I have written about Call of Cthulhu before a little bit. Mainly about how I really like Sean McCoy's investigation sheet as a way to turn a CoC game from a horrible revelation structure to that of a true investigation.
We actually ran a pretty good 10-12 session arc involving my investigator, Henry Heart, who eventually lost his memory and fled Arkham. I am sorry I did not write down those reports as I do Nightwick so I aim to correct that.
For this run of CoC, I decided to use an CoC NPC generator because I find that really I don't need nor want the mass of skills a traditional CoC character provides. Once skills drop below ~30%, I'm not going to relay on them. And I don't want the temptation to load up on Spot Hidden, Firearms, or Occult. I want to avoid the temptation to meta-game given I know so much about CoC. But I also have another tool.
Yup. The investigation sheet. Its great because it works outside of the character mechanics in CoC, yet, I don't view it as a meta-object or tool because its exactly how one would investigate a crime-- establish persons of interest, means, motive, and eliminate alibis. Any character type can do this and that's part of the charm of CoC everyone from antique booksellers to flapper girls become PIs.
But even the players using the investigation sheet become literal investigators in a way they are not fighters or wizards when playing D&D. Almost like a sit-down LARP. That is what is so cool about it. In fact, I would reckon that you could almost only give CoC players the investigation sheet and need nothing else.
THE PRICE OF CHARITY
Investigators
Ellis Williams PI
Caldwell Zimmer Drifter
Evelyn Dalton PI
Darleen Marsh Miskatonic Lady's Track Coach
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1922:
- The investigators are summoned to the office of Dr. Price at Miskatonic. Alas, influenza has found its way into the Price household and taken is only son Kai Price. Given though, that Dr. Price is older, he has asked his friend Darleen to retrieve the body and personal effects.
- Kai Price was known for his charitable works in the rural areas around Essex country. Especially since those areas have been hit the hardest by the recent influenza outbreak.
- "Well of course do this for you Dr. Price, it should be a simple task."
- Investigators drive to Essex Falls which contains the Divine Mercy Hospital, Kai's workplace, and his small apartment.
- MERCY HOSPITAL: "What do you mean there was a mix-up? Why was he buried in a pauper's grave?! Yes, we want you to get him!!" This will take 2 days- allegedly.
- KAI's APARTMENT: Kai's journal speaks of a new strain of flu, local witchcraft practices, and grave robbery, but local authorities seem unconcerned. Weird dead frog full of undigested bloat mosquitoes that pop with black sludge.
- LOCAL GENERAL STORE: "Wait is one of those men Kai?" The group drives off after persistent questioning. Local police remind the investigators that visitors should not hassle the locals. Cops...
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