The Last Favor (A Call of Cthulhu Story-Driven Two-Shot)

Creating your character

Characters will be created before the first session, with guidance provided to make the process smooth and accessible. Players may create their own investigators or use a pre-generated character if they prefer. New players are very welcome, and no prior experience with Call of Cthulhu is required. Investigators will be ordinary people with a believable reason to be connected to the final request that begins the story (a friend, colleague, family member, or someone tied to the town). Character backgrounds and motivations will matter just as much as mechanical choices, depending on player preference. Stats will be generated using standard Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition rules. All character options should come from the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Rulebook or the Call of Cthulhu Player Handbook. I’m happy to help review characters or assist with creation before the game begins. If you’re new to the system or would rather focus on roleplay, I can provide ready-to-play investigators and help tailor them to your preferences. The goal is to make sure everyone starts comfortable, confident, and ready to tell a story together.

Preparing for the session

Before the game begins, players will need to complete a few simple steps to ensure a smooth session. - Create a Discord account (free) and join the private game server, which will be used for voice chat and table communication. - Have a working microphone and stable internet connection for clear voice communication. - Set up Alchemy RPG, our virtual tabletop, to access maps, handouts, and character sheets during play. Guidance for setup will be provided before the session. - Complete your investigator before the first session, either by creating your own character with guidance or selecting a pre-generated character provided. - Review any materials shared ahead of time, including character sheets or brief setting notes. No prior experience with Call of Cthulhu or virtual tabletops is required. Any tools used during play will be explained before the session, and I’m happy to help with setup or questions ahead of time. The goal is to keep preparation light so we can focus on telling a great story together once the game begins.

What Yearn brings to the table

At my table, the focus is on story, character, and atmosphere. Players can expect a narrative-first experience where choices matter, NPCs are grounded and memorable, and the story evolves around their decisions. I use cinematic descriptions, and guided pacing to immerse everyone in the world. I also provide ambient music and sound effects when appropriate, to enhance tension and mood. While I may use some character voices for important NPCs, the goal is clarity and engagement rather than performance for its own sake. Combat, if it occurs, will be lightly tactical but story-driven, with emphasis on the drama and stakes of the scene rather than optimization. I embrace the Rule of Cool when it fits the story, but I will always be fair and transparent with rules as written, especially for important mechanical outcomes. All handouts, maps, and virtual table resources will be provided through Alchemy RPG, so players can focus on the story without worrying about other things. My goal is to create a table where players feel safe to shape the story alongside me.

How Yearn creates a safe table

Your comfort and safety at the table is my top priority, especially in a horror game where things can get intense. Before we start, I’ll share ask you to share Lines & Veils so you can let me know what topics or content you’d like to avoid, this will be compile in a document and will be shared to the others anonymously. This is your space, you get to set the boundaries, and I’ll make sure we respect them. Before starting the game we will also go over safety tools, talk about your characters, and answer any questions about the story or our virtual setup. During play, I use a few ways to help everyone feel safe: X, N, & O cards so you can pause, skip, or say yes/no to intense moments Open Door, meaning you can step away or come back at any time, no judgment Stars & Wishes, which lets us reflect and share feedback during or after the session After each session, I’ll check in with you for debriefing and aftercare. If a moment feels heavy or you just want to talk, we’ll take the time. My goal is to make a space where you can fully dive into the story, take risks with your character, and explore the tension and, horror while knowing I’ve got your back the whole time.