Beyond the Mountains of Madness: 1930s Antarctic Horror

Creating your character

Character creation for this campaign begins with a Session 0, which we will use to establish tone, expectations, and the expedition itself. During Session 0, we will finalize characters together, review safety tools, and ensure the group is aligned on the style of play and the kind of story we want to tell. Players should come prepared with two character concepts, not a fully finished investigator. This allows us to shape the final party collaboratively and ensure the expedition is competent, balanced, and interesting. All investigators are members of the Starkweather–Moore Antarctic Expedition. Starkweather is assembling a capable land party under tight financial constraints, having spent most of his remaining fortune on ships, aircraft, vehicles, and supplies. As a result, many members of the expedition are volunteers, with only a handful of critical roles receiving salaries. What Starkweather needs most are people with practical expertise and a willingness to endure extreme conditions. Characters with useful skills or occupations are strongly encouraged. Scientists and researchers are particularly welcome, as are pilots, engineers, technicians, guides, and other specialists suited to polar exploration. Useful roles include, but are not limited to: cartographers or surveyors, dog handlers or sled drivers, electricians or radio engineers, mechanics, mining engineers, mountaineers, outfitters experienced in cold climates, photographers, physicians, journalists, and polar survival experts. Scientific investigators specializing in fields such as archaeology, biology, chemistry, geology, glaciology, meteorology, mineralogy, or paleontology are excellent fits. If possible, the group should include at least one geologist and/or paleontologist. Investigators who are recognized experts in their field are welcomed enthusiastically, especially if they do not expect a salary. Personal assistants or aides to such experts are also acceptable expedition members. Characters without relevant qualifications may still join the expedition by buying their way aboard. Starkweather is happy to accept anyone able to contribute a significant sum toward expedition costs, regardless of practical usefulness. Dilettantes, patrons, and wealthy sponsors are all viable character concepts. We will decide during Session 0 whether the investigators have prior connections or whether they meet for the first time as the expedition assembles in New York. Both approaches work well for this campaign. Characters will be created using Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition rules, with standard characteristics and starting skill values. We will draw from the Call of Cthulhu Keeper’s Rulebook (7th Edition) and the Call of Cthulhu Investigator Handbook (7th Edition). If you wish to use an additional source or optional rule, please raise it with me before Session 0 for consideration. The goal of character creation is not optimization, but competence, plausibility, and strong narrative hooks that

Preparing for the session

This campaign uses Roll20 for the virtual tabletop and Discord for voice chat and between-session communication. Before the game begins, players should ensure they have: - A free Roll20 account - A free Discord account - A reliable microphone and stable internet connection Once you join the game, I will provide: - An invitation link to the campaign’s Discord server - A Roll20 game link, shared in Discord prior to Session 0 No additional software, paid accounts, or rulebooks are required to begin play. Character creation will be handled collaboratively during Session 0, so there is no need to create a character in advance beyond preparing your initial concepts. If you have any technical concerns or questions before Session 0, you are welcome to raise them in Discord once you have access.

What Michael brings to the table

I provide a well-prepared, atmospheric campaign built around investigation, character-driven play, and meaningful choice. Sessions are carefully paced, with clear information, consistent consequences, and a strong focus on immersion. My goal is to create a game where tension builds naturally over time and where player decisions shape the direction and outcome of the expedition. I make extensive use of descriptive narration, period-appropriate tone, and environmental detail to bring scenes to life. I use character voices selectively when they serve clarity or mood, but I prioritize consistency and communication over performance. Rules are applied fairly and transparently. I generally adhere to Rules as Written, especially where they reinforce tone, risk, and consequence, but I value momentum and clarity over strict technicalities. When rulings are required, I favor interpretations that support plausibility, player agency, and narrative coherence. Combat is dangerous and consequential rather than tactical or frequent, and violence is rarely the primary solution to a problem. I provide clear handouts, visual aids, and reference material through Roll20, along with consistent communication and session summaries as needed. Between sessions, I remain available on Discord for questions, clarification, or character-related discussion. I strive to ensure that all players have opportunities to contribute, that spotlight time is shared, and that collaboration is encouraged. Above all, I aim to run a trust-based table. I am upfront about expectations, responsive to feedback, and committed to creating a space where players can engage deeply with the story, take risks, and explore difficult choices in a respectful and supportive environment. This campaign rewards curiosity, attention, and engagement, and I will meet that investment with preparation, consistency, and care.

How Michael creates a safe table

Player safety and comfort are a priority throughout this campaign. We will use several established safety tools to ensure that everyone can engage with the material confidently and respectfully. We will begin with a Session 0, during which we will review tone, themes, expectations, and boundaries before play begins. During this session, we will establish Lines and Veils together. Lines represent content that will not appear in the game, while Veils represent content that may exist but will not be described in detail. I will provide a Lines and Veils document for players to review and update, and these boundaries will be respected throughout the campaign. During play, we will use digital X, N, and O tools to manage comfort in the moment. Players may signal: - X to stop or immediately change content - N to signal discomfort and request a shift in tone or focus - O to indicate that everything is fine These tools can be used verbally or via Roll20 chat at any time, without explanation required. I will respond promptly and adjust the scene as needed. After sessions, we will use Stars and Wishes as a light aftercare and feedback tool. Players will have the opportunity to share what they enjoyed (Stars) and what they would like to see more or less of going forward (Wishes). This helps ensure the game remains engaging, comfortable, and responsive over the course of a long campaign. I aim to foster a table culture built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Players are always welcome to raise concerns privately between sessions via Discord, and feedback will be taken seriously and addressed thoughtfully.