Magnus Investigations | Roleplay Heavy! | 18+ | LGBT+ Friendly!
The Magnus Archives, Cypher System | Campaign
About the adventure
If you have ever wanted a roleplay that combines the weird vibes of Control and Alan Wake, classic Cthulhu mythos, and Magnus Archives Fears, look no further! [TOP SECRET] [CLASSIFIED] You are an investigator at the Magnus Investigations Bureau (MIB). A small, secret organization that works as a special and unknown part of the US government. Your job is to investigate sites and events that have occult findings and unusual eye-witness accounts. Cult gatherings. Ritual sites. Occult religious worship. [REDACTED]. You name it. Go to the location, collect evidence, interview persons of interest, and determine if there's any perpetrator at large (And I hope, for your sake, there isn't one...) - if there is, apprehend or neutralize them. Make sure to tie up any loose ends. Local authorities, civilians, and news agencies can't know about the sorts of things that go on in the shadows. Once you've investigated and solved the situation, report back to Headquarters to write up a report and debrief Command of the situation. Simple job. Most of the time. While you're on site doing an investigation, you'll have access to a pool of resources from Command. Background checks, extra funding for necessary expenses, equipment (including additional armaments, if it becomes absolutely necessary), and vehicles. Make sure you use it wisely! [This game will be a series of supernatural dramatic investigations, where good in-character roleplay is KEY. Some of of these stories are from Call of Cthulhu modules that have been repurposed to fit the world of the Magnus Archives, others are my own invention. We'll of course be using the rules outlined in The Magnus Archives Roleplaying Game made by Monte Cook, but with the occasional bending of certain rules when the need arises; rulings not rules!] [We're here for the investigation and the story! Come aboard for a deep look at some intense horror subjects, the human condition, and pure terror in this series of investigations. Bring your in-character voice and a notepad, investigator, you'll be needing it.]
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
5.0
(9)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
8 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Voices
Game Master Reviews (9)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Inclusive
Voices
Beyichi
New review
Joe is a great GM for beginners or experienced players, he will walk you through building a character for the first time or work with whatever weird idea you have for one. Whatever world he's building for you whether it's is spooky Appalachian woods, or silly fantasy dungeons you will get immersed in it.
Hailey
New review
If you're looking for a GM who will help you and your party tell an immersive story, look no further! Joe has run some of the best games I've been in and truly takes time to make sure everyone gets to tell their story. He is great at incorporating character backstories into the game and letting each player's character have their moment to shine. Even when playing online, Joe is great about getting the ambiance right with background music/sounds and giving his characters voices. If you want to roleplay, you're in the right place! Even if you're brand new and don't know the rules or mechanics of the game, Joe is extremely knowledgeable and willing to help or explain things. He also brings a strong "yes, and" energy to games so you can really get creative. If your favorite part of TTRPGs is telling a collaborative story, Joe is the right person to run your game.
Natalie
Played 5 sessions
Very thorough, a great game master for new or experienced players who want some extra TLC from their GM. Highly recommend taking a seat at any of Joe's tables.
Lass Claire
I have been playing TTRPG games with Joey for about four years now - in games where he was a fellow player, and games where he was a DM. In all situations, Joey brings the joy of imagination. He has an immersive play style that draws other players into the game. I appreciate the voices he uses to capture the unique personalities of his characters. During gameplay, Joey is incredibly helpful to all players, encouraging participation amongst all players. As someone who struggles with social anxiety, playing TTRPGs can make me feel vulnerable; when playing with Joey, I always feel comfortable and safe. Joey is familiar with a number of systems and rules, and while he uses rules as a foundation his games, as a DM, he's not strict to the sense where it beats the fun out of roleplaying.
Gregory Youngblood
Joe is a great DM. He's good at improving and adapting to a given situation. He'll also work with you if you're feeling constrained by your options. Sessions get a good flow and feel over too fast.
K. A.
I've been playing in one of Joe's games for about a year now. I can confidently say he's among the best GMs I've ever had. From lively and animated voices to incredible maps and visuals, he's never let me down during a session. Joe's worlds are in depth and beautiful, sessions have just the perfect blend of combat and RP. Best of all he's very willing to work with someone who has some unique brain problems and make sure scenes are always safe. I can't recommend him enough.
Additional details
How to prepare
Once you're part of the game, I'll send you access to a link for both a Discord group and a link to the game manual. You don't need to read through everything, but having a basic understanding of what stats exist and what they mean is a great start. The Cypher system (which is the base for The Magnus Archives) is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, even if you knew nothing about it, you'd catch on quickly! Especially if you're familiar with Old Gods of Appalachia or other Cypher books. You should prepare by thinking of how your character became a member of this semi-secret branch of government. What potentially weird thing happened to them, and how it can't be described to normal people or regular authorities.
What I provide
I will bring a full orchestra of music, investigation visuals, maps of important locations, sound effects for damn near everything that can make noise, and a large cast of unusual voices and accents for each NPC you'll encounter. I hope you bring your own character voice!
Gameplay details
Players can expect a LOT of in-character roleplay. Each investigation will be 75% questions and conversation with interesting characters, 25% action (car chases, shoot outs, fist fights, etc). When things pop off, they REALLY pop off! Before each mission, I'll go over a list of themes and topics that will appear during gameplay. It will be very important that everyone gets a solid idea of what will be covered and how the horror will be portrayed before we find ourselves knee deep in it.
Content warnings
• Death
• Extreme Violence
• Blood
Safety tools used
• Open Door
• Session 0
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
I have generated a few premade characters! You are welcome to choose any of the few that I provide OR make your own Tier 1 character using the rules outlined in the book (if you have it). If you don't, or don't know how, don't worry! I'll go over it during Session 0, where we can have a character creation party. I'd love to help!
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Low
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
High
Experience level
Beginner
Platforms used
• Foundry VTT
• Discord
$18.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Bi-weekly / Wednesday - 11:45 PM UTC
2.5-3.5 Hour Duration
1 / 5 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Beginner
Age: 18+