Description

The Strange Case of the Shadow Traveller

The London Spiritualist Society is an austere and respected group, attracting many with an interest in the growing spiritualist movement of the Victorian era. The Investigators have been hired by Lord Henry Walters to look into an incident that occurred three weeks prior which left one of the junior members dead and another institutionalised. Can they uncover the truth of the Shadow Traveller?

At the heart of this tale is the London Spiritualist Society, a distinguished and serious organisation that has been part of the city’s landscape for numerous years. The society attracts a diverse array of individuals drawn by the allure of the rising spiritualist movement that defining the Victorian period. Its members include those deeply interested in uncovering the secrets of the occult, as well as young socialites eager for thrilling experiences and the chance to engage with the supernatural.

The investigators, who may either be existing members of the society or associates connected to its workings, are enlisted to uncover the truth behind a tragic event that occurred three weeks earlier. An incident within the society resulted in the untimely death of a junior member and left another member in a state of mental distress requiring institutional care. The society’s manager, Lord Henry Walters, is deeply troubled by this incident. He suspects that a group of junior members may have conspired to summon an evil spirit, a situation that could severely tarnish the esteemed reputation of the society if it were to come to light.

Thus, the investigators are tasked with a critical mission: to protect the society’s reputation at all costs while effectively resolving the mystery of what transpired. They must navigate through the layers of secrecy and potential deceit among the members, all while ensuring that any suspicions of wrongdoing are laid to rest.

Running The Case of the Shadow Traveller

The scenario is filled with suspense and gripping twists and designed in the manner of popular Victorian-era Penny Dreadfuls. Players receive handouts providing essential clues and context, as well as detailed maps to guide them through the investigation. Additionally, the adventure introduces a cast of intriguing non-player characters (NPCs), each holding pieces of the puzzle. Lastly, a new and terrifying Mythos creature adds an extra layer of horror to the story. This setup promises an engaging and immersive experience, challenging players to think critically and act decisively in a world where the supernatural and the fear of scandal collide.

What is Call of Cthulhu?

Call of Cthulhu is a classic tabletop role-playing game of mystery and cosmic horror where players take on the roles of ordinary people becoming investigators of the unknown to combat the terrifying forces of the Cthulhu Mythos. Set mostly in the 1920s, the game uses a dice-based Basic Roleplaying System (BRP) where players attempt to succeed at tasks by rolling under a skill percentage, and where too much exposure to the horrors of the Mythos can lead to a loss of sanity. One player acts as the “Keeper” (Game Master), guiding the story and presenting the challenges, while the other players create unique investigators from various walks of life to face these ancient, sanity-blasting entities.

In this exciting scenario, players will step into the world of Chaosium’s 7th edition Call of Cthulhu Gaslight setting, which is rich with mystery and intrigue. This story unfolds over one to two sessions and seamlessly integrates with Hudson & Brand, Inquiry Agents of the Obscure.