The Cryptic Chronicles: A Monster of the Week adventure
Monster of the Week | One-Shot
About the adventure
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. Last year, the city council started using the bottom floor as a historical society of sorts, but the ghosts tell better stories than the plaques and displays 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
“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.
Saturday morning Monster of the Week. Biweekly one-shot episodes mean anyone can play; all are welcome. Make a character (link below) and come join us. Discord and mic are required, but cameras are encouraged! Theater of the Mind playstyle. https://evilhat.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Monster-of-the-Week-Revised-Playbooks-Formfillable.pdf
5.0
(33)
2 years on StartPlaying
70 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Teacher
Game Master Reviews (33)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Storytelling
Creativity
Teacher
Piper
New review
Played 9 sessions
Friendly, welcoming, and an amazing story teller! I have absolutely loved all the sessions I’ve been in I will definitely be playing more with this keeper.
Chris Freeley
New review
Played 1 sessions
Aaron did an amazing job as a teacher and keeper of MotW. The whole session was pure roleplaying- we were able to fully dissolve into our characters and the story he had put together (a saturday morning cartoon with perfect vibes). I can sometimes get bored by TTRPG combat but when there was combat it was dynamic and interesting- I never felt the need to spam my "attack" action and the environment and stakes were constantly changing.
Ghostly Glory
New review
Played 1 sessions
This was my first time playing Monster of the Week and Aaron made it magical!! The images he used for locations, the descriptions he gave for the surroundings, and the music he played all created the perfect Saturday morning cartoons vibe. Couldn't recommend him more <3
GM Khitan
Played 1 sessions
I played a Monster of the Week one shot with Aaron, and I must say, it was one of the best games I played in a long time. His enthusiasm was infectious. You could see that he was enjoying running the game immensely, and that he really was a fan of the players. He was great at guiding me and another player, both new to the system, to ensure we could gey the most put of the game, while masterfully weaving the story and the atmosphere. He was open to ideas and shenanigans, while still keeping control of the pace and tone of the one shot. Everyone got their moment in the spotlight and we had a blast. I can't recommend him enough!
Phil Birtles
Played 1 sessions
Was my first time playing MotW and I was super nervous, but Aaron and the players were amazing and helped me settle really quickly, and I loved every second of it!
Kathryn
Played 2 sessions
It was my first time playing Monster of the Week and most everyone else had played together before, but Aaron made it really easy to join in. I felt like I knew what was going on and was able to contribute. Aaron is a skilled storyteller and really brought the world to life with descriptions, interesting NPCs with fun voices, and even music to set the scene. I'd definitely recommend his table and plan to play again!
Additional tables
2 available
Once / Saturday - 3:00 PM UTC
Jun 14
4 / 5 Seats Filled
Once / Saturday - 3:00 PM UTC
Jun 21
2 / 5 Seats Filled
Additional details
How to prepare
All you NEED is a microphone. Cameras are 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! The best cartoon adventures happen when the whole gang works together! Be ready to share the spotlight, help other characters shine, and remember that everyone contributes something important to solving the mystery.
What I provide
A copy of the Monster of the Week pdf for everyone, Tome of Mysteries supplement, visuals and music!
Gameplay details
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, 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 brief 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
• Blood
• Fire
• Guns
• Language/Cursing
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Luxton Technique
• Open Door
How will character creation work
Monster of the Week features different character types called "playbooks," each representing a unique member of your mystery-solving team! Pick the playbook that sounds most fun to play; each one has cool abilities that will help solve mysteries! Have a rough idea of what kind of mystery-solver you want to play. Are you the brave leader, the smart researcher, the tech expert, the one with supernatural abilities, or the heart of the group who keeps everyone together? Don't worry about filling out every detail. We'll develop your character's history and connections during our first session together!
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Discord
$15.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Saturday - 3:00 PM UTC
May 24
2.5-3.5 Hour Duration
4 / 5 Seats Filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: All Ages