"My opinion of the whole experience varies from time to time. In broad daylight, and at most seasons, I am apt to think the greater part of it a mere dream; but sometimes in the autumn, about two in the morning when winds and animals howl dismally, I cannot do other than shudder at the unwelcome reminiscences." Adapted from The Transition of Juan Romero by H. P. Lovecraft
A homebrew Cthulhu By Gaslight campaign(ette) by Chris Slee
The player characters are an odd bunch. Most know each other or at least have some connection through a medical (or para-medical/social services) background. They also have their own story which needs to unfold during the campaign. Notes specific to each character appear in the information for each character.
Three tragedies start the story: the death of a loved one, the loss of a life, and the loss of innocence. The Yorkshire Moors in winter are a bleak and isolated place.
We are introduced to the characters and their world. they discover there is a secret older than memory lurking somewhere on the moors and learn how the local inhabitant deal with this knowledge.
Move and counter-move: the people, the moors and even Fate itself seem to respond and react unfavourably to any attempt by the characters to understand the mystery. They are also hindered not least by their own personal demons.
Things begin to look as if the "bad guys" might win. Their plans surround the heroes of the story. Everywhere the heroes turn, they are blocked by the "bad guys". The audience is worried. Who will win?
The "good guys" go for it. Although they do not fully understand the machinations of their foe, they must act now or surrender to defeat. The act closes with everything prepared for the final victory, but just short of it.
Something unexpected happens, a twist which neither side could have anticipated. The victory of the side which wins the battle of wills on the desolate moors nevertheless follows a kind of "logic."
Whereas the prologue introduces the conflict, the participants and the landscape, the epilogue explores the consequences of the conflict and how each participant and the landscape is effected by the foregoing actions.
Character sheets, play aids and links to useful sites on the internet.