Call of Cthulhu One-Shot: The Necropolis
An archaeological dig uncovers a sealed tomb untouched for millennia—and something inside has noticed the living.
$16.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Tuesday - 11:30 PM UTC
Jan 27
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Report Adventure
StartPlaying Money Back Guarantee
If your game doesn't happen, we guarantee a refund. Just reach out to StartPlaying Support. Refund Policy
About the adventure
The Necropolis is a classic Call of Cthulhu mystery set in 1920s Egypt, where a routine archaeological expedition uncovers something ancient, sealed, and deeply unnatural. The scenario begins with a "terrible" accident that traps the investigators inside. Can they escape or will they meet their doom at the hands of...something. This game focuses on investigation, atmosphere, and roleplay rather than combat. Players will explore an ancient tomb, piece together unsettling clues, and make difficult choices as tension escalates. Violence is rare but meaningful, and sanity is a fragile resource—your decisions shape how the story ends. I run Call of Cthulhu as collaborative, player-driven horror, with clear guidance and rules explained as they come up. This makes the game welcoming for new players while still offering depth for experienced investigators. If you enjoy mystery, slow-burn cosmic horror, and stories where curiosity comes at a cost, this game is for you.
Game style
Combat Lite
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Heavy
Theater of the Mind
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Inclusive
About me
Hi! I’m Hannah — The Storyshifter. I’m a narrative-first, emotionally intuitive GM who builds stories that shift with the players who tell them. My tables are trauma-aware, ND-inclusive, and welcoming to anyone who loves meaningful character moments, queer-friendly worlds, and collaborative storytelling. I focus on creating experiences where emotions matter, choices ripple outward, and every player feels seen and supported. Whether you’re here for slow-burn character arcs, soft magic, mystery, whimsy, or heartfelt adventure, I’ll shape the world to fit your story and help your character shine.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
For this one-shot, pre-generated investigators will be provided. At the start of the session, players will choose from a selection of ready-to-play characters, each with their own background, skills, and connections to the scenario. No character creation or rules knowledge is required ahead of time. All investigators are fully built using Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition rules and are designed to be easy to pick up, even for first-time players. I’ll walk everyone through their character sheet and the core mechanics as we play. If you’re an experienced player and have a strong concept in mind, feel free to message me ahead of time—we may be able to adjust a pre-generated character to better fit your idea, as long as it suits the tone and setting of the scenario.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
No advance preparation is required for this game. You don’t need to create a character, read rules, or download any special software ahead of time. We’ll play using voice chat via Discord. The link will be provided before the session. Pre-generated characters, rules explanations, and any needed materials will be handled during play. Just show up on time with a working microphone, a stable internet connection, and a willingness to explore the unknown.
What Hannah (The Storyshifter) brings to the table
I provide a fully prepared, immersive Call of Cthulhu one-shot, including pre-generated investigators, scenario handouts, and clear, beginner-friendly guidance through the rules. My focus is on strong atmosphere through description, pacing, and player choice rather than background music or mechanical complexity. My GM style emphasizes investigation, roleplay, and tension over tactical combat. I use clear scene framing and occasional light character voices where helpful, but I do not use ambient music—this keeps the focus on player interaction and ensures the experience remains accessible and distraction-free. Player comfort is a priority. We’ll use a verbal X-Card–style safety tool, meaning any player can pause or redirect the scene at any time by saying “pause” or “X,” no explanation required. We’ll also briefly cover lines and veils at the start of the session so everyone knows what topics are off-limits or handled gently. These tools help ensure the game stays fun, tense, and respectful for everyone at the table.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Hannah (The Storyshifter) creates a safe table
Player comfort is a priority in my games. Before play begins, we’ll briefly go over Lines and Veils together to establish any topics players want to avoid entirely or handle off-screen. This ensures everyone knows the boundaries before the story begins. During play, we’ll use a verbal X-Card–style safety tool suitable for voice-only games. Any player may pause or redirect the scene at any time by saying “pause” or “X,” with no explanation required. I will immediately adjust the scene and check in as needed. I also encourage open communication throughout the session. Players are always welcome to step away briefly, request a tone adjustment, or message me privately if something feels uncomfortable. Aftercare is handled through a short check-in at the end of the game to make sure everyone is feeling okay after the session’s events.
Content warnings
Safety tools used