Realms of Cthulhu - The Sussex Journals

The Sussex Journals (original)
Only one copy of this hand written manuscript exists. Part diary, part memoir, it details the exploits of a group opposing occult and supernatural events that occured mainly in and around London in the 1890's. The original lose hand written notes have subsequently been compiled into one leather bound volume by Alan Redman (the author's nephew) after the documents came into his possession upon his Uncle's death. It's existance is currently known to only a few; most notable James St John and Professor Henry Twig and those few of his Uncle's associates that still live.

Author: Redman
Language: English
Year: 1900+
Arcane Lore: -2

Dear god man you should have burnt them when you had the chance.

And......

Oh I will keep posting here (as and when). I have a bunch of characters that I hope to write up and post, but as always writing the background takes time. They are:-

James St John - Investigator (likeness David Tennant)
Alan Redman - Journalist (likeness Michael York)
Isis Barrington-Ward - Socialite (still casting)
Professor Henry Twig - Academian (likeness Laurence Naismith)
Parish McNeill - Adventurer (likeness Nigel Green)

Cool, Baggsy Parish McNeill,

Nigel Green was in one of the Fu Manchu films.

Actually they weren't really intended as characters for use (although they could be) the whole thing is more an excercise in creation, to create a Lovecraftian setting centered around Sussex and environs.

Anyway here are some thumbnails of the characters (still a work in progress). If/when I finish them I will post them here.

James St John; dashing and brave. Born in India, educated in England, both parents dead (murdered by a dark and insane offshoot of the Thugee cult, though no proof exists). Served in Mesopotamia during the Great War as an officer with the Indian Expeditionary Force. Fluent in Hindustani and Arabic. Studied English literature at Cambridge (his book of Poetry receiving much praise). Independently wealthy, he now, as he says 'fights the good fight'. A keen mind and dynamic personality, he is good man to have on your side.

Alan Redman; St John's stalwart companion. Journalist by trade (and budding writer of the fantastic) met St John while they both were convalescing in a military hospital - Redman serving on the Western Front during the war. Both shared a mutual interest in literature (Redman having read St John's collected poetry) the two became friends. Years later they would meet again as they investigated the mysterious Journal kept by Redman's Uncle. Born to solid middle class stock, he won a scholarship and studied English. After the war he followed in his Uncle's footsteps, becoming a journalist. Sharing his friends love of adventure he is now St John’s closest friend. A solid, dependable chap.

Isis Barrington-Ward; intelligent, plucky and fiercely independent. Daughter of famous archaeologist and Egyptologist Lawrence Barrington, her father went missing on an expedition to the lower Nile when she was quite young. Raised by her mother, the strident Isabella Barrington-Ward who was (and still is) an outspoken suffragette. Numerous finishing schools failed to remove her mother's influence. Willfully determined to prove that she is 'as good as any man'. During the war she was a nurse; Lady Barrington-Ward having converted part of their Sussex Stately home into a hospital for convalescing soldiers. Now part of the glittering London social scene, she became embroiled in one of Redman and St John's adventures and also seeks clues to her father's disappearance. A feisty, spirited young woman.

Professor Henry Twig; head librarian of Realmchester University (Sussex). Studied English history and folklore. Friendly and relaxed (though a slightly eccentric character). He dabbled with the occult while a student and thus is more open to the possibilities of the supernatural than most. He maintains the Library's folklore section with pride (it is one of the most extensive in the country). His insatiable curiosity has frequently led him into various quests (mostly the intellectual kind) but he has assisted Redman and St John in their investigations more than once, both as a researcher and 'in the field'. He in short a useful man to know if your activities frequently propel you into the unknown.

Parish McNeill; a burly world traveller and adventurer. Born into poverty to an English mother and Irish father he ran away from home at a very early age. Filled with wanderlust and a thirst for adventure and far of lands, his travels took him around the world. He has been variously; a bare knuckle fighter, bodyguard, gold prospector, lumberjack, miner and sailor. During the war he served in the Merchant Marines. He has travelled widely and seen much (including some things few would believe). He also has a nose for trouble and is well aware of the sort of evil the world contains (and when he comes upon it he takes great pleasure in 'pushing its face in'). He is in the words of James St John 'simply the toughest and most honest man I have ever met'.