Lightless Beacons

Having befriended an unlikely ally, the investigators are swept up in the long-forgotten magics that still permeate in Pendle. They take a dangerous trip down memory lane where they come face-to-face with the parish’s long-dead Justice of the Peace, and join him in the search for a formidable adversary. Nikhil’s curiosity brings forth terrible consequences to him and his friends.

Like this ENNIE nominated-scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-f...

With tonight's events becoming ever-more concerning, the investigators hatch a plan of sorts to carry out the next morning. But a good night's sleep is off the cards when Nikhil finds a terrifying message waiting for him in his bedroom upstairs.

Like this ENNIE nominated-scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle 

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-fi.com/i/IU7U01KKXA0 

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Ly...

The investigators accompany the remaining wedding guests to The George & Dragon Inn to continue the celebrations, but not all the tension has been diffused. Quentin reads a concerning article in today's local paper, Nikhil has a moment with Sir Roderick, and Millie persuades Tom’s brother and Best Man to open up about his troubles.

Like this ENNIE nominated-scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle 

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-fi.com/i/IU7U01KKXA0 

A shocking spectacle interrupts the dinner proceedings at Ellerdale Hall. Amidst the chaos and panic from the wedding guests, Ainsley learns more about Tom’s mysterious ring, and Downham’s vicar Reverend Threlfall appears to know more than he is letting on.

Like this ENNIE nominated scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle 

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-fi.com/i/IU7U01KKXA0 

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

L...

As the sun sets behind Pendle Hill, the investigators head to Ellerdale Hall for a prestigious pre-wedding dinner. The group reunite with Tom, and are introduced to his bride-to-be, Mary Osegawa. As the night draws in, elements of the local folklore also make an appearance.

Like this ENNIE nominated-scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle 

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-fi.com/i/IU7U01KKXA0 

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Ar...

It is September, 1922. Five friends have journeyed north to see their sixth friend and groom-to-be, Tom Byrne, down the aisle. The day prior to the wedding, the investigators arrive in the picturesque village of Downham, where they soon become acquainted with rural Lancashire.

Like this ENNIE award-winning scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase The Bride of Pendle here: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/535380/the-bride-of-pendle 

All Ko-Fi members get a 20% discount on their purchase: https://ko-fi.com/i/IU7U01KKXA0 

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lo...

The final battle for the investigators’ lives and minds concludes as the voyage of the USS President Coolidge ends. But is anyone left to tell the tale? And what happens afterwards? The Slow Boat to China campaign comes to its nail-biting conclusion!

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

...

The investigators find themselves in an epic battle for their very lives! Time grows short as the party battles the dark force in league with the cultists. But something is coming, and it’s closing in fast…

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Jack “The Lad” M...

The leader of the cult and their plan are revealed! The investigators confront the architect of the voyage’s events and trigger… something… from the dark and deep beneath the waves.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Jack “The Lad” Mahan

Episode edited by...

Welcome to a brand new feature on Lightless Beacons: Rekindling. In these occasional mini-episodes, we’ll explore the background settings and influences of our scenarios. Tonight, we ignite the concept of heroes in the Pulp system and genre.

Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Written and narrated by Lydia

Featuring our Keeper of Arcane Lore for Slow Boat to China, Heather

Episode edited by Lydia, mixed and mastered by Jayson

All Lightless Beacons artwork by Jae Jeremiah-Goulding

As wi...

The true carnage of the cult’s activities comes to light, and the contents of the red book are exposed. The investigators feel the impact of their sleuthing and realise that death may be the least of their worries.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Ja...

The brawl comes to a raucous conclusion, but Phyllis and Sissy find themselves in a precarious position. Hints abound as the investigators begin to understand that the dangers may be closer than they first thought.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Jack “The Lad” Mahan

The mysterious red book is finally found, but an important passenger goes missing. Screams, threats, and a good ol’ dining room brawl cause fear and headaches for the investigators.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Jack “The Lad” Mahan

Episode edited by james...

The investigators awaken and must deal with the ramifications of their previous encounters. The SS President Coolidge runs into trouble at the port of Honolulu, and First Officer Schramm orders the ship onward towards Shanghai.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond Lau

Matt as Jack “The Lad” Mahan

In this short mid-scenario interlude, Keeper Heather and the cast recap the story so far, discuss the differences in Pulp Cthulhu mechanics vs traditional 7e Cthulhu, resolve skill improvements  and Luck recovery, and lay out a preview for what’s to come in the second half of Slow Boat to China.

Contains major spoilers for Slow Boat to China Part 1. Catch up on Part 1 here: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/lightless-beacons

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

C...

In our third instalment of Autopsy of a Scenario, four concerned residents of Ma Shanks' boarding house check on a fellow tenant, who has not left his room for several days. What they find is worse than anything they could have dreamt. Join the team and a very special guest as we make a detailed forensic examination of the plot, mechanics and lore behind this classic scenario. 

Like this scenario and fancy running it yourself? Buy the Gateways to Terror anthology, published by Chaosium.

https://www.chaosium.com/gateways-to-terror-pdf/ 

Check out Fr...

The USS President Coolidge spies Honolulu on the horizon. Jefferson fistfights with the staff in First Class while Edmond has a horrifying discovery at the prow. Meanwhile, down in the depths of the cargo hold, Terrence and Jack struggle with dangerous forces as the terrifying truth behind the mysterious organ music is revealed. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor T...

The investigators regroup and discuss what they uncovered the past evening. Jefferson and Edmond check out Dr. Soong’s cabin for more clues, only to leave with more questions. Terrence and Jack head to storage to examine the crate and find much more than they bargained for. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lyd...

Welcome to a brand new feature on Lightless Beacons: Rekindling. In these occasional mini-episodes, we’ll explore the background settings and influences of our scenarios. Tonight, we light a fire under the pulp genre itself.

Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Written and narrated by Lydia

Episode edited by Lydia, mixed and mastered by Jayson

All Lightless Beacons artwork by Jae Jeremiah-Goulding

As with all our Call of Cthulhu actual plays, this episode contains adult themes and content that some li...

The passengers are compelled to spring into action after speaking with Dr. Soong. They search the ship for clues, putting their specialist skills to the test. While some are more successful than others, it is clear that something sinister is afoot aboard their vessel. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Edmond L...

The passengers awaken after another night of disturbing dreams. Sissy gossips about the ship’s goings-on and vital information is shared. As Bates and Phyllis begin to exhibit strange behaviours, Dr. Soong reveals the gravity of the situation, and makes a desperate plea for help.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lydia as Ed...

The passengers are introduced to their fellow dining companions: music teacher Phyllis Barnes, “waste management businessman” Stuart “Bunny” Bates, entrepreneur Takishi Suroda, and a mysterious researcher of the occult, Dr. Soong, with his silent manservant, Wang Ma. Dinner, drinking and dancing provide an indulgent backdrop to a mysterious disappearance.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Hartley

Jayson as Professor Terrence van der Meer

Lyd...

Welcome aboard the USS President Coolidge, passengers! Our voyage from San Francisco to Shanghai promises restful relaxation in our Special Class cabins, exotic ocean vistas, and an itinerary of thrilling events for those seeking a little extra entertainment during their journey. The first leg of our voyage ends at the port of Honolulu in five days’ time. Adventure awaits!

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Pulp Cthulhu Rulebook here: https://www.chaosium.com/pulp-cthulhu-pdf/

Cast:

Heather as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Jefferson Ha...

An archaeological expedition seeks riches and academic glory in the Valley of the Kings, but uncover far more than they planned. Join the team and a very special guest as we make a detailed forensic examination of the plot, mechanics and lore behind this classic scenario. 

Like this scenario and fancy running it yourself? Buy the Gateways to Terror anthology, published by Chaosium.

https://www.chaosium.com/gateways-to-terror-pdf/ 

Cast:

Tonight’s Autopsy is conducted by Lydia and Heather, with special guest Mav Haenze.

Episode edited by Lydi...

After their trip through the maze of impossible rooms, the gang faces a desperate plea for help, and an exit to a horrifying new reality tempts one of the team. Will the mobsters be lost in the endless corridors forever, or have the strength to find their way back to Arkham?

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Screen Pack: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-keeper-screen-pack/

Cast:

Jae as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jayson as Eddie ‘Lurch’ Kelly

Heather as Wesl...

Having tracked down Sticky Jack’s address, the gang splits into pairs. The lady of the house provides a dubious welcome with a steaming pot of coffee. Investigating the upper floors of the building, all sense of direction is soon lost, along with blood and sanity.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Screen Pack: https://www.chaosium.com/call-of-cthulhu-keeper-screen-pack/

Cast:

Jae as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jayson as Eddie ‘Lurch’ Kelly

Heather as Wesley ‘Smooth’ O’Grady

Lydia as M...

The gang continues their search for the stolen goods at Miskatonic University. Luckily, Wendy “No Nonsense” Kelly knows her way around a bookshelf. After a trip to the restricted section to learn about the missing tome, it's off to the local speakeasy to hunt down a lead on Sticky Jack’s whereabouts. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Screen Pack here: Chaosium.com

Cast:

Jae as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jayson as Eddie ‘Lurch’ Kelly

Heather as Wesley ‘Smooth’ O’Gra...

Arkham, 1922. Four gangsters have screwed up. Badly. Now they’re in deep trouble with their boss, Mordecai ‘The Hammer’ O’Leary. Instead of receiving a hand tool-related beating, they’re sent on a punishment mission to find a missing man and collect his unpaid debt. But they might come to wish Mordecai had taken his hammer to them after all… 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Screen Pack here: Chaosium.com

Cast:

Jae as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jayson as Eddie ‘Lurch’...

In this new feature on Lightless Beacons, we’ll be opening the book on Lovecraft’s classic tales of terror. In lively and incisive panel discussions we’ll talk about the stories themselves, their relationship to the Call of Cthulhu RPG and their influence on other horror media and weird fiction. Tonight we focus on Dagon, the story of a sailor haunted by his discovery of a nightmarish island bearing remnants of an inhuman civilisation.

Cast

Tonight’s Library Use is hosted by Lydia, with special guest Mr Spike 

Episode edited by Lydia...

The Thirteen are well and truly fragmented, with Bradley’s powers only growing stronger. Melinda attempts to seek answers in a shared but distorted memory. A broken Erik refuses to yield while Alicia overpowers him, and Maggi performs her final ritual. Will the group break the Moonchild’s hold, or will Bradley get what he’s always wanted?

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane...

David, in a moment of lucidity, grants Erik and Maggi further insight into a possible way out of their predicament. The duo turn on Bradley while Alicia and Melinda struggle with their sense of self. In the chaos, Melinda is transported to a time and a place that for twenty years has only existed as a bitter memory.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of...

In the basement of Mari’s house, Melinda is flooded with memories and hidden truths about her companions. Arguments ensue, both verbal and physical, much to Bradley’s delight. Erik eventually storms away from the conflict with Maggi in tow, only to find that David has also arrived.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Alicia Juico

Heat...

Mari retrieves Nathan and the college alumni from the canteen. Maggi has a dark realisation as to the extent of their servitude. More hallucinations torment Erik and Alicia. The alumni finally meet basement-confined Bradley. Melinda approaches him first, and a connection between them ignites. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Alicia Juico

Heather as Maggi Stern

Nathan buys coffee for the group in the college canteen. He reveals more about their hallucinations, and offers an ultimatum to get to the bottom of them. Erik struggles with Alicia as her intrusive thoughts return, and Maggi attempts to dissect her scar. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Alicia Juico

Heather as Maggi Stern

The college alumni return to campus to find privacy to talk plainly with Sarah. Melinda encounters her ex-husband for the first time in years. Fresh panic floods the group as they question what is real and what is not. Realisations are made about other strange encounters from earlier, and theories begin forming in the group’s minds. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lor...

Maggi learns about Stacey’s son Bradley, and the jealousy Sarah holds towards them both. After more confrontation with Sarah, she and her daughter start to open up about how they truly feel about David. The group concludes that everything happening to them must be linked to what they did that night in the woods, all those years ago.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of...

The group are forced to address the growing tension between them all while they wait for Shaun to be seen at hospital. Erik’s illness is brought out into the open. Alicia consoles Erik outside in private, while C continues to torment him. Maggi visits their old friend Stacey Kimble, and is shocked by her general state. 

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lor...

Erik and Sarah patch up Shaun’s wound and arrange a taxi to visit A&E. Alicia arrives at the house, and the group tries to jog hazy memories from their student days. Pizza arrives seemingly without being ordered, and Maggi deduces that Sarah is not being as genuine with the group as they first thought.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

After a tense exchange between Sarah and her eldest Angelica, Maggi and Melinda leave with them to get Shaun from Sarah’s house, with Erik rejoining them. Over a cuppa, Shaun sits glued to the television playing video games while more hallucinations ensue.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as your Keeper of Arcane Lore

Jae as Alicia Juico

Heather as Maggi Stern

...

Tension turns to chaos in Market Square as a violent crash unfolds before everyone’s eyes. Alicia is convinced one of the victims is her deceased husband, Gary. Sarah inadvertently reveals Erik’s terrible secret to the group, and Alicia takes a walk to clear her head. Back on campus, Erik comes to terms with his illness while suffering from strange hallucinations.

Like this scenario and fancy playing it yourself? Purchase the Nameless Horrors scenario collection here, available in PDF and hard copy: https://www.chaosium.com/nameless-horrors-2nd-edition-hardcover/

Cast:

Jayson as y...