I've been itching for a non-DnD, non-fantasy game, and while Call of Cthulhu isn't highest on my list (third, in fact), I'm certainly never not down for being horribly murdered and/or driven insane.
Couple of questions/thoughts;
What system? I'm fairly certain I have the 6th edition Chaosium book lying around somewhere (though it's possible it's been loaned out and forgotten about at the moment as it's been over a year since I've had call to use it). Reading this d20 Cthulhu campaign is actually what started my itch, and I'm sure I could scare up the book if that's what we're going with.
And while this may be nigh-sacrilege, I have to admit I'm not a big fan of the '20s setting. If you run it in modern or wild west times I'd be all over it. That said I certainly won't refuse a 1920's game and I actually do have a back-up character concept from that time period so it's all good in any case.
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I don't own the d20 Cthulhu books, so it would have to be the Chaosium rules (partially because they're so damn easy to play - I ran a game with a group of friends where they only had their character sheets to defend against my tome of dark madne- er, the rulebook.)
I would be willing to consider a modern times setting. I'm thinking of running a pre-written module that was originally designed for the 1920's, but I think can be retooled without causing me to speak in any unsettling tongues.
The Chaosium system's probably for best for the reasons you mentioned. I spent a fair portion of my first game (also a PbP) without it and died (letting that typo stay, ha!) fine. Only reason I even have it is 'cause I was gonna run a game once, but that fell through.
Glad to hear you'll consider modern times, but don't feel the need to bend over backwards on my account. I know what it takes to DM and I'm fine just having a game at all if it comes down to it.
I'll start ruminating on some character outlines (and consequently giving time for some more interest to kick in).
As fair warning, I have played a few pre-written modules. The only one that sticks out in my mind (and the group didn't spend the whole time on the run, nearly) was The Haunting/Haunted House/whatever-the-one-in-the-rulebook-is-called. Didn't even get the name of the rest.
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Ok - modern era Chaosium 6e rules.
Make characters that have some reason to be traveling to a reasonably new psychiatric convalescent facility located off the coast of Southern Maine - whether it be patient, doctor, or some other character concept. I'll review and guide applications that I think need it, and we'll start... when we're ready?
I'd love to join in as well. I am passingly familiar with the system, but very keen on the mythos. I have the book (5th or 6th edition I think) and can have a character ready in an hour or so from confirmation. Thanks.
Hmm. I'm equally torn between a doctor (regular M.D., dragged along by a friend either for a conference of some sort or just to check out the facility for whatever reason) and an eccentric dilettante/businessman checking up on his (or his family's) investment in the building of the facility, possibly on a lark.
Mostly throwing that out there to make the second's acceptable enough and as brainstorming. Off to ruminate and see if I can find appropriate avatars for both characters.
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Kthulhu, can't see the character sheet - Google Docs is telling me that it is unavailable. I'd e-mail you some background on whomever you're investigating if you decide to stick with this route.
Zebulon, either character is a good call - I rather like the concept of the dilettante running around, but the doctor has some natural story hooks.
Ten, you're certainly confirmed - just let me know what edition book you have. I don't think it will make a terrible difference, but it would be good to know about.
(Zeb's alias here, in case it's not obvious) You know, I had almost decided on the doctor and that actually made me reconsider.
I've typed up some background/personality outlines on both of 'em (Doctor's in his profile, Jeb's to follow), which I suppose gives me a character ready to go (somewhat) in case of sudden tragedy. I'm still leaning towards the doctor, but I'm gonna sleep on it before I make my decision.
I've refrained from doing any stats because I'm not sure how we're doing them and whether or not/where you'd like us to roll. I can whip all that up pretty quick though, I think.
Heeeere's Jeb.
Also as a heads up, my book is evidently 5.6, not 6, though I can imagine you see where my confusion comes from. (Seriously, .6?)
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Heeeere's Jeb.
Also as a heads up, my book is evidently 5.6, not 6, though I can imagine you see where my confusion comes from. (Seriously, .6?)
It's 2.1 better than 3.5.
You think that's crazy? I'm pretty sure my dead tree CoC book is 5.6.1. What the extra .1 means, I have no idea. But one great thing about CoC BPR is that it's system has stayed remarkably stable over 6 editions. The biggest changes that I can think of are that almost all skills now have at least a 1% chance of success even if you're untrained, and Cthulhu now delivers hp damage instead of simply devouring 1d6 investigators per round.Try my character sheet again, I apparently didn't have it viewable to people that aren't me.
Turns out I have both editions. Who knew?
Either way, I'm thinking about playing a drifter with a shady past. I'm torn between an astute gentleman with a bit of a dark charisma or a more traditional drifter, maybe on the run from someone or something in his past. I can have a character ready in a day or so.
If there's still room, I'd love to play. I've got a copy of the 6th edition CoC book on my shelf but so far haven't had a good chance to try it out.
Edit: I'm thinking my character will be a computer repairman (occupation being hacker/consultant from the list)
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But what's your motivation going to an island psychiatric facility, Ten? [/ChannelActingCoach] :P
EG, you're totally invited, but I'll warn you that the facility will probably be pretty isolated; keeping the real world from intruding too much on the island. What if you're going there in order to install computer capabilities on the isalnd?
Let me gen a character, then I can best determine the motivations...
I'll let you know when I'm ready for my close up :)
But one great thing about CoC BPR is that it's system has stayed remarkably stable over 6 editions
Yeah, this was one of the things mentioned to me when I asked my old group about it and it's something I appreciate. Still, you'd think they could avoid version numbers more reminiscent of software, heh. (especially if there aren't many changes!)
I think I'm going to go with Sal (the doctor) simply because it's a fresher concept and, House inspired and all, easier for me to play. (I'm the polar opposite of Jebediah).
I wouldn't mind knowing how we're genning the characters either (classic rolling, rearranging, one of the other methods in the book, giving the poor investigators a bone with 4d6-drop (my last Keeper actually did this and we still had a ridiculous rate of character turnover, mostly thanks to repeat 00s).
EG, you're totally invited, but I'll warn you that the facility will probably be pretty isolated; keeping the real world from intruding too much on the island. What if you're going there in order to install computer capabilities on the isalnd?
I figured I was heading to setup or repair computer/network equipment or something of that sort, so your idea works. Perhaps I'm heading there to assess the viability of running cable lines to the island for internet/phone/tv capability, or maybe installing ethernet cables throughout the facility to set up a network, or something... Either of those work?
I'm going to say 4d6-drop. Give you all a sporting chance. :P Or as much of one as you get with the Mythos.
So 4d6 drop with just the 3d6 ones? What about SIZ & INT (2d6+6) and EDU (3d6+3)?
Oh, and this will be my character alias.
Well, I'll go ahead and roll here (though it's against my nature - where most of my PbPs go it's a no-no).
STR/CON/DEX/POW/APP
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SIZ/INT
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EDU
Hehe, whoops, rolled 4d6 six times on accident. Just ignore that last one.
Anyway, here's our astute, somewhat sleazy scoundrel of a doctor, all finished. (I'm not sure if Fast Talk constitutes a 'personal' specialty for doctor, but given the inspiration it seems appropriate and it seems like a skill he would hone to get patients out faster and superiors off his back. If it's a problem, I'll just switch it and Chemistry.)
I also added 1 point to EDU because of his age as the rulebook said.
Forgot about the dice expressions on this board. I'll give em a go... Hopefully I won't have to change my character concept too much because of them :)
STR:
CON:
POW:
DEX:
APP:
SIZ:
INT:
EDU:
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Age: 40
Hometown: Arkham, MA
11 STR
10 CON
14 POW
14 DEX
13 APP
12 SIZ
14 INT
14 EDU
Idea: 70
Luck: 65
Know: 75
Sanity Points: 65
Magic Points: 13
Hit Points: 11
Skills
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20% Bargain
30% Conceal
28% Dodge
50% Drive Auto
75% Fast Talk
20% Law
60% Library Use
35% Locksmith
75% Own Language: English
60% Photography
80% Sneak
75% Fist/Punch: 1d3
50% Kick: 1d6
75% .45 Revolver: 1D10+2
Malf: 00, Range: 15 yds
Shots: 6, HP: 10
Kthulhu, where might I find the character sheet you're using? Looks handy.
Sounds like a plan to me. I'll keep my eye on this topic.
Ok, assuming I don't hear anything from TenOfWar soon, I'll probably get us started in here pretty soon. Questions/comments/concerns?
Sounds good. I'm pretty much finished with my guy besides a little bit of background writeup. Need to do equipment too, but not sure what he'd have with him besides some clothes, laptop, a briefcase...
I hadn't really considered equipment, but I don't think Sal would have much on him besides his clothes and a cell phone (assuming this is taking place in present-day and not the '90s).
OSP for medical supplies is probably not advisable, but that's CoC for you. At least it's a hospital! (sort of).
Okay, Bobby's pretty much done. Looking forward to the game.
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You're planning on going out to the island for about a week - pack accordingly.
On a separate note, for a little more RPing fun, could I get your e-mails? This'll allow for a little more individual tailoring of background information for the scenario. If you're worried about creepers stealing your information, just e-mail right to me at jedwc3*SPLAT*gmail.com
Well it probably won't look much different than my 'day trip' luggage, but I'll throw something together.
What year are we looking at, exactly? I'm thinking of throwing in a few 'fluff' items that would probably vary wildly just with the timespan of of 1990 to 2000, much less 2010, and I'd rather not somehow stumble into 1999 with an iPod.
Oh, yeah, are we tracking money or just doing a sort of 'if it seems within his means' sort of thing? Everybody seems to do it different so I figured I'd ask.
I sent an e-mail to ya, too.
Mine's evilgenius8000 (gmail).
You're planning on going out to the island for about a week - pack accordingly.
I'll add a piece of luggage and some extra changes of clothes... and a toiletry kit.
ZebulonXenos had a good question... If it's the '90s rather than 2010, it would really change my character around.
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For ease of thought, let's say 2010. I'm going to start preparing things (including how to nefariously get around your modern day technology, muah-hahahahah), so we'll start at some point this week. There might be a lull on this coming weekend, it being the holidays and my going on a very brief vacation, but we'll really plunge into this probably starting middle of next week, once the exposition has been taken care of.
Sal's is in his profile, mostly clothes, toiletries, etc., some frivolous entertainment (why no he's not taking this trip seriously!), and one of these for nighttime reading (either in the car or to keep from waking traveling partners in hotel-style lodgings). And a phone, of course.
No problem. I've had a rough week (or so) myself, so it's just as well.
Just a heads up.. I'm currently out of town for a wedding this weekend, so my net access is limited. (posting this from my PSP with what little time left til i have to pay for additional net access in my hotel room...)
Speak, friends, and Enter.