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Chaosium Digest Volume 10 Number 01
Chaosium Digest Volume 10, Number 1
Date: Sunday, April 2, 1995
Number: 1 of 1
Contents:
The Cult of the Growing Star (Ulises Santos Espino) CALL OF CTHULHU
Creature Feature (Ulises Santos Espino) CALL OF CTHULHU
Editor's Note:
UNSPEAKABLE RELEASES: New out for Call of Cthulhu is Of Keys and Gates
(Pagan Publishing, 32 pg., $5.95). This is the second volume of The
Resurrected, and includes adventures that were originally presented in
issues 1 and 3 of The Unspeakable Oath.
Recent Sightings:
A few more French sightings from Frederic Moll.
* Elric! - "Les Quatre Parchemins" (The Four Scrolls), a 13 page
scenerio, Tatou #22 [Feb/Mar, 1995]
* Hawkmoon - "La Reine Verte" (the Green Queen), an 11 page scenerio
sent in Granbretan, Tatuo #22 [Feb/Mar, 1995]
--------------------
From: Ulises Santos Espino <vystrik@sopa.dis.ulpgc.es>
Subject: The Cult of the Growing Star
System: Call of Cthulhu
****************************************************************************
* The Cult of the Growing Star *
* by Ulises Santos *
****************************************************************************
This is a story I wrote some years ago for a campaign we were playing.
I have translated it into English and adapted it to this format to
share with all Cthulhians in the world. Enjoy it.
CULTURAL NOTES
Tartessos
Tartessos was a country that rose in southern Iberia (today Spain) in
the age of the Greek colonization of the Mediterranean Sea. There's
nothing absolutely clear about it, and all that historians know is
based on references in Greek and Phoenician texts. In 1920 and
following years, several treasures and items from Tartessos were
discovered in Andalucia. These consisted of necklaces, bracelets,
combs and some other unidentifiable things, most of them made of gold,
silver and jewels.
Japan in 1920
It will be a helpful for an English speaker to buy the Japan Herald,
founded in 1860 and completely written in that language.
There exist some points of interest in Japan, such as Meiji Jingu
Homotsuden (the Museum of History), Silver Temple of Jishoji
(religious wealth), the Okura Foundation, the National Museum of
Science and the Foreign Studies University of Tokyo.
In Japan, players can find books such as Kamakuna (sXII) and Gaki
Zostu(sXIII) which include interesting references about Buddhist
hells; or strange sculptures by Nyoirin Kannon; or Hojoki, poems from
the zen monk Kamo no Chomei (1154-1216). There exists an epic book
called Taketori Monogarati, said to be the oldest Japanese book. From
prehistoric Japan, there are the haniwa, humanoid figures made with
mud, and the magatuma, hard stone carvings with claw form.
Not too far from Japan, in China, Germany still possessed a territory
around Tsing Tao port, the Shangton peninsula. It was claimed by
Japan.
[Also Consult V6.1 for some background notes on Modern Japan]
THE REAL STORY
Adolf Shulten discovers in Southern Spain a stone claw. It is a
Japanese magatuma. He goes to Japan and finds that Jimmu Tenno and his
clan came from Tartessos, because they were expelled by Basque
sorcerers, with the help of Nodens. These Tartessians were adepts to
Cthugha, and so are their descents in Japan. One of the Tenno clan,
named Yamato, wants now to gain the favour of that primigenian. He
hopes to destroy the Japanese which follow Nodens (who wants the
opening of the country) and keep Japan in isolation.
THE BEGINNING (1920)
Professor Adolf Shulten, an eminant German archaeologist, arrives in
Arkham. He was invited by the History Studies Seminar of Miskatonic
University, to give some talks and analyze samples from his
discoveries in Sevilla (Spain) of an ancient, rich lost civilization.
PCs may be interested in the talk by the theme itself or an
archaeologist friend may recommend it.
Shulten gives a detailed talk about Tartessos and make reference to
some books which mention it: Herodoto's "Chronicles", Climaco's "Of
History" and the Spanish Gilberto Escribano de Aragon's "El mito de
Tartessos" (the last is in University of Toledo). He describes the
excavation made in Aliseda and its results. After these interesting
points, he starts talking nonsense: he exalts the USA and asks for
American colaboration with western countries to keep the colonies
around the world. Shulten then turns excitable and evasive and
finishes roughly. [Some colleages try to justify his mood due to his
age, the hard work and the importance of his discoveries, etc].
Within the next few days, PCs can read in newspapers: "Earthquake in
Japan. Yokohama and Tokyo affected. Many dead. Hakodi-ji (a very
ancient Buddhist temple in Yokohama) completely destroyed."
[This notice may be mixed with others in order not to center PC's
interest on it; for example, "Germany: Putsch by one called Hitler",
"Kronotskaya volcano erupts in Kamchatka", etc.]
A few days later, the newspapers say: "Eminent archaeologist brutally
quartered! Adolf Shulten appears with head torn off, without eyes and
totally skinned, in the bathroom. Limbs in pieces. Inner organs spread
all over. He was resting in a house near Miskatonic river, borrowed by
the University. The room was turned upside down."
If PCs are interested, they can try to talk the police [Law, Eloquence
or Persuade skill] into allowwing them to examine the scene. There
are a couple of books: "Chronicles" and "El mito de Tartessos", a
notebook and a diary that is completely pulled apart. [If a Find roll
succeeds, the following can be discovered: a letter in Japanese, some
pages from the diary (in German), a golden necklace with eigth cubes,
a stone carved as a claw (magatuma), a .32 and ammo.]
The Letter: From Mitoka Kabuto, University of Tokyo. He says he did
everything Shulten requested in the last letter. He investigated the
figures and identified them as true haniwa. Also, original versions of
Gaki Zostu and Hojoki have been found. He talks about the
inevitability of the Japanese occupation of Kiao-Chow [the bay of
Tsing Tao]. He says he can't wait for the arrival of Professor
Shulten, but "he will do it".
The Diary: Some references to Japanese History. Possessions of Germany
near Japan. A danger exists.
Personal items of Shulten are sent to Liudmila Scheider, his sister
who lives in Hamburg. She knows very little, only that her brother
recently travelled to East Asia. Items from the excavation are
returned to Sevilla.
LA LLUVIA EN SEVILLA [SPANISH CONNECTION]
In Aliseda, Sevilla, there are still some archaeologists and workers
at the dig site.
The scientists are Juan Montoya and Felipe O'Manley, who speak English
and French very well. They will look very sad when they hear that
Shulten is dead (they weren't informed). They can tell that many
uncatalogables objects have been found, very strange and unique items
with no relation to any other culture.
Montoyo will reveal that Shulten was very surprised by a rigid
necklace, about 25 cm diameter, with enigmatic carvings on it, and
with a stone shaped as a claw. He didn't talk much about it, and when
questioned, he always refered to his next book, saying that he was
near proving an incredible prehistoric link. He suddenly left them
after the receiving a letter, which O'Manley identified as written in
Chinese [it actually was Japanese]. If someone investigate at
consigners, it can be found that Shulten travelled to Japan.
The room where the professor stayed at Sevilla, contains [Discover] a
detailed map of a Tartessian treasure site. With an organized
excavation, large amount of gold and silver objects can be obtained,
at the GM's discrection. Keep in mind that Universities and the
Spanish Government will not agree to a furtive work.
A VISIT TO GERMANY
If Shulten's house in Hamburg, Germany, is visited, PCs can notice
that he was interested recently in paranormal things and occultism.
In his library there are the books "Kronognothos" by Heliofonte of
Naxos, a version of "Unauspreliechen Kulten" and minor texts on Mythos
subjects. In his papers are written words like
"Niantokusha-Nyarlathotep", "Wagakusha-Kangakusha", "zen balance",
"Cthulhu" and "magatuma".
At the University of Hamburg, Herr Wilhelm Webb, librarian, says that
Shulten consulted books on Japanese culture and some on Occultism.
Herr Nicklaus Nimmberg, a friend of Shulten's, and an archaeologist
too, introduced Shulten to Eder Schweig, an officer who was assigned
to the Chinese colony of Kiao Chau. Lieutenant Schweig is a depressed
man, often drunk, who will insist like a parrot that the USA must
intervene in Eastern Asia, because all Asians are crazy and Japanese
people are a serious danger.
KARE WA EIGO JOOZU DA [JAPANESE GAME]
The Real Story
Yamato Wagashiri is a politician, the leader of a parliamentary group
(Japanese Keepers Front). He supports the isolation of Japan, and
desires returning to non-dependence upon Western Powers. He is a very
rich businessman too. He is said to be direct descendant of Yamato
(Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor), and of Amaterasu.
The Temple of Hakodi-ji
If the destroyed temple of Hakodi-ji, Yokohama, is investigated, it
can be found that the temple's area is overly ruined compared to the
rest of the area. [This is because its monks were preparing a campaign
against Yamato and his plans]. A dragon's head of jade can be
discovered here; it has an inscription that says "Shankodi-ji is the
way of the light".
Mitoka Kabuto-san
At Tokyo, Mitoka Kabuto-san works in the Technologic Institute of
Foreign Studies. He has two ancient books, the Gaki Zostu and Hojoki.
The first book is studiable, and is described below. The second book
contains a reference that reads "the land of Chon Kwo is the place
where the big hero [Taketori] hid the treasure after defeating the
demon Tachuga [Cthugha]". Some investigation of Japanese History or
helping to refresh Kabuto's memory will identify that "big hero" as
Taketori. He will talk about a book called Taketori Monogarati (see
books section below for more information).
Professor Kabuto knows that Yamato controls an important sector of
Japan and that his purposes are not good. There have been unsolved VIP
murders, and Kabuto thinks that Yamato and some sects (Kangakusha,
Wagakusha, Niantokusha?) are probably implicated. [Kangakusha are
followers of zen that rarely contact Nodens; they were the monks who
owned Hakodi-ji. Wagakusha are adepts of Cthulhu; they have worked for
Yamato killing people, but they are not part of the conspiracy.
Niantokusha are direct followers of Yamato Wagashiri and adorers of
Ninigi no Mikoto or Cthugha].
Kabuto can also talk about a wise monk called Mashuhuto Konami.
After the first meeting between PCs and Kabuto, Kabuto is killed
[unless special protection is given to him, such as keeping him with
the group] and both books are stolen. He has the necklace that
surprised Shulten in Aliseda. A Mythos roll can identify some signs on
it as Nyarlathotep related.
Yamato Wagarshiri
Yamato Wagashiri lives in Kyoto. He contacts Nyarlathotep and is able
to send a Shantak or a Fire Vampire after those who clearly disturb
him. His house has six sentinels permanently around the building, and
some guards that come and go. The building, near Lake Yamotiri, is a
classic Japanese design, with few Chinese elements. A second floor
over the door gives the house a sentry post where two men are placed
permanently. A barrier defends the entrance. Inside, there are four
guard's rooms, one at each corner, a well-cared garden and the main
building, where Yamato and his direct servants live. Between the door
and the residence are a big sculpture of a humanoid being [the form in
which Nyarlathotep appears to these adepts] and a stone altar with
notorious signs of sacrifices [it gives a bonus to perform
convocations here]. At the barracks there are 13 guards. Five more are
downstairs the tower. Wagashiri also has four fanatical servants. One
of the inner rooms is a kind of laboratory where two little and
vicious beings [homunculi] will attack any intruder. The lab has a
secret drawer that holds a true version of the book Gaki Zostu
Mashuhuto Konami
Mashuhuto Konami lives at Shankodo-ji. PCs must pass some tests to
reach his presence. They can not carry weapons or magic items. They
must sit unmoving in a zen garden for 4 hours [POW*3 roll]. Finally,
they must present themselves to him completely naked. All these
conditions will be explained more or less enigmatically by other
monks.
Konami knows these concepts:
* Chon Kwo=Kiao Chow.
* Wagakusha came from the sea of Growing Sun to adore their Lord.
* Niantokusha came from the other side of the world, beaten, but they
were born again. Emperor "Yamato" was their leader. They adore the
Evil One: Ninigi no Mikoto. Shadows are coming because the moment is
near [Sirio is coming into line with Fomalhaut and Jupiter].
* The Kangakusha have kept the balance by pacifying the Gods and
frightening demons.
[Konami is a wise man. He follows the rules of study with learned
persons. He knows the spells of Levitation, Trance and Call Nodens].
TSING TAO, THE REVELATION
Tsing Tao port is a colonial and international city, where many
western people live. To the south is Kiao Chow bay; on the land, to
the east are the Lake Kaomi and a little village at its shore, An Kiu
Hsien. Some investigation reveals that the Japaneses are increasing
their influence. A Japanese military unit is making something at the
Lake Kaomi.
Ten soldiers, 15 Niantokusha and a Shantak in the water are looking
for the pillar of Taketori. Each day after the PC's arrival, they roll
a 15% of chance to find it. If they find the pillar, it will be
extracted and Cthugha will be summoned. The stone claw from Tartessos
vibrates and heats when if is near the pillar; if the pillar is
destroyed, the claw turns to dust. Kaomi lake has 70 Km^2.
The pillar can be opened (by breakage or finding a mechanism). It
contains a child [Ikine Domokushi] with a large, gelantinous head who
will move slowly until one or two hours has passed. The pillar also
has a pot of flamable liquid (5 liters), 3 Kg of a very viscous mud
[it explodes twice as big as dynamite], the diadem of Nokema [protects
user from fire completely], Taketori's armor [3 points], Taketori's
katana [50%, 1D4+1D6 of slash+1D6 of electricity] and a medallion with
a Japanese character [-2 permanent power points, -1D6 sanity, allows
control of Ikine, as a fanatic slave]. When the pillar is opened, a
sudden flow of aura gives everyone present 1D4 permanent power points,
if 40% is rolled.
THE CATARSIS
If Yamato is killed, the sect will be dismembered and all his plans
will be suspended. As they need the pillar for the convocation of
Cthugha, its lack will delay it perhaps some hundred years. This
delay, for either reason, gives all PCs 3D6 sanity points. Also, the
Kangakushas will be so thankful and they are a good influence in
Japan.
If nothing stops Yamato's purposes, a big fire will destroy Tokyo and
some witnesses will describe a big ball of fire moving at will. Most
of the western power's interests in Japan will be destroyed, as will
the Kangakusha's temples. Japan will head towards the shadows.
Anyways, history tells us that Japan took German colonies in China,
including the Shangton Peninsula, about the year 1922, and its
relations with Europe and USA turned sharper.
NPCS
Adolf Shulten, archaeologist, 59 (German)
STR 10 CON 13 SIZ 15 INT 16 POW 13
DEX 12 APP 11 EDU 21 SAN 15 HP 14
Damage bonus: +1D4
Weapons: Gun.32 40%, 1D8
Skills: Antropology, archaeology 85%; Occultism 40%; Draw maps 35%;
Geology 50%; History 80%; Linguistics 50%; Talk English, French 40%;
Talk Spanish 25%; Read/write latin, Greek 75%; R/w Japanese 50%, Mythos 25%.
Yamato Wagashiri, politician, 47 (Japanese)
STR 10 CON 10 SIZ 10 INT 18 POW 18
DEX 18 APP 11 EDU 16 SAN 00 HP 10
Damage bonus: --
Armor: 3
Weapons: knife 70% 1D4+2
Skills: Find 65%; Public speaking 60%; Mythos 40%; History 65%; Dodge
65%; Hide 35%; Psychology 50%; Persuade 60%; English 50%.
Spells: Summon shantak (2 mp, 1 round), Summon fire vampire (no date
restrictions), Contact Nyarlathotep, Create homunculus, Contact
Cthonian.
Followers of Yamato (Niantokusha)
[They wear black karategies]
STR 16 CON 17 SIZ 10 INT 10 POW 10
DEX 18 APP -- EDU -- SAN -- HP 13
Damage bonus: +1D4
Weapons: Kick 70% 1D6+1D4
Fist 85% 1D3+1D4
Grapple 80% (see rules)
Katana 40% 1D10+1+1D4 (as sword)
Nunchaku 60% 1D6+1D4 (as stick)
Shuriken 50% 1D3 (as a firearm with 3 shots per round)
Skills: Hide 40%; Dodge 70%; Find 50%.
Mitoka Kabuto, university professor, 42 (Japanese)
STR 9 CON 14 SIZ 14 INT 15 POW 8
DEX 13 APP 8 EDU 18 SAN 45 HP 14
Damage bonus: --
Weapons: <none>
Skills: Antropology, archaeology 45%; Geology 60%; History 80%;
Linguistics 80%; Talk English 60%; Read/write latin, Greek 75%;
Library use 80%.
Ikime Domokushi, serf, about 1000 (outer dimension)
[This is the gelatinous fellow in the pillar]
STR 18 CON 18 SIZ 7 INT -- POW --
DEX 21 APP -- EDU -- SAN -- HP 12
Damage bonus: +1D4
Sanity loss: 0/1D3 (its owner does not loss).
Weapons: see skills
Skills: Fencing 90%; Spot hidden, hide 90%; Listen 90%; Kick, fist, grapple,
butt 80%.
Mashuhuto Konami, monk, 65 (Japanese)
STR 10 CON 17 SIZ 10 INT 16 POW 21
DEX 11 APP 8 EDU 10 SAN 85 HP 13
Damage bonus: --
Armor: 4 points if 2 POW points are spent.
Weapons: <none>
Skills: Enigmas 90%; Zen activities 90%; History 70%; Occultism 75%; Sing 80%;
Listen 80%; Mythos 14%; Psychology 60%; Linguistics 40%; Talk English 20%.
Spells: Levitation, Trance, Call Nodens.
ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTIONS
Books
"Kronognothos" -Heliofonte of Naxos Greek +6% x3 -2D6
[Spells at will of Keeper]
"Gaki Zostu"(recent version) Japanese +2% x1 -1D6
[Spells included in this version:
Summon Cthugha, Contact Nodens]
"Gaki Zostu"(true version) Old Japanese +10% x3 -2D8
[Spells here are the same as above plus Create Homunculus]
Both versions of Gaki Zostu include this paragraph: "It is well known
that haniwa repels those from under the sea [...] and the lost claws
of Korr Neha, the stone bird, slew the beings down the gods [...] but
the Dragon of Cold were frightened because Chu had the dragon's head."
[This means that haniwa protects from the Deep Ones (the sons of Dagon
and Hydra), the stone claws from all minor servant race and dragon's
head from Shantaks].
"Taketori Monogarati" -Anonimous Japanese -----
[This is one of the oldest books in Japanese, and tells the story of a
moon fairy that travels to Earth. A chapter tells how a peasant
studies with an old wise man the secrets of Nature. One of the
internal Japanese wars of the 10th century forces him to leave his
mentor and fight on the side of Domo Hirumisama. He wins and the
peasant is honoured because of his courage. The beaten Domo, Niantoshe
Akimashine, begs the help of a demon, summoning it through a pillar.
Taketori (the nickname of the peasant, meaning bamboo cutter) fights
against them, with the help of the old master, and kills the Domo. He
sends the demon back to its hell home and throws the pillar into a
lake at Chon Kwo, together with the terrible weapons Taketori used to
win.]
New Spells
Create homunculus. This spell requires blood, 2 points POW permanent,
and an amount of magic points equal to the Health Points of the being
with one additional magic point for each 10% more in any skill. The
homunculus' characteristics are rolled this way: STR 1D10 CON 2D6 SIZ
1D6+2 DEX 4D6 INT 2D4 POW 2D6. The homonculus is a grotesque humanoid
with small horns and bat wings which allow it to fly. It attacks with
bite 30% 1D4, and dodges at 3*DEX.
Levitation. SIZ/2 magic points must be spent; allows caster to stay
one meter over the floor.
Trance. This spell's effect is similar to the plutonic drug or
Alhazred's lamp, except no external material is needed; probability is
INT+5% per magic point spent. If roll is higher than 90 a dangerous
contact has been done (e.g. Hounds of Tindalos).
Magic Devices (Discoverable at Yamato's laboratory)
Nyarlathotep Juice: +25% DEX,CON, +10% combat skills.
Iridiscent shuriken: (10 units) Radius=STR meters; rate=3;
percent=Throw+50%; damage=1D6+bonus
Yamato's poison: Strength 10
Egg of Azathoth: +10 Mythos; 1D10 sanity loss; if a player looks
through it, Azathoth can be observed dancing.
Diadem of That One: Allows a pact with Nyarlathotep. Charism and
social skills can be increased but the user must do what that god
wishes. This may include destroying the University of Nimega;
kidnapping a scientist from the University of Berlin; killing
Mashuhuto Konami (a Japanese wise man) and so on.
-Written about 1990 by Ulises Santos Espino.
-Translated in 1995 by Ulises Santos Espino and Mairead Coneelly Keane.
///ï
////
7777~95
--------------------
From: Ulises Santos Espino <vystrik@sopa.dis.ulpgc.es>
Subject: Creature Feature
System: Call of Cthulhu
Below are some monsters that I created to fit in my stories. Perhaps
you'd find one appropiated to yours.
LADA
Description: White pale insect-like bug, about 1 meter long. It has
claws as a crab, and a kind of stinger where the head should be. Its
larvae are ovoid and segmented, about 1 or 2 inches long.
Habitat: North Mexico and the Southwest US. In general, arid zones,
wadis and rarely deserts.
STR 4D6+6 CON 3D6 SIZ 1D10 DEX 1D6+4
Claw 30% 1D6+grapple
Stinger 30% 2D6+stunned 1 round.
Armor 2
Sanity loss 1/0
PIOJOTE
Description: Pitch black insect with a big abdomen and fusiform.
Larger than ladas, these creatures have thin and strong legs used as
hooks to climb and to attack.
Habitat: As ladas.
STR 3D6+2 CON 3D6 SIZ 2D6+6 DEX 1D6
Stinger 30% 1D6+drain blood
Hook 20% 1D3+stinger 50% next round
Armor 4
Sanity loss 1/0
EL COCO, COCO
Description: Appears to be a tall man, but when examined more closely,
sharp teeth, strong claws, a bald head, and a skin full of black scabs
and tumors become obvious. Its eyes are deep red and it often carries
a sack. (He is said to steal children's souls or bodies)
Habitat: Every rural population, specially those with spanish cultural
origins. (i.e. South and central America, Southern USA, Spain,
Portugal and Philippines).
STR 26 CON 10 SIZ 19 POW 12 INT 10 DEX 16 Life 15
Claw 50% 3D6
Bite 30% 2D6
Spit 80% gets bad smell for 1D6 weeks
He can attack two enemies per round/2 claws+(bite or spit). He knows
two or three convocations.
Sanity loss 1D6/0
JGROGN-HOO (last 'o' nasal), FINA-LAE-PRUTA
Description: Extremely tall and strong being, made of stone by ancient
Nepalians. He is of greenish-grey stone, has two small, curved horns
and a face that has characteristics of both lions and monkeys. The
rest of the being is clearly humanoid. He was created to protect a
temple in Himalaya called "Egg's temple". It's said that he is there
to prevent the joining of two parts of a holy Egg and so avoid the
summoning of Yog Sothoth. If nothing disturbs his mission, he stays
sitting down as another sculpture.
Habitat: The temple said above.
STR 29 CON 20 SIZ 40 INT 2 POW 9 DEX 10 Life 30
Fist 50% 3D6+1D3
Kick 40% 4D6
Bite 20% 5D6
Armor 10
Regenerates 3ppr
Sanity loss 1D10/0 (seen animated, of course)
KOBINO
Description: It is very small, about 1/2 meter tall. Its appearance is
a sin against our plane: it looks like a 2D figure, vagely curved.
The countours are like a childish drawing of a dog, walking on two
legs. Its eyes are inexpressive points, it has sharp ears and it has
three lines on the forehead (or where it should be).
Habitat: It is a minor Other God. Last time it was seen was in
Arizona. Only one stammering witness keep its existence from the human
race.
STR 48 CON 46 SIZ 10 INT 0 POW 3 DEX 6 Life 20
Bite 60% 3D6
Grapple 50%
Its gummy matter makes it invulnerable to any weapon except knives and
blades. Sanity loss 1D20/1
{ Ulises Santos Espino, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain}
--------------------
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