Jan 15, 2025 7:07 pm
I’m considering running an epic Lovecraftian campaign, Eternal Lies, using a system of my own devising based on the Year Zero engine. There’s a link to the rules document here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aNKHYgfAtqfJLmC51WrXQ6_8AIx78C2BAJyXgdwqqpo/edit?usp=sharing so you can have a look. Consider this an interest check, which may turn into a recruitment thread if there is any interest. I’ve run several face to face games using this system (or at least the first version of it - this one has some changes) and in PBP, including a couple of 2 year-long games.
The campaign itself is a world-spanning adventure, similar to more well-known epics such as Masks of Nyarlathotep and Shadows of Yog Sothoth. It’s not quite pulp (and the rules reflect that), though not quite purist Lovecraftian either (though Sanity and Health are both frail enough that there will be casualties of one or the other, or both), and the characters may, if they reach the end, be able to save the world from catastrophe, rather than simply observe as it ends in cataclysm. Combat is likely at various points, though not the main focus, and can be deadly, so gung-ho gun bunnies and murder hobos are not likely to last long. Investigation, research, and social encounters play a large part, getting clues and interviewing various people to find out what’s going on, and working out what leads to follow next, etc. If you’re after a game where you can roleplay to your heart’s content, then this may be for you.
I won’t say much about the plot, and I’d prefer players who haven’t read or played the campaign before, but players new and old to Lovecraftian games are welcome, as will players familiar or not with the Year Zero mechanic (which is a very simple system - basically, roll some D6s, and look for 6s). It does involve a global investigation that takes you to various countries and continents, and where the environment itself can pose a threat at times, on the trail of a cult that carried out a ritual over a decade ago that wasn’t entirely successful, but that which left something behind.
There are elements that could come with content warnings, including mental instability, body horror, some gore, and other such elements and phobias, so naturally Gaming Consent and X-Cards will both be on the table. Note that some parts (body horror and mental instability in particular) come with the territory of Lovecraftian games, so if you have concerns about these in particular, please let me know, and I will try to make changes where possible, but some elements are intrinsic to the plot and would be more difficult to change. We can discuss privately if you do have any concerns.
Sex and torture in particular tend to be very much off screen; the former may be used in some limited places in description, but players will not be expected to take any part in those proceedings - more to present a tableau or to indicate previous acts, and will not be pruriently described. Torture is something that marks pure evil in my games, so while an NPC may inflict some torture (again, not overtly described in detail), players who feel the need to use torture will rapidly see their own sanity declining at a rate of knots.
I particularly welcome players and characters who are 2SLGBTQ+ or from other marginalised groups. Almost all of my gaming has been with mixed groups of men and women, and I would prefer that to continue.
Please note that some of the skills listed have been given "evocative" names that are typical of the era (early 20th C) and that are not used in our age because of their ethnocentric bias. This is not intended to offend, and if anyone does take issue with them, I am happy to change them to something less offensive. Similarly, the era portrayed was one of general racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, amongst others (not to say that our modern era is perfect in any way), and while occasionally something of this sort might crop up from an NPC or situation (depending on initial conversations about what the group is comfortable with, of course), it will almost always signify that the person is a bad guy. Racism, sexism, homo- and transphobia from players will not be tolerated. This game is meant to encourage players of all genders, races, and sexualities to play and enjoy. If any aspect of this game is offensive or problematic, please bring it to my attention and I will strive to ameliorate the situation. While the subject matter of this game is horror-based, players should always feel comfortable (even though their characters might not feel so). It should go without saying that all players should feel comfortable at the (virtual) table, and any obstacles to that enjoyment should be dealt with immediately and effectively.
This is likely to be a long-term game, probably on the scale of several years in real life to play through in its entirety, so I am looking for people that would hopefully be able to commit for quite a while. I would prefer posts 2-3 times a week, though I am online every day usually, and can reply throughout the day as needed, with the possible exception of weekends when I post far less frequently. This is something that we can discuss as a group though if I get any interest. I am looking for 3-5 players who can work well together - while you may decide amongst yourselves to have tension between characters, there should be none between players.
If you are interested, please let me know here. I would prefer if you don’t create characters just yet - I’d prefer to do that as a group - but feel free to discuss the type of character you would like (possibly which group you see your character coming from) so that others and I get an idea of what you’re looking for in the game. Perhaps give some indication of your experience with Lovecraftian games (and RPGs in general), though I should note I’m happy to take on noobs to the site (I’m still a noob here myself) as well as veterans. I’d also prefer if we could all give a bit of a bio of ourselves too, though don’t feel that you have to do so if it makes you uncomfortable to give out any personal information. - this is entirely intended to create a close knit group if possible.
I’ll go first - my name is Nick (He/Him, cishet male, mid-50s), and I’ve been roleplaying since the early 80s, and playing and GMing Lovecraftian games since the early to mid 80s, cutting my teeth on the first edition of Call of Cthulhu, and since playing several other such games, including Trail of Cthulhu, tremulous, and Delta Green. I started PBPing back in the late 90s on various fora and through email, and I have run several long-lasting epic campaigns both in face to face and PBP settings. I tend to prefer games where investigation, uncovering secrets, and discovering plot via puzzles, handouts, and clues are pivotal. I prefer simpler games such as Year Zero games, PbtA games, and OSR and more narrative games in general.
Outside of gaming, when I work it’s as an adjunct professor, teaching medieval history with a focus on monasticism, revolts and rebellions, heretics, and subaltern and liminal groups. I also have an interest in First Nations religious traditions, and 19th C European social and political history. I’m originally British (Yorkshire and Scottish), though I currently live in Toronto, Canada where my wife and I settled after I completed my PhD, and after a few years in Phoenix, Arizona. In terms of music, I like punk and indie stuff mostly, though with fairly eclectic tastes. My favourite bands at the moment are Pixies, PJ Harvey, Half Man Half Biscuit, The Rebel Spell, and Billy Bragg. Finally, and most importantly, my favourite cheese is Cambozola (especially with banana in a butty), though I’ve more recently been impressed with UmYum vegan za’atar and spices cashew cheese.
So, to reiterate - if you are interested please post with a little about yourself, your posting style and rate and what you seek from a game, and if comfortable, if you have any content you would prefer to avoid (you can post this as a spoiler if you prefer, or PM me directly), what sort of character you’d like to play from those on offer in the rules document, and how you see your character in fairly broad terms.
Also, if anyone knows their way around creating custom character sheets here, please get in touch. :)
