Mr. Corbitt [CoC] [Play-by-Post] [Asynchronous] [Discord]

Creating your character

Character creation will take place before the game begins. We’ll be using Dholeshouse, an online tool that makes it easy to build and manage Call of Cthulhu characters. Characters will be built using the standard rules for 1920s investigators in the 7th edition of Call of Cthulhu. The method for generating stats will be discussed and agreed upon as a group before we begin. All characters will start at level 1 (default starting experience) and should be grounded in reality—no pulp or overly heroic builds. Please stick to content from the Core Rulebook (7th edition) and the Investigator Handbook. If you’re interested in using other sources, feel free to ask. I’m happy to help with character ideas or walk anyone through the creation process if needed. This is a story-driven, investigative horror scenario, so characters should feel like believable people—professors, neighbours, nurses, students—not action stars.

Preparing for the session

Before the game begins, please complete the following steps to ensure a smooth experience: Create a Discord Account: If you don’t already have one, please sign up for a free Discord account at discord.com. This is where all game communication and play-by-post posts will happen. Join the Game Discord Server: You will receive an invitation link to join the dedicated Discord server for Mr. Corbitt. Make sure to join before the game starts so you can access channels, announcements, and coordinate with other players. Set Up Your Character on Dholeshouse: Go to Dholeshouse and create your Call of Cthulhu investigator character using the agreed-upon rules. We’ll discuss stat generation as a group before finalizing characters. Familiarize Yourself with Call of Cthulhu Basics (Optional): If you’re new to the game system, consider reviewing the Core Rulebook or quick-start guides. Don’t worry if you haven’t played before, I’ll guide you through the rules as we go. Check Your Timezone and Posting Schedule: Because this is an asynchronous play-by-post game, please ensure you can regularly check Discord and post your actions within the agreed timeframe to keep the story moving. Completing these steps before the start date will help everyone dive into the mystery quickly and enjoy the atmosphere of Mr. Corbitt.

What BlackStrum brings to the table

As your GM, I aim to create an immersive, suspenseful atmosphere that captures the eerie, slow-burning tension of classic Call of Cthulhu horror. I focus on storytelling, mood, and player agency over heavy rules or combat. Expect detailed scene descriptions, NPC personalities, and a strong emphasis on investigation and roleplay. Since this is a play-by-post game on Discord, I will use vivid writing to bring the world to life and keep the story moving steadily. I won’t be using voice acting or ambient music within Discord, but I’m happy to recommend playlists or soundtracks you can use to set the mood on your own. Combat, if it occurs, will be rare and tense rather than tactical or fast-paced. I lean toward the Rules as Written, especially for checks and sanity mechanics, but I’m flexible and open to discussion if adjustments will improve the flow or enjoyment of the game. You can expect clear communication, prompt responses to your posts, and a collaborative approach where your choices genuinely affect the story. My goal is to create a memorable horror experience that’s chilling, thought-provoking, and above all, fun.

Homebrew rules

No homebrew rules

How BlackStrum creates a safe table

Creating a safe and comfortable space is a top priority, especially given the unsettling themes and eerie creatures in Mr. Corbitt. Before we begin, I will provide a Lines and Veils document that clearly outlines content boundaries, what topics and scenes players want to avoid (Lines) and what can be mentioned but not described in detail (Veils). This document will be shared as a link on Discord for everyone to review and discuss. Since this is a play-by-post game without a live session zero, I encourage players to reach out to me privately via Discord messages at any time with concerns, triggers, or requests to adjust content. We’ll check in with everyone periodically throughout the game to ensure comfort and address any issues that arise. I also invite players to use the X (exit), N (need a break), and O (okay) system digitally via private messages or in a designated Discord channel so we can monitor how everyone is feeling and pause or adjust the game pace as needed. Aftercare is important: once the game concludes or after particularly intense scenes, I’ll open a space for debriefing and discussion, players can share their thoughts, ask questions, or decompress together. Your mental and emotional wellbeing comes first, and the horror is meant to entertain, not overwhelm. Together, we’ll maintain respect and trust to ensure a rewarding, suspenseful, and safe experience for all.