HP Lovecraft's American War of Independence

This is an idea I have kicked around for about 2 years now. I never mentioned it because I had heard some grumbling about horror related stuff from the group previously, yet Saturday when Ben, Dieter and I were chatting in the wee small hours it seemed like there might be some interest. Even if I never actually do this with the group, Ill probably write the scenario just because it interests me.

What is it?

This is not a campaign, or at least its not planned as one. Who knows what may happen, especially in a horror themed game. Generally in Cthulhu games there are a couple of sessions of investigation, then a moment of decision where the players either jump headlong into the meat grinder, with about half of them mentally or physically ravaged permanently, or a group choice to ignore what they have discovered. After that, the game can continue or disband. Projection to moment of decision: 1-5 sessions.

Where would it take place?

Given the nature of the pre-USA colonies, a setting in New England would be very different from a mid or southern colonies game, yet any could be quite interesting. New York or Massachusetts would probably be the most Lovecraftian of any setting, but this is not necessary to the mood.

How about when?

I think the best time would be when the war outlook is most bleak, sometime before the battle of Saratoga (9-10 1777).

And the protagonists?

If done well, having conflicting political beliefs between the characters might be extremely interesting. Of course, this would necessitate excellent GMing, quite possibly more than I can provide. An easier solution is a small group of patriots or Tories, united in ideology and geography, but still quite independent of each other. This could allow a great diversity of archetypes and professions.

A link to call their own

I think the best way to link the players, which works just as well with Tories and revolutionaries, is if all of them have seen something no one else believes, except the other players. Every player has witnessed the supernatural, and no one believes them. Its such a stigma that they tell no one, for fear of being ostracised. Somehow, the players become aware that others have borne witness, which can link them at least in this endeavor.

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Never read HP Lovecraft?

here is an excerpt from The Rats in the Walls