The Haunting

Call of Cthulhu The Haunting Sunday, October 17th, 1920. Willard Brown, a notary, contacts the characters (Perhaps by phone? By telegram? Maybe in person?) and asks them to meet him at his house on Beacon St. 26, Boston in a week from now, on Sunday 24th at 1pm. He does not explain to them why he is contacting them, merely that he wishes to hire their expertise to help him with a problem of a mysterious nature. He suggests that they each bring a suitcase with clean clothes, just in case.

Residence of Willard and Marjorie Brown-Ross Thursday, October 21th, 1920. The house can be found between other houses of a similar look. A few steps lead to the front door, which looks to be a sturdy thick wooden door. Next to the door, a bronze plaque hangs against the wall. It reads “Brown – Ross, Beacon St. 26”. When the investigators ring the doorbell, they are greeted by Marjorie Ross-Brown, Willard's wife. She wears a fashionable green suit, emphasizing her slender body. Her curly hair is raven black and her skin is of a lighter complexion, though not really pale. She looks like she's in her early 40s, but her crows feet at her deep brown eyes show that she might easily be 10 years older. She invites the investigators inside, and leads them to her husband's study. Willard Brown is sitting behind his desk, dressed in a brown suit with a red tie. His brown hair is pulled back, covered with hairgel. On the sides, gray streaks show his age. He appears to be in his early 50s. He has a finely trimmed mustache and wears glasses, resting on the tip of his nose. He is writing something on a paper. When the investigators enter the study, Willard looks up, removing his glasses and placing them in the front pocket of his jacket. He stands and greets each investigator. He motions each one to sit down on a cushioned chair and asks his wife to bring some coffee for their guests. He then sits down behind his desk, asking the people if they had a pleasant trip. 10 minutes later, his wife returns with a tray of coffee with sugar, milk, cups and spoons, and then leaves the party alone, closing the door behind her. Willard says he would have offered them something stronger, but that the Volstead Act (prohibition) makes such a thing illegal. He jokes that he's glad they haven't prohibited every little sin, and pulls out a small silver case. He opens it and asks the investigators if they would like a cigarette. He then pulls out one for himself, and lights it. Suddenly the tone in his voice darkens. “I'm sure you're all wondering why I invited you here, so I'll come straight to the point. I want you to investigate a rumor concerning one of the houses I own. A few years ago, 1915 or 1916 I believe, I bought a house on Sheafe St.. I had hear rumors of it being haunted, but it was too good a deal to pass up. Besides, I don't believe in ghost stories. Or at least, I didn't. You see, the last few tenants I had... something strange happened to all of them. The last ones, the Macarios.... poor bastards. A year ago, the husband (Vittorio) was found running around naked a night, covered in blood and screaming in tongues.

A month ago, his wife (Gabriella) was also struck with a sudden case of madness. Both of them are committed to the Roxbury Sanitarium, and their sons (Pedro – 7yrs - and Alessandro - 6 yrs) have been given to the care of their aunt (Gabriella's sister Rosalina). They are now living in Baltimore. This wasn't the first time something has happened to families living in that house. A year after I had bought the house, I rented the place to a family who had barely stayed there for 3 months. Somehow, they had all fallen severely ill at the same time. (No idea where they are now.) Now I don't know if what happened to the Macarios is related to what happened to the other family, but I don't want to take any chances. Whether the house is truly haunted or if it's just an unfortunate coincidence, I would like to make sure that nothing is wrong with it, before I try to rent it out again. So this is were you come in. If you're interested, that is. I am willing to pay $20 a day, with another $100 if you can give my property a clean bill of health, no later than a month from now.” He then hands the investigators an envelope. Inside the envelope, the keys to the house, a paper with the address on it and 5 $10 bills can be found. He says that there is a hotel close to the house on Sheafe St., called the Copley Square Hotel, where they can stay, if they so wish. If the investigators ask about the house, Willard will tell them that he had to fit the house with electrical wiring before renting it out. The house itself it located a few blocks away from the waterfront.

The Copley Square Hotel The Hotel is about an half an hour drive from the Brown-Ross residence. It is located on Huntington Avenue, in Back Bay. Cost for staying is $4.50/night, or $24/week including service. The investigators can unpack their stuff, and from there on agree on what course of action to take. If they decide to hire a Yellow Cab, it will cost them $0,15 + $0,01 per minute. If the taxi has to wait, the driver will charge the investigators $2 per starting hour. (Taxi speed is 15mph on average.) A taxi usually arrives between 10 and 30 minutes after being called for. If during the session the investigators return to their hotel (or leave the hotel), someone at the front desk informs them that they have a phone call waiting. When they go to answer the phone, they hear heavy breathing and a few moments later, the line is cut off.

Roxbury Sanitarium The investigators can try to visit the Macarios in Roxbury Sanitarium. Visiting hours are from 10am to 6pm. It is about a 30-40 minute drive from the hotel, in Roxbury, Boston. When they approach the front desk, a nurse wearing a nametag “H. Manning” (H stands for Harriet) asks them for the meaning of their visit. She appears to be in her late 20s, has blue eyes and curly blond hair. She has a slender body. She asks the investigators if they are related to either Mr. or Mrs. Macario. She then picks up the phone and asks for Dr. Robertson (first name: Wallace) to come to the front desk. Dr. Robertson is a balding man in his late 50s. He has a rather big nose (typical for elderly men) and wears glasses. He has a bigger posture, betraying his culinary interests.

Vittorio is still quite made, and the doctor warns them that he'll probably only talk nonsense when they try to interview him. Vittorio sits huddled in the corner of his room, rocking back and forth. The investigators notice that he has unusually white hair, especially for someone his age. (Vittorio is only 32 yrs old). It's impossible to see his face, and his hair covers it. They can hear him mumbling, but what he says cannot be understood. Gabriella can be spoken to, but she is reluctant to speak about the events that happened in the house. She is sitting on a chair, with her back towards the investigators. Even though she's only 26, she looks closer to 40 because her hair has turned gray. The investigators can see that she has bites her fingernails, to the point where they start to bleed. She is staring outside her barred window. When the investigators ask her question, she just ignores them. After a while, she starts talking about an evil presence in the house. One that still haunts her dreams. She tells about how she used to wake up at night, finding this shadow leaning over her, bright burning yellow eyes staring at her. She says that, after Vittorio went mad, the presence seemed to have disappeared. But about a few months ago, it returned and appeared to be even more malign than before. It would cause things to fly around the room and crash against the walls. Gabriella then seems to be sobbing, but then slowly starts laughing. She then suddenly turns around to face the investigators, ands screams loudly that they can't go upstairs! Dr. Robertson urges the party to leave the room, and stays behind to tend to Gabriella. When Dr. Robertson exits the room, he politely asks the investigators to leave the sanitarium and let his patients rest. If the investigators ask if he knows anything more, he mentions that he knows that the house the Macarios used to live in has a long history of similar stories. He recalls a family in 1914 that moved in there, but they moved out after a tragedy struck them. Something about their eldest son committing suicide with a kitchen knife. He thinks there might be mention of it in the Boston Globe records, and suggests that the investigators try their luck there.

Boston Globe The Boston Globe is located on Washington St., about a 10 minute drive from Roxbury. The offices are open from 8am till 5pm. The receptionist at the front desk greets the investigators and welcomes them to the Boston Globe. The receptionist is a young man in his early 20s. His appearance is very impeccable, cleanly shaven. He asks them what their business is. The receptionist tell them that the Morgue (where the clipping files can be found), is off limits to visitors. He does seem to be rather new at the job, and maybe he can be convinced to let them in. Investigators need to roll a Fast Talk, Persuade or Credit Rating roll to gain access to the files. If successful, the receptionist calls a woman who he calls 'Lizzie', and asks her if she can come down to escort some people to the Morgue. Lizzie is an attractive young woman in her mid 20s. She has curly brown hair and wears glasses. She's wearing a gray suit with a skirt that quits just below her knees. She greets the investigators with a smile, and introduces herself as Elizabeth Hayes. She then leads them down some stairs to the Morgue. The Morgue is located in the basement of the building. It's a big storage room, filled with cabinets. Lizzie explains that the cabinets are order in alphabetical order (Sheafe St. is found in the S section).

The following clippings can be found under Sheafe St., in chronological order: – – – – –

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In 1913, the Flynn family bought the house and moved in. After a few weeks, they all fell prey to illnesses. In 1914, the oldest Flynn brother went mad and killed himself with a kitchen knife, and a heartbroken family moved out. They put the house up for sale. In 1916, the house was bought by notary Willard Brown. In 1917, a family rented the house, but the left almost immediately, after they all became ill at the same time. A 1918 feature story, which was never published. It states that in 1880, a family of French immigrants moved into the house but fled after a series of violent accidents left the parents dead and 3 children crippled. The house long stood vacant until 1909. In 1919, the article about Vittorio's commitment to the Roxbury Sanitarium is detailed. Eye witnesses report seeing the man run naked across the street, covered in blood, screaming something about a dark spirit with burning eyes. The origin of the blood remains a mystery, as nobody was reported being injured. In September 1920, an article appeared covering Gabriella Macario's commitment, and the placement of her children with her sister Rosalina in Baltimore.

If persuaded, Lizzie tells about a fire in 1878, which almost completely destroyed the previous Morgue. She says that there might be more articles about the house, but that they won't find them here. They might try their luck in the Boston Public Library on Boylston St., about a 30 minute drive from the Boston Globe.

The Boston Public Library The library is clearly a worthy institution. Opening hours are from 9am to 8pm. Inside the big hall, thousands of books can be found. In between the bookshelves, tables can be found where people are reading or studying. Several youths can be found, all dressed in Boston University jackets. After half an hour search, the newspaper section can be found (or they can approach the librarian and she will tell them where to find it). The librarian is woman in her mid 40s, light brown hair, with a somewhat stern looking face. She whispers when spoken to, and asks the investigators to keep the volume down while inside the library. On a successful Library Use roll, interesting news articles can be found. Each article requires a new successful Library Use roll, and each takes about 4 hours to find because they're all in different newspapers. On a failed Idea roll, investigators have the feeling someone is watching them.

The following articles can be found: – – – – – – – –

In 1835, a prosperous merchant named Henry Webber builds the house. Not soon after, he falls ill and sells it to a Mr. Walter Corbitt Esquire. In 1852, Walter Corbitt is sued by his neighbors, who petition to force him to leave the area “in consequence of his surious [sic] habits and unauspicious demeanor”. It appears that Walter Corbitt won that lawuit, as his obituary in 1862 states that he still lived in the same place. He reached the blessed age of 67. An article from only 2 days later, mention a second lawsuit was being waged to prevent Walter Corbitt from being buried in his basement, as provided by his will. No outcome to the second lawsuit can be found. Revered Michael Thomas of a local church inherited the house. In early 1865, the house is rented out to the Turner family. In the summer of 1868, tragedy struck when the youngest child of the Turners had a fatal seizure and the family left the house that same night.

Several other articles can be found in the same notion: a family moves in and then moves back out not too long after. No other articles of interest can be found. On a succesful Idea roll, investigators might think about going to the Hall of Records to find out if Walter Corbitt won the second lawsuit or not.

Hall of Records The Hall of Records can be found on Rivermoor St., West Roxbury, about a half an hour drive from the library. Opening hours are from 9am to 5pm The investigators can walk up to the front desk and ask the clerk, a man in his late 30s, for the outcome of the second lawsuit. No records can be found. With a successful Library roll, the records show that the executor of Walter Corbitt was a Revered Michael Thomas, pastor of the Chapel of Contemplation & Church of Our Lord Granter of Secrets. Records about the Church can also be found here, in the register of churches. It notes the closure of the Chapel of Contemplation in 1912 due to illegal activities. There are references in Criminal court records that actions against the church were taken in 1912, but the actual records are not present. The clerk might point out that serious crimes would be handled in the county, commonwealth or federal courts. Or, if they are looking for records of city officers participating in arrests or seizures, they can try to look into them at the Central Police Station.

Higher Courts (Congress St., 20 minute drive from Library, 10 minute drive from Police Station); Central Police Station (Schroeder Plaza, 5 minute drive from Library, 20 minute drive from Court Hall) Court Hall is open from 9am to 5pm, police Station is open 24/7, though inquiring about events will likely not succeed in the evening or at night, unless they offer a 'generous' donation to the corrupt police officer on duty.

The investigators need a successful Law, Credit Rating or Fast Talk roll to get access to the records. They concern a secret raid on the Chapel of Contemplation, Clark St., on 7 May 1912. The police raid was occasioned by affidavits swearing that members of the church were responsible for the disappearances of neighborhood children. During the raid, 3 policemen and 17 cult members were killed by gunplay or fire. Autopsy reports are singularly undetailed and uninformative, as though the coroner had not actually performed examinations. Though 54 members of the church were arrested, all but 8 of them were released. The records hint of illegal intervention in the proceedings by an important local official, offering an explanation of shy stories of the battle – the biggest criminal action in the city's history – never appeared in print. Pastor Michael Thomas was arrested and sentenced to 40 years in prison on 3 counts of second-degree murder. Records show that he somehow escaped prison in 1917 and probably fled the state. Court Hall records report that, following Michael Thomas' arrest, all assets owned by him were seized, including the house on Sheafe St.. Searches conducted in the house turned up no new evidence against Michael Thomas. Boston City Council then sold the house in late 1912 to the Flynn family. The missing children were never found.

The Chapel of Contemplation & Church of Our Lord Granter of Secrets. The weathered ruins of the Chapel can be found at the end of Clark St., only a few minutes away from Sheafe St. The building stands derelict, and almost completely overgrown with greenery that the gray stone rubble seems more like natural stone than former walls and foundation. On a successful Spot Hidden roll, investigators can see bullet holes in part of the walls. The investigators find nothing of interest at first, mostly blocks of granite, half-burnt rotten timbers and ancient rubble, until they pass a slumping wall bearing a white-painted symbol, faded from age - three Y's arranged in a triangle so that the top elements of each Y touch the other two Y's. In the center so-created is painted a staring eye. When the investigators near the sign, they begin to feel irritated tingles in their foreheads, like headaches but not quite. While they remain near the symbol, they continue to feel this, and finally cannot wait to get away from it. When they leave, the irritation stops. When they walk closer to the back of the Chapel, the ground suddenly collapses. (DEX x4 roll. Fail = 1D6 damage) Investigators able to succeed their roll, are able to hold on to something as the floor gives way. Below them, they find themselves in a basement, sealed off from the rest of the church, reached by separate stairs now buried under tons of rubble. Lying down on the ground is a skeleton dressed in fragment of a red and white silk robe. This person probably became trapped in the basement during the raid, and likely died from smoke inhalation from the fire during the raid. Next to the body lies a rusted shotgun, which is useless to the investigators. When looking through the robes, a rusted key is found. Below the skeleton, an octagram is painted on the ground. Each point is marked with a large dried up bloodstain. In the middle of the octagram, the same symbol as before can be seen.

Chained to a rotten desk against the wall is an enormous volume bound in animal hide, handwritten in Latin, but so rotten and worm-eaten that nothing really can be made of it, except for some references (if someone understands Latin) to a “Messenger from the Stars” that can be awakened by gazing into a Trapezohedron, and insane conjectures about the black gulfs from which it was called. The being is spoken of as holding all knowledge, but demanding monstrous sacrifices. While reading the words, they seem to dance around and float of the page. The reader adds 1 Cthulhu Mythos and takes 1 Sanity Loss. Next to the desk is a file cabinet. In it, a silver box and the diary of Michael Thomas can be found. Inside the silver box is wrapped in a red satin cloth. It is clear that something used to be on top of the satin, as there is still an impression of something the size of a small fist. The diary, while also showing signs of decay, but parts of it are legible, probably thanks to the safekeeping inside the cabinet. Because there's not much to read, it can be skimmed rather quickly. It costs 1 Sanity point. The diary of Michael Thomas reads: “June 22nd, 1862 It has been a week since Prophet Corbitt has passed away. The influence of our members has proven valuable once more, as the real cause of his death has not been discovered, and probably never will be. Yet, there were still some complications on accord of a lawsuit being filed by the neighbors, but our valued Brother Ellsworth within City Counsil made sure their claim was... misplaced. In accordance with our Prophet's wishes, and with the wishes of that one who waits in the dark, we laid his body to rest in the basement. Now we have to wait until 50 years have passed to perform the second part of the ritual and fulfill the Prophet's destiny. In the meantime, I have been entrusted with the house, as noted in Prophet Corbitt's will. I will put it up for rent to try and lure some poor sap to the house so that our Savior may feed.” “February 27th, 1865 It has taken longer than anticipated, but a family has finally rented the house. I am certain the Prophet is hungering for sustenance. May their fear fuel the obsidian gem, and in turn give him the power he needs.” “August 16th, 1868 Our Prophet's presence has finally taken its toll on the Turners. I hear they left in a hurry in the middle of the night. If I do not hear from them again in a week or so, I will start looking for new tenants.” “March 17th, 1879 I have been blessed with a son! I cannot wait for the day when he will learn of our secrets and take up his rightful place beside me.” “January 1st, 1900 The new century has begun! We leave behind the days of ignorance, and step forward to a future where mankind will finally learn the truth and bow in reverence to our Dark Lord! With junior and myself as his trusted lieutenants, Prophet Corbitt will lead the sheep to meet their Shepherd.”

On a succesful Idea roll, the investigator notices that the handwriting suddenly changes, but only slightly. “April 15th, 1912 The time is close at hand. In 2 months, 50 years will have passed since Prophet Corbitt's death. As instructed, we will soon start collecting the innocent souls, whose blood will open the gateway once again.” “April 28th, 1912 The first child has been taken, 7 more to go.” “April 30th, 1912 The second child is ours. Praise be our Lord, Granter of Secrets.” “May 3rd, 1912 The third child has been claimed. The hour draws closer, our Prophet will bring untold power to us!” “May 5th, 1912 How is this possible?! The fourth child has escaped our grasp! To make matters worse, we might have been uncovered! I have to find a way to keep them off our backs, at least until the ritual is completed.” “May 6th, 1912 All our work, all our preparations... in vain! This cannot be! We have failed our Prophet and our Lord! I have received confirmation that the police will conduct a raid on our church tomorrow. If this is the end, we will not go quietly! I have ordered most members to gather this evening. Tomorrow, we will make our final stand!” That was the last entry in Michael Thomas' journal. Near the back of the room, barely visible without a flashlight, they find a big cage with 3 smaller skeletons in it. These skeletons wear bright children's clothing, have their hands bound behind their back and their feet are also found. Their mouths are gagged. Upon discovering the children's remains, investigators must pass a Sanity check or suffer 1 Sanity. The cage is locked with a padlock. The key can be found on the robed skeleton. This was most likely their guard. Nothing else can be found in the room. Players can attempt to remove the rubble from the stairs to leave the room, or they can try to leave through the hole in the ceiling if possible. When they leave the church, on a failed Idea roll, investigators again have the feeling someone is watching them. If the investigators return to the hotel with the Mythos Tome, they wake up the next day finding the symbol of the church painted on the door to their room.

The house on 20 Sheafe St. The brick house stands in between similar looking houses, separated by a garden with a picket fence from each side. Nothing about the house strikes the investigators as odd. The front door is locked, and can be opened with the key the Willard Brown handed them. All the windows have curtains that are closed, so it is impossible to look inside. (All windows are also nailed shut from the inside.) There is another door on the left side of the house, near the back. It is locked and cannot be opened with the front door key. In the garden in the back, a small shed can be found. It is currently locked. Once the shed is opened, a crowbar and other tools can be found. There is also a wood ax and a sledgehammer inside the shed. Nothing else of interest can be found. Ground Floor When entering the house, the investigators find themselves in a long hallway. At the end of the hallway is a door which is locked, normally, by bolts and with an extra padlock. There is also a staircase leading to the upper floor. Room 1 This is a storage room, filled with boxes and bicycles. At the right end of the room is a cupboard, boarded shut. If it is wrenched open, 5 keys can be found within. (These open the basement + padlock, upstairs room + padlock and the attic.) There's also some minor tools like a hammer, nails, tape, glue, etc. Room 2 This is another storage room, filled with foodstuffs, mostly in cans or sacks on the ground. Room 3 This is the mud room where the residents could hang their coats and hats. There is also a pile of wood against the wall, probably used for the fireplace in the living room. There is a door that leads outside. The door is locked, with the key still in the lock. Theres also 2 additional bolts, one at the top and one at the bottom. Next to the door, on a hook in the wall, hangs a key (this opens up the shed outside).

Room 4 This is the living room. It contains conventional furnishing, such as a radio, couch, stuffed chairs and shelves laden with trinkets. There is also a fireplace. A successful Idea roll notices the unusual quantities of crosses, images of the Virgin Mary, and other Catholic religious artifacts. There seems to be a single cross missing from the wall, the outlining still clearly visible. (Whenever something 'strange' happens, a horrible smell (like ammonia) manifests, a sure sign of Mythos.) The following things can occur here: – The radio can suddenly start playing. – Blood can start dripping from the numerous crosses on the wall. Room 5 This is the dining room, complete with a long mahogany table, a built-in sideboard, and seven chairs. 3 plates are set at the table, and are unused. Also on the table is a tureen which contains scraps of rice soup, now rotting. Room 6 A conventional kitchen, with icebox, wood-fed stove and oven, and a refrigerator. There's also a round kitchen table and 4 chairs. There's a closet door that opens up to a small storage space that contains brooms, buckets and a fusebox against the wall. (The wire for the basement light has been cut in half. A successful Electrical Repair roll is sufficient to fix the wire with some tape. A failed attempt shocks the investigator for 1 damage.) Upper Floor The staircase leads to the upstairs hall. In the middle of the hall, in the ceiling, a hatch is locked with a padlock. This hatch, when opened, leads to the attic. Room 1 An ordinary bedroom, with a double bed, bookshelf, and window view. This is the master bedroom, and apparently the room of Vittorio and Gabriella. More crosses and many candles are here, and a rosary and a book with the image of a cross on the cover rest on a table beside the bed. When the investigators peruse the book, they need to succeed a Language or Know roll to know that it is entirely written in Italian. Flipping through the pages, the investigators notice something smeared across some pages of the book with, what appears to be, blood. The words can only be understood when the investigator knows Italian or gets someone to translate it. It says “Dio ci ha abbandonato.” (God has forsaken us.) Room 2 Two smaller beds, toys, dressers, and pictures of aircrafts and cowboys mark this as the children's bedroom.

Room 3 This room is also locked, normally, by bolts and with an extra padlock. It contains a bed frame, bare bedsprings and a dresser. Though unused, the room looks like the other 2 bedrooms. (Whenever something 'strange' happens, a horrible smell (like ammonia) manifests, a sure sign of Mythos.) The following things can occur here: – A loud thumping noise can emanate from this room, and can be heard anywhere in the house. – A pool of blood can be formed on the floor, blood can drips from the ceiling or the walls. – The window can start rattling, producing a scratching sound on the windowpane from the outside. – The bed frame can be propelled against people, causing 1D6 damage. If the investigators are knocked through the window, the broken glass and fall cause 2D6 damage. Room 4 This is the bathroom. It contains a sink, bathtub, toilet with an overhead tank. Towels and other possessions are still here, typical to a family of four. The faucet from the bathtub is dripping, and cannot quite be closed. The Attic This is the study of Walter Corbitt. A large desk can be found at the back, with a comfy chair in front of it. When searching the desk, the investigators stumble upon Walter Corbitt's diaries. There's a total of 3 books, and they are written in plain English, though he structure of the sentences seem somehow off. It takes about 2 days to read to read, add +4 Cthulhu Mythos, and cost 1D4 Sanity points. (Whenever something 'strange' happens, a horrible smell (like ammonia) manifests, a sure sign of Mythos.) The following things can occur here: – Footsteps can sometimes be heard, coming from the attic. The Corbitt Diaries read: First Diary “March the Twelfth, 1818 A tome was found while digging up ye subjects. Perusing this text promises a studious practitioner the opportunity to converse with a most powerful and wise being not of this world. While I remain apprehensive, I must knowe what secrets lie in this long-forgotten volume.” “September the Eighth, 1818 At last, months spent deciphering the meanings and intricacies of this folio have finally shown their worth. While the details of this ritual are horrid, to say the least, I simply must try to contact this otherworldly being. I will order the others to commence gathering the required elements.”

“January the Ninth, 1819 Last night will forever be printed upon my mind. At the clock’s ring of midnight, my closest colleagues and I set forth upon calling what I hereafter refer to as the Dark Man. The ritual called for the blood of innocents, eight of them to be more precise, spilled by the same blade on the edges of the octagram which we have drawn on the floor. The blade was passed around to different members of our society, and one by one they slit the throat of one of the children, spilling their life's blood onto the floor. While reciting the words written in the book we discovered some 10 months ago, I gazed inside the Trapezohedron as instructed. After the last child's blood was spilled, I started to notice a darker substance forming inside the dark crystal. Much to my disbelief, the cloud took on the form of a human caricature. I was suddenly faced with an overwhelming sense of dread , but I dared not speak. I presume that my colleagues had similar trepidations. And then at once he stood there, in the middle of the octagram. This shadowy being, this Dark Man. His mere presence caused Amelie Hooper, wife of Benjamin, to let out a shriek. In other circumstances I would remark how unfitting such behaviour is amongst our society, but I must admit I was quite frightened myself. Could not discern a face, yet I could feel his gaze piercing my very soul. He did not speak, yet I could hear his words in my head. And then, as quickly as he arrived, the Dark Man had vanished back into the lightless void from which he appeared.” “January the Tenth, 1819 My thoughts are consumed by the visit from the Dark Man. We succeeded in performing the ritual, but then why do I feel so empty. I had hoped our encounter would have left us with a more satisfying result. I am also, as of yet, unable to remove the stain of our offerings from this blade. I pray we were careful enough when we took the children. If the public were to learn of what we have done, they would surely try to kill us all.” “January the Eleventh, 1819 We have buried the bodies in the ground beneath the basement, where they can rest eternally. I hope that I, too, may find some rest from this constant feeling of regret. “January the Ninth, 1820 Unbelievable! Last night, in my dreams, I was contacted by the Dark Man! At first I thought it was only that, a dream, but when I woke, I found myself in possession of knowledge I did not yet possess. I will keep this a secret, for now. When the time is right, I will inform my Brothers and Sisters. “April the Third, 1825 I finally decided, after all these years, to inform my colleagues of my visitations by the Dark Man. They now see me as their Prophet. I lead them in worship for Our Lord Granter of Secrets, as we have now taken to calling the Dark Man.”

“February the Twenty Second, 1831 Our Lord Granter of Secrets has revealed to me the process to become a pure spirit, seemingly still though freely moving through space and time. With it, I will possess power beyond imagination. I will become immortal and command my own loyal subjects. I can feel it, this is my destiny!“ Second Diary “November the Twenty Third, 1835 Henry Webber has recently built a house on 20 Sheafe Street. As it is a short walk from the Church, I wish to possess the estate. I have already made an offer to buy it from him, yet he is reluctant to part with it. I pray that our Dark Lord will provide me with the means to remove Mr. Webber from his home.” “November the Thirtieth, 1835 The Granter of Secrets has answered my wishes. Henry Webber has fallen ill, which I am certain he will not recover from. I write this as I leave to purchase the deed to 20 Sheafe Street.” “March the thirteenth, 1847 The Chapel of Contemplation has grown in numbers. Amongst our new members is Daniel Ellsworth and his son Peter. Daniel is head of the City Council. His influence is sure to be invaluable in the future. We have also been converting various outcasts and vagrants, willing to perform menial and abhorrent duties. I pray that our Lord is pleased.” Third Diary “December the Eighth, 1851 After years of silence, Our Granter of Secrets has returned to me, and he has revealed to me a ritual that will manifest “a servant from beyond the void.” Apparently to safekeep me during my transformation. My silver dagger, which is still tainted with the children's blood, will come in handy once more. I will copy my notes on the summoning of this being on the last pages of this journal.” “March the Twelfth, 1852 It has been thirty-four years since I first discovered the ancient tome that has led me to such great power. Fittingly, it is on this day that I have gained the knowledge of “Rigor Vitae”. At first, Rigor Vitae appears to be a method to keep flesh from wearing through the vigors of mortal time. I suspect, though, that it may also be used as protection in the unlikely event that peril might strike me.” “May the Twenty Fifth, 1853 Those ignorant fools! If they knew who I was, they wouldn’t dare speak a disparaging word in my direction, let alone file a lawsuit against me. Thankfully, Daniel was able to deflect this travesty. I dare not think of the consequences would they have succeeded.” “May the Nineteenth, 1857 The Chapel is going splendidly. Most followers are so faithful that I rarely need to make an example. Very few times, however, I have forced a follower to Obey Thy Master’s Will, another gift bestowed upon me by Our Lord Granter of Secrets. After only four stern commands was I able to turn the youth Michael Thomas to my cause.”

“February the Second, 1858 I am most pleased, for Michael Thomas has become my most trusted subject. I guess he was more susceptible to the spell than others. Perhaps his young age has had something to do with it. After all, the mind is still very mouldable at the age of 17. I may just use him as my Voice, when my own has fallen silent.” “June the Fourteenth, 1862 This will be my last entry in this journal, for I reach the end of this life. The stars are right, and one last ritual must be performed, one of ultimate sacrifice. When the clock strikes midnight, I will plunge this dagger into my own beating heart. If all goes well, my body will go limp, but my mind will slowly begin the transformation. Soon I will cross the threshold to everlasting life and power! I pray the black gem will help me sustain my soul.” I am sending my will to young Minister Thomas. I trust him to complete the ritual we start tonight, or at least pass on the knowledge should he not survive the next 50 years. I am certain he will lead the others in serving me for eons to come. I mustn't tarry, the others are waiting for me downstairs.” Nothing more of interest can be learned from the books. If the investigators decide to take the books back with them to the hotel before searching the rest of the house, they might be interrupted during reading by a knock on their hotel door. When they go to answer the door, they find that there is nobody in the hall. Investigators can try to learn the Summon Servant from beyond the Void spell, but this costs them 2D6 weeks to learn. (On a successful Know roll, they are able to learn the spell in half the time.) Casting the spell has a 01% of succeeding, but can be increases with magic points with a 1 – 10% ratio. It also costs 1D3 sanity points to cast the spell. Required materials: silver dagger. When the being is summoned, the summoner needs to match his magic points against the creature's magic points on the Resistance Table to bind it to his or her will. Failing so, will make the being lash out at the caster. The Basement Room 1 When the basement door is unlocked, the investigators see stairs leading down. The stairs are in poor repair, and Corbitt has cut the electricity to the basement at the fusebox upstairs in the kitchen. Each investigator going down has to pass a DEX x7 roll, or lose 1D6 HP from falling down the rickety stairs. The room is the main basement storage. There are empty boxes, garbage can lids, long wooden planks (the same as used to construct the facing wall) and stone bricks. The side wall are are of bricks, but the facing wall is of wood, as are the walls of the room under the stairs. The facing wall is as good as hidden behind shelf cases containing random junk, scattered tools, lead pipes, nails, screws, etc. On a successful Spot Hidden roll, the investigators find a rusty dagger between the junk on the shelves.

On a successful Idea roll, the Investigators notice that the basement's dimensions seem too small for the size of the rest of the house. When the investigators push aside the shelf cases, they see the wooden wall. The dagger has an ornate hilt, and the blade itself is covered with oddly-thick rust. The dagger appears to be made of pure silver. The rust is actually the dried blood of the murdered children, as well as that of Corbitt. Corbitt can make this knife float in the air, and try to stab someone. When the knife starts to move, a clear ammonia-like stench fills the room. Each such attempt costs Corbitt 1 magic point; he can make one attack per round, and his chance to hit the target equals Corbitt's current magic points x5 or less on a D100. Because the knife moves magically, and does not partake of Corbitt's STR, do not add his damage bonus to a successful attack. An investigator can try to parry the knife with a garbage can lid or other appropriate tool (base chance 30%). Seeing the knife attack in this manner costs each investigator 1/1D4 Sanity points. To parry the knife out of the air, the investigator must pass a DEX roll. If the investigator gets hold of the dagger, match his or her STR against Corbitt's current magic points (see Resistance Table). If Corbitt wins, the knife is wrested free and the investigator loses 1 HP for sliced hands. Attempting to wrench the knife away costs Corbitt another magic point. Room 2 This is an empty storage bin, once intended for coal. The door to the coal chute has been nailed shut firmly. Room 3 The wall opposite the stairs is made of closely fitted wooden boards. If they are broken through (for example, by the wood ax from the shed), a crawl space is visible. They are confronted by a large eye. This eye has been painted on the brick wall behind the wooden wall, and is part of the unholy symbol (as found in the Church). A foul odor emanates from the rats who nest here. If the investigators do not give the rats room to escape, they attack whoever tries to explore the crawl space. There are six rat-packs. Rat Pack, Rattus Norvegicus Individual rats are not worthy opponents, but an infestation of rats can be daunting. Assume 10 rats per pack, and per round they can do 1D3 damage. Choose the number of rat packs in the attack, multiply that by 5, and use the product of these numbers as the percentage chance of the packs to attack successfully. A successful attack by an investigator killson rat and chases away the rest of that pack, lowering the general effectiveness of the rat pack attacks. Rat packs exist only for the purposes of gaming. If the investigators decide to break down the brick wall (using, for example, the sledgehammer from the shed), they find themselves in room 4.

Room 4 When the investigators inspect the room, they notice a dead body laying down on a wooden pallet in the middle of the room. It is a drawn, wooden-long, wizened figure. He looks almost 2 meters tall. He is skinny, and naked, with ghastly wide-flaring, saucer-like hollow eyes, and his nose is bony. He has lost all hair, and his shruken gums make his teeth look very long. The investigators can see a deep cut on his chest, right in the spot where his heart would have been. Around his neck is a black gem fastened on a chain. From him comes a sharp, sweet, churning scent, like rotten corn. (When the investigators try to take the gem, Corbitt lashes out without warning.) (While on the pallet, Corbitt can cast spells.) The floor is earthen, and there is a table in the southwest corner with some curled papers on it. They crumble to dust if touched. What the investigators can see, if they were careful enough, is a horoscope and a set of dates, scribbled down. One date is circled: June 15 1912. He can try to summon a Dimensional Shambler (Servant from beyond the Void) to protect him.

Dimension Shambler stats: “The gigantic, blasphemous form of a thing not wholly ape, and not wholly insect. Its hide hung loosely upon its frame, and its rugose, dead-eyes rudiment of a head sways drunkenly from side to side. Its forepaws are extended, with talons spread wide, and its whole body is taut with murderous malignity despite its utter lack of facial description.” STR 19 – DEX 11 – INT 07 – Idea 45 CON 17 – APP 01 – POW 11 – Luck 55 SIZ 19 – SAN 00 – EDU 01 – Know 05 Magic Points: 11 – Hit Points: 18 Damage Bonus: +1D6 Weapons: •

- Claws* (30%): damage 1D8 +db

* Can attack with both foreclaws at once, at the same DEX rank.

Armor: 3-point thick hide Sanity Loss: 0/1D10 Sanity Loss when seeing this creature Spells: The Dimensional Shambler can leave a plane of existence at will, signaling the change by beginning to shimmer and fade. This transition costs him 4 magic points and takes a round to complete. During this time, he can be attacked, but he cannot attack back. The Shambler can take objects or beings with it when it fades into another dimension. By clutching the desired object in its talons and expending an additional magic point per 10 SIZ points of the object or creature, that which is held makes the transit also. Objects and victims lost are never found again. (An investigators caught by the Dimensional Shambler, can try to wrest free by matching his or her STR against the Shambler's STR (see Resistance Table).

Corbitt can also apply the Dominate spell (Obey Thy Master’s Will) to cloud the mind of a single investigator (one at a time), as long as the target is physically in the house. This costs Corbitt 1 magic point, and he must overcome the target's POW with is own on the Resistance Table. If Corbitt succeeds, the target is in a daze for 2D3 combat rounds. While in this dazed state, the victim is subject to telepathic commands from Corbitt. He or she will not commit suicidal acts, unless he or she is the last surviving investigator left (when this happens, the investigator is fully aware of what is happening, but cannot stop themselves). Waking, the victim cannot recall what happened. He also uses the Flesh Ward spell (Rigor Vitae). Note: this spell is already active the moment the investigators enter the house. This spell grants protection against all physical attacks (“Bullets and blows only chip off pieces of his body, making him look even more horrific than he already does.”) The ward adds a 6 point (can be increased using magic points using a 1-1 ratio) mystical armor against nonmagical attacks. The Flesh Ward must be reduced to zero before it is penetrated, and actual damage to Corbitt can be done. Corbitt never heals, and once his HP is reduced to zero, his body crumbles to dust. Alternatively, the investigators can try to use a gun and aim at the black gem around Corbitt's neck. On a critical success (impale), the gem is shattered and Corbitt immediately turns to dust. (The gem can no longer be retrieved as a reward.) Or investigators can also try to summon a Dimension Shambler. If bound successfully, it can be commanded to take Corbitt's body to another dimension. Corbitt is also able to move his body for five combat rounds, but this costs him 2 magic points, so he is reluctant to move at all unless threatened. When he does rise, all viewers lose 1/1D8 sanity points, he then moves and attacks. His eyes start to burn with a bright yellow glow.

Corbitt's Stats: Walter Corbitt, Immortal... so far, Undead Fiend STR 18 – DEX 07 – INT 16 – Idea 80 CON 22 – APP 01 – POW 18 – Luck 90 SIZ 11 – SAN 00 – EDU 16 – Know 80 Magic Points: 18 – Hit Points: 17 Damage Bonus: +1D4 Weapons:

•

- Floating Silver Dagger (% = Magic Points x5): damage 1D4+2 (no db) - Claws* (50%): damage 2D3 +db

* Being wounded by these talons risks serious disease. A day later, the victim becomes delirious and remains so for 30 – CON days, recovering at the end of that time with a D100 roll of Con x5 or less. Failing, he or she loses 1D3 CON, and continues in delirium for another 30 – CON days, and the procedure repeats until the investigator recovers or dies. CON lost this way does not regenerate.

Skills: Conceal 30%, Cthulhu Mythos 17%, Lie Motionless 72%, Listen 60%, Mislead 64%, Sneak 80%

Investigators victorious! If Corbitt is conquered and destroyed, each participating investigator gains 1D6 sanity points.

Mystical necklace Where Corbitt perished, nothing remains but a pile of dust. The black gem from his necklace can be fished out of the dust by an investigator, and then quickly dissolves in the investigator's hand. The investigator can feel a warm tingly sensation move up his arm towards his heart. When it reaches the heart, it sends out a peaceful warm aura through the investigator's body. Add 1 POW to the investigator's characteristic.

The Silver Dagger Corbitt's magical dagger can also be claimed, but the investigators will never be able to clean off the blood from it. They'd better come up with a good explanation, should they ever be caught with it in their possession.

Conclusion If the investigators have solved the mystery and overthrown Corbitt, they can return to Willard Brown and deliver the good news. Willard promptly pays them their fee and bonus, and thanks them for all their efforts in cleansing the house. If they did not defeat Corbitt, and report that nothing is wrong with the house, Willard breathes a sigh of relief and also pays up. He will later spend a night at the house to make sure, and is killed that night (possibly being stabbed to death by the silver dagger). The investigators are later rounded up by the police and questioned (for Willard wife assumes that they have something to do with Willard's death, and said so to the police.) Using the knowledge they gained from Corbitt's diaries, the investigators can also try to confront Councilman Ellsworth. Daniel has passed away some time ago, and his son Peter has since then taken his place. When the investigators arrive at Council Hall, they are just in time to see an unconscious Peter Ellsworth being carried out by people and put into a car. Bystanders talk about him having some sort of seizure, not an hour ago. (The time frame coincides with the destruction of Walter Corbitt, so adjust accordingly.)

Cliffhanger Ending On the way back home, one of the investigators meets a stranger. The investigator might be sitting in train, on his/her way back home. A man walks up to the investigator and sits down opposite of the investigator. He takes his hat off and puts it on his lap. The man has a somewhat pale complexion, contrasted by his black beard and hair. Gray streaks in his hair can be easily noticed. He's wearing a long gray coat and black leather gloves, or other conventional wear for time. He looks to be somewhere in his late 30s, early 40s. The man then speaks, showing a gentle smile while taking off his gloves: “I hope you don't mind me sitting here, it was the only available seat left.” When the investigator looks around, they notice that the man is lying, and that the rest of the train cart is, in fact, empty. The man then looks at the investigator with an intense look, his cheerful smile suddenly disappearing from his face. “My name is Michael Thomas.” At that moment, before the investigator can react, everything becomes covered in darkness as the train enters a tunnel... End scene.