Agenda
- A brief summary of the Keeper’s interpretation of the setting, its key characteristics, and features.
- Period overview - revisit agreements from before (subject matters in 1920s)
- General comfort talk
- House rules
- Preferences on visual aids
- Note-taking
- Individual notes
- Shared notes
- Clue board (could also be in miro or similar)
- Scheduling
- Intersession play?
- Character creation
- One-on-one scenarios before the campaign to flesh out the character (could be the initial horror they’ve witnessed)
- A pre-scenario before the campaign?
Character creation
From MoN:
- "Having investigators who are fluent in English is essential for the bulk of Masks of Nyarlathotep.”
- As the investigators learn of the expedition in Peru through articles in the international press or through academic or other associations, or have been directly recruited by Larkin, player characters may be from any country or background.
- While some fluency in Spanish may prove useful in Peru, it is not essential, as key NPCs in Peru speak reasonable Spanish and can act as translators when necessary (Spanish is not a core language in the rest of the campaign).
- Lastly, the ability to travel to Peru (and elsewhere) should be recognized; the campaign requires that the investigators undertake international travel, so ensuring the investigators are the types of people for whom this would not be too much of a challenge is essential.
- Any occupation is suitable for MoN. Examples:
- Knowledgeable types: Antique Dealer, Archaeologist, Author, Clergy, Doctor, Historian, Journalist, Linguist, Missionary, Museum Curator, Occultist, Scientist.
- Expedition guides and security: Big Game Hunter, Boxer/ Wrestler, Explorer, Mechanic, Military Officer/Soldier, Sailor, Mountain Climber, Outdoorsman, Translator.
- Aids and assistants: Butler/Valet/Maid, Photographer, Researcher, Secretary, Student, Bodyguard.
- Those seeking an escape: Criminal, Dilettante, Gentleman/Lady.
- Those seeking inspiration: Actor, Artist, Musician, Missionary, Occultist.
- The investigators do not necessarily need to know one another at the start of the prologue chapter, as they will come to be acquainted during the course of the events in Peru.
- Useful skills: Archaeology, Disguise, First Aid, History, Library Use, Listen, Locksmith, Mechanical Repair, Natural World, Navigate, Occult, Psychology, Science (Biology, Engineering, Physics), Social skills (Charm, Fast Talk, Intimidate, Persuade), Spot Hidden, Stealth, Throw, as well as Fighting (Brawl) and the odd Firearms skill.
- Language skills can also be very useful, but don’t forget that translators, guides, and other specialists can be hired in all the campaign’s locations. If the investigators lack a certain essential skill, expertise can usually be found for a price, such as safecracking (Locksmith) or sailing (Pilot), as well as seeking out healing (First Aid, Medicine, and Psychoanalysis) from a
local hospital, doctor, or wise person (if in more rural locales).