Cryptic Chronicles: A Monster of the Week adventure
When the fog in this small Maine town starts taking people, a band of unlikely heroes must uncover century-old secrets before they're next.
$13.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Tuesday – 11:00 PM UTC
Jul 22 / Session 8
3–3.5 Hour Duration
5 / 5 Seats Filled
Schedule
About the adventure
Welcome to Haven's Mill, Maine The ancient pines whisper secrets to each other as you drive past the weathered "Welcome to Haven's Mill" sign, its paint peeling to reveal layers of history beneath. Population 2,847, according to the last census, though old-timers swear the number's been dropping steadily these past few years. Main Street runs like a crooked spine through the heart of town, lined with red-brick buildings that have watched over the community since the lumber mill's heyday in the 1800s. Somehow, the window displays at Morton's General Store never quite change with the seasons anymore, and the neon sign at the Bluebird Diner flickers whether it's turned on or not. Everyone knows everyone here - or at least, they think they do. Mrs. Patterson still runs the library with an iron fist, though no one can quite remember when she started. The regulars at O'Malley's Tavern still talk about the strange lights they saw over Miller's Pond last autumn, but only after their third beer. The mill itself stands abandoned on the outskirts of town, its broken windows staring like vacant eyes across the pewter waters of the Saco River. The town council keeps talking about demolishing it, but somehow the paperwork never quite goes through. Tourists passing through call Haven's Mill charming, picturesque even. But they never stay long. Maybe it's the way shadows seem to move when you're not looking directly at them. Maybe it's how the fog that rolls in from the river some mornings seems to whisper your name. Or maybe it's just that Haven's Mill holds its secrets close, and newcomers can sense they're not welcome to all of them. Welcome to Haven's Mill. Mind the shadows. They might be minding you.
Game style
Theater of the Mind
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
2 years on StartPlaying
76 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Teacher
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Welcome one and all! I'm an experienced teacher, an avid reader and writer, and a world traveler. I put these aspects into my games to create diverse, immersive worldbuilding and roleplay. I am new to StartPlaying, but I've been running Adventure's Leagues and personal games for almost a decade. I have a love of roleplaying, voice acting, improv, fantasy and science fiction. I love to guide new GMs and players into the wonderful world of TTRPG. An inclusive table is important, so all are welcome to sit beside me as we adventure. Safety is my number one priority at the table. It's my goal to give everyone a memorable experience. I primarily run Dungeons and Dragons 5e, but I also love Monster of the Week, Pathfinder and other systems. I provide immersive experiences through a blend of ambient music and sundry characters and maps.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Choose a Playbook: MOTW offers various playbooks, each representing a specific type of character archetype with unique abilities and roles. Some examples include The Chosen, The Expert, The Mundane, The Spellcaster, and The Wronged. Select a playbook that resonates with the character concept you have in mind. Define Character Concept: Develop a concept for your character, including their background, personality, and motivations. Consider their past experiences, strengths, weaknesses, and any unique traits or abilities they possess. This will shape the narrative and provide depth to your character. Most of the character building will be done in our first session, so that's about as far as you need to get pre-session.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
All you NEED is a microphone. Cameras are recommended (read: heavily encouraged!), but not required. Rules, character creation, etc. will happen in our first session. Part of the MOTW experience is building a shared history between player characters!
What Aaron brings to the table
A copy of the Monster of the Week pdf for everyone, Tome of Mysteries supplement, visuals and music!
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Aaron creates a safe table
Game Rules and Expectations: Inclusion and Respect: A fundamental rule of all my games is the promotion of a safe and inclusive environment. I strictly prohibit any form of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, fatphobia, bigotry, and other forms of discrimination. This also extends to harmful stereotypes within the fantasy context, such as assuming all orcs are inherently evil. It is essential to foster a respectful atmosphere for all players. Sensitive Content: The game will not include explicit scenes of sexual assault (SA), nonconsensual acts, or torture. While such elements may exist in the backstories of non-player characters (NPCs) or potentially in the backgrounds of player characters (PCs) with prior approval, they will not be explicitly described or directly mentioned during gameplay. The focus is on maintaining a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants. Creating a Fun Experience: The primary goal is to have fun and enjoy the game together. Before the game starts, I will share a form to gather everyone's input on their preferences, boundaries, and any specific content they wish to avoid. This will help tailor the game to suit the desires and interests of the players. We will discuss gameplay elements, such as puzzle-solving, combat, or other aspects, to ensure everyone's preferences are considered. Character Dynamics and Sheets: I encourage open communication about character dynamics and relationships within the game. We will engage in conversations to establish compelling interactions and connections between the player characters. Additionally, for those new to Monster of the Week (MOTW), I will provide a comprehensive explanation of the gameplay mechanics and assist in creating character sheets. Post-Game Discussion and Support: After each session, I like to engage in a chat with the players to debrief, share thoughts, and lighten the mood with humor. I strive to maintain a balance between intense and lighthearted moments during the game. Furthermore, I make it a point to check in with each player individually after challenging sessions to ensure their well-being and address any concerns that may have arisen. By adhering to these guidelines, we can foster an inclusive, enjoyable, and supportive atmosphere where everyone can participate fully and have a memorable experience. Let's embark on an exciting adventure together and create unforgettable stories while respecting each other's boundaries and preferences.
Content warnings
Safety tools used