The chill of New Year’s Day, 1923, clung to the streets of London like a specter, the frosty air biting at the exposed skin of those brave enough to venture out. The British Museum stood as a solemn guardian of history, its grand façade welcoming visitors into the depths of civilizations long past. Within its hallowed halls, a gathering of individuals drifted among the newly unveiled Maudslay Collection, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors.
Arthur Zorba traced his fingers lightly over a display case, the cold glass a stark contrast to the warmth of his skin. Shrapnel scars etched across the left side of his face caught the light, casting faint shadows that spoke of battles both external and internal. His haunted eyes reflected the ancient stone sculptures of the early Maya tribes, as though seeking answers hidden within their inscrutable expressions.
Nearby, Viola Sutcliffe stood with an air of ageless grace, her attire modest yet timeless, subtly adjusted to the fashions of the day without surrendering to them entirely. She exchanged a gentle smile with Per Oskarson, whose scholarly gaze moved methodically from one artifact to the next. Lines of wisdom marked Per’s features, a contrast to Viola’s enigmatic youthful appearance—a mystery whispered about but never openly addressed.
Professor Julius Smith, their old friend and erstwhile guide into the unknown, approached with a twinkle in his eye. He gestured toward a plaster cast of a jaguar, its form poised as if ready to spring from the pedestal. “I recall your story about the miniature jaguar,” he remarked, his gaze shifting between the assembled group.
Arthur’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Yes, always good to strike from the shadows where your enemies least expect,” he murmured, his voice laced with a mix of irony and distant memory.
Per chuckled softly. “You’ve always been fond of shadows, Arthur. It made you very easy to find when we played hide and seek. Just search for the deepest shadow, and there you’d be.”
Viola’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Imagine never having to put one’s clothes away between seasons. Just wearing whatever one likes for all eternity.”
As the day waned, Professor Smith produced a set of elegantly crafted tickets from his coat. “I’ve been chosen to give the Challenger Lecture,” he announced, pride evident in his tone. “They’re hosting it at the Imperial Institute in Kensington in a couple of nights. I’d be honored if you all could attend.”
Accepting the tickets, the group exchanged glances laden with unspoken anticipation. The Challenger Lectures were known for their provocative topics and stimulating discussions—a perfect stage for Smith’s penchant for the extraordinary.
Two nights later, the Imperial Institute buzzed with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. The audience settled, the murmurs subsiding as Professor Smith took the stage. He began with a bold question, challenging the very foundations of reality as perceived by most.
Arthur leaned forward in his seat, the weight of Smith’s words pressing against the barriers of his own skepticism. The lecture delved into hauntings—not as mere ghost stories, but as phenomena hinting at the fragility of the veil between dimensions. Images flickered across the screen: a Breton fishing boat gliding through intangible waves, a Norwegian woman descending a staircase with ethereal grace, a London hansom cab traversing streets unseen.
Smith’s voice rose and fell with practiced rhythm, each word carefully chosen to lead the audience deeper into contemplation. “It is my belief that such hauntings represent clues concerning a natural universe much larger and much stranger than we imagine.”
Per’s eyes reflected the glow of the projected images, his analytical mind dissecting each piece of evidence. Viola watched with a quiet intensity, her thoughts inscrutable yet engaged. Walter Lake sat stoically, his clerical collar a stark contrast to the surrounding opulence. His fingers tapped lightly against his knee, a subconscious rhythm of internal debate.
After the lecture concluded, the group found themselves seated together at the banquet hall. The clinking of silverware and soft murmur of conversation provided a backdrop to their gathering. Professor Smith joined them briefly, his demeanor both eager and introspective.
“What did you think of the lecture?” he inquired, his gaze scanning their faces for traces of affirmation or dissent.
Per was the first to respond, his tone measured. “I found it quite compelling. But as we’ve discussed before, not everyone is ready to hear of the world beyond that which we perceive. Caution is warranted.”
Smith nodded slowly. “Perhaps you’re right. But I can’t help feeling that we stand on the brink of monumental discovery.”
Arthur cleared his throat. “Professor, your desire to leave a mark on the world is important. Without presenting such findings, we risk missteps, as many of my generation have painfully learned.”
Viola placed a gentle hand on Smith’s arm. “You’ve already made quite an impact. Patience may yet yield greater rewards.”
A subtle tension hung in the air, woven from threads of ambition, caution, and shared history. Walter finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions. “We all served our country in different ways. Some truths may be too perilous to unveil without due consideration.”
Arthur’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Remind me, Walter, how many times were you shot at? It’s easy to preach caution from the sidelines.”
Walter met his gaze evenly. “I tended to the needs of many a soldier, spiritually. Not all battles are fought with guns.”
Viola interjected softly. “Gentlemen, this is neither the time nor place. Let us not mar the evening with discord.”
Amidst their exchange, Arthur’s attention was drawn to a man seated at a nearby table. The stranger possessed a dusky complexion uncommon among the usual London elite, his bushy mustache adding to his distinguished yet mysterious appearance. Dark eyes flickered toward them before he rose, donning his coat and scarf.
Something unsettled stirred within Arthur—a remnant of instincts honed on the battlefield. “Excuse me,” he muttered, pushing back his chair.
Slipping through the throng of guests, Arthur trailed the man at a discreet distance. The stranger navigated the corridors with purpose, his footsteps unhurried yet deliberate. Exiting the Institute, he stepped into the crisp night air, the glow of gas lamps casting long shadows along the street.
Arthur hesitated as the man hailed a cab, the flicker of recognition elusive yet persistent. A moment later, the cab merged into the flow of London traffic, taillights fading into the labyrinth of the city. Frustration gnawed at the edges of Arthur’s calm façade. Who was this man, and why had he been observing them?
Returning to the banquet hall, Arthur found his companions engaged in subdued conversation. Per glanced up, a question in his eyes. “Everything all right?”
Arthur nodded tersely. “Just needed some fresh air.”
As the evening wore on, Professor Smith was whisked away by other attendees, leaving the group to their musings. The clatter of the dining hall gradually diminished as guests departed in twos and threes. Outside, a gentle fog had begun to roll in from the Thames, shrouding the city in a veil of mist.
Viola drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “There’s a change in the air tonight.”
Per responded thoughtfully, “Indeed. One can never predict what the tides of time may bring.”
Walter adjusted his coat. “Perhaps it’s merely the weather. London is known for such moods.”
Arthur’s gaze drifted to the darkened windows, his reflection staring back with an intensity that belied his composed exterior. “Or perhaps it’s something more.”
A silence settled among them, each lost in their own reflections. The distant chime of a clock tower signaled the lateness of the hour. With unspoken agreement, they gathered their belongings and stepped out into the enveloping night.
As they parted ways, the streets of London stretched out before them like arteries pulsing with unseen life. The gas lamps flickered, their light struggling against the encroaching darkness. Shadows danced at the periphery of vision, hinting at shapes and forms not entirely of this world.
Arthur pulled his coat tighter, the weight of unanswered questions heavy upon him. The image of the stranger lingered in his mind, a puzzle piece out of place. He couldn’t shake the feeling that threads were weaving around them, drawing them toward an unseen design.
Unbeknownst to them all, forces stirred in the hidden corners of existence, their movements subtle yet profound. The veil between realities thinned ever so slightly, whispering secrets to those attuned to listen. The path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty, but the pull of the unknown beckoned—a siren’s call to which they were irresistibly drawn.
And as the fog swallowed the city, the shadows deepened, heralding the onset of events that would challenge the very fabric of their understanding. The darkness held its breath, waiting.
The group completes the introduction of the new campaign set in Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition, titled “Horror on the Orient Express.” Luke, the Keeper, sets the scene: It is New Year’s Day, January 1st, 1923. The characters are in London, England, and their old friend, Professor Julius Smith, has invited them to attend the opening of the Maudslay Collection at the British Museum. The Maudslay Collection is an exhibition of ancient stone sculptures from the early Maya tribes of southern Mexico and Central America, recovered by archaeologist Dr. Alfred P. Maudslay during expeditions in the 1880s. The characters, including Arthur Zorba, Claire Corning, Walter Lake, Viola Sutcliffe, and Per Oskarson, move through the museum with the crowd, observing the exhibits. Professor Smith joins them; he is now approaching 60 years old, has gained weight, grown a gray beard, and enjoys pungent cigars. Despite his age, he remains dedicated to battling the strange and dangerous, now more through education than adventuring. Professor Smith points at a plaster cast of a statue of a jaguar, recalling a story about a miniature jaguar related to Claire Corning’s past experiences. Viola Sutcliffe leans over to Professor Smith and reminds him that the jaguar story was only a cover story, hinting at past adventures where they deceived authorities. Professor Smith acknowledges this with amusement, noting how they fooled the police. Arthur Zorba, with visible shrapnel scars on the left side of his face and a haunted look in his eyes from the Great War, appears at Per Oskarson’s shoulder. Per Oskarson comments on the importance of the jaguar symbol in Mayan culture, relating it to virility and the shadows. Arthur Zorba responds, agreeing and stating that it is good to strike from the shadows where enemies do not see them. Viola Sutcliffe listens attentively to her old friend Per Oskarson’s observations. There is a noticeable change in Arthur since the war; he has become more guarded and volatile due to his experiences on the front lines. Per Oskarson reflects on whether he knew Arthur before the war and notes the significant change in him since returning. Walter Lake, the reverend, is present and comments that they all served their country in different ways during the war. Arthur pointedly asks Walter how many times he was shot at during the war, highlighting tension between them. Walter replies that he tended to the spiritual needs of many soldiers, offering prayers and last rites. Arthur appreciates that Walter did not directly answer his question, maintaining the tension. Viola Sutcliffe attempts to diffuse the situation by reminding them they are in a museum. Professor Smith awkwardly tries to change the subject by directing their attention to another exhibit. Arthur is dressed in full military uniform with numerous medals, displaying his rank and service. There is discussion among the group about Arthur’s military rank; they decide he is a Captain, noting that his career in the British Army may have stalled. Professor Smith mentions that he nearly forgot to give them something and produces a collection of elegantly printed tickets. He announces that he will be giving the Challenger Lecture in a couple of nights at the Imperial Institute in Kensington and invites them all to attend. Professor Smith hands out the tickets, noting that it is a formal event requiring tuxedos and gowns. Viola Sutcliffe inquires if women are permitted to attend; Professor Smith confirms that they are, mentioning that the Challenger Trust is very forward-looking. Professor Smith extends extra tickets to those who might bring additional guests, suggesting they invite family members. Arthur mentions that he will ask his grandmother, Madame Zorba, if she would like to attend, noting her interest in crystals lately. The group discusses reading the newspaper; Arthur is not a big reader but is attempting to read more as he transitions out of military life. Per Oskarson scans newspapers for interesting events related to his interests in the supernatural. Viola Sutcliffe reads most sections of the newspaper, possibly skipping over sports. Walter Lake reads the newspapers thoroughly to find content for his sermons. On January 2nd, the newspaper headlines report a fire in the historic Covent Garden Market, which is described as an unfortunate accident. During the days leading up to the lecture, Arthur visits his parents and attempts to see if his grandmother is interested in attending the lecture. Per Oskarson seeks out Arthur to discuss his wartime experiences, hoping to help him process his trauma and move forward. Arthur agrees to meet with Per, suggesting they start at a darkened bar in London called the “Pickled Wicket” and possibly retire to Per’s offices afterward. On the evening of January 3rd, the group attends the Challenger Lecture at the Imperial Institute in Kensington. The Master of Ceremonies introduces the event, explaining that the Challenger Trust selects speakers who can convey astonishing proofs and amaze the audience. Professor Julius Smith is introduced as the evening’s speaker, noted for his work in parapsychology, which causes a murmur among the crowd. Professor Smith begins his lecture by asking the audience who among them believes they have encountered a spirit or ghost, eliciting mixed reactions. He proceeds to discuss categories of repetitive phenomena that offer no simple explanation, focusing on hauntings. Professor Smith defines hauntings and distinguishes them from ghosts or spirits, noting that haunters can be objects as well as beings. He presents evidence from his studies of three hauntings: a Breton fishing boat, a Norwegian woman, and a London hansom cab. Photographs and slides are shown, demonstrating characteristics of the hauntings, such as semi-transparency, the way they manifest, and their interaction with the environment. He notes that the apparitions emerge whole from invisible planes, as if passing through “the curtains of perception,” rather than coalescing from points. Professor Smith discusses how these hauntings may represent attempts to return to this time and space by elements that have been somehow removed. He suggests that hauntings offer clues to a larger and stranger natural universe, possibly involving other dimensions and the manipulation of time. Smith concludes by challenging the audience to consider the broader implications of these phenomena and what might wait beyond human perception. The audience responds with enthusiastic applause, with some intrigued and others skeptical of his theories. After the lecture, the group adjourns to the banquet hall for dinner and continued discussions. Professor Smith ensures that the group is seated together for the meal. During dinner, Viola Sutcliffe asks Professor Smith about his methods for photographing hauntings, praising his use of modern technology. Smith explains that it required significant experimentation and collaboration with an expert, admitting that photography is somewhat beyond his expertise. Professor Smith earnestly asks the group for their honest thoughts on his lecture, hinting at his hope to make a significant impact on the world through his work. Per Oskarson responds by advising caution, expressing concern that not everyone is ready to hear about the more challenging aspects of the universe. He acknowledges finding the lecture compelling but urges Smith to be mindful of those whose minds might not be prepared for such revelations. Smith reflects on this advice, acknowledging the need for careful consideration in sharing his findings. Viola Sutcliffe encourages Professor Smith, noting his significant accomplishments and expressing that he may be selling himself short. Arthur Zorba adds that presenting findings to the world is important to prevent devastating leaps in understanding, referencing the impact on his generation. During the conversation, Walter Lake and Arthur Zorba notice a dark-skinned man in his late 30s at a nearby table who appears to be observing them and possibly listening in on their conversation. The man has a bushy mustache, wears a tuxedo, and appears to be of Mediterranean descent. Upon realizing he has been noticed, the man makes brief eye contact and then politely excuses himself from the table. Arthur decides to follow the man, excusing himself from the group under the pretense of needing to use the facilities. Arthur follows the man stealthily but is not successful in remaining unnoticed. The man retrieves his coat and hat from the cloakroom and exits the building. Outside, the man hails a cab and leaves the venue, with Arthur observing but choosing not to continue following. Arthur returns to the table, informing the group that the man left in a cab. Professor Smith rejoins the group briefly but is then approached by members of the Challenger Trust who wish to introduce him to important individuals. The evening continues with members of the group engaging in further discussions about the lecture and their experiences. The newspaper for January 3rd reports that “Germany Should Be Stopped Say Allies,” reflecting tensions in post-war Europe. The session concludes with the characters reflecting on the events of the evening and their interactions, setting the stage for future developments in the campaign.Session Notes