Does Love Forgive?

77 Pages·2020·21.838 MB·English

by  Lynne Hardy, Airis Kamińska, Anna Maria Mazur

2233117722
® ®
ONE-TO-ONE SCENARIOS FOR CALL OF CTHULHU
OONNEE--TTOO--OONNEE SSCCEENNAARRIIOOSS FFOORR CCAALLLL OOFF CCTTHHUULLHHUU
Does Love Forgive? is a collection of two scenarios for Call of Cthulhu for one Keeper and one player. Both adventures are
perfect for a fun evening of gaming for two people. Each scenario can be played over the course of one to two sessions, and
is suitable for Keepers of all experience levels.
Love You to Death
Chicago: February 15th, 1929. It’s a cold winter’s day when
the investigator’s good friend Hattie May appears in their
office at the detective agency. Her beloved pet dog, Highball,
What is Call of Cthulhu?
is scheduled to be euthanized later today and she needs the
investigator’s help getting him back from the Chicago Police
A tabletop roleplaying game of mystery and horror
Department. It doesn’t sound like too difficult a task, does it?
set within the world of the Cthulhu Mythos. Players
Mask of Desire take on the role of investigators of the strange,
arcane, and unknown: regular people taking a stand
New York: September, 1932. The investigator, together with
despite the cost to body and soul. Against weird
their two close friends Anna Konrad and Lucas Reston, has
cults, bizarre magic, and otherworldly monsters,
been invited to a party at wealthy—and notorious—socialite
only they can save humanity and the world from the
Madame de Tisson’s swanky apartment on the Upper West
terrors from beyond.
Side. Anna is somewhat distracted by her audition tomorrow
for a famous jazz orchestra. What is the link between the
audition and a mysterious parcel that arrives the next day?
And, why do so many people seem to be interested in the
contents of the parcel?
ThThiiss ssuupppplleemmeenntt iiss bbeesstt uusseedd wwiitthh tthhee CCaallll ooff CCtthhuullhhuu SSttaarrtteerr SSeett oorr tthhee CCaallll ooff CCtthhuullhhuu ((77tthh EEddiittiioonn)) rroolleeppllaayyiinngg ggaammee..
CCHHAA2233117722 $$1122..9999
FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aabboouutt CChhaaoossiiuumm aanndd CChhaaoossiiuumm ppuubblliiccaattiioonnss,, LLyynnnnee HHaarrddyy,, AAiirriiss KKaammiińńsskkaa,,
pplleeaassee sseeee oouurr wweebbssiittee aatt cchhaaoossiiuumm..ccoomm
AAnnnnaa MMaarriiaa MMaazzuurr,, aanndd FFrriieennddss
PPrriinntteedd iinn LLiitthhuuaanniiaa
<front cover>
<call of Cthulhu logo + trademark>
DOES LOVE FORGIVE?
THREE ONE-TO-ONE SCENARIOS FOR CALL OF CTHULHU
Lynne Hardy, Airis Kamińska, Anna Maria Mazur, Asia Wiewiórska, and Friends
TWO ONE-TO-ONE SCENARIOS FOR CALL OF CTHULHU
Lynne Hardy,
Airis Kamińska,
Anna Maria Mazur,
and Friends
CREDITS (ENGLISH EDITION) Call of Cthulhu Starter Set © 2018–2020 Chaosium Inc. All rights
Translation to English reserved. Call of Cthulhu © copyright 1981–2020 Chaosium Inc. All
Anna Maria Mazur rights reserved.
Authors
Lynne Hardy with Airis Kamińska, Anna Maria MCazur,R and AEsia DCIall Tof CSthulhu, Chaosium Inc., and the Chaosium dragon are
All rights reserved.
Wiewiórska registered trademarks of Chaosium Inc.
Development
Lynne Hardy, Mike Mason, and Matthew Sanderson This is a work of fiction. This book includes descriptions and portrayals
Editing of real places, real events, and real people; these may not be presented
Lynne Hardy and Mike Mason accurately and with conformity to the real-world nature of these
Proofreading places, people, and events, and are reinterpreted through the lens of the
SusanC OR’BErieDn ITS (ENGLISH EDITION) Cthulhu Mythos and thDe Ceadlil coaf tCiothnuslhu game in general. No offense
Cover and Interior Art Mtaon ayn thyoannkes ltiov ianllg m oyr Fdaecaedb,o ookr tfori etnhdes ifnohr akbeeiptainngt sm oef satnrayig ohft tohne vsaer ipoluasc es, is
@@@@@ Translation to English asipnetcetsn odfe Adm.erican slang and terminology during the preparation of the English
Layout versions of these scenarios. I’m very happy to have kept you all amused during
Anna Maria Mazur
@@@@@ loCckhdaoowsni—umL ynrenceo Hgnaridzye. s that credits and copyrights for the Cthulhu
Handouts Authors Mythos can be difficult to identify and that some elements of the Mythos
@@@@@ may be in the public doSmpaeinc.i Iafl y Thou haanvke scorrections or additions to any
Lynne Hardy, Airis Kamińska, and Anna Maria Mazur
Licensing credits given here, please contact us at [email protected].
Special thanks to Matt Sanderson for his insights, and to Michał Lisowski,
Michael O’Brien, James LowdDer,e avnedl oMpimke eMnatson Daria Pilarczyk, and Michael O’Brien for their help and assistance in guiding
Call of Cthulhu Creative Director This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States
Lynne Hardy, Mike Mason, and Matthew Sanderson this book to publication.
Mike Mason of America. Reproduction of this work by any means without written
CREDITS (POLISH EDITIOENd)iting permission of ChaosiumC Inlce.a, erx cCepret fdoirt the use of short excerpts for the
Authors purpose of reviews and the copying of character sheets and handouts for
Airis Kamińska, AnLnyan nMe aHriaar dMy aaznudr ,M anikde AMsaias oWn iewiórska Loinve- gtoa Dmeeat hu swea, si sw erixttperne asnsldy tprarnoshlaitbeidt etod .English by Anna Maria Mazur; the
Publisher English version, Love You to Death, was written by Anna Maria Mazur and Lynne
Proofreading
Hardy with Matthew Sanderson. The True Face was written by Airis Kamińska and
Michał Lisowski Find more Chaosium Inc. products at chaosium.com.
Susan O’Brien translated to English by Anna Maria Mazur; the English version, Mask of Desire,
Initiator
was written by Airis Kamińska and Lynne Hardy with Matthew Sanderson. The
Kuba Polkowski Chaosium Inc.
Cover and Interior Art handouts for the English edition were created by Marcin Bieliński
Project Coordinator 3450 Wooddale Court
Daria Pilarczyk Marcin Lesniak Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Historical images are public domain from Wikimedia Commons.
Editor-in-Chief
Layout
Adam Wieczorek Chaosium Publication @@@@@
This supplement is best used with the Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition) roleplaying
Assistant Editor Marcin Bieliński and Nicholas Nacario
game, with either the Call of Cthulhu Starter Set or the Call of Cthulhu: Keeper
Paweł Marszałek RIuSleBboNok:, b@ot@h @av@ail@able separately.
Handouts
Printed in Lithuania
DedicationMs arcin Bieliński and Monika Rajkowska-Fuczkiewicz Does Love Forgive? © 2020 Chaosium Inc. All rights reserved.
<<<</FRONT MATTER>>>>>>
Licensing
Many thanks to all my Facebook friends for keeping me straight Call of Cthulhu, Chaosium Inc., and the Chaosium dragon are registered
on various asMpeiccthsa eol fO A’Bmrieernic, aJnam selas nLgo wandde r, taenrmd iMnoilkoeg My adsuorning the trademarks of Chaosium Inc. All rights reserved.
preparation of the English versions of these scenarios. I’m very happy to
Call of Cthulhu Creative Director
have kept you all amused during lockdown—Lynne Hardy. Call of Cthulhu © 1981–2020 Chaosium Inc. All rights reserved.
Special Thanks Mike Mason
Chaosium Arcane Symbol (the Star Elder Sign) © 1983 Chaosium Inc. All
Special thanks to Matt Sanderson for his insights, and to Michał rights reserved.
CREDITS (POLISH EDITION)
Lisowski , Daria Pilarczyk, and Michael O’Brien for their help and
assistance in guiding this book to publication. Chaosium recognizes that credits and copyrights for the Cthulhu Mythos can
Clear Credit Authors be difficult to identify and that some elements of the Mythos may be in the
public domain. If you have corrections or additions to any credits given here,
Airis Kamińska, Anna Maria Mazur
please contact us at [email protected].
Love to Death was written and translated to English by Anna Maria
Mazur; the English version, LovPe uYboul itsoh Dereath, was written by Anna
This is a work of fiction. This book includes descriptions and portrayals of real
Maria Mazur and Lynne HarMdyi cwhaitłh L iMsoawttshkeiw Sanderson. The True
places, real events, and real people; these may not be presented accurately and
Face was written by Airis Kamińska and translated to English by Anna
with conformity to the real-world nature of these places, people, and events, and
Maria Mazur; the English versionI,n Mitaisakt oof rD esire, was written by Airis
are reinterpreted through the lens of the Cthulhu Mythos and the Call of Cthulhu
Kamińska and Lynne Hardy wKituhb aM Paotltkhoewws kSianderson. The Other One
game in general. No offense to anyone living or dead, or to the inhabitants of
was written by Asia Wiewiórska and translated to English by Anna
any of these places, is intended.
Maria Mazur; the EnglisPh rvoejresicotn ,C Doooubrlde iTnaaket,o wras written by Asia
Wiewiórska and Lynne Hardy wDiatrhi aM Pailtathrcezwy kSanderson. The handouts This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of
for the English edition were created by @@@@@. America. Reproduction of this work by any means without written permission
Editor-in-Chief
of Chaosium Inc., except for the use of short excerpts for the purpose of
Historical images are publicA ddoamm aWin iefcrzoomre kWikimedia Commons, reviews and the copying of character sheets and handouts for in-game use, is
except for the image of the snow-covered road (page @@) © Dilorf, expressly prohibited.
Pixabay, used with permissioAns, sainsdt athnet pEicdtuirteo orf a girl (page @@) ©
Jan Prokes, used with permissiPonaw. eł Marszałek Find more Chaosium Inc. products at chaosium.com.
This supplement is best used with the Call of Cthulhu (7th EditioCn)h aosium Inc.
roleplaying game, with either the Call of Cthulhu Starter Set or the3 4C50a lWl ooddale Court
of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook, both available separately. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Does Love Forgive? © copyright 2020 Chaosium Inc. All rightsC rehsaeorsviuemd. Publication 23171
ISBN: 978-1-56882-426-0
Printed in Lithuania
CONTENTS
<box>
CONTENTS
Key for Scenario Ratings
INTRODUCTION Difficulty Level
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
INTRODUCTION ������������������������������V��e�r�y� �e�a�s�y� ���, �E��a�s�y� ��� ��,� �M��e�d�i�u�m�� ��� �� ���, �H��a�r�d� �4
★★ ★★★★★
, Very hard
LOVE YOU TO DEATH ★★★★
Estimated number of game sessions:
KLeepOer VInfEorm YatOionU TO DEATH���������������������<��/�b�o�x�>�������������������������������������������7
What’s Really Going On?
DKrameeaptise rP eIrnsofnoaremation ...............................................................................................................7
Start: A Plea for Help
Dramatis Personae ...............................................................................................................11
The Police Station
HSatttaier’st :D Aisa pPpleeaara nfocer Help .........................................................................................................12
Dorothy’s Diner
The Police Station ................................................................................................................14
Meeting Lucille Moran
HThaet tLiea’sst DWiistcahpcpraefta rManeectein .g.......................................................................................................16
CDonoclruositohny’s Diner ...................................................................................................................17
Characters and Monsters
Meeting Lucille Moran .......................................................................................................17
The Last Witchcraft Meeting ..............................................................................................19
MASK OF DESIRE
Conclusion ..........................................................................................................................22
Keeper Information
Characters and Monsters .....................................................................................................22
Dramatis Personae
Start: The Party
An Unexpected Package
MASK OF DESIRE ����������������������������������������������������������������������������25
Talking to Prof. Nienart
TaKlkeinegp teor d Ien Tfiossromn ation .............................................................................................................25
The Murder
Dramatis Personae ...............................................................................................................28
Conclusion: The Audition
CShatraarctte: rThs aned PMaorntsyte .r.s..................................................................................................................30
An Unexpected Package ......................................................................................................33
DTOaUlkBiLnEg TtAo KPErof. Nienart ......................................................................................................36
Keeper Information
Talking to de Tisson ............................................................................................................36
Dramatis Personae
StThart:e Th Me Duirsdcoevre r.y........................................................................................................................38
ThCe oInnvcesltuigsaitoionn: The Audition ...................................................................................................40
The Zombie Drink Machine
CConhclaursiaocnters and Monsters .....................................................................................................42
Characters and Monsters
COLLECTED HANDOUTS �������������������������������������������������������������44
COLLECTED HANDOUTS
TIHNE DAUETHXO �R��S���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������54
INDEX
THE AUTHORS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������56
KEY FOR SCENARIO RATINGS
Difficulty Level
    
Very easy , Easy , Medium , Hard , Very hard
➊➋➌➍
Estimated number of game sessions:
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCDepeTndingI onO the naNture of their out-of-character re-
lationship, the player may feel uncomfortable roleplaying
romantic or highly emotionally-charged scenes with their
Welcome to Does Love Forgive? This is a collection of one-
Keeper, and vice versa. The Keeper should discuss any
to-one scenarios for the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game.
potentially problematical plot elements with their player
Usually, Call of Cthulhu is played with one Keeper and
as, depending on their own or their player’s personal past
between two to six investigators. Sometimes, though, it can
experiences, one or other of them may not be comfort-
be hard to get a group of players together, so the scenarios
able with the nature of some of the non-player charac-
in this collection have been specifically designed for just two
ters’ (NPCs’) behavior toward the investigator, or certain
people: one Keeper and one player-investigator.
elements of the plot in general. Regardless of the reason,
Each of the scenarios can be played over the course of
the Keeper and player should discuss any concerns they
one session, although the Keeper may wish to expand the
have before the game session begins in earnest to estab-
adventures (based on the investigator’s actions), or cre-
lish boundaries and consent for each scenario. Even if the
ate their own follow on adventures. While the first sce-
player doesn’t raise any concerns, it is the Keeper’s duty of
nario, Love You to Death, is tied to a historical Valentine’s
care throughout each game to make sure that the player
Day event in Chicago, the other two scenarios—Mask of
still agrees with the way the story is progressing.
Desire and Double Take—can be moved to different loca-
If the player is not comfortable with any aspect of their
tions and, potentially, different time periods other than
investigator’s relationships with the various NPCs, or how
the ones specified, and advice is provided in both for how
those relationships are used in the plot, the Keeper should
to handle such moves.
work with them until they are. If the player is uncom-
The scenarios are one-shot standalones and not de-
fortable with any plot element, for whatever reason, ei-
signed to be linked together in a mini-campaign or to
ther before or during the game, the Keeper must respect
be used as siedlceotmraec ktos Dino eas nL oovne gFooringigv ec?a Thmpisa iisg an c. oAlle cdteiotenr - LthOeirV wEish eSs TandO, aRs nYec?essary, change or draw a veil over
mined Keeper could do so if they wished, although this
a particular scene. It works the other way, too—the player
wWould requiroef ao nloe-tt om-oonree wscoernka roions tfhore itrh ep aCrat llt oof mCtahkuel htuh e Originally, these scenarios were released in Poland by Black
should not insist on focusing on elements that are uncom-
scenarios fit rtoolgepetlahyeirn.g game. Usually, Call of Cthulhu is Monk Games for February 14th, 2020. Unsurprisingly, the
fortable or distressing for their Keeper. The idea of the
plaIyne dt ewrimths oonfe rKueleesp,e trh aen dC baellt wofe eCnt htwuloh tuo S stixa ritnevre Ssteitg aotro rtsh. e logoasem ceo insn teoc thinagve m fuotni fa ins dlo rvees,p ienc otinneg f eoarmch oort haneor’tsh weri.s Bheys is
Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook can be used to run these
Sometimes, though, it can be hard to get a group of players thkeeiry vteor yt hnaatt uerxep, eornieen-tcoe-.one scenarios tend to be a more
adventures. All are suitable for Keepers and players of any
together, so the scenarios in this collection have been intense experience than games involving larger groups, so
level of experience, and guidance is provided throughout to
hspeelpci filecsasl leyx pdeesriigennecded f oKre jeupste rtsw sou pppeooprtle t:h oenire pKlaeyeepre rd uanridn g there are some extra considerations to take into account
eoanceh p glaaymere-.i nTvheest isgcaetnoar.r ios build in complexity, as indicat- when running and playing them, especially with that
ed Ebayc hth oef ntuhme sbceern oarfi ostsa cras ne abceh p olanyee dh aosv ebre tehne acsosuigrnsee do:f 1 underlying theme.
star (Love You to Death) means that it’s a straightforward
one session, although the Keeper may wish to expand the Depending on the nature of their out-of-character
scenario, while three stars (Double Take) means it’s a bit
adventures (based on the investigator’s actions), or create relationship, the player may feel uncomfortable roleplaying
more complex and the Keeper will need to improvise more
athroeiur nodw nt hfoel lboaws iocn paldovte.n Atudrevsi.c We ahnilde tghue ifidrasnt cscee nisa rgioiv, Lenov oe n romantic or highly emotionally-charged scenes with their
cYroeua ttoi nDge ainthv, eisst tiigeadt otors a fhoirs teoariccha l sVcaelneanrtiion,e ’as sD waye lel vaesn th ionw Keeper, and vice versa. The Keeper should discuss any
eCxhisictainggo, itnhvee ostthigear tsocresn amriiog, hMt absek oafd Dapestierde, ctoan f ibte. moved to potentially problematical plot elements with their player
a different location and, potentially, a different time period as, depending on their own or their player’s personal past
other than the one specified, and advice is provided for how experiences, one or other of them may not be comfortable
tLoO hVanEd lSe TsuOchR mY?oves. with the nature of some of the non-player characters’ (NPCs’)
The scenarios are one-shot standalones and not designed behavior toward the investigator, or certain elements of the
Originally, these scenarios were released in Poland by Black
to be linked together in a mini-campaign or to be used as plot in general. Regardless of the reason, the Keeper and player
Monk Games for February 14th, 2020. Unsurprisingly, the
sidetracks in an ongoing campaign. A determined Keeper should discuss any concerns they have before the game session
loose connecting motif of all three scenarios is love, in one
fcoorumld odro asnoo itf hthere. yB wyi sthheedir, avletrhyo ungahtu trhei,s o wnoeu-tldo -roenque irsec esnoamrieo s begins in earnest to establish boundaries and consent for each
tweonrdk toon b teh eai rm poarret tion tmenaskee etxhpee srcieenncaer itohs afint gtoagmeeths einr.volving scenario. Even if the player doesn’t raise any concerns, it is the
larIgner t egrrmousp os,f srou ltehse, rteh aer eC saollm oef Cextthrual hcoun Sstiadretreart iSoent so tro t htaek e Keeper’s duty of care throughout each game to make sure that
into account when running and playing them, especially
Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook can be used to run these the player still agrees with the way the story is progressing.
with that underlying theme.
adventures. Both are suitable for Keepers and players of any If the player is not comfortable with any aspect of their
level of experience, and guidance is provided throughout to investigator’s relationships with the various NPCs, or how
help less experienced Keepers support their player during those relationships are used in the plot, the Keeper should
each game. The scenarios build in complexity, as indicated by work with them until they are. If the player is uncomfortable
the number of stars each one has been assigned: 1 star (Love with any plot element, for whatever reason, either before or
You to Death) means that it’s a straightforward scenario, while during the game, the Keeper must respect their wishes and,
two stars (Mask of Desire) means it’s a bit more complex and as necessary, change or draw a veil over a particular scene.
the Keeper will need to improvise more around the basic It works the other way, too—the player should not insist on
plot. Advice and guidance is given on creating investigators focusing on elements that are uncomfortable or distressing
for each scenario, as well as how existing investigators might for their Keeper. The idea of the game is to have fun and
be adapted to fit. respecting each other’s wishes is key to that experience.
4
INTRODUCTION
SUSUPPPPOORTR NTE TNWEOTRKWORK So, besides the Keeper calling for a Luck roll to de-
success). To adjust a skill roll (but not a Sanity roll or Luck
termine if the investigator is affected by the fickle hand
OOnnee ooff tthhee mmaaiinn ddiiffffeerreenncceess iinn oonnee--ttoo--oonnee ppllaayy iiss tthhaatt tthhee roofl lf)a, tteh, ew phlaeyne ru “sbinugrn tsh” eL Lucukc kp osipnetns,d sipnegn druinlegs ,t hthe ea mploauynert
iinnvveessttiiggaattoorr hhaass aa rreellaattiivveellyy lliimmiitteedd rraannggee ooff sskkiillllss aatt tthheeiirr ncaence asslsaory c taos htu irnn tthheaitr u Lnfuocrkt upnoaitnet fsa itlou raed ijnutsot ac esrutcaciens sd (icoer
ddiissppoossaall ffoorr iinnvveessttiiggaattiinngg tthhee mmyysstteerryy aatt tthhee hheeaarrtt ooff eeaacchh aronl lisn.c Mreaossetd c loevmeml oof nsluyc, cLesusc).k F poor ienxtasm aprele ,u isfe adn tion vcehsatinggaeto ar
scenario. In games with multiple players, an investigator failure into a success, but they can also be spent to alter
scenario. In games with multiple players, an investigator has Spot Hidden 45% but rolls 49 (a failure), their player
without a particular skill isn’t necessarily a problem, as the degree of success as well (from a Regular to a Hard
without a particular skill isn’t necessarily a problem, as could spend 4 Luck points to adjust the roll to 45 (making
someone else in the group will (most likely) be able to cover success, or from a Hard to an Extreme success). To adjust
tshomat esohnoer teflaslel. iCn otmheb garto ius pa lwsoi lml (omreo sftr aliukgehlyt) w biet ha bdlaen tgoe cr oinve ar iat sak siullc creoslsl) .( bWuth antoetv ear Sita wnaitsy, breo iltl ao rc rLucuicakl crloulel )o, rt shoem peloany-e
othnaet- tsoh-oorntfea lgl.a Cmoem, absa tth ies ainlsvoe smtiograet ofrr aius gthhte wsoitlhe dfoacnugse ro fi na na terry i“nbgu rtno ss”n Leaukc ku pp oonin tths,e msp, etnhdeyin’vge tnhoew a smpootutendt int eacnedss caarny
aognger-etsos-oorn’se a gttaemntei,o ans atnhde cinavne estaisgilayt obre ios uthtneu smolbee froedcu isf othf earne atoct taucrcno rtdhiantg luyn.fortunate failure into a success (or an in-
is more than one assailant involved. creased level of success). For example, if an investigator
aggressor’s attention and can easily be outnumbered if there The only limit on Luck spending is the amount of current
Even though these are all one-to-one scenarios, it’s has Spot Hidden 45% but rolls 49 (a failure), their player
is more than one assailant involved. Luck held by the investigator—a player should always be
important to remember that the investigator is not alone. could spend 4 Luck points to adjust the roll to 45 (mak-
EaEchv esnc etnhaoruiog hh aths eNseP aCrse tbhoet hin ovneset-itgoa-toonr ec asnce cnaalrl ioosn, fito’sr ainwga riet tah saut cicf etshse)y. ’Wre hasakteedve tro i tm wakaes, ab Le uitc ka rcorlul cliaatle rc liune t hoer
ismupppoorrtat nats ttoh ere smtoermy bperro tghraets stehse, binev tehstaitg ainto tre irsm nso to fa lsopnee-. gsoammee,o tnhee yt’rlyl ibneg r otoll insnge aagka iunpst otnh atth neemw, ltohweeyr’ vvea lnuoe,w n ostp otht-e
Eciaaclihst secxepnearrtiios eh—ass uNcPhC ass Dthre. Niniveelssteing ainto Dr coaunbl ec aTlal koen— foorr oterdig iint aaln odn ec!a Dn eapcet nadcicnogr doinn gthlye. circumstances, a player may
just in terms of muscle power—such as Officer Cicharski The only limit on Luck spending is the amount of cur-
support as the story progresses, be that in terms of specialist decide to take the bad roll and save their Luck for a later,
in Love You to Death. How helpful each NPC may be de- rent Luck held by the investigator—a player should always
expertise—such as Prof. Nienart in Mask of Desire—or just potentially more crucial, encounter. The Keeper should also
pends on the investigator’s relationship with them. Hints be aware that if they’re asked to make a Luck roll later in
ainn dte ramdvs iocfe marues cplero pvoiwdeedr— ins utchhe arso Oleffiplcaeyri nCgi chhoaorskksi sinec Ltioovne bthee k ginadm aen, tdh aedyv’lils eb eth reo lplilnayge ar gwahinestth ethr aitt’ sn wewor ltohw sepre nvadliuneg,
oYof ue taoc Dh ecahtha.r aHctoewr ’sh eDlprfauml eaatcish PNePrsCo nmaea ye bnet rdye. pends on the Lnoutc kth oer onroigt itnoa ilm opnreo!v De ae ppeanrtdiicnugla or nro tlhl’se dceigrcrueem osft asnucceces,s sa.
invTeshteigrea toshr’so ureldla taiolwnsahyisp bwei tsho tmheeomn. eH winhtos acnadn ahdevlipce tahree Aplsa ytheer sme aarye doencei-doeff t soc etankaeri oths,e t hbea dru rloesl lf aonr dre sgaevnee rtahteinirg LLuucckk
investigator, though, as it’s no fun for either the player for a later, potentially more crucial, encounter. The Keep-
provided in the roleplaying hooks section of each character’s don’t apply as each new investigator starts afresh with their
or the Keeper to have the story flounder for want of the er should also be kind and advise the player whether it’s
Dramatis Personae entry. own independent Luck score.
right skill or some much needed back up. Of course, there worth spending Luck or not to improve a particular roll’s
miTghhte rbee sah opurilcde aflowr aayssk ibneg sfoomr etohnate awsshisot acnacne ,h oenlpe tthhee degFrienea lolyf, sLuucccke sps.o Ainst st hcaensen oart eb oe nues-eodf ft os caednjuasrti oas ,p tuhseh erud loesr
iinnvveessttiiggaattoor,r tmhoauyg ohr, ams aity’ sn noot feunnd fuopr erietghreert tthineg p ilany tehr eo re nthde. ffuomr rbelgede nroerlla, tai nwge aLpuocnk m daolfnu’tn catpiopnly, daasm eaagceh r nolelws, Sinanvietsyt irgoall-s
Keeper to have the story flounder for want of the right skill (toorr rsotlalrst tso a dfreetesrhm winiteh h tohwe imr uocwhn S iannditeyp iesn ldoestn)t, oLr,u ocbkv isocuosrley.,
or some much needed back up. Of course, there might be a Luck rolls! Spending Luck to adjust rolls is a double-edged
pUrSicIeN foGr aLsUkiCngK for that assistance, one the investigator may sword and it is quite possible to literally run out of
or may not end up regretting in the end. Luck. A player’s pacing of their use of Luck
Advice is given in the Creating the Investigator sections of
points could make all the difference between
each scenario about how to build or adapt an investigator so
their investigator surviving an
tUheSy “IfiNt” tGhe stLorUy bCeinKg played. One of the last things the Finally, Luck points cannot be used to adjust a pushed
player will need to do before a scenario begins is to determine eonr cfouumnbtleerd o rro sllu, cac wumeabpionng mtoa lfunction, damage rolls, San-
tAhdeviri cien vise sgtiivgeanto irn’s tLhue cCk rveaaltuien. gT toh deo I nsov,e hstaivgea tthoer mse crotilol n3sD o6f tithye rMolylst h(oosr arnodll sit st osc dheetmerinmgi,n e how much Sanity is lost),
aeancdh m scuelntiaprliyo tahbeo ruets uhlotw b yt o5 ,b aunildd tohre and caiprtc laen t hinev aepstpigroaptorria stoe nore,f aorbiovuiosu asgley,n Ltsu.ck rolls! Spending Luck to adjust rolls is
nthuemy b“efirt ”i nt hthe es tLouryc kb ebionxg o pnl atyheedir. Oinvnees toifg atthoer lsahset etth.ings the a double-edged sword and it is quite possible to literally
We recommend using the optional Spending Luck rules run out of Luck. A player’s pacing of their use of Luck
player will need to do before a scenario begins is to determine
(Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook, page 99) when running points could make all the difference between their in-
tthheei rt hinrevee sstcigenataorri’os sL iunc Dk oveasl uLeo. vTeo F doorg siov, eh?a Nveo tth oenmly r dolol t3hDe6y vestigator surviving an encounter or succumbing to the
hanedlp m tou lotivpelryc othmee r epsouoltr bdyic 5e, raonldls tbhuetn t hcierycl ael sthoe h aeplpp rtoop krieaetpe Mythos and its scheming, nefarious agents.
unpum thbee rs tino rtyh’se fLourcwka brdo xm oonm theenitru imnv—esteisgpaetocira slhlye eimt.portant
if you have only a single investigator and plan on playing
We recommend using the optional Spending Luck rules
each scenario through in a single session. We’ve brief-
(Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook, page 99) when running the
ly outlined these rules below for those using the Call of
Ctwthou slcheun aSrtiaorst eirn SDeto,e isf L yoovue’ dF olirkgeiv teo? gNivoet othnelym d ao ttrhye.y help
to overcome poor dice rolls but they also help to keep up the
story’s forward momentum—especially important if you have
only a single investigator and plan on playing each scenario
through in a single session. We’ve briefly outlined these rules
below for those using the Call of Cthulhu Starter Set, if you’d
like to give them a try.
So, besides the Keeper calling for a Luck roll to determine
if the investigator is affected by the fickle hand of fate, when
using the Luck spending rules, the player can also cash in their
Luck points to adjust certain dice rolls. Most commonly, Luck
points are used to change a failure into a success, but they
can also be spent to alter the degree of success as well (from
a Regular to a Hard success, or from a Hard to an Extreme
5


➊
LOVE YOU TO DEATH LOVE YOU
In which the investigator must deal with a difficult relationship from their past
★★

TO DEATH
Designed for a Keeper and a single player. Set in Chicago on February 15th, 1929—one day after the Saint Valentine’s Day
Massacre—this is a story about true friendship, unrequited love, and gangsters, where not everything is what it seems. The
investigator is a private detective who has connections with both the police and the local underworld. Unlike the other two
scenarios in this book, this one would be difficult to move to another time or place, so we suggest leaving it where it is.
In which the investigator must deal with a difficult relationship from their past
KEEPER INFORMATION
The following sections provide some guidance on helping the player create their investigator for this scenario, as well as full
background details on the nefarious plot their childhood friend, Hattie May, is about to become the victim of.
CREATING THE INVESTIGATOR
The investeisgiagtnoerd s hfooru lad K beee ap eprr iavnadte a i nsivnegstlieg patloayr ebra. sSeedt iinn ChicagTho, ean Idn bveetwsteiegna 2t3o ra’nsd C 26h iyledahrso oof dage. If using the Call
of Cthulhu Starter Set, the Private Investigator occupation template can be found on page 9 of Book Two. If using the
DCall of CtChuhlhicua: gKoe oepne rF Reburluebaoroyk 1, 5ththe , o1c9c2u9p—atioonne tdemayp alaftteer is on pTaghee 4 d1e. tThaiels inovf etshtieg aitnovre csatnig baeto arn’sy cgheinlddehro oofd t haen dp lathyeeri’sr
choosing. tThher Seea iknet yV sakleilnlsti fnoer’s t Dhea yp lMayaesrs taocr ien—vetshti sp oisi na tsst oinry f or thisr secleantiaornios haripe aw siothci aHl saktitlile ( pMaratyic ualnadrl yE Cllehnar Om,’ SPuelrlsiuvaadne ,a orer
Ianbtoiumt itdrautee )fr, iPesnydcshhoiplo, guyn, raenqdu iStepdo lto Hvei,d adnedn g. Oantghseter rus,s ewfhule rsek ills incdluedsce rLibisetde nin a nHd aSntdeaoltuht.: Love 1, which should be given
noYt eovue rcyotuhlidn ga liss ow uhsaet iat spereem-esx. Thistien ign viensvteigsatitgoar tios ra, pasri vloanteg as thteoir tbhaec pklgaryoeur nads shoaosnn’ ta sb etheney t oreoa crihg itdhley bdaecfkinsteodr—y poatrhte or-f
wise it might be difficult to link them to Hattie May (née James) and give them a reason to become involved in the
detective who has connections with both the police and the character creation. They should also be given Handout:
events that are to follow.
local underworld. Unlike the other scenario in this book, this Love 2 once they’ve had the opportunity to read over the
one would be difficult to move to another time or place, so first handout and made any notes they want to on their
Thwe es uIgngveesstt ilegaavtionrg’s iCt whhiledrheo iot dis. investigator sheet. Later in the investigation, this second
handout provides a clue to where the ritual is taking
The details of the investigator’s childhood and their relationship with Hattie May and Ellen O’Sullivan are described in
place, as well as what that ritual might be (see The Last
HKanEdEoutP: LEovRe 1 , wIhNichF shOoulRd bMe giAvenT toI tOhe pNlayer as soon as they reach the backstory part of character creation. They
Witchcraft Meeting, page 19).
should also be given Handout: Love 2 once they’ve had the opportunity to read over the first handout and made any notes
they want to on their investigator sheet. Later in the investigation, this second letter provides a clue to where the ritual is
tThakein fgo lplolawcien, ga ss ewcetlilo anss wphroavt itdhea st ormituea gl umidigahntc eb eo n(s ehee lThpineg L ast WKitecehpcrearf nt Motee:e ttihneg ,n paatguer e@ o@f )E.llen O’Sullivan’s behavior
the player create their investigator for this scenario, as well as toward the investigator may be uncomfortable for either
Keeper note: the nature of Ellen O’Sullivan’s behavior toward the investigator may be uncomfortable for either the Keeper
full background details on the nefarious plot their childhood the Keeper or the player (or both) to deal with and should
or the player (or both) to deal with and should be discussed before play begins as described in the Love Story? section on
friend, Hattie May, is about to become the victim of. be discussed before play begins as described in the Love
page @@. Only when both sides are happy with the way this relationship will be handled should play proceed any further.
Story? section on page 4. Only when both sides are happy
Keeper note: Ellen is convinced that the investigator’s relationshwipi twhi tthh eH waatyti et hwisa sr etlhaeti orenasshoinp twhiel li nbev ehstaingdatleodr rsehjoecutledd p hlaeyr
aCll tRhoEse AyeaTrs IagNo. ThGi s TmaHy, inEde ed, be the case, depending on thper polcaeyeedr ’sa nwyi sfhuertsh. Pere.rhaps the investigator was in love with
HINattiVe aEt tSheT timIGe, aAndT peOrhaRps the pair did have a romantic relationship after Ellen left that subsequently faded prior to
Hattie’s marriage to John May. Or, were the investigator’s feeling for Hattie also unrequited? Did Hattie even know about the
The investigator should be a private investigator based in Keeper note: Ellen is convinced that the investigator’s
investigator’s love for her, or was it something they kept secret, fearing they would be rejected the same way they’d rejected
EClhleicna?g Tho, eann da gbaeitnw, peeenrh 2a3p sa tnhde 2p6a iyre’sa frrsi eonfd asghei.p I hf auss ianlwg atyhse been purerlealtyi opnlasthoinpi cw, witihth H thaett diee ewpa bs otnhde breeatwsoenen t hthee imnv mesotirge altikoer
tChael lo onf eC othfutelhnu s Shtaarretedr bSyet s, itbhlei nPgrsiv. ate Investigator occupation rejected her all those years ago. This may, indeed, be the case,
<tebmoxp>late can be found on page 9 of Book Two. If using the depending on the player’s wishes. Perhaps the investigator
Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook, the occupation template is was in love with Hattie at the time, and perhaps the pair
on page 41. The investigator can be any gender of the player’s did have a romantic relationship after Ellen left that
choosing. Three key skills for the player to invest points in for subsequently faded prior to Hattie’s marriage to John May.
this scenario are a social skill (particularly Charm, Persuade, Or, were the investigator’s feeling for Hattie also unrequited?
or Intimidate), Psychology, and Spot Hidden. Other useful Did Hattie even know about the investigator’s love for her,
skills include Listen and Stealth. or was it something they kept secret, fearing they would be
You could also use a pre-existing investigator, as long as rejected the same way they’d rejected Ellen? Then again,
their background hasn’t been too rigidly defined—otherwise perhaps the pair’s friendship has always been purely platonic,
it might be difficult to link them to Hattie May (née James) with the deep bond between them more like the one often
and give them a reason to become involved in the events shared by siblings.
that are to follow.
7
CHAPTER 1
L
Handout: Love 1
Ha<n<<dLouayto: uLto: vliek e1 a 1920s typewritten document. New
o
handout>>>
v
You grew up in an orphanage. It was a tough life but one
you managed to survive, in large part due to your friendship
e with another of the orphans: a young girl called Hattie
James. Whenever you got yourself into a scrape, Hattie was
always there to stand up for you, be it against the staff or

your fellow orphans—as she is older than you, she had more
respect among the other children than you did. In your eyes,
Y Hattie was always brave and self-confident, and you looked
up to her.
o One of your favorite games when you were younger was
playing “riddles,” word games that you used to write down
and hide behind a loose tile near the bathtub. Hattie was
u
always better at this game than you, and always used to
tease you about it. In a kind-hearted way, of course—Hat-
tie was never mean to you.
You remember the day Hattie shared her big secret
with you—she’d found a litter of puppies in an abandoned
t
building near the orphanage and was taking care of them.
This shared confidence brought you even closer togeth-
o er, and you would sneak off to see the puppies whenever
you got the chance. One day, however, you weren’t careful
enough, and without you realizing, one of the orphanage’s
staff members noticed you going out and followed you.
Luckily, another orphan, Ellen O’Sullivan, got ahead of
D
you and warned you of the danger. Ellen was an Irish girl,
younger than both of you, who always stuck close to you
e and Hattie, but up until then had always been too shy to
make friends with you both. Thanks to her intervention,
the staff member didn’t learn about the puppies and you
a
avoided any consequences for your illicit trips. From that
moment, the three of you became practically inseparable.
t However, all good things must come to an end, and as
you grew older, Ellen fell in love with you, but you could
h not reciprocate that love. Heartbroken by your rejection,
she told you that she never wanted to see you or Hattie
(who she seemed to blame, too, for some reason) ever again.
Soon Ellen was adopted, which made the situation less
awkward for you and Hattie, as Ellen had refused all at-
tempts to repair your broken friendship. Not long after her
adoption, Ellen started writing letters to you, but did not
give a return address. In fact, she still writes to you every
now and again, with the latest letter arriving a couple of
weeks ago. You’re not sure how she knows where you live,
but presumably she looked you up in the city’s directory.
You still have a faded photograph of the three of you,
taken when you were around 12 or 13 years old, in pride
of place in your office. Although you haven’t seen or spo-
ken to Ellen since she left the orphanage, your friendship
with Hattie stood the test of time, even after she married
her sweetheart, John May. You see her as often as you can,
work permitting.
</box>
<box>
HANDOUT: LOVE 2
<<Layout: to look like a handwritten letter, medium
quality paper. Previously Handout #1>>
8
LOVE YOU TO DEATH
Handout: Love 2
January 12th, 1929
My Love!
This time I’m writing to you from Chicago. I know you still
live here and I hope we will be able to meet one day. I can
see that famous old water tower from the windows of my
apartment and I admire how it’s lit up by the setting sun.
Today was a cloudless and beautiful day, so I could even
spot part of the shore from my special high perch up on
the roof. No one (but you) knows I come up here. The
janitor wouldn’t be pleased if he did, he’s such a fussbud-
get—just like our old Director at the orphanage! Do you
remember him?
Someday, I would like to share every sunrise and sun-
set with you. Our lives would then be filled with all the
splendid colors of the sky and our love would become
everlasting.
Be sure I think about you every day, and know that I
plan our next meeting every chance I get. I think I’ll be
able to make our paths not only cross very soon but also
lead in the same direction! You may no longer recognize
me as the woman I was, but deep down, it will still be me.
Look forward to more news from me, my Darling.
Forever yours,
Ellen
</box>
9