sorting my PC tomorrow morning my time.

Starspawn338 wrote:Should we roll characteristics online in this thread?

Yes, please

Okay, let's get started. Not sure if you can multiply with the dice roller so will have a test. If not I'll multiply after rolling.

[dice]0[/dice]

Right, rolling a Mystic archetype (core char POW). I will tidy up after if any rolls go wrong and then generate the derived attributes (SAN etc).

STR [dice]0[/dice]

CON [dice]1[/dice]

SIZ [dice]8[/dice]*5

DEX [dice]2[/dice]

APP [dice]3[/dice]

INT [dice]4[/dice]*5

POW [dice]5[/dice]*5

EDU [dice]6[/dice]*5

Luck [dice]7[/dice]*5

STR 60
CON 50
SIZ 45
DEX 50
APP 60
INT 60
POW 95
EDU 70
Luck 70
SAN 95
HP 19
MP 19
DB 0
Build 0
MOV 9

Name: Fr Alexander Malone
Player: Mephistophilis
Occupation: Priest
Age: 58 Sex: Male
Archetype: Mystic
Residence: Arkham
Birthplace: Boston

STR 60
CON 50
SIZ 45
DEX 50
APP 60
INT 60 Idea 60%
POW 95
EDU 70 Know 70%
Luck 70
SAN 89 (Max SAN 99-10=89)
HP 19
MP 19
DB 0
Build 0
MOV 9

Talents:
Mythos Knowledge - begins the game with a Cthulhu Mythos Skill of 10 points
Linguist - able to determine what language is being spoken (or what is written); gains a bonus die to Language rolls

Skills (non-default BOLD, archetype skills preceded by 'x', professional skills ITALICS, hobbies preceded by '.', talents preceded by 't'):

Accounting (05%)
.Anthropology (01%): 10%
Appraise (05%)
Archaeology (01%)
xArt and Craft (05%) [Specializations]
Charm (15%): 75%
Climb (20%)
Computer Use (00%)
Credit Rating (00%): 30%
tCthulhu Mythos (00%): 10%
Demolitions (01%)
xDisguise (05%)
Diving (01%)
Dodge (25%)
Drive Auto (20%)
Electrical Repair (10%)
Fast Talk (05%)
Fighting (Brawl) (25%)
.Firearms (Handgun) (20%): 50%
Firearms +10% specialization bonus for Handgun
Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) (25%): 35%
Firearms (SMG) (15%): 25%
.First Aid (30%): 50%
xHistory (05%)
xHypnosis (01%)
Intimidate (15%)
Jump (20%)
tLanguage (Other) (01%) [Specializations] - bonus die
xLanguage (German) (01%): 30%
xLanguage (Portugese) (01%): 50%
Romance languages +10% specialization bonus for Portuguese
xLanguage (Latin) (01%): 40%
xLanguage (French) (01%): 30%
xLanguage (Spanish) (01%): 11%
xLanguage (Italian) (01%): 11%
xLanguage (Romanian) (01%): 11%
tLanguage (Own - English) (70%) - bonus die
Law (05%)
Library Use (20%)
Listen (20%)
Locksmith (01%)
Mechanical Repair (10%)
.Medicine (01%): 31%
xNatural World (10%)
Navigate (10%)
xOccult (05%): 70%
Operate Heavy Machinery (01%)
Persuade (10%)
Pilot (01%) [Specializations]
Psychoanalysis (01%): 70%
xPsychology (10%): 70%
Read Lips (01%)
Ride (05%)
Science (01%) [Specializations]
xScience (Astronomy) (01%)
xSleight of Hand (10%)
Spot Hidden (25%)
xStealth (20%)
Survival (10%) [Specializations]
Swim (20%)
Throw (20%)
Track (10%)

Appearance and personality
Fr Malone is a small sandy haired man, intense and dynamic looking. His dark gaze constantly darts around the room. When he speaks his voice is soft and low but delivered in a rapid staccato that is both forceful and compelling. It only takes a few minutes to realise this is a man both idealistic and relentlessly questioning of others.

As a priest his catholic faith has hitherto been unshakeable and forms the very bedrock of his values. However, in recent years he has been troubled by strange, unsettling dreams, or, are they perhaps...memories? He doesn't feel safe anymore, his faith is no longer comforting and he keeps a revolver under his pillow at night. He finds himself having unusual ideas, making unexpected connections between ancient heretical practices and esoteric indigenous beliefs. There is something deeper, darker going on, he can feel it tugging at the edges of his conscious awareness. If only he can draw together these elusive and ephemeral impressions.

Background
Alex Malone was born in Boston to a lower middle class family of Irish descent. His family were firm believers and it was no surprise when he joined the priesthood. But he struggled in the stuffy and insular world of the seminary and then the stifling orthodoxy of the Boston church. He jumped at the chance to travel overseas as a missionary and this is where he found his calling. In recent years he has been found in the Amazon basin spreading the word of God to newly identified indigenous tribes.

Five years ago his mission made contact with a previously unknown tribe living deep in the jungle. As was his practice, Fr Malone studied their beliefs and customs in an attempt to identify parallels and commonalities with the Catholic faith as a prelude to teaching the gospels. His studies uncovered hints of loathsome and abhorrent practices yet which also echoed blasphemous and antediluvian ideas he had heard about in the suppressed texts of a more esoteric and heretical flavour he had so enthusiastically devoured in his youth.

The events of that last year in the Amazon are somewhat unclear and his own recollection is fragmented. But after some kind of 'incident' in the jungle, which left him both physically ravaged and raving with delirium, he was repatriated to Boston. Declared unfit to return to missionary work, both physically and mentally, and attributed to some unidentified tropical disease, Fr Malone has struggled to find himself a role in the church he has tried so long to distance himself from.

Brief positions lecturing in divinity ended prematurely due to complaints that both his demeanor and his teaching were unsettling for the young and impressionable seminarians. Unable to continue his life's passion and inexorably drawn to the earliest and most contentious texts of his religious faith Fr Malone has thrown himself into the study of the more esoteric aspects of Christian theology and has managed to obtain a position lecturing in Theology and Philosophy at the Miskatonic University.

Estranged from his family after decades overseas Fr Malone's most significant support is Fr Christopher Weiss, former head of the South American mission and now living in retirement in Boston. Fr Weiss first instilled the love of mission work and the South American people in Alex Malone and tries to bolster Fr Malone's faltering faith as best he can.

His closest companion is Maria Paraguaçu (archetype Outsider), a quiet and distant young woman who has been working with him since his time in Brazil. An indigenous Catholic convert he describes her as his housekeeper but she has been assisting him in his academic work as well as attending to his more material needs. Dr Malone has shared some of his speculations with Maria but her cold demeanour gives little indication of her thoughts or why she chooses to accompany Fr Malone rather than return home.

Attacks
Unarmed 25% (12/5) 1d3
.32 Revolver 50% (25/10) 1d8 15yds 6 rounds malfunction on 100%

Income & Savings
Spending level $10
Cash $60
Assets $1500

Equipment
.32 Revolver and rounds
Bottle whiskey
Holy water
Bible
Crucifix
Wrist watch
Torch (flashlight)
First aid kit
Large box matches and case of cigarillos
Outdoor Camping Gear (backpack, tent, cooking supplies, sleeping roll)
One keepsake of his time in the amazon is an ugly idol, small, the size of his thumb, and carved in a strange stone. Sometimes he sees it in his dreams, calling...

I'm not clear on how character creation in Pulp differs from standard character creation. I gather from the example above that the core stat is rolled on (1D6+13) x 5. Do I make all the rolls first and then assign them to stats, or do I just roll for each stat in order without being able to swap them around. If the former, do I need to choose my core characteristic first, or can I roll first and then select it? Do I get two Pulp Talents, and is there any restriction as to which categories they are?

Mr. Handy wrote:I'm not clear on how character creation in Pulp differs from standard character creation. I gather from the example above that the core stat is rolled on (1D6+13) x 5. Do I make all the rolls first and then assign them to stats, or do I just roll for each stat in order without being able to swap them around. If the former, do I need to choose my core characteristic first, or can I roll first and then select it? Do I get two Pulp Talents, and is there any restriction as to which categories they are?

While subject to correction by the Keeper, you roll the characteristics in order.
STR 3d6
CON 3d6
SIZ 2d6 + 6
DEX 3d6
APP 3d6
INT 2d6+6
POW 3d6
EDU 2d6+6
Luck 2d6+6

Cor Stat is chosen and rolled as 1d6+13 in place of the other roll so you can't really roll first and then decide.

2 pulp talents from any table. It's your character vision.

You get three sets of skill points. 100 comes from your archetype and can be used on archetype skill list.
The second set comes from your occupation and is spent on occupation skill list.
The third set is your personal interests and can be used on any skill. Personal interest skills are on INT x2.

You have to buy your credit rating within range of occupation with occupation skills or personal skills also.

I edited my above entry for my draft character. I might want to shift around some skills depending on what everyone else has but I'm pretty much done.

Mephistophilis wrote:I edited my above entry for my draft character. I might want to shift around some skills depending on what everyone else has but I'm pretty much done.

One minor correction: a catholic priest from the 30's need to know latin.

Have added Latin, also a bit in Spanish and sacrificed History. Swapped Smooth Talker talent (which was overkill with Charm 70%) for Linguist to help with languages and dropped Medicine for German.

[dice]0[/dice]

[dice]1[/dice]

[dice]2[/dice]

[dice]3[/dice]

[dice]4[/dice]

[dice]5[/dice]

[dice]6[/dice]

[dice]7[/dice]

[dice]8[/dice]

STR 40
CON 65
SIZ 70
DEX 75
APP 55
INT 85
POW 25
EDU 75
Luck 45

Can someone point me to where I can copy the blank Cthulhu 7th Ed character sheet from?

Cheers,

Snapper

STR:
[dice]0[/dice]
CON:
[dice]1[/dice]
SIZ:
[dice]2[/dice]
DEX:
[dice]3[/dice]
APP:
[dice]4[/dice]
INT:
[dice]5[/dice]
POW:
[dice]6[/dice]
EDU:
[dice]7[/dice]
Luck:
[dice]8[/dice]
EDU improvement roll (current stat 65%):
[dice]9[/dice]

Snapper wrote:Can someone point me to where I can copy the blank Cthulhu 7th Ed character sheet from?

Cheers,

Snapper

You can find all your character sheet needs here:
https://www.chaosium.com/cthulhu-character-sheets/

Oh, and I think your 1d6+13 x 5 is 95.

I think my character is pretty well done. I may post a more in depth backstory later.
I took Weird Science as a talent. If you are not going to use that, let me know and I'll pick another talent.

Can I get the language families bonus from the 7th edn rules at character creation (for having Portuguese at 50%)? It'd be handy to have the 10% bonus to Latin and Spanish (and French) and make the use of multiple languages more worthwhile.

Similarly, are we using the transferable skill benefit for fighting/firearms?

Mephistophilis wrote:Can I get the language families bonus from the 7th edn rules at character creation (for having Portuguese at 50%)? It'd be handy to have the 10% bonus to Latin and Spanish (and French) and make the use of multiple languages more worthwhile.

Similarly, are we using the transferable skill benefit for fighting/firearms?

1: Yes
2: Yes

Starspawn338 wrote:I think my character is pretty well done. I may post a more in depth backstory later.
I took Weird Science as a talent. If you are not going to use that, let me know and I'll pick another talent.

Better to choose another talent instead of weird science.

Name: Capt Balthazar Crowley
Player: Snapper
Occupation: Explorer
Age: 40 Sex: M
Archetype: Seeker
Residence: Arkham
Birthplace: Vancouver

STR 40 (20/8)
CON 65 (32/13)
SIZ 70 (35/14)
DEX 75 (37/15)
APP 55 (27/11)
INT 95 (47/19)
POW 25 (12/5)
EDU 75 (37/15)
Luck 45
SAN 25
HP 27
MP 5
DB 0
Build 0
MOV 8

Talents:
Resilient
Master of Disguise

Skills (non-default BOLD, archetype skills preceded by 'x', professional skills ITALICS, hobbies preceded by '.', talents preceded by 't')

X Accounting (05%):
.Anthropology (01%): 41%
X Appraise (05%):
Archaeology (01%):
Art and Craft (05%):
Charm (15%):
Climb (20%): 30%
Computer Use (00%):
Credit Rating (00%): 55%
Cthulhu Mythos (00%):
Demolitions (01%):
XT Disguise (05%) 40%
Diving (01%):
.Dodge (37%): 47%
.Drive Auto (20%): 25%
Electrical Repair (10%):
Fast Talk (05%):
.Fighting (Brawl) (25%): 40%
Firearms (Handgun) (20%): 75%
Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) (25%): 50% (+10% trans)
Firearms (SMG) (15%):
.First Aid (30%): 40%
X History (05%): 70%
Hypnosis (01%):
Intimidate (15%):
Jump (20%): 30%
Language (French) (01%): 31%
Language (Spanish) (01%): 31%
Language (Latin) (01%): 31%
Language (Own - English) (75%):
X Law (05%):
X Library Use (20%): 45
.X Listen (20%): 40
Locksmith (01%):
Mechanical Repair (10%):
Medicine (01%):
Natural World (10%):
Navigate (10%): 40%
X Occult (05%):
Operate Heavy Machinery (01%):
Persuade (10%):
.Pilot (Aircraft) (01%): 41%
Psychoanalysis (01%):
X Psychology (10%):
Read Lips (01%):
Ride (05%):
X Science (01%):
Sleight of Hand (10%):
.X Spot Hidden (25%): 60%
.X Stealth (20%): 35%
.Survival (Jungle) (10%): 20%
Swim (20%):
.Throw (20%): 40%
Track (10%):

Background:
Balthazar Crowley was the youngest son of wealthy farmers in British Columbia. A bright student and already keen to see the world, he won a scholarship to far off Cambridge where he read history, completing his studies in 1915. The Great War was in full swing and young Crowley enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps, primarily as he thought flying would be a useful skill. In due course he was commissioned and saw action, surviving a number of mishaps and scrapes until 1917, by then a captain, when he was shot down. Crowley spent the rest of the war recuperating and was ultimately discharged.

With the war's end, Crowley returned to North America, pursuing his passion for finding the lost and hidden history of the world through exploration, working as a history lecturer between times and writing texts on rediscovered cities and temples. Crowley's written work was notable for sensationalist and lurid prose, exotic locations and a general condescension toward the relevant indigenous populace. Unfortunately, Crowley was perpetually unlucky and his explorations invariably ran afoul of dacoits, Thugs, tauregs, triads, yakuza or other sinister bandit types, dragging him into misadventures. Crowley has been forced to move university several times, and is currently a history lecturer at Miskatonic.

Physically, Crowley is a tall, angular, lean man, tanned and streamlined looking.

Spending level $50
Cash $275
Assets $27,500

Possessions:
.45 revolver (Webley Mk VI) (1d10+2 / 15 yards / 1(3) / 6 shot, 5 bullets loaded)
.38 snub-nosed revolver (Colt Detective Special) (1d10 / 15 yards / 1(3) / 6 shot, 5 bullets loaded)
Double barreled 12 gauge shotgun (4d6/2d6/1d6 / 10-20-50 yards / 1-2 / 2 shot)
Gurkha Kukri knife (1d4+2)
Pipe
Safari suit and pith helmet

Snapper, check your base dodge as you have a higher DEX than me.

Absolutely, I just copy pasted that from one of the others, gradually working my way through it. Busy week, excuse the slow pace.

No worries, we will only start when everyone is ready.

Ok, I think my character is good to go.

Name: Dr. Harry Smith, Jr.
Player: Mr. Handy
Age: 31
Sex: Male
Occupation: Professor of Archaeology, Miskatonic University
Archetype: Explorer
Talents: Strong Willed, Rapid Fire
College, Degrees: B.S., Archaeology, Miskatonic University
Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA



Characteristics:
STR 30 (15/6)
CON 80 (40/16)
SIZ 60 (30/12)
DEX 90 (45/18)
APP 30 (15/6)
INT 80 (40/16)
POW 65 (32/13)
EDU 65 (32/13)

Sanity: 65
Current Sanity: 65
Phobias/Mental Disorders: None
Luck: 70
Current Luck: 70

Hit Points: 28
Current Hit Points: 28
Magic Points: 13
Current Magic Points: 13
Move: 8
Damage Bonus: 0
Build: 0

Appearance & Personality: Harry Smith is a very athletic man, and what he lacks in strength, he makes up for in endurance. His once normal features have been marred by years of scarring and sunburn in the far corners of the world. He is about five feet and eight inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He is very determined, and he does not let obstacles stand in his way, always looking for a way to get around or through them.

Background: Harry Smith got his love of archaeology, history, and travel from his father, Harry Smith, Sr., who had gone on Heinrich Schleimann's expedition that discovered the ruins of the ancient city of Troy in 1890. What had once been considered by many to be a mere myth or legend had been shown to be fact, and young Harry had never tired of hearing his father's tales. He too longed to delve into the unknown and find lost cities. He became an archaeologist himself, going on various expeditions. His specialty is the Inca Empire, which dominated South America before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

Skills: (professional ones in italics, .private preceded by a dot, archetype preceded by !; non-base scores bolded)

Accounting (05%):
!Animal Handling (10%):
!Anthropology (01%): 36%
Appraise (05%): 25%
!Archaeology (01%): 66%
Art/Craft(Photography) (05%):
Charm (15%):
!Climb (20%): 55%
Credit Rating (00%): 15%
Cthulhu Mythos (00%):
Demolitions (01%):
Disguise (05%):
.Dodge (1/2 DEX): 65%
Drive Auto (20%):
Electrical Repair (10%):
Fast Talk (05%):
.!Fighting (Brawl) (25%): 55%
.Firearms (Handgun) (20%): 60%
Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) (25%):
.!First Aid (30%): 55%
Geology (01%):
History (05%): 55%
Hypnosis (01%):
Intimidate (15%):
.!Jump (20%): 55%
Language (English) (EDU%): 65%
!Language (Inca) (01%): 31%
!Language (Other) (01%):
Law (05%):
Library Use (20%): 50%
Listen (20%):
Locksmith (01%):
Mechanical Repair (10%):
Medicine (01%):
!Natural World (10%):
!Navigate (10%): 60%
Occult (10%):
Operate Heavy Machine (01%):
Persuade (10%):
!Pilot (01%):
Psychoanalysis (01%):
Psychology (10%):
Read Lips (01%):
!Ride (05%):
Science (01%):
Sleight of Hand (10%):
Spot Hidden (25%): 55%
!Stealth (20%):
.!Survival (Jungle) (10%): 20%
Swim (20%):
Throw (20%):
!Track (10%):

Equipment:
.45 revolver
machete
rope
shovel
flashlight
lighter
canteen
backpack
rations
pith helmet

GM, are you happy for us to copy our PCs to the finalised characters thread?

Yes.

I'll copy mine over. Since everyone else had anthropology I shifted a few points into medicine.