SUN SPOTS

a Call of Cthulhu Adventure

Dave Sokolowski
In memory of Mark Irons
Written and Developed by Dave Sokolowski

Layout and Design by Gregory G. Geiger

Cover art by Chris Huth

Interior Art by Reuben Dodd, Jason Eckhardt, Caleb Cleveland

Maps by Jake Coolidge

Editing by Cynthia Douglas Chernoff

Editorial Guidance by Keith “Doc” Herber

Additional Proofreading by Tyler Hudak

Playtesting by Candace Carpenter, Alex Graham, Jefferson Watson, Gil Trevizo, Geoff Garyville,
Jeff Campbell, Scott Tooker, Charles Kamen-Mohn, Karl Kamen-Mohn, Joshua Ford, Stuart
Fullmer, Emily Cox, Curtis Robinson, Jerry Betti, Robert Lionheart, Mike Rizzo, Jerry Chacon,
Dennison AM, Robert Glenn, Rachel Harris, Matt Steele, Alice Beckett, Jason Launer, Wade
Evans, Rich Kroon, Steve Owens, Stephen Mackintosh, Pól Ó Néil Mór, Dave Smith

Sun Spots
Copyright © 2017 by Dave Sokolowski and Weird 8
All Rights Reserved

Call of Cthulhu game (7th edition) by Sandy Petersen, Mike Mason,

and Paul Fricker, et al. Call of Cthulhu is a Registered Trademark of
Chaosium Inc., and is used with permission under license.

Chaosium and Call of Cthulhu logos are used under license.

www.chaosium.com

For more information, contact us at our website Weird8.com or email at [email protected] .

SokolowskiDave davesokolowski.weird8
 The Beginning

1 Introductions & Considerations

Scenario Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02
Keeper Introduction ........................................................................................... 02
Three Acts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03
Scenario Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05
Mythos Considerations ....................................................................................... 06

2 Scenario Background
Recent History ................................................................................................... 10
History of a Failed Partnership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
February 1926 — Partridge’s Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3 The Sun, the Stones & the Visions

The Sun Above. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
The Sun Stones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Parchments of Pnom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pouch of Zaum ................................................................................................... 21
Sun Stones and Imposters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Visions from Beyond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Religions and Sun Gods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4 Red Valley
Town Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Town History ..................................................................................................... 32
The Who and the Where . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
New Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Partridge and Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

5 Timeline & Events

Before the PCs Arrive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Pulling It All Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Flashbacks to Evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
The Trip to Red Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Act I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Act II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Act III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Appendix I / The Observatory “Director’s Cut” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Appendix II / Sun Spots Today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Appendix III / People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Appendix IV / Places & Props. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Appendix V / Kickstarter Backers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Appendix VI / Index .......................................................................................... 107

 THE BEGINNING

Back in 2007 I read a posting on Yog-Sothoth. particular deity, and my idea had struck
com (YSDC) from Keith “Doc” Herber a nerve.
announcing his return to Call of Cthulhu. He
We spent the next few months swapping
was starting up Miskatonic River Press with
ideas and drilling down into something
Tom Lynch and called for submissions for
new. (The whole backstory involving
his Old Ones book—a collection of scenarios
the Hyperboreans is his idea, as was the
focusing on the four ancient deities Yog-
Observatory, which didn’t make the final cut
Sothoth, Nyarlathotep, Shub-Niggurath and
but was play-tested many times.) Doc had
Azathoth. It seemed like a long-shot—I was
already shared his set of guiding principles
sure I had serious competition—but in a
for a book he felt would stand above all
fit of creativity I spent an afternoon brain-
previous Old Ones scenarios and it was
storming ideas and then submitted them.
clear he wanted something different from
I was utterly surprised when Doc wanted each scenario. I was immediately awed by
to dig further into my idea for the Azathoth his knowledge of both the Cthulhu Mythos
scenario—he already had many ideas and the history of Call of Cthulhu. He knew
lined up for this book, but was searching there was a gap that he—and only he—was
for something strange and unique for this qualified to fill. He wanted to publish a

i
scenario book that was bigger and better than At Celesticon 2011, I had the fortune of
all the others, and he knew he could do it. sharing a few Anchor Steams with Ken Hite,

So I spent the next year writing the damn who recommended I use Graham Walmsley’s

thing—I have fond memories of sitting on rules-light Cthulhu Dark and just publish

my deck in Oregon in front of my laptop, the thing myself—brilliant! With Graham’s

working in the summer days on a story that permission, I spent the next year re-tooling

was in itself about a summer that never ends. Sun Spots for Cthulhu Dark, playtesting the

I wrote 20,000 words in the summer of 2008 heck out of it and finding an artist to make it

and handed off the project to Doc and Tom beautiful and scary.

that fall. I can see now that the scenario was While there are certainly great artists in
bloated, unclear, and needed some tough love our industry, having quality RPG art is not
to get it where you see it today. guaranteed. But with Doc’s original vision

But, again, Doc had the experience to in my head, I wanted the art to special

know that the scenario fit what he needed and unique too. That’s when I found Chris

in his pantheon of scenarios. I remember Huth. When Chris sent me the cover for the

the day he sent an email saying: “I think we scenario, I knew that Sun Spots would finally

have a winner here, and one with a lot of fun see the light of day (no pun intended).

possibilities. Nice job.” I was bowled over Then, for a while there, Sun Spots was going
with admiration and awareness that I had to be published as a Call of Cthulhu scenario
become a member in a small group of people by another publisher, during which time I
that Doc deemed fit to publish. It was a went and published He Who Laughs Last via
good day. Kickstarter. Once that was done and I was

It was not a good day, though, when Doc looking for my next project, I realized it was

died just months later. It wasn’t about my time to finally make Sun Spots a reality.

scenario or the book on that day—it was that I wanted to make the book reflect upon
our hobby had lost a luminary. Doc was gone, its journey, and I worked hard to find artists
and a lot was gone with him. and designers that could make that happen.

Flash forward to 2011 and my life in Silicon And now you have the book in your hands,

Valley—I felt an overwhelming need to finish the result of a long, arduous adventure that

something. I looked around and remembered covers nearly ten years. Since I first wrote

all the work I had done on Sun Spots and this, Doc has died, as has my friend Mark

decided to finish the scenario, whatever it Irons, who was an original play-tester back

took. Tom was gracious enough to give me in 2008.

back the scenario, on the condition that I That’s not to suggest this scenario is cursed
write an introduction explaining its history or anything so glib. Instead, it reflects that
and approval from Doc (e.g. this). sometimes the things we most wish for (in
this case, working with and being published

ii
by Doc) take us on amazing journeys that are
always measured by our day-to-day lives and
the good and bad that go along with them.

In one final twist, just days before I pulled

the lever to launch Sun Spots on Kickstarter,
Michael O’Brien from Chaosium contacted
me and asked if I wanted to become a
Chaosium licensee and publish Sun Spots for
the 7th edition of Call of Cthulhu. I’d seen
what the new team at Chaosium had done in
the past year to turn the company around,
and thought it fitting, albeit a bit ironic, to
retool Sun Spots for Call of Cthulhu one more
time (that’s four rules revisions, for anyone
counting). So that’s what I did, and that’s
what you have here today.

With that, I am very happy to bring you Sun

Spots. I want to thank Tom for keeping Doc’s
vision alive, Ken and Graham for inspiring
me to keep working, Michael and Mike at
Chaosium for their amazing support, and
my Kickstarter publishing team (Gregory,
Jake, Cynthia, Jason and Reuben) for carrying
it across the finish line. But this is written
in memory of Doc and Mark—two great
gamers who really wanted to see this scenario
published. While I’m sorry they’re not able to
see it, I think they would be impressed with
the final results. I hope you are too.

iii
 CHAPTER 1

Introductions & Considerations

“If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the
universal giver of life would be my god.”
—Napoleon Bonaparte

Boston, February 1926. In the middle of an icy the town of Red Valley, determined to set
cold February, Daniel Petersen, a prominent things straight. Instead, not only did his
local banker, comes to the investigators in daughter refuse to speak to him, but he
a panic. His daughter, Susan, a student at noticed a number of suspicious activities by
Evergreen College in western Massachusetts, everyone in the town, including co-ed lodging
was scheduled to begin classes again in early and public bathing.
January. However, after a handful of letters
For a substantial fee, he would like the
and phone calls to her were not returned,
party to accompany him back to the town,
he visited campus to determine what was
interview other church members, and get him
wrong—and could not find her. Instead, her
in to talk to his daughter before returning to
roommate said Susan had fallen in with a new
Boston with both of them. He is very upset
church and now spent all of her time with
about this and would like to leave today,
them in a nearby mountain resort town.
before it gets too cold to drive. But as he
Appalled that the daughter of a prominent turns his head to stifle a sob, his face seems
banker would fall under sway of some fringe strangely sunburnt…
Communist or pagan experiment, he visited

1
Scenario Introduction background to start the game, structuring
the story into three acts, which are described
This large scenario is organized into
briefly here in chapter one. The three acts
five chapters.
lead the town toward their (probable) doom
INTRODUCTIONS & CONSIDERATIONS:
under the burning sun, but possibilities exist
The chapter you’re reading provides Player
for PCs to escape mostly unharmed—if at
Character (PC) and Keeper introductions, as
least with red sunburns—back into the
well as outlining the multiple considerations
cold winter.
the Keeper must manage during this scenario.

SCENARIO BACKGROUND: The forces Keeper Introduction

behind the dangerous events detailed This scenario is built with a deep backstory
here are eons old and cross millennia to that drops the PCs directly into a plot to
reach us here on Earth, in 1926, where two summon Azathoth—represented in this
modern archaeological rivals face their final scenario by our sun—and destroy the
challenge. In addition to ancient Hyperborean mountain resort town of Red Valley. While
magics, the rivals bring death and madness most of the scenario describes this backstory
to a resort town high in the mountains called and the people and powers that have brought
Red Valley—the scenario’s setting. them here, the three acts described in chapter
THE SUN, THE STONES AND THE VISIONS: 5 outline specific events that bring the overall
In some way, these ancient forces aren’t so story from early crisis to total destruction of
unusual. After all, what is more familiar that Red Valley.
our own sun? The town denizens find peace This scenario is specifically written for
in worshipping magic artifacts called Sun the 7th edition of the Call of Cthulhu rules.
Stones, which bring their users literally closer The two main mechanics that come into
to the Sun. These dark magics’ insidious and play for this ruleset are Skill checks (as well
destructive powers are difficult to resist, and push results for skill checks) and Luck rolls.
catastrophe awaits their worshipers. This Areas in the scenario where one or both are
chapter details the ancient magics at the considered are noted in bold.
heart of the scenario.
As was noted in playtesting, this scenario
RED VALLEY: As the PCs explore the town is large with many moving parts, and it and
to uncover various plots and devices, Red requires the Keeper to do a serious amount
Valley is detailed, providing a setting that is of study and preparation before playing.
open to free exploration by the PCs. Multiple The Keeper should read this whole book at
Non-player characters (NPCs) and their least twice to understand how the various
standard locations in Red Valley are described characters and places interact, as well as how
in this chapter, and the Keeper should find the stones and their worshippers work and
ample encounters to drive his players toward act together.
madness and death.
When first running the scenario (especially
TIMELINE AND EVENTS: This chapter gives during Act I) the Keeper may be challenged
the specific scenario introduction with recent to track all the NPCs, locations, and events

2
CHAPTER 1
taking place (as it requires flipping around archaeologist has been distributing the
in the book as the PCs explore Red Valley). crystals across the resort town of Red Valley.
However, with a little organization (tabs in Yet as he spreads universal knowledge to the
the book, notes on index cards, and printing residents and tourists through these artifacts,
out the index are just a few ideas) and his own adversary (and former partner)
playthrough, the Keeper will understand the approaches with a much more deadly agenda
flow of the story enough to run it with less at hand.
reference. Be confident going into your initial
As the two rival archaeologists are set to
playthrough that, although running the game
cross each other one last time, the PCs are
at first requires a lot of jumping back and
drawn into a complex and dangerous game
forth around the book (especially between
that far surpasses their initial assignment. As
Chapters 4 and 5), eventually the Keeper will
described in the Player Introduction above,
get the hang of navigating both the book and
the PCs are originally hired to find a man’s
the story itself. Once the Keeper gets into the
daughter, and Mr. Petersen even accompanies
flow of the game (particularly once Act I is
the party to Red Valley to help them. Only
complete) less flipping through the book and
once the PCs arrive in Red Valley do their
cross-referencing will be needed.
troubles begin, as outlined in chapter 4’s
The events outlined in the three acts will three acts.
help the Keeper build a narrative for the
players to catch themselves in the story’s Three Acts
momentum and even actively contribute In an effort to streamline the story and
to the madness. Each act ends with a its pacing, the scenario’s opening scene—
turning point that pitches the town and its driving through the cold to Red Valley,
inhabitants—including the PCs—one step having investigated Evergreen itself—is
closer to Azathoth, who burns in the sky presented in a series of flashbacks. These
above and moves closer and closer to the scenes will help the Keeper get the story up
town until it fully encompasses everything and running quickly, and still give the players
and everyone there. the opportunity to delve into Mr. Petersen’s
But before the party gets into the story, backstory before getting to Red Valley. During
we must describe the deep history to this the introductory scenes, give the players
scenario. nibbles of weirdness, setting them on edge
as to what is actually going on. Let these
The story starts when an early 20th-
mysterious tidbits dangle, providing more
century archaeologist discovered the remains
questions than answers.
of a Hyperborean sailing ship carrying ancient
artifacts once bound for hidden temples of Once the PCs arrive in Red Valley, Act I
Yhoundeh (nee Nyarlethotep). Unfortunately, begins in earnest. The PCs face unusually
this great discovery extolled a great cost on warm weather and discover a whole town
the scientist’s sanity—as the crystal artifacts to explore, uncovering strange events that
hold untold powers that allow the user to see include sunbathing revelers and even Susan
the center of the universe. The now-insane Petersen displaying strange magics. The

3
town’s residents begin taking sides in various magics. Alongside this, the various cults in
sun cults, and the sanity-draining Sun Stones town begin exerting deadly power over the
slowly begin influencing the party. town residents, perhaps even resulting in

The town itself is not too dangerous—yet. suicides and murder. Yet the town’s residents

But before the party gets to the second act, seem more interested in their upcoming sun

give them evidence that something weird festival, where greater powers of the Sun

is happening in town. The weather and Stones will be revealed.

atmosphere are very pleasant, but it should Slowly, the most dangerous element in this
become clear that people aren’t able to scenario becomes the sun, for as the town’s
understand how strange their sun worship worshippers use the Sun Stones to drain
is, or that no one seems to know how long their own power, the combined powers of
they’ve been in Red Valley. Once the party the Stones are slowly summoning Azathoth
is drawn further into the town’s many in the form of our sun, bringing the heat
mysteries, the dangerous effects of the Sun closer and closer. Every day the sun grows
Stones become all too apparent when the larger and larger overhead, and every day
county Sheriff and Deputy face off in the town the worshippers pour more power into their
square, resulting in the ascension of a newly Sun Stones. As the scenario progresses, the
appointed Ramses, leader of a new sun cult. town becomes hotter and hotter until the sun

Act II brings the Sun Stones and their threatens to consume the mountain resort

effects on the town into clearer focus. The and its residents, including the PCs.

PCs may even gain possession of one or At this point the players should
more Stones, which may or may not be understand—probably through the discovery
authentic magic items, and various subplots of the Parchments of Pnom—that something
surrounding the Stones and their origins horrible is going to happen to the town if the
may come to light. Soon the PCs will begin PCs don’t intervene. The thought that the PCs
to grasp the back-story between the rival need to do something soon should be now
archaeologists, even meeting team members part of their conversations.
as they investigate and instigate ancient

SUNSHINE - THE MOVIE

A perfect example for this scenario’s portrayal of the sun’s power is Danny Boyle and Alex
Garland’s film Sunshine, a near-future science fiction movie detailing an Earth starship’s
journey to restart our dying sun. Any Keeper preparing to run this scenario must really see
this movie—no other movie mixes the obsessive and destructive capabilities of our sun
so succinctly, and it directly inspired this scenario’s overall portrayal of the sun and our
worship of it. Heck, see it again if you haven’t recently.

4
CHAPTER 1
 By the time Act III kicks off, the sun burns the least of which is to try and accomplish
unnaturally large overhead, getting closer and what they were hired for: rescue a college
closer as the days become longer and hotter. woman from the grips of the Sun Stones and
Those still in the town, including the party, the growing number of worshippers held in
may lose grip on their sanity or even be drawn its sway, and later her father, too. Of course,
into sun worship themselves. As the town’s other goals may come to the PCs, and the
sun worship becomes more decadent and Keeper must pull it all together in a
extreme, events coalesce with large, sun- coherent story.
burnt mobs collecting power and people until
As mentioned earlier, Keeper preparation
there is only one cult left, ready to destroy
before play is absolutely critical. Running the
the town and everyone left in a single grand
scenario requires thoughtful organization
ceremony. All in the name of the sun.
and creativity to balance all of the people and
their actions across this large sandbox-like
Scenario Considerations
scenario.
For all of this, Sun Spots then requires three
The freedom afforded the PCs to pursue
or more investigators of at least moderate
their goals at their own pace requires the
experience to tackle the wide mysteries and
Keeper to be flexible in both body and mind,
dangers. More importantly, this scenario
jumping around a story and book that both
requires a mature Keeper to plan and keep
demand a certain level of organization to
the pacing and tension in line to deliver an
navigate. This need for story organization
unforgettable climax. The scenario should
cannot be understated, but don’t be
take from six to eight hours to run, but,
intimidated. Know that once the Keeper is
because of its fluid nature, requires the
familiar enough with the story and book to
Keeper to have flexible expectations.
move about them comfortably, confidence
Even though much of this scenario is and knowledge will take over to give the
plotted to take place behind the scenes, Keeper everything s/he needs to run an
where the PCs may not have direct input or amazing game.
effect, there is still much for the PCs to do,

THE MAPS
Three maps are included for this scenario: two for the Keeper and one for the players. The
Keeper maps show Red Valley and the overall town locations, both at a higher level, and
the detailed town view. The player map is an in-game prop, displaying the town map on
a placemat that can be found at the Bell & Whistle Café (and is described in more detail
in Chapter 4). Because this map will help the players navigate the town more easily, give
it to them once they arrive in town, without requiring any sort of roll. The scenario will be
more fun and engaging once the prop is provided.

5
 Finally, the Keeper is not required to use This scenario is written to present the PCs
all plot points and timelines here. Some with an unusual and universal adversary.
NPCs and their own stories need not come Wherever they go in town, the sun beams
into play—while the story does require a down from above, growing stronger and
core group of NPCs to drive it forward, much hotter every day, as the town gradually
flavor has been provided to make Red Valley increases Azathoth’s power in this world.
lively and fun to explore. Enough happens in As the plot stands when the PCs arrive, the
this scenario to challenge even the heartiest inevitable conclusion is the town’s residents
and skilled investigators, and the Keeper focusing the power of Azathoth to burn
needs to be ready with multiple avenues for the town and everyone there to a crisp, all
investigative approach. voluntarily, mostly without malice or evil
purpose. The PCs are then challenged to drive
Mythos Considerations a less deadly conclusion, but, as mentioned,
This scenario takes a different overall many intertwined and mysterious plots may
approach to the Outer Gods. As such, the spoil their efforts.
Mythos represented here—specifically the Now you understand the scope of the
worship of Azathoth—does not represent problem the PCs face in their simple
standard tropes found in other COC assignment to rescue a banker’s daughter. Go
scenarios. Here, where the PCs find little forth and shine the sun upon them.
“evil” influence, it is the sun and its power
to channel light and heat that the PCs must
overcome and control to succeed and escape
alive and/or sane. Azathoth of the form that
most Mythos fans know and recognize will
not be found here, nor will hordes of evil
worshippers with their nefarious plans to
bring around humanity’s downfall.

Instead, the PCs discover in Red Valley

an unusual environment occupied by the
most usual people, all brought together
to worship that fundamental deity: the
sun. In Red Valley, the people are slowly
and unknowingly bringing the power of
the universe (in the form of our sun, Sol)
closer and closer to the town, until the sun
consumes everyone and everything—all
sacrificed to the great glowing god in the sky.

6
CHAPTER 1
7
 CHAPTER 2

Scenario Background

As all empires must decline, so did the One artifact from that time that did
Hyperboreans and their ancient civilization survive is the Parchments of Pnom, which
nearly 500,000 years ago. During the fall, in their full form describe the Hyperborean
the elk-goddess Yhoundeh (an avatar of worship of various Outer Gods, including
Nyarlethotep) fell out of favor with the a set of instructions for locating and using
people, and so her priests secured their both the Sun Stones and the Pouch of Zaum
valuables into a barge and sent it across the (which generates Sun Stones). By controlling
waters to find a more open-minded place these three artifacts (Parchments, Pouch,
of worship. and Stones), a worshipper has all requisite

Along with the fetishes and symbols of components for worship and immolation

their goddess, they also brought Sun Stones— under the power of Azathoth—the vast

magical crystals that enable the viewer to see and burning Outer God at the center of our

the beginning of time and understand their universe.

place in the universe. But the barge—with The stories of the barges survived, though,
its vast and horrid treasures—never made it as some claimed to have found the barge
anywhere, instead becoming lost in the sands and the crystals. Fast forward to the early
of time for a later age to discover. 20th century, when an incomplete Greek
translation of the Parchments was found,

9
colliding ancient secrets with modern greed counterpart Simpson trailed him, always
and setting this scenario into motion. picking through his evidence to ensure
nothing was missed. But Partridge persisted
Recent History and, in the spring of 1921, he found a Sun
Archaeology can be a trying science— Stone in the Persian desert. It cost him his
patience is both a virtue and a measure of humanity, but his discovery showed him the
discipline. Indeed, the payoff for patience beginning and end of the universe, and now
can be worldly fame, fortune, and, perhaps he knew what power he—and truly all of us—
most importantly, a unique understanding served: Azathoth.
of man’s place in time. Years ago, world- Yet Simpson was close behind him, and
famous archaeologists Denby Partridge and though delirious from his own pursuit and
Arnold “Arnie” Simpson bonded as graduate travels, Simpson continued checking and
students, and as they grew as professionals, double checking Partridge’s efforts. Sure,
they also drove each other to become some of Partridge was smart and willful, but he was
the best and the brightest in the field. also impatient, and Simpson was sure that
Through the years, their stories intertwined would be his undoing. And so when Partridge
then fell apart. Success and money found eventually missed a detail—it took only
them, but worldwide public fame never one—that was enough to turn Simpson away
came. The further they drove toward greater from Partridge’s trail and onto his own path.
success, the further they drove away from For once in their careers they did not chase
each other, until they pursued the same the same shadow, and Simpson went his own
goals and their friendship grew bitter and way, disappearing into the American west
resentful. By the beginning of the 1920s, they sometime in late 1922.
were better known for this rivalry than for With his rival suddenly and inexplicably
their scientific discoveries. The discovery of gone, Partridge finally had the field to
the Parchments of Pnom, describing both himself, and he took advantage of his
the final, fantastical Sun Stones and, more newfound knowledge quickly. He combined
importantly, where they could be found, his new underworld contacts with his fresh
finally broke the partnership. understanding of the universe into an
Finally separate from Simpson, Partridge archeological powerhouse. By 1923, Partridge
was challenged to track down the first Stone. led a small crew of spelunkers, explorers,
The Hyperborean barge seemed lost to time, and ruffians as they overturned any hint
but he found one of the Stones by digging or clue of historic value across the globe.
deep into the pits and crevices of humanity. In only two years, Partridge had become a
He discovered that today, the Stones are world-renowned pillager and pursuer of all
linked in time and spirit to ancient gods things ancient and archaic—no cost was too
worshipped only by esoteric, hidden cults, great. He finally stood at the edge of all that
and their degenerate cultists do not part with he sought: fame, fortune, and the forbidden
their ancient knowledge easily. Furthermore, knowledge of unearthly secrets. Then
everywhere Partridge turned, his slower Simpson returned.

10
CHAPTER 2
 Limping out of the American desert, health and know that which sits at the center of
and sanity hanging by a thread, uncertain the universe. His shop is hard to find, and
of where he’d been and what he’d done, yet people are brought to it, drawn to buying
Simpson carried only a sack of the same Sun the Sun Stones that now appear all over this
Stones Partridge had discovered years before. resort town. Everyone has one, or knows
Instead of just one stone, though, Simpson someone who does, and just spending some
had dozens—they poured from the bag— time staring into them—especially if you
more than enough to go around. catch the sun at the right time—is enough to

Washed in his new, universal perspective, change a person’s life. Now Simpson hides

Simpson set up shop in a quaint resort town, out in the small town, peddling his simple

content to finally turn away from all his Sun Stones, unaware that Partridge has

earthly pursuits and just help people see caught wind of his ancient prize and is on the

what has always been hidden, to understand way to take it for his own…

11
~ HISTORY OF A FAILED PARTNERSHIP ~ discoveries. So he pushed Simpson into
supporting a trip to South America, where,
Denby Partridge despite Simpson’s hesitation, the team
As the son of an Ohio farmer, Denby uncovered a massive underground city of
always felt destined for greater things. While critical historical importance, cementing
working on a farm as a child gave him a both their reputation as archaeologists and
great appreciation of what makes America Partridge’s dominance in the relationship.
run, he was always a small boy, never quite In the partnership, no matter how
matching the achievements of his classmates hard Partridge pushed the pair, Simpson
or siblings. When, at age 12, he overheard always wanted more time. For every map
his father refer to him as the “runt of the or parchment that Simpson would want to
family,” he promised himself he would never analyze, Partridge would take the information
let anyone put him down again. he deemed necessary and act quickly and
So he left his Midwest upbringing at age decisively, letting the consequences lay as
17 to head to Harvard, shunning his family they may. And so, when Simpson failed to
and friends for the “real world,” where translate the Parchments of Pnom as quickly
intelligence and hard work are rewarded. Yet as Partridge wanted, Partridge finally had
after only two years of undergraduate work, enough and kicked Simpson to the curb, done
Denby again found himself an outcast, picked with him for good.
upon by his fellow students, unliked and When he did this, Partridge thought he
unable to make the impact upon the world could leave Simpson behind, especially once
he felt was his destiny. Then he met both he gave the translation job over to Rebecca,
archaeology and Arnie Simpson. who, as Partridge’s ex-wife, was much easier
Although the two men took their to boss around than Simpson. Recently, while
first archaeology class on a whim, their using the Sun Stone, Partridge saw a vision
intellectual kinship and bonding as outsiders that he would encounter Simpson high in
soon found them succeeding where their the mountains, where Partridge would kill
fellow students failed. Their friendship Simpson and inherit powerful magics.
quickly blossomed into a professional Since then Partridge has driven his crew
relationship that was buttressed by their forward, careless of consequences, which has
analysis and subsequent findings of a brought them and their Parchments to Red
hidden Native American village in the New Valley in search of Simpson and the Stones.
Hampshire White Mountains. Soon, both Partridge wants to take care of his “Simpson
academic and professional archaeological problem” once and for all, and is prepared
leaders sought the “wonder twins” to help in to push himself and his crew to their deaths
their discoveries and reports. But the bitter if need be. Now that Partridge has seen his
and brilliant Partridge had other ideas. destiny and Simpson’s death via the Sun
Local successes behind him, Partridge Stone, he will stop at nothing to make sure it
wanted larger and more spectacular all comes true. No one will get in his way.

12
CHAPTER 2
ARNIE SIMPSON At first, Simpson couldn’t stand his new

Tall and aloof, Arnold Simpson was always lab partner, a small, impulsive boy from Ohio

smarter and shyer than people expected, and whose brilliance rivaled only Simpson’s.

he soon learned that it was easier to keep But their rivalry soon grew into friendship,

his mouth shut and have people think him which led into a professional team that

a fool because of his size than prove them dared to challenge all conventions of the old

wrong. Growing up as the privileged son of archaeological academic class.

a wealthy Chicago factory owner, Simpson The 20th century was finally turning a
only struggled to avoid all the socializing and science into something grand and exciting—
athletics people expected of him so he could no longer would students like Simpson
just go to the library and read. and Partridge be left to toil in obscurity.

For no matter how much wealth or social Archaeology was bringing the past alive, and

standing Simpson gained, he never really with it came fame and fortune. Partridge and

cared about the people around him. Sure, he Simpson soon became the go-to team for

could fake interest in football, and his full a new form of science—Partridge blazed a

ride scholarship to Yale was marked by his trail of exciting digs and explorations, while

success both with the football team and its Simpson had the patience required to fulfill a

cheerleaders, but eventually he broke down scientist’s obligation of study and hypothesis.

and gave into his first true love: history. Together, they travelled the world (along
with Partridge’s growing posse), uncovering
By the time Simpson had given up the
ancient secrets and hidden treasures, though
football field for the library, his teammates
never quite meeting Partridge’s expectations.
and family had given up on him and he was
Howard Carter’s discoveries in 1922 drove
on his own. Of course, he still maintained his
Partridge to raging jealousy, and it was this
high grades, and his patience and willingness
misplaced anger at Simpson that finally
to do what few undergraduates would—invest
separated the men.
long stretches of time actually studying and
learning—set him apart from his peers and Left on his own to study without so much

caught the eye of many prominent graduate travel and excitement, Simpson was finally

programs across the country, including his able to go back through many of the various

home team’s key rival, Harvard. Only a man tomes and artifacts that he and Partridge

truly bound by academic pursuit would turn found and spend the time he wanted

his back on his alma mater for its rival, but studying. It was here, in the Parchments of

Simpson was quickly able to leave his past Pnom, that Simpson found the clues to the

behind and become a brilliant student of ancient and hidden secret that would change

history at Harvard. At just 25, he was already his destiny. It was in the Parchments that

well respected by his peers and professors Simpson discovered the Sun Stones, and

(those not fans of football) and he was given those gave him the key to the entire universe.

freedom to choose his path and follow his Now in Red Valley, Simpson spends most
muse, which lead him to archaeology and, of his time generating Sun Stones and
more important, Denby Partridge. selling them to anyone who wants one. He

13
is in perfect peace with the universe, calm When the PCs arrive in town, Simpson is
and focused from months of worship. He generating new Sun Stones with the Pouch
treats everyone with grace and kindness as of Zaum, out in a forest at the edge of Red
they inquire and buy a Sun Stone—and even Valley. When Partridge finds him here, he
though he has seen a vision of his own death kills Simpson and destroys the pouch, not
that will soon come at the hands of his bitter understanding its true value (as he has not
rival, he is perfectly adapted to his fate in this read the third Parchment). Although he
world. originally comes to town to find Simpson and
the final Parchment, once Partridge arrives
February 1926—Partridge’s Plan he fully converts to worshipping the sun.
Currently, Partridge has two team members His team will then begin using the stones
in Red Valley preparing for his arrival. Jason to kill cult leaders and take their Sun Stones,
Taft has been in town for three months, and so they can begin properly channeling the
is tasked with keeping track of Simpson so energy using the Sun Lens (described in
Partridge knows where to find him. Rebecca Chapter 5). If the PCs don’t interrupt these
Newman has been in town for a month, holed plans, Partridge will begin the ceremony and
up in the Golden Nest Hotel and Spa where summon Azathoth three days after the PCs
she translates the Parchments (detailed in arrive.
Chapter 3).
All of these events are described in greater
Partridge will arrive two days after the detail in Chapter 5; they are mentioned here
PCs do and will begin driving the town over to give context on Partridge and Simpson and
the brink and into the arms of Azathoth. their current relationship.
Although only he has been regularly
worshiping his Stone, the entire team has
experienced it and understands its powers.
He will arrive with the fourth team member,
Markus, and will quickly track down Taft
(detailed in Chapter 5), who will then point
the team toward Simpson.

14
CHAPTER 2
15
 CHAPTER 3

The Sun, the Stones & the Visions

High in the sky above burns the sun. Forever that—Sol—and we have worshipped it time
across the universe, the sun is the one immortal. We are ultimately weak and simple
constant that marks everything else: each as humans—all we can do is set up churches,
galaxy has one or more suns that mark our priests, and gods in the name of our sun.
place in the universe, and with their energy
Sol is just one of many names, though. The
that gives and takes life everywhere, all that
Egyptians called it Ra, the Greeks Helios and
is and will ever be in our universe depends on
Titan, the Lakota Indians Wi. In the ancient,
our suns.
lost language of the Hyperboreans, it was
known as Taal. And finally, for those with the
The Sun Above
forbidden knowledge of the Outer Gods, our
Even we as humans are here because of sun can also be called Azathoth.
our sun, Sol. It heats our world, and we are
For the Outer Gods do in fact reign from the
nothing without it. No days, no growth,
center of the universe—a space so vast that
no life. Sol centers our understanding of
its size can never be comprehended by human
everything beyond it—a marking point for
physiology or psychology. So while Azathoth
all of our legends and stories and references.
does reside at the center of the universe,
It is the singular guiding point for our
that universe contains our solar system,
shared culture. In our time, we call it just

17
and our sun is just one part of Azathoth’s Pnom, of which Partridge and Simpson found
swirling, circling mass. To see Azathoth is a Greek translation while digging in Persia in
to see a glowing hot entity at the center of 1921.
everything, much like our sun, Sol, is to us.
The partners found five Greek Parchments
For us humans, they might as well be one.
(the whole set is reported to be at least 25),
And so, to the residents of Red Valley, and Simpson began translating them into
they are one. Here in the town the sun English, finding the ancient and mixed dialect
will grow—as the worshippers and their confusing and unnerving. He spent months
ceremonies grow in number and power—until translating just the first two Parchments
it consumes everything. During the course before Partridge, angry with impatience,
of this scenario, Azathoth is represented by finally severed their relationship and took
the sun that grows and grows in the sky until back the Parchments.
there is nothing but the sun. The power of the
Unbeknownst to Partridge, Simpson kept
Sun Stones summons the nearest form of the
one Parchment for himself and created a
Outer God, which appears larger and larger
forged Parchment as a precautionary measure
in the sky, eventually giving its worshippers
(realizing that his relationship with Partridge
what they truly desire: contact.
had deteriorated). Simpson’s forgery seemed
to fit into the set but actually just repeated
The Sun Stones
information from the other Parchments, and
HISTORY: The Sun Stones are ancient is therefore completely useless. Because the
Hyperborean artifacts that have survived Parchment he kept—the third in the set of
through thousands of years to finally arrive five—gave directions on where to find the
where they can be found and used by people Stones, Simpson was able to find the Pouch of
sympathetic to their powers. The Stones Zaum (and therefore the Sun Stones) without
are described in the ancient Parchments of Partridge.

PARCHMENTS OF PNOM (FULL TEXT)

Ancient Greek, author/translation unknown, 2nd century BCE

Five large parchments of ancient origin, these documents portend the coming of the great
sun in the sky following a fiery cleansing ceremony that heralds the arrival of Azathoth on
our world, if only briefly.

Sanity Loss: 1d6

Cthulhu Mythos: +2/+6 percentiles
Mythos Rating: 23
Study: 15 weeks
Suggested Spells: Cloud Memory, Contact Azathoth (see right), Death Spell, Dread Curse
of Azathoth, Mental Suggestion

18
CHAPTER 3
 Yet Partridge still has the other four true a modicum of knowledge of their civilization.
Parchments and knows how to use the All of this information would be known by
Stones and what powers they hold for those someone who makes an Occult check.
who worship Azathoth. Using the Stone’s
This specific translation can be estimated
precognitive powers, Partridge has seen his
(with a successful Archaeology or Ancient
own ascension as a priest of Azathoth, his
Greek Language roll) to date back to 2000
murder of Simpson, and the final death and
BCE, and is written in the general style of
destruction of an entire town … and so has
Ancient Greek artifacts. However, it uses
come to Red Valley to claim his destiny.
context and a strange regional phrasing
PARCHMENTS OF PNOM: This set of that is more Ancient Assyrian in nature.
five Parchments is an incomplete Greek Regardless, it takes someone with very
translation of the word of Pnom—a well- specific ancient history knowledge to
known Hyperborean sage who recorded successfully navigate these lost languages.
and clarified the scope of the Hyperborean
The Parchments themselves are composed
worship of the Outer Gods. Although the
of a vellum-like material that seems like
actual date of his existence is impossible
thin mammal skin, of a material far more
to determine, it is safe to assume that this
modern than the translation would relate
ancient creature lived nearly 1 million years
to. The white parchment is written upon by
ago, and it is only because he documented
a dark, but not black, ink that seems thick
a history of the Hyperboreans and their
enough to be seen easily through on the
worship of the Outer Gods that we even have
opposite side but cannot be. Passing another

PARCHMENTS OF PNOM (ABRIDGED TRANSLATION)

English, translated by Arnie Simpson and Rebecca Newman, 20th century

One large sheaf of documents translating all parts of the original Parchments pertinent to
summoning Azathoth by using the energy of the Sun Stones. Fortunately explains how to
reverse the spell.

Sanity Loss: 1d4

Cthulhu Mythos: +1/+3 percentiles
Mythos Rating: 12
Study: 1 week
Suggested Spells: Contact Azathoth (see below), Death Spell

NEW SPELL : CONTACT DEITY: AZATHOTH

Opens contact with the Blind Idiot God at the center of ultimate Chaos, over a period of
weeks and months, that slowly brings the God’s being into this dimension in the form of
our sun. Requires 10d20 expenditure of MPs via the Sun Stones to complete.

19
Archaeology roll allows a PC to evaluate that him can only be realized through our one sun,
the Parchments are physically only 600- as the other suns of the universe are too far
700 years old, but the language and form on for us to see with our eyes alone.
them are far older, which is confusing and SEEK SO YOU WILL FIND shows a list of
inconsistent with our current understanding geographical landmarks that can be used to
of human history. locate the lost Hyperborean ship, including a
Simpson keeps his one Parchment rolled travel to the Dead Island, where you can find
up and stored in a clay tube, which is capped the Pouch of Zaum and its Sun Stones.
and wrapped in stretched tendon from an SUCKLING THE POUCH describes the
indeterminate animal. Rebecca Newman specific hand gestures and ceremony for
keeps her Parchments spread across her generating Sun Stones with the Pouch of
room, along with her translations. Zaum. It also describes that using Stones for
The text itself is dense and fills the vs, long time stores energy and allows the user
mixing styles from multiple civilizations to communicate with Azathoth. This is the
(Ancient Greek, Assyrian, and even Parchment that Simpson possesses.
Babylonian), which is a confusing read for SEEING THE ONE gives a long chant used
anyone with the required skills. Normally, the with the Sun Stones to see visions. The
set of five Parchments outlined below would Parchments described the Stones as tools
take three to four months to read through of the ancient Hyperborean culture, used to
in their native language. Fortunately, there both communicate directly with their deity,
are English translations provided by both as represented by the sun, and also to use the
Simpson and Newman that can be skimmed power of the sun to view both forward and
in just an eight-to-ten-hour reading session backward in time and to use the power of the
and provide all the necessary clues needed in universe to see that which has been and what
game. However, this skimming still requires will be.
a Sanity check and only provides the spell
FINAL FIRE details the various methods for
necessary to reverse the Sun Stones’ effects
using Sun Stones to summon Azathoth in
on the town (outlined in Chapter 5).
form as the nearest manifestation of the god,
There are five Parchments in this particular in our Earthly form as Taal/Sol/Azathoth. This
set of translations, each of which describes ceremony just hastens a process that gets
a different aspect of worship using the under way once worship has begun.
Sun Stones. Each Parchment also gives an
As Simpson and Partridge completed their
overview of the other Parchments, which
final project together, the rifts between
will give the PCs an understanding of the
them were already drawn. While Simpson
other Parchments and allow the story to
translated the Parchments from Greek to
move forward should they find just one of the
English, Partridge was once again unhappy
documents:
with the pace of Simpson’s work. Partridge
SPEAKING OF THE ONE SUN details the
worried that someone else, somewhere,
worship of Azathoth as sun, recognizing that was already on the trail, and the extra days
while Azathoth is universal, our perception of

20
CHAPTER 3
spent translating and cross indexing were described here for reference and to illustrate
wasted. When Simpson could not deliver the its impact on the story.
translation—with its requisite description
The Pouch is a cloth sack with no
of powers and location—quickly, Partridge
discernible age or dating attributes, save
took back the Parchments and gave them to
perhaps the drawstring made from worn
his then-wife to translate without delay. So
cartilage. Even the cloth is unusual, feeling
by undermining Simpson’s efforts and giving
more like fine fur than textile, but there is
the assignment to a lesser team member—
clearly threading at the base of the spotted
Simpson and Partridge were still ostensibly
brown, black, and white sack. Whether
partners—Partridge cast the final stone.
actually constructed of cloth or pelt, it feels
Simpson took the translations he had already
soft and worn and slightly sticky in some
completed (about half), plus the third actual
stained spots, giving more weight to its
Parchment (giving Partridge an incomplete
uncertain origins. When lifted and shifted
and partly forged copy) and left for good.
about, the Pouch seems to contain five or six
When the scenario starts, Partridge’s Stones, but unless someone is performing
researcher and now ex-wife, Rebecca, has set the ceremony at the same time, the pouch
up in the Golden Nest Hotel and Spa, where actually holds nothing. A person may turn
she continues study and translation of the the pouch upside down or inside out or
Parchments. While she has given most of stick something inside to free the perceived
her originally robust Sanity to the continued stones, to no avail.
study of ancient artifacts, she has not actually
In the past, and certainly in Simpson’s case,
used a Sun Stone (Partridge has kept her away
the Pouch is located with the Parchments
from them) and so is teetering on the brink
of Pnom. As described above, Parchment
of insanity due to her ongoing study, rather
III details how to generate the Stones from
than her worship of the sun.
another dimension to this one. This simple
In her room she has Parchments I, II, IV ceremony requires chanting a memorized
and V and has just started a translation of incantation for six hours (sacrificing 1 Magic
Parchment V. Simpson has Parchment III Points per hour) to finally conjure one Sun
(Simpson’s forgery) in the upstairs bedroom Stone, which gently rolls from the sack at the
of his shop. end of that period. Depending on the Power
(and MP) of the caster, the Pouch could be
Pouch of Zaum used indefinitely, generating up to four Sun
This artifact stores and generates Sun Stones in 24 hours, if the ceremony could be
Stones using an ancient ceremony as performed continuously. Regardless of this
described in the Parchments of Pnom to bring ceremony and its requirements, the Pouch
forth the Stones from another dimension. can produce endless numbers of Stones,
While Stones can exist in this plane without and, unless destroyed, can generate Stones
fear of destruction, destroying the Pouch indefinitely.
destroys the ability to generate more Stones. A Sun Stone generated by the Pouch of
The Pouch is never available to the PCs, but is Zaum is egg shaped, oval in width, and

21
flat across the middle (about 3.5 inches by how the town will work together to summon
2 inches by 1 inch), so that it sits nicely Azathoth to this world.
in the palm of the hand. Fundamentally
The ceremony of worship is described in
indestructible, the Stones seem to be
the Parchments of Pnom, but is actually very
composed of burnt amber—a dark and
intuitive and becomes easier every time it
deep yellow artifact, slightly cracked and
is performed. The only restriction on this
inconsistent inside, feeling warm to hold.
activity is that it requires checking Insanity
Weighing just a few ounces, a person can per day of worship per person, so that
fit up to two in each palm (a person with every worshipper will eventually pass out.
large hands might be able to fit three). People get tired and will either take breaks
Furthermore, they are very balanced and or pass out, depending on their Insanity and
streamlined when thrown, seeming to find how well they know the ceremony (which
the object of direction easily and striking takes a person usually around 5 sessions to
hard, though preferring to bounce off instead memorize).
of sticking in. When used as a weapon they
The Stones have the following powers:
hit accurately and hurt. They have neither
HOLDING: While holding a Stone (or
scent nor flavor and cannot be damaged by
touching someone who is holding a Stone,
any terrestrial means.
or touching someone who is touching
POWERS: The Stones have a number of
someone, etc.), a person feels warm and
powers over those who hold and focus on
comforted, at peace with the universe, and
them that are described below (and detailed
that other people nearby are also warm
in the sidebar). These effects increase the
and interconnected under the same sun.
more still and focused someone becomes
Worshipping these Stones under direct
while holding the Stone, especially when
sunlight draws a person inward to become
two or more people hold a Stone (or Stones)
introspective and thoughtful, where time
together and concentrate as a group on the
simultaneously slows and lengthens. The
same effect. This worship of a Stone, holding
worshipper sees sun streaks in the Stones,
and concentrating both vision and mind, is
whether eyes are closed or open, with vision

POUCH OF ZAUM
Used by: Priests of Azathtoh

A cloth sack with no visible aging or type of manufactory, it feels soft and slightly tacky to
the touch. Using the Pouch in the ceremony outlined in the Parchments of Pnom requires
chanting a memorized incantation for six hours (sacrificing 1 MP and 1 SAN per hour).
This ceremony concludes with the sack conjuring one Sun Stone, which gently rolls out at
the conclusion of the ceremony.

22
CHAPTER 3
becoming unfocused and distant. This fire. Repeatedly worshipping Stones also
warmth grows with continued use, so that immunizes one to many of the overall effects
once a person has worshipped a Stone once, of the increased heat, including dehydration,
they become addicted to continued use of the sun tanning, and even sun stroke.
stones, feeling cold and remote when taken WORSHIP: When worshipping the Stones
away from a Stone. Anyone who contributes and rubbing more than one together
more than 1 MP in a day will have a growing (up to four could be held in two hands),
need to find a Stone to repeat the experience. the ceremony charges the person with a
FOCUS: Sustained use and focus allows more perceived positive energy, relieving stress
specific results for those who can focus on and invigorating them. This positive effect
these effects and are using a Stone that has can lead to obsessive-compulsive behavior,
MP stored inside. Focusing on both a Stone as people who have experienced this form of
and nearby combustible materials will set worship wish to return to it again and again.
those materials afire, and could even lead to Furthermore, users do not become thirsty,
spontaneous combustion if someone focuses hungry, or pained. Remember that those with
on setting themselves or another person on fake stones (see next section) still suffer the

SUN STONES
Used by: Worshippers of Azathoth

Small, egg-shaped artifacts that look as though they are made of amber. The Stones are
dangerous to throw: (+15% to Throw) and hurt when they hit (2 HP + DB damage).
Worshipping Azathoth with a Stone costs 1 MP per hour of worship per person. Losing
consistent MP this way means that every worshipper will eventually either take a break or
pass out, depending on their MPs and how well they know the ceremony (which takes a
person usually around 5 sessions to memorize).

Focusing on the Stones, when in the visible sunlight and able to use 1 MP of their own for
every MP used from the Stone, allows someone to:

- Heal: 1 HP for every 1 MP spent by the user

- Generate Flare: Cause 1 HP damage with "Solar Flare" for every 1 MP spent by the user;
using the Sun Lens causes an additional 1 STR & CON damage.

- Immolate Infidel: Those who have memorized the ceremony and spent days worshipping
the Stones can see how to use a charged Stone to focus the power of the sun to destroy
someone. Using MP charges from the Stones that must match the victim’s HP in full (like
the Deputy will do to the Sheriff in Chapter 5), a worshipper unleashes the power of the
Sun Stones in a blinding fury that utterly destroys a person and all they hold and wear,
turning them instantly into carbon ash. It is quite a spectacle to view and causes 1/1d3
SAN loss upon viewing.

23
usual effects from heat: dehydration, hunger, Sun Stones and Imposters
and sun strokes, while those around them
One of the red herrings thrown at the
worship free from negative disruptions.
players is tracking down all the various
GATHER: Gathering multiple Stones and stones available once people recognize their
worshippers together can result in the final value and supply and demand sets in. Around
conflagration, as concentrated focus pulls the town, a multitude of “sun stones” are
the specific power of Azathoth closer to this available from various shops, although there
world. When these efforts are directed and is only one source of true Sun Stones in town
sustained per the ceremonies described in at the beginning of the scenario.
the Parchments of Pnom, the Stones will
Various “Sun Stones” in Red Valley:
bring the Outer God’s solar form right to
ORIGINAL HYPERBOREAN SUN STONES:
the worshippers, scorching everything and
amber colored, half-egg sized, available only
everyone nearby in its unholy fire. As it
from Simpson/Partridge
stands, massive power can bring massive
sacrifice by all involved. AMETHYST GOD BEAMS (IMPOSTER 1):
purple crystals, large and small, sold by Eyes
Those who have memorized the ceremony
Galore Gallery
and spent days worshipping the Stones can
see how to use a charged Stone to focus the AMBER EYES OF SUN (IMPOSTER 2): yellow
power of the sun to destroy someone. Using amber, small, sold by Eyes Galore Gallery
MP charges from the Stones that must match JET STONES OF THE SUN (IMPOSTER 3):
the victim MP in full (as the Deputy will do black carved stones, small, sold by Street
to the Sheriff in Chapter 5), a worshipper Vendor Bob
unleashes the power of the Sun Stones
CRYSTAL VISIONS (IMPOSTER 4): clear
in a blinding fury that utterly destroys a
crystals, small, medium, large, sold by
person and all they hold and wear, turning
Linda’s Knick Knack Shack
them instantly into carbon ash. It is quite a
spectacle to view and requires a Sanity check There are about 15 true Stones in town by
upon viewing (1/1d6 loss). the time the Pouch is destroyed in Chapter
5. These are spread among the ten or so
Finally, one of the key side effects of Stone
churches around town (with some churches
use is that users (and even those around
having two Stones), but become consolidated
those using stones) lose track of time.
later in the scenario along with all the
While this effect has no game mechanic to
churches. When Partridge destroys the
drive it, Keepers can use this to play with
Pouch, he also destroys the ability to create
the narrative or just mess with the players’
new Stones; those Stones in town are all that
heads. Its impact on this specific story is
there will be.
detailed in Chapter 5.
As more and more people arrive in town
and are drawn to the power of the real Stones,
demand for these powerful artifacts grows
quickly. During the Act III, various other

24
CHAPTER 3
crystals and worship stones appear through
town (detailed above). These ersatz stones
will first soothe the growing demand, but
soon will be revealed as imposters.

In short order, more and more people want

actual Sun Stones, which will first drive up
the price of all “sun crystals” up, but soon,
when the town begins to realize that fake
stones are in circulation, people become
more and more protective and driven to get
their hands on “real” ancient powers. The
frustrated worshippers very quickly will turn
against sellers of fake stones, smashing both
storefronts and stones that don’t work, and
doing whatever they can to hold on to those
Stones that work.

Visions from Beyond

Despite their mundane appearance, the Sun
Stones are actually ancient communication
tools used by the priests of Yhoundeh to view
the birth of the universe (Azathoth) and learn
where the energies of the past affect the
future. In fact, anyone who understands what
they are seeing in the Stones may very well
see their own future, or even the future of the
Earth and its universe. But most people just
get lost in the beauty and horror of seeing the
birth of everything.

For those who use the Stones, the sanity

loss is initially gradual, ticking away those
boundaries of time we take for granted. But
successfully viewing the origins of everything
instills a yearning for earlier times, and most
people will do whatever they can to use the
Stone again, and again, and again, repeatedly
degrading their sanity and understanding of
the universe until they finally snap.

25
 As mentioned, there are multiple ways to
use the Stones, but ultimately the end result
is the same. Those who successfully use
the Stones but do not possess one of their
own will begin displaying addictive, envious
behavior toward those with Stones. Even
those with Stones will become obsessed with
recreating their experiences, a response
that deepens with continued use. This is
buttressed by a remote, cold feeling that
overtakes someone the longer and further
they are from the Stones. Ultimately, those
who successfully use the Stones once will
obsess with using them again and again,
which will continue their need for the
external experience of the Sun’s influence,
which then leads to them becoming
vulnerable and prone to suggestion by others,
especially those with Stones of their own.

Continually using the Stones provides one

of three possible visions, with very specific
results (These three visions each cause
1d3/1d10 SAN loss):

THE BEGINNING OF THE UNIVERSE: This

vision of Azathoth shows his beginning that
could be understood as a “big bang” where a
ball of energy births the rest of the universe.
Floating in and out of this episode, the viewer
knows and understands they are but one
single speck of dust in the universe… and
they are satisfied with this.

THE END OF TIME: This vision shows the

“death” and final destruction of Azathoth
at the end of time. Whether this happens 1
or 100 million years from now, the viewer
understands that the power of the sun is
finite and that existence is futile.

DESTINY IN THE UNIVERSE: This more

personal vision shows someone their own
destiny, displaying their birth, life, and

26
CHAPTER 3
final death in the vast nothingness of the This isn’t a comprehensive list of how
universe. This perspective and the relative Sun Stone insanity treats its victims, but
understanding are truly enough to drive the results of viewing the universe via the
someone past the edge, especially if the stones should generally hold to the themes
visions show them dying soon… and possibilities above. As more and more

With this knowledge, there are four general of the town’s residents use the Stones and

outcomes for those who become temporarily lose more and more sanity, the themes

or permanently insane: and possibilities here will build and grow

stronger, until there are only a couple
LOST TO THE SUN: This greater
avenues of escape from the sun.
understanding of the sun’s existence as a
living god of ancient origins results in either As more and more people use the Stones,

an obsessive worship of the sun (where the town slowly descends into an abyss from

joining a church would be a natural response), which it may never return. Unless someone

or an attempt to destroy the sun at any costs with a greater understanding of the universe

(an option that has no practical outlet, but can figure out a way to turn back the clock

the voicing of said goal could be undoing and return the power of the Stones to its

enough in the sun-drenched town). source, the town is doomed to summon the
pure power of the sun (Azathoth) and bring it
LOST TO THE VOID: Staring into the Sun
down upon the entire town. Surely no happy
Stone, this victim becomes comatose for as
ending will come of that.
long as they are held by the insanity, whether
for an hour or a day. Religions and Sun Gods
LOST TO HUMANITY: This bright, horrible
At the scenario’s start, multiple groups
perspective brings a yearning to end to either around town have been drawn into their Sun
one’s self or everyone else. Suicide and Stones and are now worshipping various
immolation can be an easy way out, especially sun gods. Each church, however small, has
if the Sun Lens is available at the Sun Temple, its own version of the sun god (Azathoth) as
but there are many other methods for suicide well as avatars that can be played up in many
and death for people that involve fire forms, helping and hindering the PCs while
and heat. they try to track down Susan Petersen and
DESTROY ALL!: Someone faced with her father. As the story progresses, these
this horrible knowledge may just act out, churches eventually coalesce into three major
attempting to damage or destroy the groups, which, by the beginning of Act III, are
Stones. Fortunately for the Stones, they are brought together under the single guidance
both indestructible and very easy to throw of Partridge. The major groups are described
accurately, and they deal quite a blow when here to give more detail for the Keeper to use
they hit (see above for details). Of course, in scheduled encounters. The minor groups
having a Stone thrown at you might be one can add whatever color necessary as the party
way of getting a hold of one. moves through town. Each entry details the

27
god, its respective civilization and idol, and maintains until Ramses destroys her at the
its leader. end of Act II.

JESUS CHRIST – MODERN CHRISTIANITY –

Major Churches
SCORCHED CROSS: This church is led by Pastor
RA – ANCIENT EGYPTIAN – RUSTY ANKH: Thomson from Evergreen (Susan Petersen’s
Deputy Tony Marks was an early possessor of original church), who still worships his
a Sun Stone, and he quickly understood their church’s original savior, Jesus Christ. As
power to drive worship. However, he and his time passes, the rebirth of Jesus becomes
followers take a passive role in overall Sun identified with the rising and setting sun.
worship until Marks kills the Sheriff using a Thomson’s flock grows from 20 to 50 people
Stone, whereby Marks becomes Ramses IX, as he leads his them to worship “the sun
the ancient Egyptian pharaoh and leader of of righteousness. Thomson will be the first
the Church of Ra. Until Partridge destroys one purged by Marks/Ramses later in the
him with the Sun Lens, Marks/Ramses is one scenario.
of the prominent leaders in town.
PHOENIX - PERSIAN – GOLDEN HEADSET
APOLLO - ANCIENT GREEK – BOW AND AND PLUMAGE: This church starts as
ARROW: Priestess Celia is originally Celia Partridge’s crew and, as the story evolves,
Frothingham, a Red Valley painter and potter slowly gains followers until the group is ready
who is exposed to a Stone and slowly builds for its own church, whereby Partridge uses
a church worshipping Apollo over the course the Sun Lens to destroy his competition and
of the scenario. She and her few worshippers collect all the other churches into his.
are initially satisfied with their one Stone,
AMATERASU - JAPANESE SHINTO –
but by the end of Act I, they are collecting as
STUDDED CROWN: These Evergreen college
many Sun Stones as possible. Celia is one of
students are led by Susan Petersen, who
the first people to understand how to destroy
wears handmade crown and robes. Susan
humans with the Stone’s powers. She quickly
claims to be Amatrasu, the Japanese sun
builds a large group of followers that she

PCS AS CULT LEADERS

It is possible for a PC to become a Sun Stone priest or priestess through proficient use
of a Sun Stone (succeeding Sanity challenges) and some bold role-playing. This is a
great opportunity for creative gaming and lots of fun interactions with NPCs, but you
must hold your PC to the fire for them to pull it off. Ask for regular successes in Sanity
and MP because the Stone grows stronger as it saps the PC’s life-forces. Ask for regular
MP and Sanity challenges for PCs welding the power of the Sun Stones. Failure in those
challenges should leave the PC weaker (the 1/1d3 SAN and 1 MP loss for each failure
should add up quickly once they become addicted to the Stone’s powers and are more
willing to sacrifice their essence for another round at the stone).

28
CHAPTER 3
deity, and has considerable power using her WI – LAKOTA NATIVE AMERICAN –BISON
Sun Stone. However, she is not dangerous SKIN: The group of five people is led by a
as the other leaders are, and will be taken by Native American (called “Indians” in the
Marks/Ramses when he ascends at the end of 1920s) named John Yellowbird, and their
Act II. idol is a bison skin carried with a skull
that dangles a dream catcher representing
Secondary Churches the sun. Yellowbird is older and his views

Use these secondary religions and objects of too far from mainstream for him to gain

worship to add color and detail to the growing mass recognition. They eventually join the

number of sun worshippers in town. As Church of Ra. When Susan Petersen first left

conflict grows between the churches initially, the Presbyterian Church, she and another

roll the secondary churches into the major student joined Yellowbird under the big

churches, but give the smaller ones a chance birch tree next to the lake. After her father

to shine early in the story. Some don’t even first confronted her, she and Greta Kohl left

know what they’re doing—not all cult leaders Yellowbird to start the church of Amaterasu,

are created equal—so each will have varying described above.

levels of organization and focus. Have fun INTI - INCAN – CORNUCOPIA OF CORN:
with them. These worshippers are led by Maynard Grant,

SUNNA - NORSE – BURNING TORCH: a well published student of Incan history

This splinter group from the Roman Sol from Evergreen. They believe the sun god

worshippers dress up as Norse Vikings and Inti ordered Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo

begin recruiting young women for sacrifice on to emerge from the depths of Lake Titicaca

the funeral pyre. They are led by Hans, who (which they now call Red Valley Lake).

carries a burning torch with him and wears Here they have established Hurin Cusco, or

only an animal fur loincloth. the first dynasty of the Kingdom of Cusco.
Maynard now says that Red Valley is the
HELOIS/TITAN/HYPERION – ANCIENT
new Cusco, but he will join Ramses after the
GREEK – DRIVE A CHARIOT: This group is
Sheriff is killed.
disorganized and calls their God by three
different names. Their leader, Tom Allen,
dies at Priestess Celia’s hands when she takes
his Stone by force. They try to put together a
chariot to worship, but are unable to get the
horse hooked up and never get it moving.

29
 CHAPTER 4

Red Valley

This scenario starts wherever the PCs find Valley, its residents, and where they spend
themselves available for hire and where their time.
they meet Mr. Petersen, then drops them in
media res in a car with him as they head into Town Geography
the nearby snow-covered mountains to find Red Valley is a small resort town nestled in
Red Valley. Although the scenario is written the mountains about 55 miles west of Boston,
to take place in and around Boston, it can although just ten miles from Evergreen
be relocated just about anywhere, so long as (ostensibly Worchester). Leaving Evergreen
there are remote mountains nearby and the north by RR67, the paved road soon becomes
winter weather can be snowy and bitterly the gravel road RR238, which leads directly up
cold. the hill and through the woods to Red Valley.
The town of Evergreen, where Evergreen The town itself is at 2,112 feet elevation,
College resides, is not described here. The up nearly six miles up through the woods.
relevant details required for investigation are The road to the town is a single gravel road
covered in the next chapter (Timeline and maintained monthly, which can be a difficult
Events), and those elements are more critical drive in inclement weather. Furthermore,
than any specific description of the town and while the drive up the old mining road is at
its denizens. This chapter, then, is about Red

31
only a slight incline for the first two miles, when the sun sets—thus the town’s name.
the the final four miles of road covers nearly About 450 people live in the town during
1,600 vertical feet and has a number of the warmer times of year, from March to
difficult twists and switchbacks. The trip November. Right now there are nearly 500
takes approximately three hours in the snow. people in town, and this number will reach
The last mile enters deep woods, closed by all 800 by the end of Act III.
sides by evergreens, and the road climbs one
final incline before crossing up over a lip into Town History
the town.
Find here a chronology of Red Valley’s
RR238 is the main road into town, although history, most of which directly affects game
other old logging/mining roads provide other play in resident’s attitudes toward the town’s
exits via treacherous, overgrown roads. The sudden success. This can also help advance
main feature of the town is Red Lake, which is any research PCs do in investigating the town
about a quarter mile across at its widest point after arriving there.
and one mile long, running north to south
MARCH 1877: Copper is discovered in two
parallel to the mountain ridge above.
mining operations outside of town; Red
The mountain ridge along the lake protects Valley’s first boom begins.
the town from inclement weather that usually
JUNE 1881: A third mine is opened after
originates from the east. Falls feed the lake
copper is discovered again in the mountains
from the mountains, which surround the
above town.
town as it sits in a valley that shines with red

32
CHAPTER 4
 OCTOBER 1897: The first mine collapses and The Who and the Where
is sealed shortly thereafter.
The people living in Red Valley are the
DECEMBER 1899: The second mine collapses life-blood of this scenario. Without them
and is sealed up top, but is still accessible. and their growing, fatal obsession with the
SEPTEMBER 1902: The third and final mine Sun Stones, it would be just another lake on a
is shut down for good after four years of hillside. This scenario is specifically designed
producing nearly nothing. to allow the players explore the town at will,
and, along the way, meet the myriad small
APRIL 1910: The spa opens with little
town residents that walk the warming streets,
fanfare, and Red Valley’s second boom
unaware of their impending doom.
begins.
Below are the various locations around
JULY 1919: The spa is shut down due to
town, listed with the NPCs that are usually
Spanish flu epidemic.
found there during the day. While they may
APRIL 1925: Arnie Simpson arrives in town originally have homes they return to nightly,
and begins generating Sun Stones. this list displays where the NPCs stay during
JUNE 1925: Simpson opens shop and begins the longer and longer days. When the PCs
selling Sun Stones. explore the town, refer to the location first,
while keeping in mind any events that are
SEPTEMBER 1925: Summer continues on
described in Chapter 5.
and the seasons do not change. Red Valley’s
third boom begins. TOWN ENTRANCE: The lip of the valley
delineates the town and the outside world.
NOVEMBER 1925: Jason Taft, a member
As the scenario progresses, leaving the town
of Partridge’s crew, arrives in Red Valley to
and valley becomes a study in contrast, with
begin watching Simpson.
the valley becoming increasingly hotter and
JANUARY 1926: Rebecca Newman, another
the outside world freezing over. A sign at the
member of Partridge’s crew, arrives in
entry to town reads:
Red Valley to continue translation of the
Welcome to Red Valley
Parchments.
Pop. 450, Elevation 2,112
FEBRUARY 1926: Red Valley becomes the
RED LAKE AND BEACH: The small lake is
center of a newfound sun worship, and the
not much more than a large fishing and
scenario begins.

THE MAPS
The Keeper map shows the overall geography and street names of the town. The player
map is an in-game prop that will be found at Bell & Whistle Café. This map lists locations
from 1-15, and has Simpson’s shop Shining Sol listed as Sweet Home Bakery, since
Simpson has only been in town for a few months.

33
swimming pond, one mile long by quarter and was supposed to be working on finding
mile wide. Still, it has a small gravel beach Simpson, but just stays at the beach all day.
and is cool and fresh for summertime Partridge will become furious with Taft’s
swimming. The fishing is usually best in the behavior once Partridge and the rest of the
spring and fall. A recent batch of fish has crew show up at the end of Act I. Soon after
found the weather to their liking, but they Partridge’s arrival, Taft locates Simpson and
will not be able to live in the extreme heat of they kill him shortly thereafter. Taft himself
the late part of the scenario. As the sun burns is a coward and a fake, but will never betray
hotter and brighter above, the lake recedes Partridge, eventually dying for him if need
to show red clay and dead fish. Street lights be. His actions in the town are described in
are positioned just at the end of the lake and Chapter 5.
form a nice boardwalk that leads into town, SUNSHINE COTTAGES: Toward the front of
where the streetlights continue for a few town sit a dozen cabins that are available for
blocks in each direction. rent for $8 a day. They are small 10x10 shacks
- Jason Taft now spends his days hanging with a screen door and windows, a full-sized
out at the beach, watching girls and getting a bed, dresser, and wash basin. When the
good tan. Partridge’s scout in the town, Taft investigators arrive, all the cabins are full
rented a room soon after Simpson arrived and a hand-painted “No Vacancy” sign hangs

36
CHAPTER 4
out front. The outhouses behind the office BOAT HOUSE: Across from the Sunshine
overflow by Act II and nothing can be done Cottages is the boathouse where people can
about the smell. rent one of the three row boats and two sail
boats for $1 an hour. The boats and
- Gary Evans runs the place and is surprised
boathouse are owned by Gary Evans, who
to have guests this late in the season—they
runs Sunshine Cottages.
rarely have this many guests in January. It’s
a lucky break, so enjoy it while you can. Did I TOWN HALL: This building used to serve as
ever tell you about the Nor’Easter of oh-twelve? the administration building for the mining
company, and as the largest building in town
- Sheila and Bob Brown are visiting from New
now serves as the Town Hall. Downstairs is
York and found some wonderful art here.
a small county sheriff’s office, where the
- Herbert Paulson is a traveling salesman
Sheriff and Deputy would visit when working.
who came through town to sell soap and is
The middle floor is administration, the top
now at the beach, watching girls and enjoying
floor is the mayor’s office, and all the old
the sun.
mining files are still up in the attic.
-The Presbyterian Church of Red Valley
- Tom Reynolds has been mayor of Red
(formerly of Evergreen) is set up on the front
Valley for more than five years, finding haven
lawn here, and worship is being held by
in the town when he was running from the
Pastor Barnaby Thomson. (See Chapter 5.)
law. No one seemed to care about his past,

37
and he was welcomed to the town when it was has been overwhelmed with all the use and is
still fading after the health-spa craze. He now beginning to show wear. It is hard to keep the
worships with Deputy Marks out front of the shelves stocked, and they are nearly empty by
Town Hall, which seems to bother no one. the time Act III begins, though no one seems

- Deputy Tony Marks (Ramses IX) is at 27 to mind.

years old the youngest (and most handsome) - Wes Waller came to town to cash in on
county deputy around these parts. A while the copper craze 30 years ago and hasn’t
ago, he was talking to some college kids and left. Instead, he won the store in a card
they talked about how the weather here was game and has run it ever since. He is a very
so nice… Now he and his dozen worshippers friendly man who is specifically interested
spend their time on the front porch outside in providing the best possible service for
Town Hall, where Marks wears cut-off shorts his customers. He doesn’t like dawdlers
and sits at the top step while his worshippers and loiterers, but is very friendly to paying
sit holding hands below him—his altercation customers. He, too, has not had time to
with the Sheriff is detailed in Chapter 5. view a Sun Stone and is not interested. He

BARNABY’S GAS STATION: The town’s

eventually dies in the back of the store, hands

gas station is located in the center of town, on his shotgun, succumbing to dehydration in

across from the Waller’s Store. They don’t the heat but too afraid to leave town.

usually see so much traffic this time of year, BELL & WHISTLE CAFÉ: This is the town’s
but fortunately the tank was filled back in main restaurant, which is usually only open
November, so there is still plenty of gasoline Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. These
to go around. It will, however, run out later days it stays open later just to address the
in the story and there will be no way to get crowds, but by the middle of Act II, most
more. There are two spare tires in the garage people aren’t eating and the owner doesn’t
if needed. Jones also has five bicycles that even come in. They serve short-order
also rent each for 25 cents a day, but they breakfasts and sandwiches and pies for the
have all been rented and can be found in late lunch, as well as coffee and tea. It’s here
various locales around town. that the PCs find the placemat/map that can
help them navigate town.
- Barnaby Jones knows a little about
automobiles and has fixed a couple flats, but - Bob Crenshaw is the owner of the Bell &
only owns the gas station because he makes Whistle who has lived in Red Valley all his
more money with it than with renting out life, and is glad for all the improved business.
bikes. He’s not sure what all the hubbub is He will join Deputy Marks in worship, and
about around town, but as long as people are eventually only Manny, his short-order cook,
paying, it’s fine by him. is left to run the restaurant. Soon, though, no

WALLER’S STORE: The general store is a

one needs to eat anyway.

traditional small town center, with a post EVERGREEN DELICATESSEN: The deli
office and store (and even a hitching post) prepares and sells salads and sandwiches
that is also used as the town’s social center. for lunch and has well-populated tables on
With so many new people in town, the store the downtown street corner. It is only open

38
CHAPTER 4
for lunch Monday through Friday and soon many books will be gone, but they will soon
closes, never to reopen. return. People have also left issues of the

- Tom Powledge is the deli owner and he Saturday Morning Post, Boston Herald, and New

makes a damn good club sandwich and tuna York Times—none is newer than October. The

salad when he can get the tuna, which he sign above the door is hand-painted with

can’t now. Sorry. He originally joins Hans Art Nouveau designs of flowers and books. If

in worshipping the Norse Stone, but is soon the investigators want look into Red Valley’s

converted to worshipping Apollo. history, they can find the town’s history
as outlined at the top of this chapter in the
ROBIN’S NEST BOOKS AND CRAFTS: The
library’s collection.
book/craft store is the only specific retail
DOCTOR’S OFFICE: The stenciled sign reads
store in the town and serves the tourists that
“Doctor’s Office, Anthony Barnes, Phd,
come into town with nothing to do but sit
DDS” and the “DDS” is hand-painted on.
in the sun and spend money. The walls are
Barnes sold his dental practice in Boston,
packed with hundreds of books, mostly used,
bought a bunch of surgical equipment, and
and the stacks are piled in the aisles and
moved everything up here back in June.
on every corner. The front of the store also
He wanted to make a quick buck but then
serves as a small area for local craftspeople to
bought a Stone from Simpson and became
sell their wares: knitted clothes, sculptures,
an early worshipper. His office is covered
and silver and crystal crafts that cost far too
in dust and hasn’t been used in months,
much.
but those looking (with a successful First
- Sheila Robinson is the owner of the book/
Aid or Medicine skill check) could dig out
craft store, and has always loved books more
reasonable medical equipment to help ailing
than people. She loves to read and to talk
PCs. Barnes himself now worships Marks/
about reading, and her few friends are those
Ramses, who recently took Barnes’ Stone and
artists in town that also share her love of
converted him, and stays down by the lake.
reading. Sheila was one of the first people to
CATHOLIC CHURCH: Here Father Henry
get a Sun Stone, and lost her mind weeks ago.
Pollack is very engaged with his own worship
She left the bookstore open and now the store
of his Sun Stone with his small remaining
is open 24 hours a day, with no one at the
flock—just a handful of worshippers remain
cash register. Sheila has not left her house
in the church. Most strange is the large hole
in almost two weeks. She is in her backyard,
that has been torn in the roof to allow sun to
nearly starved and living on only a few ounces
stream into the church.
of water a day… She is caught viewing the
void of eternity that is the beginning of time. RAY OF LIGHT GALLERY: This gallery sells
She can be brought into the first church that paintings and sculptures (by Julius Rogers)
wants her. as well as “found art.” It’s a small shop that

“LIBRARY”: What functions as the town’s

soon has its own Sun Stone for sale. The

library is a small lending library shed with a owner, Maggie Thompson, is asking $300

latched door and windows that are opened for her Stone, which is far too expensive.

in the summer. As the scenario progresses, Actually, she is unwilling to part with it

39
and will raise the price to anyone who asks, about the sun worshippers and will be killed
eventually kicking customers out and closing by rioting churches in Act III when they purge
shop when pressed to sell. the town of all faux stones.

- Maggie Thompson is a middle-aged GOLDEN NEST HOTEL AND SPA: The Golden
woman who owns and runs the gallery in the Nest Hotel and Spa has been open for more
summer and teaches high school outside the than 30 years, originally built with the first
town in the winters. She has not returned to mining rush and open ever since. Twelve
her job this year and does not want to ever years ago the hot springs were integrated
leave Red Valley again. She worships out back into the hotel’s property, which helped Frank
with a Stone, but will join Priestess Celia and Shirley Smeage, the business’s owners
shortly. since 1908. They purchased the hotel format

EYES GALORE GALLERY: This gallery sells low cost from an investment banker, and

cigarettes, beads, books and magazines, have poured their souls and money into it.

tacky-touristy painted boards, postcards, They fixed up the hotel, purchased the land

crystals, and rocks. The owner is selling faux with the hot springs, built the spas, and

stones but has no real idea what is happening upgraded the entire hotel, reinvesting all of

around town. their profits into the hotel and making it a

landmark of the town.
- Paul Barbour sells cheap tourist items and
just wants to make a dime. He has no idea Unfortunately, when the Spanish Flu hit

40
CHAPTER 4
in 1919 and killed the tourism trade, they - Robert and Claire Turner are newlyweds
found it hard to cope. But their marriage from Providence, in town just for a few weeks
never faltered, though they didn’t eat as on their honeymoon. They have actually been
well, and they struggled on. Needless to say, in town since they got married in September,
the newfound success of the recent spiritual but have no idea of the time lost. They just
awakening has them in better spirits—and spend every day worshipping with Priestess
now they have a Sun Stone, which they spend Celia.
most of their time out back worshipping.
- Margaret Haas is a nurse from Boston in
The desk calendar shows December 12, 1925,
town for her vacation when she met Celia.
highlighting the Sun Stone’s influence over
Margaret now worships the Stone full time.
them.
- Jason Taft has a room here, as indicated
The eight-room hotel is nearly full, with
on the register, but spends all his time at the
only one room currently available. An extra
beach (he is described in more detail in the
bed can be put in the attic if needed, to avoid
beach’s section). His room has some clothes
any impropriety with mixed sexes sharing the
and personal items, but the bag has not been
one room.
unpacked and is covered with a light coat
- Frank and Shirley Smeage are a loving of dust.
couple in their 60s, first given a Stone by
- Rebecca Newman is just about finished
Simpson when he came into town, and the
translating Parchment V, and can be found
couple shared their Stone with any guest
here every day, only leaving at night. Her
that came through the hotel. They are gentle
room is a total mess—the walls, desk, and
and caring folk who once served their guests
floor covered with papers, notes and occult
breakfast and lunch but now spend their time
tomes. It’s clear to any investigator seeing
worshipping out back with Priestess Celia.
the room that research of some kind is taking
That’s where they will be until Ramses/Marks
place, and, as such, she will keep the door
claims the church in Act II. The hotel’s larder
closed to strangers. Rebecca is a nice person
is full, though no one uses the kitchen.
and may help the party understand what is
- Priestess Celia Frothingham was a local artist happening in town (an encounter detailed in
who visited the Smeages, who shared their Chapter 5), but she is still loyal to Partridge
stone with her. She now holds church on and his work, which she will defend with her
the lawn behind the hotel where the Roman life. To that point, she keeps a .38 revolver in
god Sol speaks to her. When the PCs arrive, her desk, and is quite adept at using it.
her dozen worshippers sit in a circle holding HOT SPRINGS: A stone path leads from the
hands under the sun (though Celia has her rear lawn of the hotel back into the woods,
Stone clasped to her chest). They’re pleasant where the springs bubble out of the ground.
people to talk to when not worshipping The sulfur springs are warm and relaxing to
(which isn’t often). Ramses/Marks will come lie in but don’t really match up to the power
for Celia’s Stone in Act II. Celia will refuse to of the Stones, so they are rarely used these
yield it and be destroyed, and Ramses/Marks days.
will take the worshippers as his own.

41
 SHINING SOL GIFTS: (Listed as Sweet Home - Arnold “Arnie” Simpson was once a world-
Bakery on map) Last summer Arnie Simpson renowned archaeologist who has been out
stepped into town to inquire about renting a of the spotlight for a few years. By most
store, saying that he would be selling unique accounts he disappeared into the American
crafts and antiquities. He rented the old West three years ago. He returned, totally
bakery, with its 30-year-old ovens and glass insane, to share a vision of the universe.
display cases, which had been unoccupied PILGRIM PARK: This park near the middle
for five years. Now the building hides the of town has a nice lawn where people and
source of the town’s collective madness. families can go to push their kids on the
The storefront has no sign and is hidden by swing set, eat lunch at a picnic table, or read
a white curtain covering the door and front the plaque at the statue of President Ulysses
window. When entering the store, one finds S. Grant. However, now most of the grass area
empty displays in the baker’s shelves—just is filled with worshippers sitting in circles,
white handkerchiefs to mark what could be holding hands and praying silently to the
there. The store is now closed and the front large sun above.
and back doors locked (successful Locksmith
HOMES (EMPTY AND NOT): Before Simpson
or Mechanical Repair roll, or willingness to
arrived, only 450 people lived in Red Valley,
break glass and risk alerting others, will allow
but the number will swell to more than 800
a PC to gain entry). If PCs do gain entrance,
by the time of the Sun Festival at the end of
they will find it warm inside, still smelling of
Act III. As more and more people rush into
fresh-baked bread. Arnie keeps the money he
town, the empty and abandoned homes and
makes in a cigar box in the desk in the small
properties will become bought and rented,
office at the back of the building, but isn’t too
mostly by people drawn to the power of the
worried about the $736.67 there. He charged
Sun Stones. So these initially empty buildings
$20 each for these Sun Stones, which is
will rapidly turn first into homes, then tombs.
expensive, but those drawn in by them always
paid if they could. - Gerald Chambers is the town’s largest
landowner and is ready to rent towns to
Arnie lives above the bakery shop in a
anyone who is willing to pay three months
sparsely decorated, one-room apartment,
up front. He has noticed all the people in
with his single Parchment and its
town, but it’s just been good for business,
translations sitting across a large desk, the
at least until he begins worshipping with
ceramic carrying tube sitting next to the
Priestess Celia.
desk. His documents also include notes on all
the Parchments, which can give context on - Matthew Brown is the second largest
the overall situation in town. He’s not in his landowner in town and a quick convert to the
store when the players come knocking, nor worship of Ra.
should he appear to the PCs in the course of - Mathew Bradbury is a local painter who
the game (except maybe as a hallucination lives in town and begins worshipping with
in Act III). But his presence is felt whenever John Yellowbird, then readies himself for the
someone worships the sun… ascension with Priestess Celia.

42
CHAPTER 4
 - Desmond Murphy is a saxophone player jury-rigged lean-tos covering every
from Boston who’s come to chill out and play open space.
some music, man. It’s really great up here so REVIVAL TENTS: Each church will build
he rented a house so he could woodshed and its own camp, usually collecting people
bone up his chops. It was going great until a around a central sleeping and worship area
couple of college kids came over with a Stone, where people can use common Stones and
and they’ve all worshipped Jesus ever since. be near enough to sleep when exhausted
ABANDONED MINES: Three abandoned from worship. People will hold sun worship
copper mines lie in the mountains above the revivals and ceremonies all day long, trying
town, remnants from the town’s first boom to capture the attentions of new worshippers.
50 years ago. People know about them but Up until the end of the Act I, most people
don’t ever visit them, except Partridge, who are still not held under the sway of the Sun
will use one for disposing of Simpson’s body. Stones. However, after Partridge begins

THE FALLS: The North Falls come from the

identifying and destroying fake stones,

higher elevation mountains to the north, more people will gather under fewer church

where the Red River starts before it feeds into tents to worship the increasingly powerful

Red Lake. The Lake drains into a stream that Sun Stones.

flows south along the mountain until pooling - Mr. Petersen runs away early in Act I, he
once more into the South Falls. Red River can later be found in one of the revival tents,
then leads down into the valley below. worshipping Apollo along with the rest of
Priestess Celia’s church. He refuses to even
New Locations acknowledge the PCs or his daughter, and will
After the PCs arrive in Red Valley and the have to be removed by force. He spent all his
town begins rapidly growing, the following cash on the Sun Stone, so the party will not
locations spring up to accommodate the get paid unless they get both the Petersens
visitors and worshippers. These descriptions out of Red Valley (alive).
may reference events that happen in the - Susan Petersen is also near the middle of
timeline below. town, worshipping with her new church. She
CAMPS: As the hotel and rental cabins and will have to be removed from her church too,
houses fill up quite early in this scenario, but once she has been taken by Partridge’s
more and more people begin to camp out church in Act III will have an easier time
around various open spaces in town. The leaving than her father.
weather is very nice, and people have no STATUE OF SUN GOD: Toward the end of
problem throwing up a camping tent (or just Act I, a group of worshippers begins building
putting sleeping bags in the grass) when they a statue of a sun god in front of Town Hall.
realize there are no vacancies in town. The This statue changes shape and configuration
more people who begin casually camping during the scenario as various worshippers
around town, the more people follow suit, use various arts and craft materials to paint,
and by the end of Act II, the town resembles sculpt, carve, and add whatever inspiration
a shanty town, with tents, sleeping bags, and their god chooses for them.

43
 One or more people can usually be found SUN LENS: The Sun Lens is assembled
here in active worship. by Partridge from the large glass cover to
the clock on City Hall. Partridge, with help
“NEW” SUN STONE SHOPS: Two new
from his lackey Markus, mounts the lens on
shopkeepers have taken advantage of the new
a makeshift frame, so it can be used while
Sun Stone craze to open their own shops and
standing over a crowd of people. It is then
begin selling fake Sun Stones during Act I:
mounted in metal hoops and can swivel
- Street Vendor Bob Jenkins is a good old
and be focused in any direction. Someone
fashioned snake-oil salesman from Boston,
knowledgeable in the ways of the Stones
who heard about some scam to get people
can then focus the MP stored in a Stone
to buy crystals and has brought his own
into a shining beam of light that instantly
little cart of goodies to sell. He has all sorts
destroys anything flammable, like a person or
of Indian arrow heads and broken pots
building. Good times follow.
and animal pelts that he passes off as true
archaeological finds, as well as Beads of Partridge and Crew
Honor, Bracelets of Calling, and the very rare
DENBY PARTRIDGE - Leader, Archaeologist,
Jet Stones of the Sun, all for very affordable
Salesman : Partridge was extremely annoyed
prices.
to discover that Simpson had found the
LINDA’S KNICK KNACK SHACK: This tourist source of the Sun Stones, but once he had the
shop is really just a fruit stand set up to vision of his destiny, he understood how it
sell Native American (‘Indian’) dream- all fit together. He’s still a short and short-
catchers, hand printed pamphlets on spiritual tempered man bent on fame and fortune
awakening, beads and necklaces, and Crystal and is not an easy man to talk to. However,
Visions (imposter Stones). Linda Macalister is if he catches wind that a PC knows how to
an artist from Boston who dabbles in selling translate Ancient Greek, he will pay nicely for
forms of awakening, which now includes help in translating the Parchments.
these very powerful Crystal Visions if you’d
JASON TAFT – Thief, Con Man, Magician:
like to try one.
This sneaky man is the scout and plant for
TEMPLE: Early in the scenario, a worshipper Partridge, usually inserted ahead of arrival
builds a small platform in the grassy area at a place of investigation. Taft portrays
in front of the cabins where he can preach himself as a learned and wise man, often
for all passersby to hear and see. This early quoting things that Rebecca has taught him,
platform (really just boards on a sawhorse) but fundamentally he is very cowardly and
quickly grows and expands to hold more than untrustworthy. Partridge knows too many
one worshipper at a time, then becomes a things about him, though, and keeps Taft in
temple to the sun, bringing worshippers from check.
all churches to compete for speaking time.
REBECCA NEWMAN – Historian, Linguist,
This is also where the lens from city hall is
Researcher: Partridge’s ex-wife has given
brought in Act III, and the Sun Lens
most of her sanity to support Partridge’s
is will serve as the final departure point for
adventures now that Simpson is gone. She
the town.

44
CHAPTER 4
resents Partridge but is addicted to the
knowledge she now possesses. She spends
most of the scenario in her hotel room, where
her Parchments of Pnom notes are scattered
around the room and tacked to the walls.

MARKUS SMITH – Muscle, Driver,

Bodyguard: This ex-cop is now hooked on
pain killers—a special kind Partridge found
for him in the Orient. As a “right-hand man”
he is always at Partridge’s side, ready to take
a bullet for his boss. Though he looks tough,
he actually is a gentle soul who lost his family
in an accident ten years ago; that experience
has hardened him into a bruiser.

45
 CHAPTER 5

Timeline & Events

Utilizing the scenario’s background to keep descriptions of the individual locations. This
things moving is critical for creating a vivid section covers both the scenario’s backstory
world for your PCs to explore. Read the and the resultant events, outlined into
overall timelines here a few times to learn three acts, as previously mentioned. Now
the about the town and how the Sun Stones that you know the scenario’s history and
have changed it, but be prepared to skip past the townsfolk, it becomes important to put
events or place your own events at any time. encounters and events into a timeline that
Creating a setting for character exploration propels the party toward its sun-scorched
is exciting and fun for the players, and they fate.
should become immersed in the town just
The scenario’s immediate history is
before things get really bad. Give things room
outlined below, followed by the actual
to slide around and be fluid, but only because
scenario introduction and the timeline of
you know how it ends.
events. The party has quite a task before it.
Note that as the PCs explore the town,
you may need to skip between Chapter 5,
which has the story line, and Chapter 4’s

47
Before the PCs Arrive Pulling It All Together
The following events take place before the As explained in the Chapter 1, the story
PCs arrive to kick off Act I: now unfolds in the three acts, plus an

JUNE 1925: Arnie Simpson arrives in town

introduction, detailed below. These acts will

with a Sun Stone, Pouch of Zaum, and one give the Keeper a method for both tracking

Parchment of Pnom. He worships his own multiple NPC actions and building an epic and

Stone (thus saving MPs in it), generates memorable story climax.

Stones using the Pouch, and finally sets up With so many potential NPCs and plots
shop to sell the new Stones. to interweave, the Keeper is tasked with

JULY-AUGUST 1925: Simpson sells a Stone

pulling together a story that is well-paced

to the Mayor, the book store owner, the hotel and fun, yet also moves toward an inevitable

owners, and a passerby. The power of the Sun conclusion: left to their own devices,

Stones begins building in town. the denizens of Red Valley will destroy
themselves and the town, and spread
SEPTEMBER 1925: Sheila, the book store
Azathoth and his powers directly to this
owner, shares her Stone with Celia, and they
world.
begin worshipping it together, thus creating
the first church. While not all of these events must happen,
most of them should take place around the
LATE SEPTEMBER 1925: Tourism continues
PCs to keep the story moving and the tension
growing in town, and Simpson sells a Stone
mounting. It is important to keep the story
to some tourists, then to Deputy Marks, who
moving—while exploring the town can be fun
begins worshipping it immediately.
and interesting, it is just as important to keep
NOVEMBER 1925: Deputy Marks starts his the story progressing. When in doubt, move
church and Jason Taft arrives in town. to the next scene:
JANUARY 1926: Church group equaling 27
people, including Susan Petersen, arrives
INTRODUCTION: A CLIENT WITH A JOB
in Red Valley. Rebecca Newman comes to
NEW ENGLAND, USA, February 1926—
town. The warm summer days continue and
Winter is here. All of New England has been
winter does not come to the town, despite
overwhelmed by a brutal winter storm that
the Nor’Easter that blankets the rest of New
is quickly becoming the worst Nor’Easter
England.
in history. Everywhere people go, the snow
FEBRUARY 1926: Mr. Daniel Petersen visits and ice hinders them and the cold freezes
Evergreen College campus, finds Susan everything. Sleet is on its way.
missing, then travels to Red Valley to find her
The story opens when the investigators
worshiping Wi under the guidance of John
are approached by Daniel Petersen, a well-
Yellowbird. She will not leave with her father.
respected local banker and father of Susan
Dr. Petersen then leaves Red Valley to contact
Petersen, a student at Evergreen College.
the investigators to start the scenario…
Daniel approaches the investigators in
somewhat of a state. One month into the new

48
CHAPTER 5
term, Susan had not returned his handful However, something about Mr. Petersen’s
of letters and phone calls to her, and so he face seems odd. If any PC passes a Spot
finally visited campus to determine what was Hidden roll, they can see that he has a nice,
wrong, but found her gone. Her roommate brown suntan, the kind you get from staying
said Susan had fallen in with a new church a few days on the beach. He also has a clear
and now spent all of her time with her new tan line around his neck. If asked about it, he
friends in a nearby resort town, high up in the acts surprised, as if he didn’t know he had it.
hills. But he will not offer any explanation, instead

But now Susan refuses to leave the town changing the topic back to the investigation.

of Red Valley—where she’s been hanging No amount of cajoling (at this time) will get

out with strange people—and Petersen him to explain the suntan. If pressed, he will

needs help. He’s tried once already to continue to insist that the party come to the

unsuccessfully retrieve his daughter from the town themselves.

clutches of some church—he doesn’t use the Then, just as the party is on the verge
“C word” (cult)—but her refusal to leave the of taking the case, Petersen stifles a sob,
town forced him to find outside help. barely holding himself together as he asks

There’s something strange about that town. for help. A successful Psychology roll at any

You just have to see it for yourself, Mr. Petersen point makes it clear that while he is holding

says, strangely agitated. He refuses to something back, he’s also telling the truth—

give details about what has scared him so, he is truly worried about his daughter, and

claiming that he doesn’t want his opinion fears for her. Once the party agrees to help

to alter the investigators’ efforts. He will, Petersen, end the scene and move onto the

however, accompany the group to the town, story.

and will put a significant enough down A WINTER DRIVE

payment on the request that there seems Once the PCs have accepted the assignment,
little risk in at least checking his story out. the scenario jumps forward in media res—the
He will pay $200 up front, with another $800 players find themselves driving into the hills
if they can bring both him and his daughter of eastern Massachusetts, accompanied by
back to Evergreen. Daniel Petersen. The party is crammed into
their car as the car plummets through the ice
Petersen will talk about his daughter in
and snow. Everyone is very cold, even when
loving terms, and it’s clear that he is sincere
bundled up in their best winter clothes—
in his worry. If asked about his relationship
everyone’s breath shows as they eye Mr.
with Susan, he will explain that her mother
Petersen suspiciously. The key in this scene
died four years back, and they’re still trying
is to emphasize the cold—have everyone
to get over that loss. It’s been tough for Susan
describe what they’re wearing and doing in
to be so far away from him, but he’s been
order to stay warm: gloves, furs, perhaps even
supportive of her growing up on her own and
a nip off the flask. You’re setting the scene
thinks college has been good for her.
here so the unusual warmth of Red Valley has
a greater impact.

49
 Whoever is sitting next to the driver must of the outcome, the car has stopped and
pass a Navigate check. Success means that the party has a moment to reflect on Mr.
the party was able to get out of the Evergreen Petersen, who now fidgets and seems quite
area without a challenge, and the final drive anxious to get to Red Valley.
into Red Valley takes place in the middle of
the day, when it is less challenging. Failing Flashbacks to Evergreen
the Navigation roll means that the party gets Explain to the players that you’re now
lost is now entering the cold, snow-covered going to flashback to the past 24 hours, when
hills as dusk approaches, and icy patches on the party left Boston and drove to the western
the road are harder to see. Massachusetts town of Evergreen. This will
Just as the car begins to climb into the hills, give the party the opportunity to dig into Mr.
it begins to skid—ask the driver for a Drive Petersen’s mystery without bogging down
Auto check, two if the previous Navigate the story. And don’t forget to continually
check failed. Passing means the car only emphasize the cold weather as the party
slides into a snow-bank and needs only two explores Evergreen.
people to work on getting it out. Failure Having accepted Petersen as a client, the
means damage to the car: a popped tire, bent party can pack whatever they need for the trip
fender, or some damage that will impede to Evergreen and Red Valley. Once they are in
the car once it gets to Red Valley. Regardless

50
CHAPTER 5
SUSAN’S DIARY—(HANDOUT)

January 2, 1926
Dear Diary,

Happy New Year! I decided to come back to Evergreen early just to get away from Dad. I
love him so but he was driving me crazy! He always wants to check on me and make sure
I’m doing all right. Yes, I’m still sad about mother, but it’s been four years and we can
both move on. I love him but he drives me crazy!

Speaking of driving me crazy, Benjamin Garner bought me a teddy bear for Christmas. A
teddy bear! Does he think I’m ten years old? I like him fine but not as much as he likes
me. I just don’t know how to let him down nicely.

January 5, 1926

School has started. I’m not feeling up for it. I just can’t seem to care that much about
calculus and 18th century European history. Maybe it’s the storm that’s coming into town.
The first snowflakes started falling last night and it’s certainly cold enough.

Melanie says I should just tell Benjamin I don’t like him, but I don’t think I can hurt him
like that. Time will tell if he gets the hint.

January 8, 1926

I’m so excited! I’ve decided to go with the church on their annual winter trip. They’re
going up to a place called Red Valley—I guess it’s an old resort town in the hills north of
town. It will be so fun to get out of town and away from classes. I can use a nice dip in the
spa!

Pastor Thomson has been so friendly with me lately. He’s so handsome but I don’t think
he’s serious. Isn’t his job to love us the same? I guess it doesn’t matter. I just want to get
away from classes for a while.

January 12, 1926

We leave on Friday for Red Valley! It will be so nice to get away and just leave Evergreen
behind.

Unfortunately, Benjamin is coming along with the church. I do like him—he’s a very nice
boy. But I know he likes me a lot more than I like him. And I’m afraid he thinks too much
of our relationship. I hope we can just be friends.

51
the car, explain that, while the whole town of her eyes and says “You can look in her room
Evergreen isn’t up for exploration, there are if you want, but I’ve got studying to do,”
three key avenues of investigation, starting and refuses further questions. Regardless,
with Susan’s apartment and roommate at Melanie is not an easy or fun person to talk
Evergreen College. to, and with a Psychology roll it will be
obvious that not only does the party bother

FLASHBACK 1 – SUSAN’S APARTMENT

her with their questions, but that pretty

As detailed by her father, Susan shares a much everyone bothers Melanie.

room with another woman (Petersen calls If a Charm/Persuade/Fast Talk is

them “girls”) at 812 Madison Ave. The successful, Melanie recommends the
house is an on-campus woman’s dormitory investigators talk to Benjamin Garner (“he
for upper classmen with multiple small knows more about the church”). He and
apartments. Currently, 12 women live there. Susan studied Classics Literature together
Mrs. Archer, a friendly but stern woman in and he went up to Red Valley with her, but
her early 50s, will meet anyone wanting to has come back for some reason. He is staying
interview Melanie Smith, Susan’s roommate. with his parents at their place on Madison St.

As long as the party presents itself as Can she go now please? She has lots of studying

respectable adults, Mrs. Archer will be polite to finish.

in showing them toward Susan’s apartment. In Susan’s room, all of Susan’s heavy
Mrs. Archer herself knows little about clothes and boots are still in the closet, save
Susan’s whereabouts and only understands one winter coat. Further investigation reveals
that she’s visiting Red Valley (which she’s that undergarments, sun hats, and swimsuits
heard of but never visited), where she’s been are all missing, a fact that does not bother
for a few weeks now. While Mrs. Archer is a Mr. Petersen.
little worried that Susan’s been gone for so
A successful Spot Hidden check (or
long, she understands that kids these days
specifically looking for it) will reveal Susan’s
have so many freedoms and are used to doing
diary stashed in her bedside table. The last
whatever they want.
four diary entries are shown in Prop #1 and
Up at Susan’s apartment, Melanie give Susan’s story before she left for Red
Smith will answer the door. She is a small, Valley. Once the players have an opportunity
mousey girl (22 years old) who is studying to read the diary, move on to the next
Shakespeare and has little social skills or flashback.
interest in chatting. She doesn’t go to parties
so she’s not included in any social activities. FLASHBACK 2 –
Susan left two weeks ago with a bunch of FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EVERGREEN
other students to go to Red Valley, which she
The party then heads to Susan’s church.
already told Mr. Petersen.
Mr. Petersen knows the address, having
The party will need to pass a Charm, been here just a few days ago. Pulling into
Persuade, or Fast Talk check to get Melanie the snow-filled parking lot, it’s obvious that
to open up any more—failure means she rolls

52
CHAPTER 5
no one has been here for weeks. Several cars Annual Winter Mountain Trip!!!
are covered with snow from the storm last
Come join us in nearby Red Valley
week, and the church itself is dark and cold.
for a weekend away.
Mr. Petersen’s previous footprints can be
January 14-16
seen around the church, but no other sign of
activity is noticeable. Show up Friday morning 10 a.m.!!!

A successful Locksmith or Mechanical Pastor Thomson

Repair check can get the party into the
church through a frozen door. Inside, again
Looking further into the church, the party
the church is dark and cold. The most obvious
discovers dozens of bags and suitcases
clue of something strange is that all the pews
stashed into a back hallway. These bags
are missing—just gone. Dust and scuff marks
are clearly owned by the churchgoers and
show where they sat—two rows of six pews
a cursory examination shows them full of
each—and Mr. Petersen can say that he saw
winter clothing. A successful Spot Hidden
the church bus up in Red Valley, assuming
check reveals that the bags aren’t stuffed
that’s how they transported the pews.
full, indicating that people did take some
Flyers pinned to the cork board detail the winter clothes with them, just not all.
trip to Red Valley:

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 There is nothing else of note in the church. A Spot Hidden roll will show traces of a sun
Examining the Pastor’s office reveals tan, though mostly faded, that can be seen
nothing of note—no evidence of foul play or around his face and hands.
occult happenings. The church is otherwise
He will sit up in bed as his mother
quite normal.
introduces the PCs, and then she will leave
FLASHBACK 3 – BENJAMIN GARNER them alone. Benjamin, though sick, is a nice

The party then moves onto Benjamin 20-year-old and will answer questions as

Garner’s house, which is a standard middle- long as they don’t seem too intrusive. Yes,

class house in the nicer part of town. At the he went to Red Valley with the church, and

door the PCs are greeted by Mrs. Garner, a Susan was there. He misses his friends and

pleasant woman in her late 40s. She will seems genuinely sad he’s not with them.

directly inquire why the PCs want to see Red Valley is very nice now, Benjamin will
Benjamin, and is very protective of her son. explain, and he would really like to go back

A Persuade or Fast Talk check is required there. He had to leave to come back to school,

to gain entry to see Benjamin. Failing the and caught a ride with Pastor Thomson when

roll will get Mrs. Garner to tell the PCs that he came to get the pews. The doctor says

Benjamin is very sick and not seeing visitors; he’ll get better soon—he hopes so because

he’s been sick since returning from a church he really wants to get back to Red Valley. Are

trip to Red Valley recently, but she’s sure the PCs going there? Can they bring him with

he’ll get better soon. A follow up successful them? He would really like to get back there.

Psychology check will indicate that she’s If the PCs indicate they are heading to Red
lying and is very worried about her son. Valley, Ben lunges after them, screaming

Once they gain entry to the house, Mrs. “Bring me with you! Bring me with you!

Garner has the party members wait in I must get back!” Regardless of whether

the entry while she goes and chats with the party tells him this, the moment the

Benjamin. Looking around the house reveals conversation turns to details about Red

no information, other than seeing the house Valley, Susan, or any other specifics about

for what it is—perfectly normal, middle-class what Benjamin did while there, he becomes

house with nothing out of the ordinary. violently ill, throwing up all over a PC
(0/1 SAN), and collapsing into a heap,
Upstairs, Benjamin’s room reeks of
angering his parents, who quickly kick the
sickness. Upon seeing Benjamin, it’s easy to
party out.
understand why, as he is clearly ill from the
flu, possibly pneumonia—he is gaunt, with With that, all that is left is for the party to

deep, dark circles under his eyes. However, a head to Red Valley.

successful Medicine roll will indicate that he

is going through some sort of withdrawal, the
kind usually seen with alcohol or morphine
addicts, and that the flu-like symptoms are
merely a byproduct of that withdrawal.

55
The Trip to Red Valley people in a set of pews, all holding hands and
deep in prayer. As Mr. Petersen can confirm,
With flashbacks complete, play is brought
that is Pastor Thomson and the church that
back to the present, where the party has just
brought Susan here.
finished repairing the car and is heading into
the mountains, up to Red Valley.

Rural Road 238 is dark and icy as the car - ACT I -

continues higher into the hills, through the
dark woods, slowing more and more for ice ARRIVAL

patches that turn into puddles and streams The first thing the players notice upon
moving through the trees and road ahead of arrival is a distinct contrast in the weather.
the party. A successful Spot Hidden check Any questions regarding the unusually
reveals that the trees and road are warming, warm weather will be brushed off by the
and only the dripping mountain streams locals, though, as just part of the town’s
remain. The windows of the car begin to fog, beauty. Furthermore, the party will quickly
making it difficult to drive. understand they are not the only new visitors
Suddenly, the car turns a corner, rides over to town; the small town is quite busy with
a lip in the road, and comes into a quaint new fun-loving people enjoying the pleasant
resort town where people are playing in weather. While there are half-naked people
the lake, sipping iced tea at the corner café, sunbathing and clearly enjoying the strange
playing badminton on the lawn, and just weather, nothing specifically supernatural or
strolling the boardwalk, clearly enjoying malevolent is happening.
themselves under the sun bright above. A Exploring the town and interviewing people
sign reads “Welcome to Red Valley, Pop. 450, quickly determines that the town is in the
Elevation 2,112.” middle of its third boom, and everyone knows
Because the streets are crammed with that something wonderful and unusual is
parked cars, and the investigators’ winter happening. Business is up and everyone
garments are begin to stifle, the party the party meets says they quite enjoy the
should park their car and get out. All around unseasonably warm autumn (which is the
them, people are enjoying unseasonably first clue to people losing track of time). For
warm weather. Though everyone is dressed the PCs, the town, at first, is quite pleasant
lightly, there is no scandalous behavior—just and the trip feels more like a vacation than
unseasonable. an investigation: people are friendly, the
weather is comfortable, and the stores and
Describe the town now to give the party
cafes offer a nice respite from any previous
their bearings—the lake and beach across
horrors and chaos of the “outside world.”
the street, the road that leads into a small
Any player who spends a full day wandering
downtown area, and the line of cabins just
town without directly investigating receives
up the road from where the party has parked
1d2 Sanity, as they settle into the resort town
their car. One thing stands out as unusual—
and come to appreciate its people and places.
right near party on a large lawn sits a group of

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CHAPTER 5
 Soon though, it becomes clear that it’s not Finally, as the PCs spend more time in
just the weather that’s strange. Many people town, the days get longer and longer. Judging
are obviously engaged in open sun worship, the location of the sun for the season (with
and in each group at least worshipper seems a successful Physics or Navigate roll) is a
to be holding something in their hand. More bit unnerving (1/1d3 SAN) for those who
so, speaking with people makes it clear that understand the sun is not following its
no one really knows what day or month it normal trajectory for this time of year. It rises
is—people think it’s still January, December, very quickly and sets far too slowly and seems
or even October, and yet will casually dismiss to be on a unique path.
the inconsistency if mentioned.
Mr. Petersen, if asked, will indicate that
Furthermore, as the streets fill up with the church gathered in front of the cottages
cars, they get used less and less. The glut of is the church Susan came up with, but that
visitors clogs the streets until no one drives she’s not with them anymore. Still, the PCs
anymore, and moving a parked car out of the probably want to investigate.
crowded streets could be nearly impossible.
And while it certainly gets hot enough to fry
an egg on the sidewalk, it may also get hot
enough to melt car tires.

57
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CHAPTER 5
First Presbyterian Church of Red Valley about her, and wishes the investigators would
leave them alone to worship. Failure at any
Located near the entrance to Red Valley
roll this point means that the worshippers
are the Sunshine Cottages (detailed earlier).
completely ignore the PCs and will not help or
When the PCs arrive, Pastor Thomson is
engage in any manner from here on out.
leading his congregation in prayer. The pews
are filled with people (both from Evergreen
Meeting Amaterasu
and elsewhere), all with their heads down and
eyes closed. Their hands are linked in a chain Soon after arriving in Red Valley, the PCs
that leads up, with a few people standing, will try to find Susan around town. After
to the Pastor, who stands at a pulpit. The they’ve done some exploring, met some
Pastor’s eyes are closed as well, and while one people, and begun to understand how things
hand holds the hand of a man standing next work in Red Valley, let them discover Susan
to him (starting the chain), his other hand and her new church, praying quietly on a
is clasped tightly at his chest. It is hard to be small lawn.
certain, but there seems to be something in Like Pastor Thomson and his congregation,
his hand. Susan and her group are deep in worship,
The church will react in one of two ways sitting in a circle with their heads down and
if interrupted. If a PC just comes up and holding hands. And while Susan also appears
attempts to join the chain, hands will open to be clutching something in her hand, the
and the person can join into the worship most remarkable part about her is her outfit.
easily (see page 22 for what happens). If an Susan is dressed from head to toe in white
investigator breaks the chain or otherwise robes, with strange, handmade headgear that
disrupts the worship (e.g. shouting at the looks much like a crown.
pastor or shaking/bumping worshippers), Unbeknownst to the PCs or Mr. Petersen,
the Pastor will open his eyes slowly, look at Susan is now the leader of her own church
the investigator, and politely ask them to and claims to be Amaterasu—the Japanese/
leave his congregation alone until worship is Shinto goddess of the sun. She has gathered
complete at day’s end. He will then close his six worshippers, who also wear all white, and
eyes again, assuming the interrupter is not so she has shown herself as fairly adept in Sun
rude as to continually disturb church worship. Stone worship and handling its powers. A
If an investigator continues disrupting successful Anthropology or Occult check will
the worship, the Pastor will become angry, identify her adornments and dress as Shinto,
opening his eyes and demanding that his and that she may very well be dressed as
congregation be left alone. If asked about Amaterasu.
Susan, a successful Persuade or Fast Talk Unlike with Pastor Thomson (if the PCs
check at this point will get the Pastor to decided to interrupt him), the players will
admit that she now worships a false god and most likely decide to take direct—and even
has left the church, never to return. He does violent—action against Susan. She is, after
not know where she is, has no other words all, just a young woman, and it is the 1920s,

59
when a woman who doesn’t do what her at the encounter with Susan. Unsure where
father wants might be treated differently he’s gone, the party now has two people to
than in today’s world. rescue from Red Valley.

Mr. Petersen will be, once the party finds Behind the scenes, Mr. Petersen has run
Susan, openly frightened of his daughter. off with his money, which he subsequently
He will truthfully admit that she acted quite spends on a fake sun stone. This will keep
horrible to him the last time they met, and he the party in town at least for a few days while
will insist that the party “do something about they untangle what exactly is happening. By
her. Can’t you see that she’s not right?” He the time they track down Susan and figure out
will act to spur the party into action if they how to get her out of town, her father will be
are hesitant in any way. a sun worshipper himself.

Similar to Pastor Thomson’s reaction,

Lodging for the Night
when the party interrupts Susan and her
worshippers, they will at first ignore the At some point, probably after Susan
investigators. Repeated interruptions will disappears and the party awakes at dusk, the
bring the attention of an angry Susan, who party will need to find lodging for the night.
will merely open her eyes and state “You Whether they ask around in town or just look
will leave us.” She will not acknowledge her for themselves, they find themselves at the
father or any other questions. Golden Nest Hotel and Spa. The hotel and its
owners are described on page 41 — there is
If the PCs get forceful at all, Susan will
currently only one room available, plus the
stand (and her group will follow), look at the
attic space if the party is of mixed sexes.
PCs, and hold out her hand. She will look
directly at one of the PCs and say “I said to Once the party is settled in and has met the
leave us.” As she opens her hand a bright Smeages (and noticed the outdated calendar),
light radiates suddenly and amazingly from they will meet Rebecca Newman on that first
her hand. The light is warm and peaceful and evening (she is the member of Partridge’s
blinds the PCs. When the light is gone, so are crew translating of the Parchments of Pnom).
Susan and her group—it’s many hours later, As detailed on page 21, Newman spends her
near dusk, and the PCs are by themselves. days inside and only comes out of her room
This episode not only shows one of the once the sun has set.
Stone’s many powers, but also costs the PCs The players, if friendly, meet Newman
0/1d2 SAN loss. either on the back porch or out at the spa,
relaxing with a drink. While she won’t tell
Mr. Petersen Disappears exactly what she’s working on, a successful
Soon after the encounter with Susan, the Anthropology or Archaeology check (or just
PCs will want to ask Mr. Petersen what he a skill value of 75% or greater) will have a
wants to do next. However, Mr. Petersen is player remember seeing Newman speak on
nowhere to be found. The party may have modern archaeology methodologies back in
even forgotten about him for a while, and the 1920 and note that she was well known for
last time they can remember seeing him was her extensive language skills.

60
CHAPTER 5
61
 She now looks rough around the edges— dead loved one basking in the sun, or even
like she’s been burning the candle at both people who look other investigators.
ends for a while now. With some clever However it happens, things in Red Valley
questioning (or a successful Charm or are getting weirder.
Persuade check), she will admit that she’s
The man responsible for Red Valley’s
in town for business, has been working up in
increasing weirdness is Jason Taft (described
her room for a while (and does not come out
on page 45), one of Partridge’s crew sent
during the day, “for obvious reasons—have
to Red Valley to find and watch Simpson.
you seen the look in these people’s eyes?”
Instead of watching Simpson he has been at
Rebecca will add), and is waiting for her
the beach with the young men and women,
boss to show up. She will also let slip that
playing in the water and sunning himself.
she’s frustrated with her partner, Jason, who
If found here by the PCs, he will be demure
spends all his time down at the beach instead
about his story and give no information
of doing what he was hired to do (she will not
other than his name. If recognized by an
say what that is).
archaeologist as belonging to Partridge’s
Just as the questioning is getting
crew (successful Archaeology check), he will
interesting, Newman will realize that she’s
admit that he is working for Partridge these
said too much and will get up and excuse
days, but again refuse to talk about anything,
herself. She will (most likely) thank the PCs
preferring to return to his sunbathing. A
for their friendly conversation, finish her
successful Psychology or Medicine check will
drink, and head back inside to
reveal that Taft is not mentally engaged and
continue working.
seems to be medicated (perhaps morphine or
opium)—when in reality he is just fully under
Visions and the Man Who Spreads Them
the power of his Stones.
The party has now been in town for a day
Additionally, by this point in the story Red
and a night—or has it been two? Regardless,
Valley seems considerably warmer than when
after some time at the Golden Nest, the PCs,
the PCs arrived some time ago. Remind the
too, begin to hallucinate. First becomes the
players that it takes a lot of effort to go from
question of time—how long have they been
one place to another, and it’s much nicer
here? Has it only been a day? You might have
just sitting in the shade, sipping lemonade.
the party find themselves just sitting at the
Because the sun is just so darn hot.
café drinking a cup of coffee for many hours,
or just sitting down at the beach watching Sheriff and Deputy Resolve a Dispute
people play in the water, unsure of how long
Once the PCs have their bearings and
they’ve been in town.
most of the core clues to the story (including
Visions can also appear to the PCs— the Parchment from Simpson’s shop), the
perhaps a successful Spot Hidden check has conclusion of Act I raises the stakes for
them think they see Mr. Petersen or Susan Red Valley. The next time the PCs are near
leading worship, only to find it is someone the downtown area, they see a sheriff’s car
the PCs don’t know. Perhaps they see a long slowly crawling through the crowds to end up

62
CHAPTER 5
parking right in front of the Town Hall. The The crowd erupts in cheers! People gather
Sheriff gets out of the car, looks suspiciously around the Deputy and hail him as high priest
at all the people gathering around him, and of the Sun God Ra, showing that his defense
shouts to Deputy Marks, who is sitting with of his church and understanding of the
his church on the front steps of the town hall greater power of the sun proves he is powered
(as described in Chapter 4). by the gods. They strip him, anoint him with

As it happens, Deputy Marks was an early the carbon powder remains of the Sheriff, and

user of a Sun Stone, and has been living here carry him down to the lake to be reborn as

in town for the past couple weeks. Sheriff Ramses IX, new high priest of Ra. He collects

Eric Mackenzie is the 52-year-old Essex his followers together and begins baptizing

county sheriff and an elder statesman of his new congregation.

local law enforcement. He has known Deputy

Marks for five years. Mackenzie and isn’t - ACT II -
sure what’s going on up here in Red Valley,
especially since the Deputy here hasn’t Getting Warmer in Here
shown up for work in two weeks. Finally fed
As the madness further penetrates the
up with incomprehensible and inconsistent
townsfolk, people acclimate to the hot
communications, Sheriff Mackenzie has
weather, which grows from an initial warm
arrived in town to investigate and is stunned
85° F to a hot but not uncomfortable 92° F (34°
by both the weather and the town’s revival
C), getting even warmer every day. Continue
and revelry.
highlighting the heat as time goes by. It will
While this happens, nearly the entire town take some time for the party to get into the
has surrounded the two men to watch the story’s middle, and the weather just keeps
stand-off. Deputy Marks responds to the getting hotter and the days longer.
Sheriff after the second shout, and tells the
Why should the party stay? Keeping the
Sheriff that he is not wanted here and that
party engaged and in town to continue
the Sheriff should leave the town. The Sheriff
investigating is the Keeper’s primary goal
refuses to back down, demanding that Marks
here. Multiple character goals, intertwined
returns to Evergreen now. Marks thinks for
plot points, useless red herrings, and even
a long while, then, still clutching what is
cult leaders all coalesce into one huge puddle
obviously a Sun Stone, gets up and walks to
of sunburned madness. The party may very
the Sheriff.
well just throw in the towel—or at least make
Marks stops just five feet from the Sheriff, noises of that—and you must be able to dig
saying, “Actually, I belong here now and you the hooks that they’ve forgotten back in. Mr.
do not,” as he holds out the Sun Stone to Petersen and Susan should still be important
the Sheriff. A brilliant beam of light reaches forces moving against the party at this point,
out to consume the Sheriff. When the light playing cat and mouse with each other as they
is gone, all that is left of the Sheriff is a both succumb further to the power of their
pile of dust (1d2/1d4 SAN check for any PC own Sun Stones and cult leaders.
watching).

63
 By this point, the party should also visits a PC.
understand the importance of what is As the PC(s) is walking somewhere, she
happening, having read at least Simpson’s suddenly finds herself walking in the desert,
translations. That the town is on a collision with sand dunes in every direction. Over in
course with Azathoth may not be crystal one direction, ruins of a structure poke out of
clear at this point, but the party should have the sand and grab the PC’s attention. The hot
suspicions that all this sun worship will not sun beats down, and it makes sense to head
end well. That should help keep the players for the structure for shade.
engaged and wanting to stay in town.
Approaching the structure, the PC finds the
rotting remains of an ancient ship, buried in
Daydreams of a Desert
the sand. Inside sits a worn stone pedestal
Eventually, a PC (or two) will find a Sun
where the sun is clearly shining down
Stone and experiment with using it. The first
through the shadows from high above.
few times can be innocent enough, with the
With a successful Spot Hidden check, the
results as indicated in Chapter 3. However,
PC notices a line of cloaked figures rapidly
once the PCs begin to understand the story
marching through the sand to the ancient
behind the scenes, perhaps after finding
ship. The PC has a few seconds to hide if she
some Parchment translations, a hallucination

64
CHAPTER 5
notices the figures early. If not noticed, the R: Where’s Simpson? Have you found him yet?
figures—covered in dark cloaks that hide
J: No, I’m working on it.
faces despite the heat—are suddenly next to
R: No you are not working on it—you have been
the PC and surrounding the pedestal.
down at the beach working on your tan.
Regardless if noticed, the figures come to
J: Isn’t that a perk of the job?
surround the pedestal—they are translucent
and move through anyone trying to stand R: Don’t be a knucklehead. You know he’s
in their way. Once the hooded figures have going to be here tomorrow and you know what he
surrounded the pedestal, and one of them expects of you.
produces a small leather pouch, from which J: Sure I know, it’s just been hard. I need
they pull an amber stone. The group closes more time.
in on the stone as the sun shines brighter
R: Did you not hear me? Denby will be here
and brighter, finally ending in a flash that
tomorrow. You do not have any more time, and it
encompasses everyone.
is not me you have to worry about.
As the scene ends, a sense of ancient magic
J: All right, all right, I’ll get to it in the
and power overwhelms the involved players.
morning.
The point of the scene is to convey the feeling
of ancient magics—there are elements at R: You take care of this now. I refuse to have you
play here in Red Valley that are millions of mess up all my work because you’re too damn lazy
years old. At the end of the scene, the players to do your own. Now go find Simpson.
know that the powers at hand are ageless
and beyond their control. Being a part of this
A few seconds later a door slams; there is
ancient scene requires a SAN check (1/1d3).
a long pause, then another door closes and
Jason comes down the stairs chewing on a
An Argument Overheard
fingernail, passes the PCs, and heads out into
On the second evening (or is it the third? the night. Unfortunately, Jason is too well
Hard to keep track of the days around here.), trained to be followed, and even if the party
when the party returns to the hotel, have the decides to follow him, he loses them shortly
investigators each check Stealth. The people thereafter.
who succeed are sitting in the downstairs
lounge area, appreciating the calmness of the The Town at Night
town now that the sun has set.
When the sun finally does go down, the
Just upstairs they hear a door open town becomes a bit unhinged. This wasn’t so
and close, then knocking on a door. The noticeable on the first night, but after that
investigators now overhear the following it’s clear that many people have passed out
conversation in its entirety between Rebecca from exhaustion. Then the remaining people
and Jason: who have not eaten or drunk water in 12
hours go on feeding and drinking binges in

65
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CHAPTER 5
the town, then collapse in insulin-sponsored assuming the PCs haven’t already taken
comas. Those still awake become surly, then it—to learn how the Stones are summoned.
angry, acting out in withdrawal without their Instead, he focusses his attention on the
precious sun. Walking around town at night Pouch. He is certain that he can feel multiple
can be somewhat dangerous with crowds Stones inside but can only retrieve one—
like this, and angry strangers may be met Simpson’s own Stone. Frustrated, Partridge
on any corner. Or the PCs could run into a uses scissors to cut apart the bag in an
terrified couple who aren’t sun worshippers attempt to determine the source of its magic.
yet, scared of anyone and unwilling to speak This undoes the magic of the bag and ends
to the PCs, running away if approached. And the source of Sun Stones in the town, which
then the sun rises again in the morning. will force Partridge to be more creative in
tracking down “real” Stones.
Behind-the-Scenes Arrival
Two days after the PCs arrive, Partridge Sun Festival Announcement
arrives in town, then later finds Simpson Partridge announces a Sun Festival for the
in a grass pasture on the outskirts of town. next day as a time for people to gather for
After a long discussion about why their worship and prayer. Word spreads quickly
partnership failed, Partridge kills Simpson, through town that something is happening
and he and Taft hide the body in their truck at the Town Hall—the PCs can hear about it
to dump it in one of the mines. The PCs can wherever they may be.
pass a Listen check to hear what sounds like A crowd gathers around the Town Hall,
a single gunshot, off in the distance, late on where Partridge is in the process of pulling
the second day after their arrival. No matter down the glass covering to the tower clock.
where the PCs search, they cannot find the With some ropes and the old pulley at the
source of the gunshot. clock tower, Partridge and his crew are able
Once Simpson is dead, Partridge takes to pull down the glass cover and place it in a
over the shop and begins the second stage cart. The crowd follows the cart to where the
of his plan. If the PCs have visited the shop festival will begin the next day—at a platform
previously, any return visits will provide a outside the cottages, where the Presbyterian
surprise (especially if any archaeologists Church still has its pews.
recognize Partridge and understand what When everyone gathers around him
his presence implies about Simpson) when to see what is happening (the PCs may
Partridge says that he bought the store from or may not be here when this happens),
Simpson. From here on out, Partridge will use Partridge announces that tomorrow “We
the store as his base of operations and can be will gather here, at sunrise, to show our true
found in the upstairs room most of the time, appreciation of the sun. In the meantime, I
studying Simpson’s translation. challenge you to rid yourselves of the false
Of course, Partridge is a greedy man with idols and gods. Look inside yourself for the
impulse control issues, and he will not truth. Look to your neighbor to make sure
take the time study the third Parchment— they can see the same truth you see. Do not

67
be deceived.” With that, he begins working both Ramses/Marks and Celia spend their
on the Sun Lens, leaving the town to sort out time collecting as many worshippers to their
the false idols. cause as possible. As detailed in Chapters
3 and 4, many of the smaller groups and
Ramses and Celia Face Off individual worshippers are brought into
With the building of the Sun Lens the larger groups at this time. This activity
underway, the rest of the town is left to includes both Susan Petersen and her father
figure out what is going to happen to those and presents an opportunity for them to both
who worship false idols and gods. However, become visible again to the PCs.
the two leaders of the largest groups in town Also, in an effort to purge the town of
(Ramses/Marks and Priestess Celia) think false idols, anyone with a fake stone must
they know where the problems begin. surrender or die. This is what finally brings
In the day leading up to the Sun Festival, Mr. Petersen into Celia’s care, as he gives up

ESCAPE
As the heat and light of Azathoth get closer and closer, the party may feel the need, at
various times, to leave town. As the scenario opening explains, the contrast between the
“outside” world and the town under Azathoth’s influence is an exploration in heat and
cold, in light and dark. Should the party move to leave town, let them do so once, but only
at great peril and risk. They could leave town, but as they do, the drenching, frigid rain
constantly reminds them of the sun’s safety and security and growing proximity.

Escaping the 105° F degree weather is easy enough—by running down the road and over
the hill, someone can get out of the valley just before the town is incinerated. However,
they find themselves in a freezing sleet that has overtaken an icy cold and dark forest.
Any PC spending more than a few minutes in the cold rain must have clothes or suffer
from hypothermia (1d2 HP/hour). Furthermore, the road is dark and dangerous, so
requires Navigate, Climb, and Dodge checks to avoid getting lost (one roll per hour,
with at least two of each skills checked). Heading straight down the 10-mile road into
Evergreen should take about eight hours’ walking, and that’s without getting lost or
needing to rest. Of course, continued exposure leads only to death, or at least permanent
sanity loss as the PCs suffer from withdrawal from the Sun Stones one final time.

Outside the town, those subject to the Sun Stones’ powers will quickly become ill and
feel compelled to return to Red Valley. Once they return to the town, they become keenly
aware that no one else leaves and everyone seems quite happy to stay.

Once Act III commences, leaving town should be possible only as a final action—letting
the town die to save themselves—or even as a finale for a player, driven to the brink by
the Sun Stones and the power they hold, leaving the snow-covered woods, crazed and
rambling on and on about the sun, the sun, the sun!

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CHAPTER 5
his fake stone and is taken in. However, any By this point at least one PC could be
peddlers of fake stones are held down while addicted to Sun Stone viewings or perhaps
their wares are destroyed in front of them, be going through withdrawal. The party
and then they themselves are destroyed for could have rescued Susan, who now won’t
all the town to see (cost of 1/1d3 SAN for any leave without her father, a fully addicted
PC witness). worshipper who cannot be located in all

Finally, toward the end of the day, Celia the masses. Finally it’s just too damn hot,

and Ramses/Marks meet at the boardwalk, and mob rule takes over for an afternoon,

both flanked by their half-clothed, sun- breaking windows and burning buildings in a

tanned followers in a strange mockery of mass frenzy. (If the PCs are anywhere nearby,

gangland battles. Harsh words are exchanged, a Luck check is required to avoid angry mobs

including accusations of false idolatry and that deal 1d6 HP damage.)

upcoming death under the sun. The exchange Partridge’s group uses a handful of cultists
between the two leaders heats up, literally, as to retake control and tell people that all of
they both glow with the power of their Stones their anger will be blessed tomorrow. In the
unleashed as they attempt unsuccessfully to meantime, here is a treat: Partridge’s crew
burn each other to a crisp. They move closer brings out crushed ice smothered with fruits,
and closer to each other until they are face to nuts and honey, which placates the heated
face, encompassed in bright hot glow, and it mob until the next day.
looks as if Celia’s glow will overcome, when
there is a flash of hands, and Ramses/Marks The Sun Festival
drives his hand-crafted ankh into Celia’s Providing the plans for the Sun Festival
ribcage. Her glow softens, then dissipates, as move forward, and with less competition left,
she crumples to the ground, dead. A moment Partridge begins the festival at dawn of the
later, Ramses/Marks is the new leader, and last day. He slowly collects all the disparate
the crowd cheers. groups in town, small cult and large churches
alike, to the newly constructed Sun Temple
in the town’s center, guiding them like a mad
- ACT III -
pied piper. Over the course of the morning

Hot Enough for You? (with the sun burning continuously above),
everyone is pulled together by Partridge
The temperature now is 105° F (49° C)
and his crews toward the Temple and “our
during Act III, with the lake evaporated nearly
moment in the sun together,” as Partridge
30 percent. Also, the PCs may notice that the
himself will say. If the PCs have not already
sun doesn’t go down at all, ever, anymore.
saved the town (and themselves) or have not
Sunstroke? Dehydration? These things are
decided to just leave and risk the winter, then
problems, unless you worship a Stone, which
this ceremony is their last chance to stop the
delays those negative effects of sun exposure.
summoning and the town’s destruction.
Sun tans and burns are still a problem,
though not as much as people would think. By midday, everyone has gathered at the

Thing is, no one wants to leave. large stage built in front of the cabins and

69
beach. Adorned with his headband and little survive exposing all the powers of the Stones.
else, Partridge claims, “The sun is now ready A PC who has also read the Parchments and
for our great sacrifice,” and challenges each has control over a Stone might challenge
cult leader to be tested by the Sun Lens. Partridge at this point—and win, if it best
This test requires holding a Stone in one serves the story—but would not survive the
hand while Partridge focuses the Lens at the encounter with his sanity intact. So while
leader. At first the crowd is quiet as it holds Partridge might be beat in this manner,
its collective breath to watch for the results. the PC should check Sanity (1d6/3d6) as
Next comes a slow sizzling sound, and they now truly understand the power of the
suddenly the leader is consumed by a giant Stones, and would most probably just replace
burst of flame. All that is left is a pile of dust. Partridge in wanting to bring Azathoth to Red

After any remaining minor leaders (which Valley.

could include a PC) are consumed by the If Partridge survives, he is now reborn as
fire, Ramses/Marks steps up to challenge the Phoenix and begins leading everyone in
Partridge. Ramses/Marks is now covered head the final ceremony. With all the cults under
to toe in the sooty remains of the Sheriff and his control, he destroys anyone who stands in
the blood of Celia. He wears a large headpiece his way, and because only Partridge has the
of somewhat ancient Egyptian design, and ceremony memorized, he is the only one who
around his neck hangs the blood-encrusted knows what is coming.
ankh. When the Sun Lens is pointed at him,
That is, unless the PCs have done their
Ramses/Marks, unlike other leaders, doesn’t
homework after finding the Parchments. The
instantly go up in flames. Instead, after the
party’s key chance for stopping the madness
moment of silence and the slight sizzling, he
still includes sacrifice and possible madness,
starts to glow, and the beam of light that is
and is described below.
coming from the Sun Lens darkens. Partridge,
however, is not to be overmatched and Stopping the Madness
refocuses his efforts toward Ramses/Marks,
Now the sun is much larger than anyone
who now smiles.
has ever seen it. And while the actual sun
However, this is not to last, as Partridge is is not any closer, the magic stored in the
stronger and better understands the Stones’ Stones does bring the power of Azathoth
powers. The beam darkens until it becomes a closer and closer, so that the sun seems closer
deep red, still glowing brightly—so brightly than actually possible (Science:Physics or
that everyone must eventually look away. Science:Astronomy check will tell; 1d2/1d4
When the beam is gone, so is Ramses/Marks. SAN check if passed).
After that, Partridge himself quickly takes
By this point, the party will have had a
the test and—surprise—survives, slightly
chance to read all of the Parchments and have
charbroiled and ready to rule it all.
figured out that the town has doomed itself
This, of course, is a trick. Partridge to be consumed by Azathoth. The next logical
knows (as does Newman), from reading the question is, “can they stop it?”
Parchments, the incantation required to

70
CHAPTER 5
71
 In theory, it would be possible to get to each One more option for salvation is to replace
worshipper before Partridge and steal Stones Partridge as the leader of the Sun Festival—a
from unconscious worshippers. This option scenario that is detailed below. While this
would have to be at the Keeper’s discretion, is probably the “easiest” of the choices, it
though, as most worshippers are conscious, would most certainly result in a PC going
and only a few Stones should be available in completely insane and becoming the most
this manner. powerful cult leader in town. More details on

Getting the Stones from the hands of those this in the Coalescence section below.

actively worshipping is more difficult. One The final, and most likely, possibility is
option would be to put a PC with high MPs found as a loophole in the Parchments. If the
(fresh from a rest) in a group of worshipers ceremony is reversed and someone with a
already tired from worship and let the high- fully charged Stone casts the spell in reverse,
MP PCs take the Stone once everyone else the Stones and the people who are holding
passes out. It’s probably too late to pass off a them will be destroyed. This is probably the
faux stone as a real Stone (although that may most reasonable option, though it requires
be an option earlier in the scenario) because a PC to sacrifice himself, as everyone
most people are fully addicted to the Stones’ possessing a Stone will be consumed by the
power and will quickly recognize a bunk power of the Stones, including the caster.
stone. Keep in mind that once a person starts
If this last option is used, the spell is cast
down the path of Stone worship it becomes
after a few hours of memorization. The PC
difficult to turn away.
will finish casting the spell, and the Stone
Unfortunately, taking a Stone by force is they are using will begin glowing more and
probably not an option, as those who try will more brightly, as will all the Stones in town.
quickly be overwhelmed by the townspeople Then the glowing will get as bright as the
and brought to the Sun Temple for sacrifice. sun, to the point where it can’t be directly
Unless the party is incredibly cunning and viewed, and a roaring sound (like that of a
sneaky, trying to stop the ceremony at large waterfall or loud motor) will overtake
this point (as opposed to figuring out what the town.
needs to happen earlier in the scenario) will
Then: silence. Everyone who was holding
probably result in death for anyone involved.
a Stone will be gone, as will the Stones
One final point is that PCs snared by the
themselves, and the weather in town will
Stones may just as well want to join the final
revert to normal, which, in the case of Red
ceremony and may be very happy with that
Valley, means cloudy and very cold. This
outcome.
change will take less than an hour and will
have a drastic impact on those left in town—
especially those without proper winter
clothing available. Perhaps now is a good
time to leave.

72
CHAPTER 5
A Final Ceremony SANITY REWARDS

Now that Partridge is the only cult leader This scenario has multiple endings, and
left, he and his group of Phoenix worshippers PCs who escape the town alive should be well
begin the ceremony by gathering everyone rewarded—unless, of course, they became
into groups of 10 or 12 people meditating addicted to worshipping the Sun Stones and
on each Sun Stone. With nearly 800 people were part of the problem…
worshipping the sun, it takes many hours to - If the ceremony is stopped without loss to
start the ceremony. life +1d8 SAN
And so, with everyone chanting, the sun - If the ceremony is stopped with losses
is brought to the town of Red Valley in a only to Partridge’s crew or PCs +1d6 SAN
single glorious moment of heat and fire.
- If the ceremony is stopped with some
The sun gets closer and closer, and those
deaths including regular civilians +1d4 SAN
not using Stones feel the heat get hotter
and hotter. Eventually, the sun overtakes - If Partridge is killed +1d6 SAN

the worshippers—everyone and everything - If Partridge’s crew is stopped but

in town is incinerated completely, and the unharmed +1d4 SAN
worshippers welcome their deity to Red
- For every person who is killed to stop the
Valley.
ceremony/madness -1d4 SAN

Aftermath - For any PC who escapes town and survives

exposure +1d8 SAN
Anyone who returns to Red Valley after
the final ceremony will find it smoldering, - For any PC who escapes town but became

buildings and automobiles reduced to vaguely addicted to a Sun Stone -1d6 MP/ -1d12 SAN

familiar, steaming husks under a heavy yet

warm rain. Beneath the quickly soaking
ruins, however, anything that might once
have been living is crisped and carbonized
beyond recognition. Digging further into the
blackened debris around the town’s center
will uncover one oversized Sun Stone, fully
functional under visible daylight.

73
 APPENDIX I

The Observatory “Director’s Cut”

Behold the Observatory. This section of the probably be one of the first places the party
scenario was originally part of main story visits once they get into town.
devised by Doc and myself, but through the
There are a few key components needed
course of many years of playtesting was
to fit the Observatory into the story, the two
eventually cut. The discussion on cutting it
most important of which are its exploding
is a part of the Playtest Notes in the Sun Spots
and the subsequent use of the Observatory’s
Keeper Kit.
telescope lens for the Sun Lens. The best part
The Observatory is meant to be another of the Observatory is the explosion, because
brick in the story about how the Stones are blowing up stuff is fun and interesting and
transforming Red Valley into a town built on a it’s very cinematic. It works best to have the
mass delusion that somehow channeling the Observatory explode at the start of Act II,
powers of Azathoth is going to end well for soon (but not immediately) after the fight
people. between the Sheriff and Deputy. Provide

Adding the Observatory into the story is another scene between these events, perhaps

relatively easy. Its location is on the north of something rewarding or at least non-

end of town, sitting on the hill overlooking confrontational for the party, before hitting

the town. It’s easily found and would them with another large-scale pivot in the
town’s dynamics.

75
Observatory People a critical role in the community as college
liaison and head of the Observatory, and
Outlined next is the description of the
he’s nice enough as long as you agree with
Observatory and its relevant NPCs, followed
whatever he says. In his effort to bolster his
by a list of possible scenes that can be used to
lackluster academic reputation (and perhaps
bring the Observatory into the story.
achieve a measure of fame and glory), he
Evergreen College built the Observatory
was one of the first people to buy a Sun
only four years ago, when real estate in
Stone, and immediately saw its potential
the town was very cheap after the collapse
as the breakthrough for his career. He now
of the health spa industry in 1919. The
spends 20 hours a day (eating and sleeping
Observatory sits above the town, on the ridge
little) attempting to use the Sun Stone to
that protects it from the cold winds that
contact the “living sun inside” that speaks
blast the mountain in the winter and spring
to him. Within a few days of the PCs arriving,
and that keep the Observatory closed for
Thames will steal another Stone and use the
half the year. The summer and fall are then
Observatory’s telescope to focus sunlight into
the key times for Dr. Julius Thames and his
the two Sun Stones, ultimately destroying
staff of four scientists and grad students.
himself, his staff, and the Observatory in one
The Observatory is not cutting edge, but Dr.
huge fireball.
Thames has a decent budget for his staff, so
NATHAN RABIN: Dr. Thames’ assistant is
the team is happy with the time they spend
the only staff member who doesn’t work
in the town. Because of the weather on the
nonstop trying to focus their Sun Stone.
ridge, the observatory is only staffed with a
Instead Rabin spends his days naked,
skeleton crew during winter and spring (with
sunbathing on the roof of the Observatory,
the rest of team back at the college), but the
and is the only staffer to survive the blast
staff works full time during summer and early
at the start of Act II. He then becomes a
fall, when the skies are clearest and the days
worshipper and will return at the start of Act
the longest. When the PCs arrive in town, the
III to build the Sun Lens. When the PCs first
Observatory staff is still working under those
encounter him at the Observatory, strolling
summer conditions, which is strange because
naked toward a roof-access ladder, he’s
they usually close shop for the winter in mid-
willing to discuss the observatory in brief,
October.
but after answering a few questions suggests
DR. JULIUS THAMES: An English import,
the investigators head inside to talk with
Dr. Thames is by no means at the top of
Thames.
his field and took this opportunity to run
GEOFFREY SMYTH: An older grad student
his own observatory at a small liberal arts
from Evergreen, Smyth likes to be bossed
college just to get away from the cutthroat
around by Dr. Thames, so becomes fully
academia at the larger universities. Thames
obsessed with the Stone with little else
can be incredibly petty and self-serving when
occupying his thoughts or time.
challenged on his findings and theories, and
so is not the easiest person to work with. He CAROLYN WEBSTER: Carolyn is also an older

is mostly tolerated in town because he fills grad student from Evergreen, who, unusually

76
APPENDIX I
for the Observatory team, is actually intriguing location, and while they may not
dedicated to the study of astronomy. She has visit it first, the party will certainly get there
written papers and theories of note for those eventually.
in the field. She feels the Sun Stone is the
When the party heads up to the
most important astronomical discovery of
Observatory, the first person they meet is
her time, and she is fully dedicated to Thames
Nathan, who will be on his way to sunbathing
and his Stone.
nude on the roof of the Observatory. While
he has been affected by the Sun Stones and
Observatory Scenes
people’s growing use of them, he has not yet
These few scenes are all that the story truly lost his marbles—at least not in the
needs to bring the Observatory into the story, way everyone else has. If he’s called to at
aside from an initial visit by the party. least a couple times while he’s sunbathing,
INTRODUCTIONS eventually he’ll pop his head over the edge
and engage in friendly conversation. Unlike
The Observatory is located on the ridge
Thames, Rabin is friendly and will answer
above the town and is something PCs are
many of the questions the party has about the
certain to notice when they first arrive in Red
Sun Stones and why the town is so obsessed.
Valley. The Observatory is an obvious and

77
 Unfortunately for the party, Rabin doesn’t themselves to look on admiringly. (Thames
know the full backstory about Partridge and will only introduce them if asked; —they will
Simpson or what the Stones are capable of. only speak if spoken to.) Thames will end the
But Rabin’s been working at the Observatory tour will a display of a leather harness that
for three years and fully understands that he has built to strap the Sun Stone to the
something happened last fall that changed observatory’s telescope. This, he will boast,
everything. He also is aware that it is is the discovery that will put his name on the
February and that the weather is very bizarre same list as Galileo and Tycho Brahe.
and unseasonable. He knows that Thames
Then, as Thames is about to strap in his
bought some sort of crazy stone at the
Sun Stone and give the party a tour of the
downtown bakery, though he doesn’t think
universe, he abruptly puts the Stone back in
they still sell them anymore.
his pocket and begins to eye the investigators
Rabin is ostensibly in Red Valley to work on suspiciously. How interesting that they
his advanced degree in Physics. He came to showed up just as he was about to unveil his
work with Thames at the Observatory more crowning achievement. Are they spies from
out of lack of options than anything else. a rival astronomer, come to steal his secrets
These days he gets paid to sit in the sun all and Stone? Best not take any chances, he
day, which is something he’s wanted to do all decides, and promptly ends his tour, shooing
his life. Now, if you don’t mind… the party out the door.

INSIDE THE OBSERVATORY UNOFFICIAL TOUR

Once inside, the party finds the Observatory If the party should somehow get back
in disarray, with Geoffrey and Carolyn into to the Observatory—sneaking in to
asleep on the floor and Thames sitting at his either view or steal the Stone—they find the
desk, deep in concentration as he examines researchers asleep, exhausted, on the floor.
his Sun Stone. He wears only his lab coat However, the Stone itself is still in the cradle
and underwear. It will take some serious and, whether day or night, giving an amazing
badgering to gain Thames’ attention, which lightshow.
will result in him looking up slowly from his All across the room is a multicolored light
Stone and staring at the investigator without display that is both beautiful and dangerous.
saying anything. Continued questions will
The lights emanating from the Stone are
result in a long sigh as Thames pockets from every color across the spectrum—a
the Stone (he knows how valuable they successful halved Science:Physics or
are), stands to stretch, then addresses the Science:Astronomy check identifies colors
investigators’ questions. bleeding well into UV and infrared ranges.
Like Rabin, Thames doesn’t know the story Failing a Luck check at this point means a
behind the scenes, but he is very happy to beam catches a PC right in the eye, giving
talk about his impending breakthrough of a flash of the center of the universe for 0/1
understanding a “bridge between universes.” SAN check. Anyone who then fails that Sanity
Gesticulating wildly, he’ll give a brief tour of check is drawn to the Stone and may use the
the observatory as Geoffrey and Carolyn rouse Stone to view the center of the universe.

78
APPENDIX I
 BEHIND-THE-SCENES THEFT: One behind- reduced mostly to rubble (2d8 HP damage to
the-scenes action critical to the start of Act anyone outside the building). More important
II is when the Thames, fueled by reckless to the story, though, is the town’s reaction
obsession to channel the power of the Sun to the explosion. The party will probably be
Stones via the telescope, steals a Sun Stone somewhere in town (perhaps just having
from someone in town. This could happen dealt with the Deputy shooting the Sheriff)
completely behind the scenes and invisible when the Observatory, sitting high on its
to the party’s investigations. Alternatively, perch above the town where everyone can
the theft itself can happen behind the scenes see it, suddenly and brilliantly explodes in a
but the Stone’s owner (the victim of the huge fireball. The town is stunned and nearly
theft who is left to Keeper to identify) reacts a minute passes while the moment sinks
violently and strikes out at other people who into people and they understand what truly
possess Stones, creating a cascading effect as happened—and they all cheer!
those with Stones become highly protective.
THE SUN LENS REDUX
Regardless of how this event takes place,
Here is the original description of the Sun Lens, as
the theft both gives the astronomer his
built by Rabin instead of Partridge.
second Stone and cranks up the paranoia and
The Sun Lens is originally assembled by
protectiveness of those lucky enough to own
Nathan Rabin after he pulls the telescope’s
an original Sun Stone.
lens from the explosion’s rubble. This first
THE EXPLOSION: Finally, all of the growing
version mounts the Lens on a makeshift
power and madness surrounding the Sun
frame, which Rabin then uses to immolate
Stones comes to a shocking and deadly
himself. Then Partridge, with the help of
conclusion when the Thames rigs his
some worshippers, rebuilds the Lens and
telescope to focus direct sunlight through two
the whole platform so it can be used from
Sun Stones simultaneously. The concentrated
above a crowd of people. It is then mounted
power of these artifacts is massive, and
in metal hoops and can swivel and be focused
the telescope and everyone inside the
in any direction. Someone knowledgeable in
Observatory are destroyed in a fabulous and
the ways of the Stones can then focus the MP
violent explosion. Anyone near the building
stored in a Stone into a shining beam of light
at this time is knocked over in a strong
that instantly destroys anything combustible,
concussion blast as the building itself is
like a person or building. Good times follow.

79
 APPENDIX II

Sun Spots Today

During playtesting, it was commented daughter is involved with the church up in

that Sun Spots might be a fine scenario run the mountain resort and that he doesn’t
during contemporary times. Here are some know what to do. The church was just a
considerations that can help you make the “normal” church but changed once it got
change in the scenario’s time setting. to the mountain town. In fact, everyone in
this mountain town seems changed by the
Background sun, which keeps the town unseasonably
Hooking the players in might take a bit warm and seems to scramble communication
more effort during the 21st century, as a signals. He needs a group of investigators to
young woman who has chosen to not respond help retrieve his daughter, or at least get him
to her father might be even less of a concern in a position where he can talk to her.
than it was 90 years ago. However, given the Once the PCs are engaged by Mr. Petersen,
ease and speed of modern communication the flashback scenes should work well
technology, her father might become enough. Rebecca’s apartment, the church,
concerned earlier. and Benjamin Garner can all be run as-is,
Petersen might just take a direct route including the car crash in the snow storm.
to engage the PCs, explaining that his

81
Simpson and Partridge Simpson, then, would have returned to
academia to live out a relatively obscure life
The world of archaeology, while not as
in research. Online searches would reveal
exciting as it was 100 years ago, still has the
little past his original involvement with
possibility for great discovery and rivalry, and
Partridge. Perhaps Simpson has made some
the core relationship between Simpson and
controversial statements about the existence
Partridge need not change.
of an ancient civilization called Hyperborea
It would work for the duo to have had their
that still has powerful magical artifacts
break in the 1990s with a televised news
hidden to the modern world.
stunt much like Geraldo Rivera’s failed Al
Capone vault break-in in 1986. But instead of Setting
a gangster’s vault, their event was unearthing
Very little needs to change to pull Red
a hidden Native American burial chamber
Valley into the 21st century. The town’s
far into the New Mexico desert (just north of
location and remoteness can be part of
Roswell, perhaps), or any of the great mounds
its appeal. Instead of Red Valley being an
in Ohio, Michigan, or Mississippi, resulting in
hour’s drive from Boston, it’s in the Catskill
the uncovering of artifacts used in cleansing
Mountains along the Massachusetts and
ceremonies and the like. Protests by the
Connecticut state borders (still just a few
local Native Americans would be largely
hours’ drive west), with Pittsfield, MA being
ignored (or, more likely, fully patronized and
the stand-in for Evergreen. Red Valley would
exploited, with Partridge bringing along his
still be a significant drive from any urban
own “Indian Experts” in full headdress to
area, that its remoteness would remain part
provide the counter argument).
of its appeal.
For his part, Partridge might currently be
While limiting PCs’ mobile phone service
a relic of spending the last 15 years in reality
is an overused horror movie cliché, it may be
television, splitting from Simpson over
a valid limiting factor for the party while in
“taking their vision global.” Partridge and his
Red Valley. The lack of service can be part of
crew might be minor TV celebrities, having
the resort town’s appeal — people love that
spent 13 seasons (2001-2014) galivanting
it’s remote and offers a “technology-free
around the world, looking for ancient history
experience.” Red Valley will have phone and
to exploit in one form or another as part of
power and sewer service, at least up until
the TV show Mysteries of the Unknown. There
October, but it can still be remote enough
would be plenty of information available
to warrant a distinct sense of isolation from
online about the Partridge crew, who they
the modern world. Maybe once the Sun
are, where they’re from, and what they might
Stones become activated, the sun’s nearness
be looking for.
reduces or eliminates mobile phone coverage
altogether. Whatever best suits the narrative.

82
APPENDIX II
The End
A final thought on how the scenario might
end in the 21st century: Assuming any of
the PCs survive in some state or another,
they may end up following in Partridge’s
footsteps when the producers of Mysteries of
the Unknown approach the PCs after footage of
the “incident at Red Valley” is shared online.
The PCs could be pulled into their own reality
TV series—provided the means to travel
around the world, exploring ancient sites and
uncovering unusual mysteries. It could be the
start of a very interesting campaign.

83
APPENDIX III

People

85
Daniel Petersen, Banker, Age: 58
Master’s Economics, Yale

STR 50, CON 50, SIZ 60, INT 70, POW 40,
DEX 50, APP 65, EDU 80, SAN 32, HP 11

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 5; Luck 55%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 75%, Credit Rating 75%, Law 55%,

Persuade 55%

Susan Petersen (Amaterasu), Student, Age: 20

Studying English Literature, Evergreen College

STR 40, CON 50, SIZ 50, INT 80, POW 60,
DEX 50, APP 75, EDU 75, SAN 35, HP 12

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 65%

Attacks: Throw Sun Stone 45% (22/9), damage 1d3 (Thrown)

SKILLS: English Literature 38%, Credit Rating 45%,

History 37%, Language (Latin) 35%, Language (French) 22%,
Library Use 44%, Psychology 42%

Barnaby Thomson, Pastor, Age: 29

Master’s Theology, Boston College

STR 50, CON 50, SIZ 50, INT 60, POW 55,
DEX 40, APP 70, EDU 80, SAN 40, HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 55%

Attacks: Throw Sun Stone 35% (18/7), damage 1d3 (Thrown

SKILLS: Persuade 65%, Psychology 65%, Credit Rating 40%,

History 50%, Language (Latin) 55%, Charm 45%,
Library Use 45%

86
APPENDIX III
Tony Marks (Ramses IX) , Deputy, Age: 27
Evergreen High School

STR 60, CON 60, SIZ 50, INT 80, POW 40,
DEX 70, APP 50, EDU 55, SAN 20, HP 11

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 9; Luck 55%

Attacks: Firearms (.45 Revolver) 40% (20/8), damage
1D10+2; Throw Sun Stone 55% (28/11), damage 1d3 (Thrown);
Fighting (Brawl) 60% (30/12), damage 1D3 + damage bonus

SKILLS: Intimidate 65%, Dodge 55%, Jump 35%, Law 55%,

Psychology 45%, Swim 35%

Priestess Celia Frothingham, Age: 44

Bachelor’s Art, Wesleyan

STR 40, CON 50, SIZ 50, INT 80, POW 60,
DEX 50, APP 55, EDU 70, SAN 32, HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 7; Luck 35%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 35%, Art (Ceramics) 45%,

Art (Painting) 65%, Bargain 40%, Natural World 25%,
Language (French) 35%, Persuade 45%, Psychology 65%

Gary Evans, Motel Owner, Age: 50

Bachelor’s Music, Julliard School

STR 25 CON 45 SIZ 50 INT 90 POW 50

DEX 25 APP 75 EDU 90 SAN 35 HP 8

Damage Bonus: -1; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 50%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Art (Piano) 55%, Art (Violin) 45%, Charm 40% ,

Credit Rating 45%, History (Music) 38%, Library Use 44%,
Persuade 65%

87
Denby Partridge, Archaeologist, Age: 47
Master’s History, Harvard

STR 50, CON 50, SIZ 50, INT 60, POW 55,
DEX 40, APP 70, EDU 80, SAN 40, HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 75%

Attacks: Fighting (Brawl) 55% (28/11),
damage 1D3 + damage bonus

SKILLS: Anthropology 25%, Archaeology 65%, Charm 46%,

Cthulhu Mythos 17%, Credit Rating 48%, Fast Talk 38%,
History 43%, Law 18%, Library Use 38%, Natural History
24%, Occult 29%, Language (Latin) 48%, Language (Ancient
Greek) 24%, Language (German) 24%, Language (French)
22%, Persuade 65%, Psychology 45%, Spot Hidden 38%

Rebecca Newman, Linguist, Age: 37

Master’s Ancient History, Columbia

STR 50, CON 50, SIZ 60, INT 70, POW 40,
DEX 50, APP 65, EDU 80, SAN 32, HP 11

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 7; Luck 75%

Attacks: Firearms (.38 Revolver) 35% (18/7), damage 1D10

SKILLS: Archaeology 75%, Anthropology 64%,

Cthulhu Mythos 31%, Persuade 33%, History 64%,
Language (Ancient Greek) 65%, Language (Latin) 43%,
Language (French) 26%, Language (Ancient Assyrian) 37%,
Library Use 55%, Occult 39%, Psychology 36%,
Spot Hidden 28%

Jason Taft, Face Man, Age: 26

Bachelor’s Political Science (Incomplete), Harvard

STR 40, CON 50, SIZ 55, INT 60, POW 50,
DEX 55, APP 80, EDU 70, SAN 25, HP 12

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 65%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Archaeology 12%, Charm 65%, Credit Rating 55%,

Cthulhu Mythos 12%, Fast Talk 45%, History 45%,
Listen 35%, Occult 27%, Stealth 45%, Spot Hidden 33%,
Swim 36%

88
APPENDIX III
Markus Smith, Muscle, Age: 36
The Streets of Hell’s Kitchen; Trenches of the Great War

STR 80, CON 70, SIZ 55, INT 60, POW 45,
DEX 60, APP 35, EDU 53, SAN 40, HP 12

Damage Bonus: +1d4; Build 1; Move 7; Luck 45%

Attacks: Firearms (.45 Automatic) 50% (25/12),
damage 1D10+2; Fighting (Brawl) 65% (33/13),
damage 1D3 + damage bonus

SKILLS: Archaeology 12%, Climb 53%, Cthulhu Mythos 9%,

Dodge 45%, Drive Auto 37%, First Aid 38%, Intimidate 65%,
Jump 31%, Listen 41%, Occult 12%, Pilot (Airplane) 37%,
Sneak 28%, Spot Hidden 41%, Throw 39%, Track 21%

Tom Reynolds, Mayor, Age: 48

Bachelor’s Economics, University of Vermont

STR 50 CON 55 SIZ 60 INT 90 POW 70

DEX 85 APP 60 EDU 80 SAN 55 HP 12

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 70%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 65%, Charm 45%, Credit Rating 55%,

Law 55%, Persuade 55%, Psychology 35%

Barnaby Jones, Gas Station Owner, Age: 38

Gas Stations up and down New England

STR 70 CON 80 SIZ 50 INT 60 POW 50

DEX 60 APP 50 EDU 40 SAN 50 HP 13

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 9; Luck 40%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 45%, Drive Auto 35%, Electrical

Repair 25%, Locksmith 15%, Mechanical Repair 65%,
Operate Heavy Machinery 35%, Throw 45%

89
Wes Waller, Store Owner, Age: 54

Lincoln Primary School, Harrisburg, PA

STR 20 CON 60 SIZ 70 INT 50 POW 55

DEX 65 APP 40 EDU 85 SAN 20 HP 13

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 7; Luck 55%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 54%, Craft (Mining) 45%,

Credit Rating 45%, Fast Talk 56%, History 45%,
Psychology 75%, Science (Geology) 35%

Bob Crenshaw, Café Owner, Age: 44

Red Valley Primary School, Red Valley, MA

STR 40 CON 50 SIZ 50 INT 80 POW 60

DEX 50 APP 55 EDU 70 SAN 32 HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 7; Luck 35%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 45%, Charm 55%, Craft (Cooking) 55%,

Listen 35%, Psychology 40%

Tom Powledge, Deli Owner, Age: 58

Mean Streets of the Real World

STR 50 CON 50 SIZ 60 INT 70 POW 40

DEX 50 APP 65 EDU 80 SAN 32 HP 11

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 5; Luck 55%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 25%, Charm 45%, Craft (Cooking) 65%,

Drive Auto 39%, Fighting (Brawl) 66%, Law 44%, Listen 35%,
Mechanical Repair 47%

90
APPENDIX III
Sheila Robinson, Store Owner, Age: 55
Bachelor’s English Literature,
Mount Holyoke College

STR 50 CON 50 SIZ 50 INT 60 POW 65

DEX 65 APP 50 EDU 75 SAN 35 HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 65%

Attacks: Throw Sun Stone 45% (22/9), damage 1d3 (Thrown)

SKILLS: Anthropology 25%, Art (English Literature) 55%,

History 35%, Language (French) 44%,
Language (Latin) 55%, Language (Spanish) 32%,
Library Use 65%, Occult 22%, Persuade 32%

Father Henry Pollack, Catholic Priest, Age: 29

Bachelor’s Theology, Providence College

STR 50 CON 50 SIZ 50 INT 60 POW 55

DEX 40 APP 70 EDU 80 SAN 40 HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 8; Luck 55%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Charm 42%, History (Bible) 56%,

Language (Latin) 55%, Library Use 35%, Occult 24%,
Persuade 65%, Psychology 54%

Maggie Thompson, Gallery Owner, Age: 52

Bachelor’s Art History, Smith College

STR 45 CON 45 SIZ 50 INT 65 POW 60

DEX 60 APP 40 EDU 80 SAN 60 HP 10

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 9; Luck 45%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Art (Sculpture) 35%, Art (Sketching) 44%,

Charm 28%, History (Art) 55%, Language (French) 45%,
Library Use 45%

91
Paul Barbour, Gallery Owner, Age: 34

Jefferson High School, Brooklyn, NYC

STR 40 CON 65 SIZ 70 INT 80 POW 25

DEX 45 APP 45 EDU 60 SAN 25 HP 13

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 7; Luck 90%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Charm 55%, Fast Talk 48%, Fighting (Brawl) 65%,

Firearms (Rifle) 44%, Law 38%, Psychology 48%

Shirley Smeage, Hotel Owner, Age: 67

Washington High School, Hartford, Connecticut

STR 35 CON 45 SIZ 50 INT 75 POW 45

DEX 55 APP 50 EDU 65 SAN 45 HP 11

Damage Bonus: 0; Build 0; Move 9; Luck 75%

Attacks: None above base

SKILLS: Accounting 45%, Charm 48%, Electrical Repair 28%,

Locksmith 25%, Mechanical Repair 55%, Psychology 39%

92
APPENDIX III
93
APPENDIX IV

Places & Props

95
 96
APPENDIX IV
97
 98
APPENDIX IV
99
 100 IV
APPENDIX
101
 APPENDIX V

Kickstarter Backers

Darin Kerr, Robert Heather, Suguru Oikawa, Gilles Bourgeois, Ian McFarlin, Jason Arons,
Keith Ambrose, Sven “DOC” Berglowe Jerry Chacon, Joe Kontor, Joe Parzanese,
Jonathan “Munch” Keim, Jonathan Harley

Achab, Adam T Alexander, Andy Erich, Wilson, Jonathan Westhaven, Joran

Arlington Pike, Bentley Burnham, Bill Schattenwanderer, Kai Alexis Price, Laird

Heron, Brent Ingler, Brett Bozeman, Brian Kenneth Douglas, Leon C Glover III, Lisa

Lavelle, Burc Kayahan, Charles Myers, Monken, Lisa Padol, Luke Atkinson, M. Sean

Charles Wilkins, Chitin Proctor, Chris Molley, MarK Grehan, Mark L Gambler,

Purcell, Chris Spiller, Christopher Newton, Matt “trollboy” Wiseman, Matt Wheeler,

Coastal TPD, Craig Denham, Cthulhu Reborn, Michael J Raymond, PhD, Nathan Daniel

Daniel Ley, David DeRocha, David Nyman, Stout, Paul Snow, Per Stalby, Piero A., R S

David S. Robinson, Derek Mayne, Douglas Kroon, RB Randolph, Richard Hickman, Rob

Bailey, Dr. Donald A. Turner, Dustin Hinkle, Masson, Rob Slide, Robdog, Robert Allen A

Dylan, E. Christopher Lloyd, E.S. Howell, Ed Fairbairn IV, Robert Kelsey, Sam Heazlewood,

Kiernan, Eddie Coulter, Erik Brickman, Espen Simon Taylor AU, Simon Whorlow, Steve

Andreassen, Francis O'Sullivan, Frankie Rubin, Stewart Robertson, Thomas Powell,

Mundens, Garret Myhan, Gary Lester, Gary Tony “LOMO” Lorimor, Tony Gaitskell,

McBride, Gary Thompson, George A. Ramos, weirdocollector, Yuta Watanabe

103
 Aaron “Bloody Jim” Reimer, Aaron Klein, Mike Weber, Miskatonic University Podcast,
Adam Crossingham, Andrea Lo, Andrew Moe Lane, Ms JW Binns, Nathan Richards,
“Doc“ Cowie, Andrew Dolphin, Andrew Neil McGurk, Nick Melchior, Paqui Gonzaga,
Fattorusso, Andrew James McDole, Andy Paul Lukianchuk, Paul Motsuk, pookie, Randy
Leighton, Andy M. Young, Andy Miller, M. Roberts, reo_swe, Richard Mundy, Richard
Anthony L. Schocke, Anthony Ragan, Murby, Rob Schultz, Robert H. Schneider,
Arion Hypes, Aron Clark, Arran Dickson, Roger Edwards, Roland Cooke, Ronald Martin,
Ben Wilson, Bill Stowers, Bob Geis- YTCC, Sam Stoute, Scott Culver, Scott Wells, Sean
Bob Hoff, Brandon Wall, Brendan Power, Murphy, Sean Sheehan (Vhloche), Seth
Brian Godshall, Casey Kirkpatrick, Chris M. Skorkowsky, Simon Ding, Simon Hunt,
Mixis, Christoffer Nygaard, Colin Beattie, Simon Threasher, Steve Dempsey, Steve
Curtis Robinson, d Bavo n, Dale Elvy, Daniel Godrich, Steve Owens, The Ferret, Thomas
Henderson, Daniel Silverthorne, Daniel P Lynch, Timothy Mushel, Tina Perkins,
Yauger, Darin DuMetz, Darren Buckley, Tom Cross, Tom Lynch, Trevor J Hitch, Tyler
Dave Martin, David 'Boomer' Berkompas, Hudak, Vasileios Stratigakis, Wesley Teal, Zak
David March, David Starner, David Waldron, Kendrick
David Zelasco, Derek Potter, Derek Rompot,
Doug Wilson, Dr. Matthew Ruane, Ed
Aaron Eskenazi, Aaron Smithies, Adam
Kowalczewski, Ed Possing, Edouard Contesse,
Brown, AdmiralNyar, Alan Smith, Alexander
EMA, eric priehs, Erik Choy, Evan Jaffe,
Lucard, Anders Björnberg, Andrew Grant,
Frank Bauroth, Fred Schiff, Geoffrey Riutta,
Andrew Helton, Aybars Yurdun, AzHaR,
Georg A Reichstein, Glenn Boswell, Gregory
Barthélemy 'Skender' Alezandaru, Beegly-
Davis, Gregory Mele, Henry Lopez, How We
Beagly, Belinda Kelly, Ben Burns, Ben
Roll Podcast, J. Evans Payne, James a.k.a.
McFarland, Bill Adcock, Brad D. Kane, Brad
uber, James Van Horn, James W. Armstrong-
Osborne, Brad Steffen, Bret Kramer, CESAR
Wood, Jared Manninen, Jason Hess, Jason
PRAT BERNAL, Chad Oliver, Chris Anderson,
Neff, Jason Williams, JB Joyner, Jeff A. Hatch,
Chris Braun, Chris Jarocha-Ernst, Chris
Jeff Campbell, Jeff Erwin, Jeff Moeller, Jeff
Miles, Chris Short, Christian Lehmann,
Vandine, Jen & Andy Fritz, Jezroma, Joaquín
Christopher Spivey, CJ Romer, Clint Cachia,
Cogollos, John Coates, John D. Rateliff, John
Cody Reichenau, Craig Hackl, Craig S, Damien
Fortune, John J Wright, Jon Hammersley,
Fehrenbach, Dan Coleman, Dan Culliton,
Joost Vermeulen, Josh Stoddart, Jowell Hearn,
Daniel Clements, Dario Arosio, Darren
IV Oath of Dagon, Kathy Lambert, Keith
Aldredge, Darren PLACIDO, David Bagdan,
E. Hartman, Ken Finlayson, Ken Kersey,
David Brown, David Etherton, David Foley,
Kyle Pavliczek, Leecachu, Lehanna Allen,
David Hood, David Jones, David Mascari,
M. Young, M.R. Innes, Marek Szkaradek,
David Wetzel, Delnurfin Feadiel, Dr Andy
Mark “Wookie” Nichols, Mark Davidson,
Lewis, Dr. Jack R. Friedman, Drew Craker,
Mark W Bruce, Martin Blake, Martin Herles,
Drew Walker, Duane Turner, Dweller on the
Mateen Greenway, Matt “Matthulhu” Steele,
Threshold, Elias NirBolg, Emanuele Lillo,
Matthias Weeks, Maxwell Mahaffa, Michael
Emrys W Hopkins, enn.in.me, Eric Dodd,
Hordern, Michael Sandlin, Mike Vermilye,

104
APPENDIX V
Eric Swiersz, Eugene “Tinman” Doherty, Patrice Mermoud, Patrick Sandoval, Paul
Ezra Denney, FelTK, Florian Merx, Frances de Haan, Paul Haban “XpresoAdct”, Paul
Rowat, Franck “Booga” Florentin, Frank Hudson, Paul Kunnap, Paul of Cthulhu, Pete
Delventhal, Frank Hart, Frederic Moll, Wright, peter peretti, Philip C. Robinson,
Frederick Foulds, Fredrik, Gabriel Rahn, Phillip, Purple Stuart, Ralf “Sandfox”
Garth Matthams, Gerald Udowiczenko, Gil Sandfuchs, Rasmus Nicolaj West, Raúl Peña
Cruz, Golden Goblin Press, Gregory, Gröger Fernández, Rich Pingree, Rick Blanco, Rob
Akos, Hal Mayne, Harald Zubrod, Helder Johns, Robert Andersson, Robert Biskin,
Lavigne, Henrik Hellbom, Henry W, Hunter robert kim, Robert Smith, Rodolphe, Roland
Koerner, Ivan Gatt, J. “Hank” Marshall, Jacob Schruff, Rom Elwell, Ronny “RoninRa“
Berg, Jae Campbell, Jamas Enright, James Anderssen, Rune Printzlau, S J Jennings,
Boldock, James King, james_, Jan Rodriguez, Sapper Joe, Scott Bennett, Scott Simmonds,
Jan van der Wielen, Janusz Mielczarek, jason Scott Wilson, scramasax, Scrymgeor, Sean
e. bean, Jean-François Boivin, Jeff MacCarty, M Smith, Sectario-Marco Antonio, Senjans,
Jeffrey Meyer, Jim Clunie, Jim D'Alessio, Shane Ivey, Shannon Mac, Silvio Herrera Gea,
Joakim Waern, Joel Pelz, Joerg Sterner, John Simon Brunning, Skenderax, Sky Underwood
F Rauchert, John S, John Scherer, Johnathan Jones, Spooky Mizu, Stefan Anundi, Steven
Byerly, Jordan White, Jordi Rabionet, Joseph D Warble, Steven Hoffman, Stuart Dollar,
“Chepe” Lockett, Joseph Outram, Joshua Stuart Miller, Sushi, Sven Scheurer, Svend
Rich, Juan Manuel Escribano Loza, Julien Andersen, Tara Cameron, Ted Sandrock,
Feraud, Julio “Morgan Blackhand” Escajedo, Tero Laiho, Thaddeus Ryker, The Roach,
Justin.S, K Malycha, K. Maddocks, Karl A. Thomas Janny, Thorin “SonOvThrain”
Rodriguez, Karl Frost, Kevin C. Wong, Kody Thompson, Tim Eagon, Tim Vert, TIN,
Christoffer, Kristopher Rodrigues, Kyle Treganter, Tristan Lhomme, Twila Price,
Ayres, Lars “Cthooloo” Schaefer, Lord Clam Tyson Fultz, Vanessa Brannon, Vasil Khiznjak,
of Crowton, Mad Tinker Gnome, Magnus Wayne Mason, William E Bradbury, William
Gillberg, Marc Margelli, Marcus Polk, Mark E Lee, Wojciech Kobza, Yukihiro Terada,
Thompson, Mark Hanna, Mark humphreys, Zachary Whateley, Zed Lopez
Mark Leymaster of Grammarye, Marshall
Gatten, Martin B. Wagner, Martin Terrier,
Andy Simmons, Gregory G. Geiger, Stasey
Matt “Goober” Bleasdale, Matt Clay, Matthew
& Shannon Norstrom, Stephan Tourville, Tom
Robinson, Max, MeU Once, Michael Beck,
Ryan
Michael Bowman, Michael Harpole, Michael
J. Dulock, Michael S. Webster, Michael Van
Altena, Michele Botticelli, Miika Turtiainen,
Mikael Engstrom, Mike Jones, Mikko J. Lahti,
Myron Harrod, Nathan Hill, Neil Mahoney,
Neil Tredray, Nicholas Birt, Nicolò Zamperlin,
Nigel Clarek, Norbert Baer, Norman Logan,
Oliver D. Dickerson III, Omar Amador, P
Byhmer, Paladin von Korff, Pat Bellavance,

105
 APPENDIX VI

Index

Things
Sun Stone, History ...............................................................................................9-14, 18, 33

Sun Stone, Imposters ............................................................................................. 24-25, 44

Sun Stone, Powers ....................................................................................................... 19-27

Sun Stone, Visions......................................................................................... 2, 20, 25-27, 62

Yhoundeh/Nyarlathotep .............................................................................................3, 9, 25

107
Places
Abandoned Mines ....................................................................................................... 43, 67

Barnaby's Gas Station ....................................................................................................... 38

Bell & Whistle Cafe ....................................................................................................5, 33, 38

Boathouse ........................................................................................................................37

Camps ............................................................................................................................. 43

Catholic Church ............................................................................................................... 39

Doctor's Office ................................................................................................................. 39

Evergreen College ..................................................................................... 1, 28, 31, 48, 52, 76

Evergreen Delicatessen ..................................................................................................... 38

Eyes Galore Gallery ...................................................................................................... 24, 40

The Falls.......................................................................................................................... 43

First Presbyterian Church of Evergreen ..........................................................................37, 52

First Presbyterian Church of Red Valley .............................................................. 29, 37, 59, 67,

Golden Nest Hotel and Spa .............................................................14, 21, 40-41, 48, 60, 62, 65

Homes (Empty and Not)............................................................................................... 42-43

"Library"......................................................................................................................... 39

Linda's Knick Knack Shack ........................................................................................... 24, 44

New Sun Stone Shops .................................................................................................. 24, 44

Pilgrim Park..................................................................................................................... 42

Ray of Light Gallery ..................................................................................................... 39-40

Red Lake & Beach ....................................................................................................32-33, 43

Revival Tents ................................................................................................................... 43

Robin's Nest Books and Crafts ........................................................................................... 39

Shining Sol Gifts ..........................................................................................................33, 42

Statue of Sun God ............................................................................................................. 43

Sunshine Cottages........................................................................................ 36-37, 57, 59, 67

Sun Lens ........................................................................... 14, 23, 27-28, 44, 68, 70, 75-76, 79

Susan's Apartment.......................................................................................................52, 81

Waller's Store .................................................................................................................. 38

108 VI
APPENDIX
People
Apollo ................................................................................................................... 28, 39, 43

Jesus Christ ................................................................................................................ 28, 43

Celia Frothingham ..................................................................28-29, 40-41, 43, 48, 68-70, 87

Benjamin Garner ................................................................................................ 51-52, 55, 81

Deputy Tony Marks/Ramses ........................ 4, 23-24, 28, 37-39, 41, 48, 62-63, 68-70, 75, 79, 87

Rebecca Newman ............................................................... 14, 19-20, 41, 44, 48, 60, 62, 70, 88

Denby Partridge ......... 10-14, 18-21, 24, 27-29, 36, 43-45, 59, 67, 69-70, 72-73, 78-79, 82-83, 88

Daniel Petersen .........................................1, 3, 31, 43, 48-50, 52-53, 56-57, 59-60, 62, 68, 81, 86

Susan Petersen/ Amaterasu ............ 1, 3, 27-29, 43, 48-49, 51-52, 55-57, 59-60, 62-63, 68-69, 86

Phoenix ................................................................................................................. 28, 70, 73

Ra ................................................................................................................10 28-29, 42, 63

Arnie Simpson ........................................... 10-14, 18-21, 33, 36, 39, 41-43, 48, 62, 64-65, 67, 82

Frank and Shirley Smeage ....................................................................................... 40-41, 60

Markus Smith ................................................................................................... 14, 44-45, 89

Jason Taft ................................................................................ 14, 33, 36, 41, 44, 48, 62, 67, 88

Pastor Thomson ....................................................................... 28, 37, 51, 53, 55-56, 59-60, 86

109
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