Pulp Cthulhu II - Carnival of Death

[goat major]

It's back. The band have got back together. Except they're different. Just a session zero this evening to frame the mini campaign
Arthur Nero: The mechanic/inventor
Ulysses Trustworthy: He probably isn't
Madame Blavatsky: Exotic Russian mystic
Harvey Bullit: The washed-up copper
Mickey O'Neill: Hit man for the mob (perhaps on a mission at this very moment)
Betty Brock: Circus strongwoman and general freak

Each inexplicably drawn to enter a creepy carnival ghost house. Navigating the dark passageways, they all meet in a strange cavern where a hooded figure presents a book on a table. Arthur looks at it and sees an image that is clearly himself staring in horror at a strange device (like a movie camera) with a beam coming from it.

The scene fades and everyone is in a well furnished study. In comes Professor Finch (who everyone mysteriously seems to know). The wheelchair-bound professor thanks everyone for coming to help him. He has heard that an auction is about to take place. An auction for a Disintegrator Machine. He would normally dismiss such nonsense but his contacts have informed him that Ursus Foundries (#evil-international-arms-manufacturer)are attending the auction. The world cannot take the risk that this device may do what it says - and the heroes need to investigate its authenticity and prevent it falling into unscrupulous hands.....

Arthur feels strangely connected to this....as if its his story. Which it is

Chapter 1: The Disintegrator. Coming soon (well.... September)

[World2dave]

We're all doomed. You read it first here.

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

Meh - that's pretty much standard for the LAW membership, W2D.

[MarshalNey]

Why am I getting the theme music from tales of the unexpected continuously running through my head.

[World2dave]

Switch to the Benny Hill theme and you'll be closer

[MarshalNey]

Switch to the Benny Hill theme and you'll be closer

LOL like for everything we've ever done.

[Norman D. Landings]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnH2JsX9dX0

[goat major]

The Disintegrator: Episode 1

Finch explains that an unknown inventor - George Pelfrey - claims to have accidentally discovered a distintegrating machine. He is auctioning it off at a hotel in Kingsport. It is know that a number of investors are showing interest - notably a company called Ursus Foundries, a shady British weapons manufacturer. The story can't be true but risks can't be taken - the truth must be established and anyone planning evil must be prevented from acquiring the device.

The heroes drive to Kingsport along the frightening and steep rocky coast road - observing the fog building on the horizon (and some strange lights in it).

Checking into the hotel they make friends with the cheerful Gabe the bell boy and the manager Mr Gardiner who confusingly isn't a gardener. Everyone checks in. Betty gets a room with a bed big enough for her womanly physique, right above Arthur.

Some conversations and observations (plus some strongwoman intimidation) reveal some of the other guests
- Ernest Kepler. A gruff businessman from the North of England. Big fan of sausage rolls. Seems to like Betty - just his type of girl.
- Pietro Morasini. A slick Italian businessman. His grumpy driver is a known associate of the local Mob.
- Valarie Hinds. A stunning businesswoman with an annoying handbag-carried-dog called Stanley
- Dr Walker. A dull looking cold-fish academic

And the inventor - George Pelfrey. A 47 year old man who looks like he's 70 - seriously ill and looking like he might die any day. Plus his pleasant and attractive wife, Emmeline. They are assisted by the auction organiser Wade and his two grunts.

Statues are investigated, sausage rolls are eaten. rooms are broken into, people are quizzed uncomfortably about the location of their family members. And then it is time for the demonstration. All the time the fog starts to roll in, surrounding the hotel.

The machine resembles a movie camera with machine gun grips attached to a generator. Upon being operated it shoots a beam at the large garden statue and it shines through it and out the other side. A minute later the statue crumbles to absolute nothingness. The same is repeated with a toilet ripped from the wall by an overenthusiastic Betty. And then a large side of beef. Kepler seemed impressed when it disintegrated animal matter.

The heroes and guests retire to the dining room to have dinner and prepare their bids. The manager though is furious - the operation of the device caused his electrics to fail temporarily but now none of the phones or the telegraph work.

And the fog closes in further.

Tune in soon for Episode 2 of; The Disintegrator.

[BaronVonWreckedoften]

The Disintegrator: Episode 1

Finch explains that an unknown inventor - George Pelfrey -

Possibly a record for the fastest ever error in the narrative?

[Etranger]

Ursus Foundries are a subsidiary of BAEr ....