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Post by Squashua on Mar 18, 2009 16:53:57 GMT -5
NOTE: This OP will be constantly updated. Check back frequently.This is the thread in which we will create our characters. Since this is a new game to quite a few of you, and for some of you, your first role-playing experience, we're going to have OPEN Character Creation. What this means is that the entire process will be public to all players, with the exception of character secrets, in the event that you want any. When choosing/filling out the below, keep in mind the setting and available resources. We are playing in USA in 1925. - - - - - STEP ONE: Choose a ProfessionThis is your day-to-day job, what your character does to make money. Try to think of this person as a classic horror literature protagonist. At best, if you've read them, think on the stories of H.P. Lovecraft and the characters he uses. A profession that evokes curiosity, who is prone to investigation scenarios, plays well with others, and can afford to spend free time is going to be a lot easier to play than a busy profession that might cause a character to have his availability constrained. No profession is restricted, but it's recommended to take one that will mesh well with the other selected professions. If you'd like to take a "cover" profession (for someone who might be working undercover), state your cover profession here and PM me your actual profession. STEP TWO: Name your CharacterName after choosing a profession. Helps with titles, such as Lord, Dr., Mrs., and Attorney at Law. STEP THREE: Define Your HistoryQuote and fill-out the template provided in the next post. STEP FOUR: Interact with the other PlayersTry to see if you can get some characters dependent on each other (relatives?) prior to the game beginning. STEP FIVE: Cool Equipment!It's the mid-1920's, and while you're not exactly jumping onto an expedition off the bat, it's possible some of these more experienced chaps have some good ideas about what to bring along. Anything out of the ordinary or irrational, clear it with me first, otherwise pretty much anything is game. I had one player whose doctor character always carried a sword-cane. The same player wanted to have a pilot character with his own cargo plane at his beck-and-call. I considered saying no, but a second player chimed in to be his comrade-in-arms / co-pilot / mercenary pal, so we established them as sometimes-smugglers, sometimes-legit characters managing a small Air America-style deal. It certainly helped with their trip to South America, the first two parts of which are detailed here and here. and it was established
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Post by Squashua on Mar 18, 2009 16:54:05 GMT -5
CALL OF CTHULHU CHARACTER BACKGROUND SHEETComments in italics. Any knowledge you supply for your character allows for in-game hooks to bring him into scenarios.Player Name: BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION"NONE" is a valid answer.First Name: Middle Name: Last Name: Maiden Name: Gender: Age: Day of Birth: Month of Birth: Place of Birth: Nationality / Country of Origin: Ethnicity: Marital Status (Single | Married | Divorced | Widowed ): BACKGROUND / HISTORY- Write at least 1 sentence under each category.
- "NONE." is a valid sentence. Do not abuse it.
- Preferably no prior experience with the Cthulhu Mythos without prior game master approval.
Educational:Include degrees.Military:Include highest rank reached.Professional / Workforce:Include current occupation.Criminal:Include current criminal status.Religious:Include Religion and beliefs.Personal / General:Anything notable not included above.Wealth / Income:List a monetary status or state a specific dollar amount. Rationalize class/amount listed if abnormal to occupation.Resources / Equipment:List any special equipment to help define /distinguish this character.Interests / Clubs:List any societies is / was a member of. List any notable hobbies.PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONDescribe appearance to others in at least one sentence. State physical statistics ( Height | Weight | Eye / Hair / Skin Color ). PERSONALITY / ATTITUDEDescribe in at least one sentence. State any known idiosyncrasies, pet peeves, fears, beliefs.ANCESTRAL RELATIVESList basic information regarding the definite six ancestors below. Information should at least include health status (living | deceased), and optionally full name and age, current location, current attitude towards/from this character, occupation, wealth status, and country of origin. "Unknown." is a valid answer but should not be abused.1) Father 2) Paternal Grandfather 3) Paternal Grandmother 4) Mother 5) Maternal Grandfather 6) Maternal Grandmother ADDITIONAL RELATIVESList any additional relatives here along with basic information. This includes, but is not limited to, spouse (current and/or former), children, siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles, nephews/nieces, in-laws, etc.CONTACTS- You must define at least 1 - 3 contacts.
- A contact is someone who your character encounters semi-frequently, may be asked upon for favor, and who may have a vested interest in your character.
- Define a contact by listing a name, gender and profession. Note the general skill set, relation to the player's character, and any additional info.
- A contact should not be another player's character, but may be written as though he could replace your character in the event of his untimely demise.
- A contact should compliment your character's skill set; have abilities / access / resources your character does not.
- A relative or love interest may be detailed into a contact.
- A contact may be eccentric, but should preferably have no Cthulhu Mythos experience without prior game master approval.
ACQUAINTANCES- You must define at least 2 - 4 acquaintances.
- An acquaintance is a minor contact, a generally recurring background character.
- Define an acquaintance by listing a name, gender, profession, and basic relation to character.
- An acquaintance may not be called upon for favors without potential consequence.
- An acquaintance can not be another player's character.
- Suggested acquaintances include love interests, co-workers, and frequently-encountered relatives.
- An acquaintance must not have any Cthulhu Mythos experience.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 18, 2009 17:02:07 GMT -5
Sample Character Background. Player Name: Squashua
BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION
First Name: Gregory Middle Name: Percival Last Name: Butterworth Gender: Male Age: 32 Day of Birth: 8 Month of Birth: August Place of Birth: Queens, New York Nationality / Country of Origin: British-American
Marital Status: Married
BACKGROUND / HISTORY
Educational: Undergraduates' Degree, Harvard. Graduates Degree, Harvard Law. Home schooled in Brooklyn, New York. Went to school on scholarship, requiring 4 years of service under New York State jurisdiction. Minored in Archaeology, which has spurred his interest in all things antiquarian. Attends night classes at Miskatonic University in attempt to obtain degree in Archaeology.
Military: No military service. Has passing interest in Foreign Legion and has studied their history extensively. Was member of (Boy/Cub?) scouts as youth (note to GM: did scouts exist in the 1920's?).
Professional / Workforce: Formerly 6 years of experience as attorney for New York State. Currently Personal Attorney in Massachusetts for last 2 years.
Criminal: Was a hoodlum and member of a street gang as child; accosted by police, which inspired his interest in the law.
Religious: Practicing Protestant, but only for reasons of family, otherwise non-practicing.
Personal / General: Married widow from one of his cases in state of New York. She has a young teen from her former marriage, who is not trusting of his new step-father, and there is a new one on the way. During his collegiate days, Gregory was quite the baseball player, but eventually threw out his wrist, ending his potential career path.
Wealth / Income: High Class, due to inheritance from his wife and his own acquisitions through proper investment of his earnings and his new private practice earnings.
Resources / Equipment: Owns a number of unique Native American artifacts he personally dug up and kept from a dig during his college days.
Interests / Clubs: Alumni of Phi-Kappa-Delta Men's Fraternity. BAR Association of Massachusetts. Mason. Loves miniature models, such as trains, but doesn't have the time for them.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Gregory has green eyes, stands 5'10" tall and weighs a hefty 200 lbs. He's stocky and muscular, and his hands are a bit on the large side. He generally wears tailored suits, with a penchant for expensive, somewhat flamboyant, silk ties. He hides his prematurely-graying black hair with a generous dollop of "Tolliver's Slick" every morning.
PERSONALITY / ATTITUDE In a word, Gregory is patient. He's able to wait for incredibly long times and will put up with any annoyances. He's generally friendly and outgoing, able to remember jokes told to him years before. Gregory regrets his misspent youth, and attempts to abide by the law whenever possible, though with the nature of a number of his current cases, it's been hard to draw a fine line between innocence and the criminal element. He loves his wife and has been doing his best to accommodate his new, unrelenting son.
ANCESTRAL RELATIVES
Father: Lawrence Butterworth, Bank Teller (Deceased) Mother: Genevive Graves-Butterworth, Retired Dancer. Moved back to London, living with sister and father. Grandfather Harold Butterworth, Former Tailor (Deceased) Grandmother Jemima Washington-Butterworth, Half-Colored (Deceased) Grandfather Sir Franklin Graves, retired artist, knighted for his unique sculpturing techniques. Lives in London with daughters. Grandmother Funicia Tanner-Graves, Irish (Deceased)
ADDITIONAL RELATIVES
Aunt Beatrice Graves, lives with Genevive in London. Linda Yearly-Aberson-Butterworth, Spouse (see below) Eric Aberson, Stepson (see below)
CONTACTS
1) Linda Yearly-Aberson-Butterworth Female Wife, Former Widow Linda married architecture guru Charles Aberson at an early age. Charles died suddenly of an acute heart failure at his office, but investigators believed him to have been poisoned. Linda, having had lunch with her husband, was questioned and brought under suspicion and eventually to trial. Unable to use the resources of her late husband in her own defense, Gregory was appointed as her defender. Linda was eventually released due to lack of evidence, and romance bloomed between herself and her savior. The couple married and moved to Massachusetts to start life anew. Linda is a shrewd woman, obviously the power behind much of her late husband's success. She has channeled this ability to encourage others into Gregory, giving him the confidence to start his own practice. She does not work, having inherited much from Charles' business. Linda loves her new man, though Gregory did sign a prenuptial agreement. Oh, and she's pregnant.
2) The Honorable Judge Wilhem Peterson Male Judge A former professor at Harvard, Peterson and Butterworth were almost inseparable during Gregory's collegiate days. Judge Peterson now works in New York State, but will come to the aid of his prodigal son when needed.
3) Billy "Three Fingers" Malone Male "Entrepreneur" Former, possibly revolving-door, client. The less said, the better. Has connections and the means to use them. Willing to share.
ACQUAINTANCES
1) Eric Alberson Stepson High-school student Eric does not hold his stepfather in high regard and will do his best to end this "farce of a marriage". Gregory is trying his best with Eric.
2) Peter Mephistopholes Mathematician, and fellow Alumni Phi-Kappa-Delta. Best friend from College. Lives in Boston. Ladies' man.
Note that it is only to your advantage to define Contacts and Acquaintances. Unlike other RPGs where you start with 120 Gold Pieces to develop your character, we're working in a more realistic realm. Your characters are welcome to anything within reason, and I award thought over randomization.
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Post by Oats on Mar 18, 2009 21:38:55 GMT -5
You want the background sheet PM'd to you or...?
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Post by Squashua on Mar 18, 2009 21:59:55 GMT -5
You want the background sheet PM'd to you or...? Yes and no, in some circumstances. YESPost your background here so that others may see it, review it, criticize it, and otherwise glean ideas from it. You may, and should, edit your posted background as much as you want before the game begins (rather than re-post it / re-send it over and over). You are welcome to adjust and alter as much as you want to maintain consistency. It may be useful to see other player's backgrounds in the event that if you would like your character to directly "mesh" with someone else, you can coordinate. NODo not post portions of your background that you wish to keep secret from others. You may PM those to me and we'll decide together whether or not they are pertinent. If you wish to, say, have a spy profession with a publicly known cover identity, post your cover identity here and send me any background information that differs via PM. It might be easier to not unnecessarily over-complicate things if this is your first role-playing game experience. Do not kill yourself writing the background. It should come easily or not at all. You can skip the parts that are frustrating, post what you have, and come back to it. Sections may be short or omitted. IMPORTANT - YOU SHOULD READ THIS Player Knowledge vs. Character KnowledgeYou {insert username realname here} are a Player. The person whose background you are writing up is your Character. You, as a Player, may know things that your character will not, and could not realistically, have knowledge of. For example, most everything in someone else's background is probably not common knowledge to your character. While you as a player know it, your character does not and should not act on it. Additionally, I'm not going to create different "secret" forums to conduct RPG business. Everything will be handled here. Let's say the group decides to split up into two groups (Group A and Group B), and travel in 2 separate directions, maybe to two different cities. Let's say something HORRIBLE happens to Group A (they are all killed). Players from Group B will probably know this if they read about it, but their characters cannot suddenly "know" of it, unless, story-wise, knowledge of the event is delivered to them. It is this separation of in-game vs. out-of-game knowledge that is key. Acting on Player Knowledge is essentially meta-gaming and generally frowned upon / considered cheating. In role-playing games, the game master (ME, also referred to as "The Keeper" in Call of Cthulhu terms) assumes everyone playing is mature enough to not act on meta-knowledge.
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Post by Oats on Mar 19, 2009 8:56:15 GMT -5
CALL OF CTHULHU CHARACTER BACKGROUND SHEET
Player Name: Oatway
BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION
First Name: Charles Middle Name: Russel Last Name: O'tway Maiden Name: Gender: Male. Age: 33. Day of Birth: 19th, 1897. Month of Birth: October. Place of Birth: Manchester. Nationality / Country of Origin: England. Marital Status: Single
BACKGROUND / HISTORY
Educational: I have a Master's degree in Classical Literature in additon to Bachelor's degree in English. My degrees were obtained both from Oxford. I have a relative fluency in Parisian French.
Military: Drafted into His Majesty's Armed Forces during the Great War. My flat feet and sharp wits kept me out of any sorts of dangerous action. I served as a translator to help co-ordinate the Entente forces.
Professional / Workforce: Currently looking for work. There isn't much call for an educated man in the recently industrialized and slowly rebuilding United Kingdom. America was the land of opportunities.
Criminal: Not wanted. No record.
Religious: Agnostic, leaning Atheist ever since the war.
Personal / General: He loves the taste of treacle.
Wealth / Income: Born into the upper crust of England, there was little I wanted for. However, since I saw no combat in the Great War, I have since been disowned from my family. As such, I have lost most of my fortune, but I did manage to save some from the greedy clutches of my family.
Resources / Equipment: An omnipresent handbook, set of pens and small vials filled with ink.
Interests / Clubs: As a youth, I enjoyed stargazing, and do somewhat to this day. I am never one to turn down an invitation to go watch a rugby football team, though those are few and far between in America.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION A tall, somewhat squirrelish man, Charles stands around six feet tall, plus an inch in proper shoes. His blondish brown hair is kept short but unkempt and somewhat oily. His thin face is often drawn, eyes wandering as though deep in thought. He has a slight Manchester accent.
PERSONALITY / ATTITUDE Despite his wandering eyes, Charles acts in an uncanny way. Very rarely will he stumble, and even less frequently will anything go unnoticed. Examining everything within reach, Charles prefers to look with his hands, so to speak. His nimble fingers tend to find their way into the others' property almost unconsciously. Among friends, he is solely known as Russel. Rusty is his most hated nickname.
ANCESTRAL RELATIVES 1) Father: Percival Wimblebottom O'tway, living, greatly dislikes Charles. He has no job, save managing his estate. 2) Paternal Grandfather: Francis Wimple O'tway the Third. Deceased. 3) Paternal Grandmother: Michelle McIlhenny-O'tway. Deceased, 4) Mother: Pamela Behan O'tway. Deceased during childbirth. 5) Maternal Grandfather: Charles Rodney Behan: Deceased recently. 6) Maternal Grandmother: Susannah Moira Behan: living, senile. Currently bedridden with an unknown affliction.
ADDITIONAL RELATIVES Charles has a fraternal twin brother, James (Jim to those familiar). James is athletic, currently making ends meet as a professional football (soccer) player, and everything his father wished for. He plays keeper on the field.
CONTACTS Ursula vonPestlebottom – A young, moderately attractive woman who Charles cannot seem to avoid. She seems to have something of a crush upon him, but it is not mutual. She always seems to run into Charles at inopportune times and in very public places. She works as a receptionist for the local police force.
Lieutenant (pronounced “lef-tenant”) Frank J. Boone - a grizzled veteran of the Great War, Boone is a large man, not unfamiliar with either alcohol or fighting. He was a professional soldier until he was injured in the War, an affliction he has since recovered from. He knows people who knows people, and dislikes hospitals, preferring to visit illegal clinics to stitch him up after a drunken brawl. They met in some capacity during the War.
ACQUAINTANCES Jim the soccer playing brother. All of his money is managed by dad, but can still be moved. He is touring the world during his off-season.
Franzibald vonPestlebottom – Ursula's giant of a brother. Never liked his sister's interest in Charles.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 19, 2009 9:13:03 GMT -5
- Background Achievement Receive! NICELY DONE!I can work with this. He is out of a job, which makes it easy to answer a "help wanted" ad, and in a pinch if I needed to, I could employ him at a university. Very malleable while still being a quite adequate description. My questions: 1 - Where is Jim, his brother, located? 2 - Does Charles have a noticeable accent? Others are welcome to openly comment, question, and criticize.
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Post by Oats on Mar 19, 2009 10:05:25 GMT -5
Slightly noticeable accent, but I dunno if I'll be able to type it well.
Jim is on tour during the season (late spring to mid fall), vacations and stays fit the rest of the year.
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Post by durax on Mar 20, 2009 12:53:29 GMT -5
CHARACTER BACKGROUND SHEET small town farm-boy visiting outside world for the first time
Player Name: durax
BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION
First Name: David Middle Name: Rinold Last Name: Black Maiden Name: None
Gender: Male
Age: 18 Day of Birth: 7 Month of Birth: February
Place of Birth: Nationality / Country of Origin: American/Caucasian
Marital Status: Single
BACKGROUND / HISTORY Grew up in a small town. Proficient with the use of and repair of Farm Equipment and tools.
Educational: High School Graduate.
Military: None.
Criminal: Spent a couple nights in the local jail. Trespassing, petty theft.
Religious: Raised Methodist. -- Respects it but doesn't know if he truly believes.
Personal / General: Very interested in seeing and experiencing all the world has to offer.
Wealth / Income: Lower Middle Class (I'm not sure). In no way does 'wealthy' apply. He hasn't always been able to eat what he wants, but he has never gone to bed hungry. This is his first venture away from home so he has all the money he could scrape together on his person.
Resources / Equipment: List any special equipment to help define /distinguish this character. Violin(in case, rosin, bow, rosin rag, harmonica tuner) 30 Caliber M1903 (1906) Springfield rifle + leather sling Ammunition Pack (100 rounds) Bedroll + sleeping bag Tarp (at times set up as a tent) Tools --Flashlight --Shovel --Screwdriver --wrench --socket wrench set --Work Gloves --wire cutters --Rubber Mallet --crowbar --12 Bobby pins (one in hair) --5x rolls of duct tape Rags and Towels 2x Deck of playing cards 2x Dice Cigarettes Matches Cans of oil Change of clothes --Tons of overalls and undergarments --One suit (Most of this is packed in the truck) A run-down Ford TT Rat Truck (Borrowed) Keys 1 pen 1 pencil Books --Journal --“America on a Dollar a day” --“Mexico on a Dollar a day” --“Maps” --“The Jungle Book”
Interests / Clubs: Can play the violin. (Fiddle may be more appropriate) Keeps a journal and log of his activities and adventures. Good at using and repairing farm equipment and tools, up to and including engines. Prestidigitation (shown to him by a childhood friend) Baptized member of the Methodist Church. Would go hunting/camping on the weekends. Enjoys riddles, puzzles, games of all sorts. Drinks that aren't homemade. Girls who aren't related to him.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION David is of Medium height, has a good build from farm work, tanned complexion, has Brown hair and brown eyes. He usually wears overalls, but has one mothball smelling suit that used to belong to one of his older brothers.
PERSONALITY / ATTITUDE He likes to smoke. Keeps one cigarette behind his right ear. He is a bit of a nomad right now, looking for either steady work as a mechanic, or whatever will earn him enough money to move to the next town. He'd like to see all of America.
He knows he can probably return home and work on his Eldest brother's farm, but would view that as a failure and is trying to make his own way.
He's never really been on his own before, it both excites and frightens him.
ANCESTRAL RELATIVES 1) Father – Paul Rodney Black (Deceased) 2) Paternal Grandfather – Geoffrey Stewart Black 3) Paternal Grandmother -- Esther Eileen Black 4) Mother – Frances Alma Black 5) Maternal Grandfather – John Rinold Lamb 6) Maternal Grandmother -- Demarius Martha Lamb
ADDITIONAL RELATIVES
Siblings: Jimmy Black -- Eldest – Practically raised the others after Paul Black Died, Will most deservedly inherit the farm. Eddie Black Mary Black Billy Black Margo Black Tommy Black Jay Black Lulu Black Paul Black Jr. Peter Black -- Youngest (besides David)
CONTACTS --Eddie Black – The brainy, know-it-all of the family, Professor of History, though he has gone on Archeological digs. Worked to put himself through college and is somewhat cool towards his family. --Robin Goodman (male) – Mischievous, amoral,Childhood friend. He left their hometown about a year ago and has invited David to look him up if he ever leaves their boring farm community. (Occupation unknown) --Pastor Allen Barett (male) – Within the Methodist church he is a fairly well known traveling speaker and missionary. He was a friend of Paul Black Sr. and wishes to help the Black family out of a sense of loyalty.
ACQUAINTANCES --Frances Alma Black – David's Mother -- as the years have gone by she has been able to help with the farm less and less... Strongly believes David should return and be satisfied. --Peter Black (male) -- Enlisted in the Navy(Corporal) -- off the coast of Germany, he and David were close when he left, witnessing some of the horrors of the War may have changed him.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 20, 2009 14:09:30 GMT -5
I encourage all players to frequently update/clean-up their background posts through judicious use of the "edit post" feature.Slightly noticeable accent, but I dunno if I'll be able to type it well. Jim is on tour during the season (late spring to mid fall), vacations and stays fit the rest of the year. You should note these in the appearance and acquaintances sections of his background respectively. Has never even heard of Cthulu. No one has, really. Shouldn't even be noted on the character sheet. Otherwise, another excellent submission! If this thread starts looking too long, I might ask backgrounds to be encased in spoiler tags for the sake of the scroll bar.Questions/Statements for durax:- Another character looking for work. This is actually probably a good thing. - Which small town? We're currently dealing with Massachusetts, the fictional town of Arkham specifically, so is the farm in the same state or somewhere further out of reach? How many miles/km would you say his point of origin might be from the city where he is going to be starting the game? - Where is Peter Black (Navy) at the moment?
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Post by durax on Mar 20, 2009 14:45:32 GMT -5
I was planning on having him just drive into whatever town you deemed convenient, and reverse engineer where his hometown was.
So, I don't know, NorthAmpton? It's about ~100 miles away but he could have been on the road long enough to reach Arkham.
Edit: Peter Black can be on the opposite side of the world from Mr D. But If I had to pick now I'd say somewhere off the coast of Germany.
(My lack of knowledge of both geography and history is really going to reveal itself here...)
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Post by Squashua on Mar 20, 2009 15:12:32 GMT -5
I was planning on having him just drive into whatever town you deemed convenient, and reverse engineer where his hometown was. So, I don't know, NorthAmpton? It's about ~100 miles away but he could have been on the road long enough to reach Arkham. All I really wanted is a guesstimate of distance as a matter of gauging resources (re: family); we can flesh out the exact location later. Edit: Peter Black can be on the opposite side of the world from Mr D. But If I had to pick now I'd say somewhere off the coast of Germany. You might have misunderstood the concept of a Contact. It should be someone you can reliably call upon for help. Having Peter be on the other side of the world isn't going to be very useful unless he's a high ranking Admiral (or whatever they call them in the Navy) with a lot of pull. Considering this, you might want to swap him out for your archaeologically-inclined acquaintance brother, though I do suspect the phrase "An acquaintance may not be called upon for favors without potential consequence." had something to do with his assignment as an acquaintance. The potentially-roaming pastor and the amoral childhood friend (who is likely in the area) are excellent Contact examples.
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Post by durax on Mar 20, 2009 15:36:18 GMT -5
Switched.
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Post by Obbi on Mar 20, 2009 18:55:17 GMT -5
Gonna go ahead and spoiler mine. BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION
First Name: Roger Middle Name: Brooks Last Name: Hildebrand Maiden Name: Gender: Male Age: 37 Day of Birth: 3rd Month of Birth:March Place of Birth: Kalamazoo, Michigan Nationality / Country of Origin: USA Marital Status (Single | Married | Divorced | Widowed ): Single
BACKGROUND / HISTORY
Educational: High School Diploma, no honors.
Military: Drafted into the Great War, made it to Private First Class. Was a basic front linesman.
Professional / Workforce: Operator of the increasingly popular Taxicab for the city the story begins at. Greatly dislikes his occupation, but enjoys his cab.
Criminal: No criminal record.
Religious: Raised from a Roman Catholic family. Tries to stick to the values of the church, but is not entirely faithful.
Wealth / Income: Makes less-than-average annual salary, at around $1000 a year.
Resources / Equipment: Fully loaded Revolver, with 6 extra bullets. Leather Gloves Set of wrenches Keys to Taxicab Black wool Cabby Hat Crucifix Flashlight Screwdriver Pack of cigarettes Flask of Scotch Box of matches Coat Can of Oil Gasoline Container
Interests / Clubs: Member of the Roman Catholic Church. Has an interest in dime novels.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Average height, stocky build. Stands at 5'9, weighs 166 pounds. Tanned Caucasian. Has a constant gritty look in his brown eyes. Has short, brown hair, but is already graying and balding. Sports a mustache.
PERSONALITY / ATTITUDE A gruff, fairly negative person. Tends to be a hypocrite. Has a phobia of birds. Enjoys working on his taxicab, and shooting the breeze with other people he views as 'down-to-earth'.
ANCESTRAL RELATIVES
1) Father - Jacob Hildebrand, 61, healthy, currently residing in Roger's hometown. Works at a factory for little pay. Currently is upset with Roger for not coming home to help support his family. 2) Paternal Grandfather - Edward Hildebrand, deceased. 3) Paternal Grandmother - Julia Rivers Hildebrand, deceased. 4) Mother - Lisa Kooyers Hildebrand, 56, healthy, currently residing in Roger's hometown. Works as a housewife. Currently wishing for Roger to come home. 5) Maternal Grandfather - Unknown 6) Maternal Grandmother - Danielle Scarlet Kooyers - Deceased.
ADDITIONAL RELATIVES 1.) Brother - Robert Hildebrand, 30, resides in New York City as a police officer. Relations with Roger are fair. Married a woman named Colette 2 years ago, and have a child on the way. 2.) Uncle - Justin Kooyers, 55, resides in Roger's hometown as a Shopkeep. Has to be reminded that his sister has two sons. Has his own son named Alex. Lost his wife to cholera 8 years ago. 3.) Cousin - Alex Kooyers, 31, resides in the town of the Story's Setting. Persuaded Roger to move for the sake of "great financial opportunity". The plan is a bust, and Alex now is a Social Worker for the city. He and Roger are still on good terms, though Roger still blames Alex for his falling out with his father, Jacob.
CONTACTS
1.) Barney Riders - Taxicab driver - 40, has a consistent cough but otherwise healthy. Works with Roger to map out each other's territory of the town, to ensure that they don't step on each other's toes. When business is slow, they occasionally tune-up their cabs together. 2.) Alex Kooyers - Social Worker - 31
ACQUAINTANCES
1.) Gerald Finch - Bartender - 46, male,healthy. Serves Roger drinks and provides an open ear to Rogers drunk ramblings. Unknown to roger, Gerald is currently wanted under the suspicion of murder, and uses his current name as an alias. 2.) Father Truss - Catholic Priest - 34, male, healthy. Occasionally talks with Roger and attempts to help him past his problems.
am I doin' it right
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Post by Squashua on Mar 20, 2009 21:12:53 GMT -5
Gonna go ahead and spoiler mine. am I doin' it right Yes. Yes, you did do it right. The only outstanding questions is in regards to your taxi. It's up to you if you own it and/or your relation to the Taxi company. If you own your cab, you're freelance with the company, using their resources. And if you own your cab, do you still own money on it? If they own the cab, well, then you don't own your cab. So it's up to you. Do some research on cab companies of the 20's and let me know what you choose. Otherwise, good job.
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Post by Obbi on Mar 20, 2009 21:25:45 GMT -5
From the looks of things, it seems more reasonable to assert that he does not, in fact, own the taxicab. This works out alright, as it creates kind of a reason as to why he hasn't just flat out quit his job, havin' an attachment to his cab and all.
edit: Also I want my background achievement.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 20, 2009 23:14:46 GMT -5
- Background Achievement Receive! Lazy Squash is Lazy. And tired.
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Post by Obbi on Mar 20, 2009 23:21:50 GMT -5
Fuck yes.
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Post by B:L on Mar 22, 2009 1:54:32 GMT -5
"My name is Henry Christian Slater, I am an actor, and the curtain may be falling on my final act.
I hope this message is received by the right hands, or my star will fade into insidious rumors and gossip, perhaps I perished in a plane crash or disappeared during an adventure into the Alps? I wish.
No, this is a fate far worse. In my infinite curiosity I have become my own worst enemy, a slave to my ambitions, driven to burn out like the brightest flame. A protagonist in a tragedy. Always pushing the bounderies, this time it pushed back.
There is not much time left, so I can only pray. If I make it, this just might be the greatest story ever told. If not...well...that's entertainment."
- Sir Henry Christian SlaterPlayer Name: BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATIONFirst Name: Henry Middle Name: Christian Last Name: Slater Gender: Male Age: 39 Day of Birth: 18 Month of Birth: August Place of Birth: New York, New York Nationality / Country of Origin: American Marital Status ( Single | Married | Divorced | Widowed ): Single BACKGROUND / HISTORYEducational:High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts Guest speaker at several universities, and has access to their libraries for researching his roles. Has also studied multiple languages for his international performances, including English (UK), Spanish, and French. Military:None, but he was knighted by the Queen of England for his portrayal of Winston Churchill as the First Lord of the Admiralty during the World War. Some credit his incredible performance for repairing Churchill's ill reputation as Home Secretary, and some believe that the popularity generated may one day allow Churchill to become Chancellor of the Exchequer or maybe even Prime Minister. Professional / Workforce:Thespian of the Performing Arts, performing since he was a child. His talents extend from Shakespearian plays to light-hearted musicals. His first big role was in Helens. (Of Troy), then after he gave an award winning performance of Winston Churchill as a reckless but daring commander who started as a selfish drunkard who convinced the General to let him into the front lines because alcohol was only permitted in the trenches, but later grew to love his company and led them to victory. Lately his popularity has waned in the States (he is still popular overseas). His efforts have been refocused as a playwright on pushing the bounderies of genres, forming the B-Play genre of horror stories. Criminal:Was controversially arrested for driving while intoxicated, making him a symbol of protest against the Prohibition. Religious:Henry Christian Slater is Christian, praying to God once in a while but not a consistent church-goer. Was criticized for his portrayal of a Catholic priest who wavered when a young priest was accused of murder, and the criticism left a bitter taste in his mouth. Personal / General:A highly ambitious actor, he seeks to broaden his horizons and leave a mark on the medium with his roles. He researches each role studiously, because he believes in the method of acting (influenced by a Russian acting system), not in the typical pause and reflect of other thespians. His method of acting allows him to almost become the character that he is portraying, but his experimental technique is highly dangerous. His first attempt to portray a paranormal investigator has left him with a small split personality, Edward, which crops up once in a while under heavy stress. As a playwright, he is currently researching the horror genre and is gaining cult popularity with his B-Plays "The Evil Deed" and "The Axis of Darkness". In his current endeavors he has dismissed the Grimm Tales as best left for child-oriented plays, and he is looking for the next big horror epic. Wealth / Income:High class paid actor, although his popularity has waned his B-Plays and the subsequent cult following generates steady income and he is still considered a draw. Resources / Equipment:A personal "Inspirations/Observations" notebook to jot down story ideas. Pencils to carry out that task. A small personal magnifying glass for those dusty books with tiny print. A sturdy wooden faux sword-cane. Faux because it is designed to look like it can unsheath as a sword, but actually it can only bludgeon you ala Brooks-Sumner! Ho ho! Great at parties. Library cards for access to university libraries and other research facilities. Pocket watch with a picture of Tara inside. Pocket mirror and comb to look his finest. Binoculars to spy on the competition from the cheap seats. It's a cut throat business and one can't be prepared enough for those pesky up-and-comers! Fancy silk top hat and monocle for classy occasions. Bowler hat and grey wool scarf for chillier occasions. Fake glasses and moustache for discrete occasions. Currently empty steel flask. A Benz for transport. Joke item: A big black dildo named Mr. E. Interests / Clubs:The Masquers Club helps actors without contracts avoid long grueling hours. He is also fond of dancing and drinking, but for his safety not at the same time. Is highly interested in seeing Prohibition disappear. Loves doing research at the multitude of libraries he frequents. Currently looking into the horror genre. Has a cult following but he only responds to their inquiries once in a while. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONDresses well but sometimes sloppily. Usually darker colors. PERSONALITY / ATTITUDEA man of many faces, he adapts to many situations well. He is typically an aloof, almost goofy, man who likes to keep people entertained and jovial. He is a drinker, however, and during this prohibition period he's become more of a grouch when dealing with annoyances, but still friendly to those he cares about. His experimental method of acting has created a split personality, Edward, a sarcastic paranormal investigator with a bad temperament. Under heavy duress and with lack of drink, this personality may take over and incite acts of violence that Henry normally could not do. No one knows about this split personality, except perhaps his closest friend Ted. ANCESTRAL RELATIVESList basic information regarding the definite six ancestors below. Information should at least include health status (living | deceased), and optionally full name and age, current location, current attitude towards/from this character, occupation, wealth status, and country of origin. "Unknown." is a valid answer but should not be abused. 1) Father - Thomas Michael Knight, actor, divorced (missing) A drunkard, was divorced by Mary Jane before Henry was born. Soon afterwards, he disappeared from their lives. 2) Unknown 3) Unknown 4) Mother - Mary Jane Slater, Casting director and producer, divorced (living) Left Thomas, a heavy drinker, before Henry was born hence his last name being Slater. Worries about Henry's roles and method of acting, but generally leaves him to his own devices unless he asks for help. 5) Unknown 6) Unknown ADDITIONAL RELATIVESAllie Wayne McBeal Older sister, works at a Boston Law Firm. Was the one who got Henry out of trouble after being caught drinking and driving during the Prohibition. He owes her one but doesn't keep in frequent contact. There is no bad blood between them but he's annoyed when she wants him to quit drinking. Robert Spector McBeal Male Police Sergeant, in Boston Husband of Henry's sister Allie, he doesn't like Henry for breaking the law during Prohibition. A gruff loose-cannon of sorts, he's never on a case long. Either it's solved quickly or he's off the case. CONTACTSTed Remy Male personal agent/manager, French A witty man always ready with a silly remark, Ted is Henry's closest friend. He handles all the day-to-day business for an actor, scheduling and arranging role offers. He also loves strange and weird stories, always reading the daily tabloids, and is all too eager to help Henry with his research into the next big B-Play horror project. Sam Remy Male director/playwright, French Another close friend of Henry's, directed and help write the two big B-Play projects "The Evil Deed" and "The Axis of Darkness". Recently he's been too busy with serious projects to help Henry out, but he sees promise in Henry's work and acting methodology, and is willing to hear Henry's ideas out. Tara Winona Campbell Female actress, ex-girlfriend Flirty, ditzy, and hates Henry with the fury of a thousand burning suns. Her parents perished after being run over by a drunkard, so she left Henry soon after he was caught for driving while drunk and hated him ever since. Henry is a tragic hero in this case because he still loves her even though it can never be, and he never forgave himself for not being able to quit drinking. Her star has risen since then, far above his, but even with her newfound influence she'd rather stay out of his life and pretend that he never existed. That doesn't stop Henry from trying to get back to her, hoping for her forgiveness, and they still have an active communication going with her ditzy nature not knowing when to say no. A love-hate relationship. ACQUAINTANCESTony Paxton Male Alcohol Runner Henry's alcohol supplier during the Prohibition, he's in with the local crew and the cops don't seem to care about him. They must've been paid well. Finny Taub Male President of the Slater Fan Club A young man in his 20's, yet still enthralled with a childlike innocence for Henry's B-Plays. He leads the cult following, forming newsletters and organizing group sessions, keeping people informed of when and where Henry is performing next. He helped organize the public outrage that helped Henry's acquittal during the drinking hearing. Can be an annoyance to Henry at most other times, that is why Henry only responds to the group mailings once in a while.
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Post by Obbi on Mar 22, 2009 2:56:00 GMT -5
Damn, B:L has humbled me with that.
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Post by B:L on Mar 22, 2009 3:52:32 GMT -5
Damn, B:L has humbled me with that. It's the worst I could come up with!
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Post by Squashua on Mar 22, 2009 12:02:42 GMT -5
The year we're playing in is 1925.
Winston Churchill wasn't even PM till the 1940's.
Also, Batman's dad would never have sex with Spider-Man's wife. They're from different comic book companies.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 22, 2009 14:26:41 GMT -5
Edited for cleanup (don't need to include italicized sections). I'm suspecting that with all the work that went into it, B:L is fairly serious about playing, so I'll have some accurate questions soon enough.
First one though: Winona wouldn't be considered a Contact since she wants nothing to do with Henry. A Contact is someone that can be reliably called upon for assistance.
I'd either swap Tara and Tony or just de-qualify/rewrite Tara.
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Post by Mr. Embark on Mar 22, 2009 15:15:13 GMT -5
CALL OF CTHULHU CHARACTER BACKGROUND SHEET Comments in italics. Any knowledge you supply for your character allows for in-game hooks to bring him into scenarios.
Player Name: Mr. Embark
BASIC CHARACTER INFORMATION "NONE" is a valid answer.
First Name: Daniel Middle Name: Nicholas Last Name: Thompson Maiden Name: None Gender: Male Age: 26 Day of Birth: 21 Month of Birth: June Place of Birth: Richmond, Virginia Nationality / Country of Origin: American Marital Status (Single | Married | Divorced | Widowed ): Single
BACKGROUND / HISTORY Educational: Graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelors in Marine Biology because of his fascination with the ocean.
Military: Currently a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Service working as a test pilot to answer the growing need of an Air Combat future. After the war it was viewed as a high priority to the newly emerged Army Air Force and as such a large amount of officers were transferred to work in the Air development command.
Professional / Workforce: Before joining the military Daniel worked as a teacher. His love of the ocean him drove him to teach others to see and understand all manners of sea life.
Criminal: None
Religious: None, though he was raised as a Christian throughout his childhood.
Personal / General: Daniel has a great fear of spiders, it was attributed to his brothers' death at a young age to a black widow bite. With the new invention of the SCUBA gear he has started deeper diving to explore more under the waves. He also enjoys sailing.
Wealth / Income: So far Daniel is well off living in a single family house. The Army doesn't pay much but it brings in a steady pay check and the occasional diving lessons bring in some income as well.
Resources / Equipment: He has his military issued pistol, small journal, flashlight, a sail boat, diving equipment (scuba was invented in 1925 if I can have this), a camera, pens and pencils, civilian and military issue clothing, a few MRE's, rope, and a backpack..
Interests / Clubs: Currently in the Diving society of Northern Virginia and the sailers guild.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Daniel is Six foot one inch tall weighing 185 pounds, he has hazel eyes and brown hair, and he has a tan from long hours out in the sun.
PERSONALITY / ATTITUDE Daniel is an open minded person willing to hear out all sides and views. Due to his military training he isn't afraid to take charge if needed but prefers to sit back and watch to better understand things. He enjoys many
ANCESTRAL RELATIVES
1) Jacob Steel Thompson, 56, Charleston, South Carolina, appreciates his son is in the military following his footsteps, retired Navy officer, well off, American, living. 2) Joshua Abraham Thompson, deceased 3) Mary Eleanor Dixon Thompson, deceased 4) Gwen Elisha Thompson, 47, Charleston, South Carolina, Worried about her sons profession but not against it, well off, American but born in Finland, living. 5) Fredrik Aalto Urho, Finnish, 92, Finland 6) Unknown
ADDITIONAL RELATIVES Sister - Ashley Dell Thompson, 25, Washington D.C., Defense attorney, very well off
CONTACTS Elisha Armstrong, 24, female, reporter. She has met Daniel numerous times covering new breakthroughs accomplished in the air service department. She has found him attractive and has been out to dinner with him, though she says it was just for a story. She's always looking for an excuse to come around though.
Lt. Marie Elizabeth Parker, 23, female, Military clerk. She works in the administrative section of the Army Air Service department. She can be depended upon to find any piece of information needed and has a knack with talking to people. She has a taste for wine and loves to go out dancing. Daniel and her have had something of a relationship but nothing official.
ACQUAINTANCES
James Brady, male, Professor, Good friends with Daniel and teaches history at the University.
Capt. Mark Devoy, male, Military, Head of logistics in the Air Service department, generally disgruntled.
Suzette Mina Sawyers, female, Hotel manager, She is Daniels cousin and runs a decent hotel in the heart of the city.
hopefully this is okay, and yea
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Post by Squashua on Mar 22, 2009 20:53:31 GMT -5
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Post by Mr. Embark on Mar 23, 2009 0:54:22 GMT -5
usually test pilots are called in occasionally, it's not an everyday things as a lot of it is based aroudn what engineers figure out then their like lets test it out. I think that is how I grasp it. So he can be free he wont be busy all the time.
Also I looked up some diving history somewhere and scuba said it was invented in 1925 by some french dude, but snorkeling/diving type is cool with me.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 23, 2009 9:08:25 GMT -5
usually test pilots are called in occasionally, it's not an everyday things as a lot of it is based aroudn what engineers figure out then their like lets test it out. I think that is how I grasp it. So he can be free he wont be busy all the time. Also I looked up some diving history somewhere and scuba said it was invented in 1925 by some french dude, but snorkeling/diving type is cool with me. Consider giving him a higher CONstitution for holding breath; not a requirement. He can have experience with those giant port-holed suit monstrosities.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 23, 2009 9:25:25 GMT -5
Still waiting on Wildcat's Journalist character. For some reason I thought he already posted it. Next step will arrive with or without him.
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Post by Squashua on Mar 23, 2009 9:29:41 GMT -5
Hey B:L, let's keep "Edward" as very VERY occasional (for now). He will come in handy, though. I just realized your brother-in-law is (figure it out before clicking) Macspectre!
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Post by B:L on Mar 23, 2009 21:21:12 GMT -5
Edited for cleanup (don't need to include italicized sections). I'm suspecting that with all the work that went into it, B:L is fairly serious about playing, so I'll have some accurate questions soon enough. First one though: Winona wouldn't be considered a Contact since she wants nothing to do with Henry. A Contact is someone that can be reliably called upon for assistance. I'd either swap Tara and Tony or just de-qualify/rewrite Tara. Fixed up Tara. She's easy like that. Also you're right, Batman's dad and Spider-Man's wife just doesn't mix. Let me know if the change is ok.
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