CJ's LARP Page

The C23 series of Cthulhu Live games have their own webpage.

The Curse of Whately Manor

In February 2000 the spslings and NPC's from To Play The King got their chance to try out a LARP with this brilliant freeform. As the author says, it practically runs itself, and you need no rules beyond what are provided with the script, which can be downloaded from the Cthulhu Live site.

We ran it in a hotel; three players failed to show up, but some judicious juggling of parts and a couple of inspired cameo roles from Polly (who was co-referee) and it worked beautifully.

The game is set at an occult auction in a English Country House; the owner has died mysteriously, and various individuals have come along to buy. The tone is a rather silly exercise in Lovecraftiana; in our game the Necronomicon was stolen three times...

For the benefit of those who took part that night, here are the photos...

The lots which were available; we slightly modified the suggested list to fit in with the props we had to hand...

The Lansdown Hotel's Victorian Ballroom had a superb atmosphere...

Soon the players were involved in a web of treachery, intrigue and deceit... (and they started to play the game as well...)

Persuaded it would protect him, Ben decided Ankhs were cool...

Kevin (Security Guard) watches Ben carefully as he examines the lots on the Auction table...

The guests watch the auction with interest, and bidding is frenzied. (From left to right: Ben, Kevin, Rupert, Rob, Andy, Hannah, Chris H, Polly, Sara.)

Poor Ben, the Ankh didn't work for him! Here he has become the Zombie Slave of Hannah!

Kevin (far right) reveals his true colours as a Scotland Yard officer and makes two arrests; one was actually guilty, and one was innocent! Here we see the final accusations...

Thanks to all who took part in a truly memorable night!

Last updated: 25th April, 2000.