R'lyeh Vacation English Translation

------------------------------------------------------------------------ R'LYEH HIGH SCHOOL ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Translator's Notes: TRPG stands for table talk roleplaying game, and is a common acronym used by gamers in Japan. Replays are direct serializations of TRPG sessions (games experienced by players and run by a Storyteller, which in this system is called a Keeper of Arcane Lore, hereafter abbreviated as Keeper. The Cthulhu Mythos is a set of shared concepts created by H.P. Lovecraft and others in his 'circle of friends', including Clark Ashton Smith, Robert E. Howard, August Derleth, Robert Bloch, and so on.) Japanese honorifics don't convert well into English, so I left them in. Niisan, Oniisan (brother, or older man), Neesan, Oneesan (elder sister, or older woman) You probably already know san, chan, sempai, sensei, dono (lord), etc. Before I forget, I included background music (BGM) and sound effects (SFX) for you to enjoy as you read through this. If you see BGM [1], you can right click on that and open it in a separate tab - the music or sound effects will play in a separate browser tab as you enjoy the story. Have fun. This is a non-profit fan translation. ======================= Table of Contents ======================= - The Beginning p.003 ======================= Comment ======================= This book is sold by Enterbrain. It is a replay of Cthulhu Mythos TRPG games and, appropriately enough, follows the format of replay books. It is a sequel to an earlier campaign called R'lyeh High School I strongly suggest that you read the preceding campaign before going on to this work. If you need any idea of what a replay or TRPG is, you can use R'lyeh High School and the preceding volume as a representative example. ======================= Prelude ======================= OST: [1] A white boat arrived at Taikyuu Island. Today, I have to haul that boat back to the mainland. The reason I came here was to collect information concerning the folklore and traditions of a lost area. Reports on this area are still incomplete. It seems that varying bits of culture are . . . different here. But in fact, most of the records of the past of this area just vanished. Maybe they weren't allowed to be here. I'm a minor reporter, so information began to slowly filter through the system into my ears. Maybe the secrecy has to do with Japan losing WWII. This is the second time I got into that boat. It's a luxury passenger ship, but it's now in use by the army carrying wounded soldiers. The boat was painted white, so the soldiers refer to it as the white swan. It's white so it fits the look of a hospital ship. But what I heard about the hospital wasn't good. I want to protect that ship and the lives of the men aboard it. That's why I'm heading towards Omiya Island. I'll borrow power from the Contract With the Death Tree. Our ship, the Hikawamaru, is blessed by a god. Even if that god isn't ours. Even if it is unwholesome to even say Its name. To defeat the insanity of war, we need an even greater madness. It wasn't only me who thought so. Everyone else did. War filled the earth with insanity. I am Fugendo, and I am an explorer by trade. Or I was. I no longer have the right to call myself that anymore. My hands are dirty. Even in a world corrupted by madness, we are still linked to the future by fate. That's why we must shoulder this burden of insanity. 1943 To Omiya Island ======================= Introducing the Investigators ======================= ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Higuchi Sayaka, High School Student, Age 17

STR 12 CON 16 DEX 15 Idea 75 SIZ 13 INT 15 POW 14 Luck 70 EDU 11 APP 17 SAN 80 Know 55 DB: + 1D4 Magic Points 14, Hit Points 15 Quote: If you come any closer, you'll get a kick! Skills: Cthulhu Mythos 5%, Dodge 54%, Drive Motorcycle 25%, Evaluate Treasure 10%, Hide 40%, Jump 45%, Kick 61%, Listen 76%, Library Use 56%, Martial Arts 43%, Own Language (Japanese) 44%, Spot Hidden 90%, Sneak 39%, Persuade 60%, Photography 30%, Psychology 35%, Throw 56%, Library Use 56%, Jump 45%, Kick 61%, Player Comments: Recently she's realized that she's sticking out less as the person tending R'lyeh Company and more as a High School Investigator Girl. She's got a lot of SAN, but doesn't take pride in dealing with the blasphemously obscene things. She tends to take physical action before carefully thinking things through. Player Introduction (Mary): She's the youngest player who has also had the least amount of experience with the Cthulhu TRPG before she began playing. While she hasn't read any of the novellas or short stories, she's cleared many scenarios with her character and so has reached full adulthood. When she acts on a wild hunch, she gets the rest of the group motivated and sets the mood for the game. Quote: "If you come any closer, I'll kick you!" ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Hino Mutsumi, High School Student, Age 16

STR 15 CON 13 DEX 13 Idea 70 SIZ 10 INT 14 POW 11 Luck 55 EDU 8 APP 14 SAN 54 Know 40 DB: + 1D4 Magic Points 11, Hit Points 12 Hide 38%, Dodge 69%, Listen 33%, Mech. Repair 63%, Listen 33%, Art (Painting) 43%, Art (Piano) 11%, Sneak 40%, Psychology 07%, Anthropology 55%, Art (Home Cooking) 23%, Geology 19%, Other Language: English 16%, Spot Hidden 57%, Fist 65% Player Comments: It's the start of the second season. Because everybody's gradually improving skills that they're bad at, I'm slowly becoming able to contribute more to the sessions. In contrast to Sayaka, I wanted my character to be a gentle and calm student of liberal arts. That said, it's hard to keep that in mind when confronted by the interstellar horror of the Cthulhu Mythos. I sometimes forget my Investigator's a high school girl during those times. When something's up, Mutsumi-san has a habit of mumbling "mu, mu, mu." That's something I won't forget. Player Introduction: (Takashi) As someone with extensive experience with the Cthulhu TRPG, he's someone who can appreciate the development of a story from a Keeper's perspective. Takashi works together with Tatsumi-sensei's player to solve the mysteries through analysis. There was a certain gap between the illustration of a cute girl and this enthusiastic chatterbox who enjoys the Cthulhu TRPG. That's a source of some embarrassment. Sometimes Takashi says something during the scenarios that I can't write into the replays. It's a little troublesome. Quote: "Mu, mu mu mu ...?" ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Tatsumi Gengorou, Professor of Psychology, Age 65

STR 12 CON 14 DEX 10 Idea 85 SIZ 09 INT 17 POW 11 Luck 55 EDU 23 APP 08 SAN 29 Know 115 DB: + 0 Magic Points 11, Hit Points 12 Medicine 77%, Chemistry 14%, Cthulhu Mythos 21%, Archaeology 14%, Credit Rating 89%, Psychology 89%, Anthropology 14%, Psychoanalysis 98%, Biology 56%, Persuade 89%, Climb 56%, Library Use 89%, Other Language (English) 81% Player Comments: The radical events of the second season have whittled down his Sanity points. I worry about his ability to survive the next season. I thought of retiring Tatsumi-sensei so he could care for Miyako, who has gradually regained her senses. However, his skills are so good that I hesitate to just roll up another Investigator. Maybe I can make another skill of his reach 89% and get some Sanity Points back. Player Introduction: Eiji He's a very enthusiastic player. Whether it's knowledge as a player, or skills as an Investigator, he's great, and most people look upon him as a very reliable buddy. Unfortunately the events of the last scenario were quite taxing and now he has become careful and quiet. If I make things too hard for him as the Keeper, Eiji will give me an earful, so I have to be careful to prevent that. Quote: "What's going on here?" ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Sasahara Tamaki, Student Novelist, Age 20

STR 08 CON 16 DEX 18 Idea 75 SIZ 17 INT 15 POW 13 Luck 65 EDU 14 APP 14 SAN 55 Know 70 DB: + 1D4 Magic Points 13, Hit Points 17 Drive Auto 50%, Occult 92%, Listen 46%, Dodge 62%, Cthulhu Mythos 05%, Psychology 50%, Psychoanalysis 33%, Persuade 60%, Track 84%, Climb 62%, Library Use 75%, Navigate 50%, Other Language (English) 39%, Own Language (Japanese) 56%, Spot Hidden 53%, History 99% Player Comments: He's the popular college student novelist who Mu-tan often notices going in and out of R'lyeh Company. He loves the occult and history, and writes historical romance novels that girls like. As a player, I think it's unfair that Tatsumi-sensei is getting all the good parts, so I'll take extra care to have him be active this time around. I do wish I had more Sanity Points to make that a little easier . . . Player Introduction (Hiroyuki): He's a player who exclaims how much he enjoys moe. He also is quite vocal when responding to demands from the Keeper. While he doesn't play especially well, everyone recognizes how devoted he is to protecting girls. Because he understands the principles the Keeper follows, he's easy to handle in the game. However, he seems to like ladies whose age is a bit on the low side, and that makes people around him concerned for ethical reasons. Quote: "What did you say I did!?" ======================= The Night Before the Campaign Began ======================= Hello and thanks. The third campaign will start soon so I am thinking up a scenario for the players to experience. The players have gone through up to six of those so far. I used themes like a mystery adventure, a horror movie, all to follow the principle of creating a story with a clear concept. That's easy for the players to understand, and for the readers, and players of the game, that's what I want to convey as well. Though there is something I'm worried about. I think I may have run out of material and references to put in the game. If I worry too much about style or or pin them down with a theme, it could be bad. The campaign before this one, R'lyeh High School, had more of a splatter horror theme to it. I don't think the players enjoyed all the descriptions of gore and viscera. To confess as a Keeper, I'm a fan of B-grade horror, and I've been watching them everyday to write the Cthulhu Horror Show sourcebook. I guess I fell under that influence when working on R'lyeh High School. I feel I ought to reflect on that. In any case, only experiencing horror through this game isn't fun. As evidence, the overseas version of the Cthulhu Mythos TRPG had scenarios where hidden knowledge had to be sought out in adventures around the world. So this time I don't think I'll be pushing horror, but rather, something for someone with a heart full of intellectual curiousity to challenge. That's it. This third campaign will have a theme of adventure. Though there is still a problem. I don't think that high school girl student Sayaka-chan is going to bite. Hmmm. She was originally designed to be a character that had a strong tie to an antique store. Is there someone in modern day Japan that would fit the idea of adventure? This is turning out to be a difficult problem. If I have them make characters that are linked to the scenario, this kind of problem doesn't appear. How do I make a scenario that a high school girl will want to get involved in? That's when I had an idea that helped me switch my mind. The third season should have scenarios focused on the idea of "adventure". If I do that, it won't be hard to convince the Investigators' players to become involved. With that settled, I worked hard on the introduction to the first scenario. Everything will be fine if I get the necessary volume added to that scenario. Even if the Investigator is a high school girl, she'd still want to go along on a trip into outer space! So with that out of the way, the path of the third season was set. We'll be using the same Investigators and making our way through short scenarios like we have before. However, these won't be independent little stories - each links together to build a great big story. I need to do a lot of prep work for a showy main event. If I lessen up on the mystery, they won't get lost in that along the way. Once I get a good idea for this, everything else will fall into place. Oooh. Oooh. Using this idea, we'll have the first scenario occur in a foreign country. Up until now, all of the scenarios have taken place in Japan. That said though, it might be difficult for them to conduct investigations so far away from Japan. Because of the language barrier, sills such as Fast Talk, Persuade, or Library Use will be impossible for them to use. I think that going overseas should only happen in the final scenario. In the first scenario, they'll become involved while they're still in Japan. The second scenario happens when they have engine trouble while traveling. The third happens on foreign soil! I think I have everything sorted. I need to be able to communicate the theme of the campaign to the characters when they start the first scenario. If I'm careless, the players won't want to be involved, and everyone's motivation will be decreased. It's also bad if it's handled carelessly. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Scenario One The Promise that Crossed Time and the Ocean ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Return of Tatsumi ------------------------------------------------------------------- Keeper: The GM of this game. Henceforth, referred to as KP. KP: Okay, we're all here and it's time to start the third season of the TRPG. But Sayaka's player is late. Sasahara: Isn't someone always late for the first episode of the new season? KP: That's true. I got word from her so I thought she'd be here before too long. Sayaka: (arrives) I'm sorry for not being on time. I overslept really late today. Sasahara: You're the main character so it throws a wrench in things if you are not on time. Sayaka: The main star of the campaign isn't me, it's Tatsumi-sensei. Tatsumi: But I only have 29 Sanity Points left. I don't know if I can last through this season. Mutsumi: Miyako had only 30 points and she lasted until the third episode of season 1. These things will work out. Tatsumi: She went to zero Sanity Points! (lol) KP: Anyway, you're all here so I want to explain some stuff and then start the third season of the R'lyeh Series. Sasahara: Oh, were we playing a campaign up until now? KP: Those weren't separate adventures that just starred the same characters, they were part of a continuous story. Mutsumi: So it's like "Imperial Japan Cthulhu" or "The White Mask"? Sayaka: I don't have much experience with campaigns, but it won't be a problem if we just play as we normally have been, right? KP: Sure, there's no need to alter your play style. Just keep in mind that if you don't wrap up every loose end in a scenario, it's not something to worry about. Unclear things will be elucidated upon later. Sayaka: I got it. Tatsumi: I think it'd be a good idea to jot down important details in our notes. That way we won't forget the info later. KP: All right. The theme of this campaign is going to be a little different. I'm going to prioritize adventure over horror this time. Sayaka: An adventure in the Cthulhu TRPG? KP: There are plenty of unexplored regions in the game setting. Mutsumi: There was also the Antarctic expedition in the Mountains of Madness novella which was some of the source material for the game. KP: Think Indiana Jones but with horror elements. We'll be going light on the action, though. Sayaka: It looks like the Whip skill will be handy (lol). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes (Mu-tan's One Point Sketch): Campaign Scenario In TRPG campaigns, although there are many differences there is one thing in common: the same characters going on different parts of a longer story, and these parts are called scenarios. We've been playing in Modern Japan for our setting with the same characters (though Miyako was rotated out). Up until now, these scenarios haven't linked up with each other all that much. This time around the Keeper is going to create a campaign where all the scenarios are strongly connected to each other as part of a larger story. It could be a good challenge for you to try sometime. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KP: With the changing of the season, the first episode of this season begins. And it so happens that with the passage of time, this one begins in the Christmas season. Sasahara: The last one happened near the end of White Day. Nine months blew past us. KP: Even so, Sayaka-chan did not graduate and merely went on to her junior year again. Mutsumi: That was the time-folding warp of Yog-Sothoth (lol). Sasahara: Careful, if you realize that you'll lose 1D100 SAN . . . (lol) Tatsumi: It's fine if we skip that. Things are about to get more complicated. KP: Before we get to that part, I'd like to use an optional rule from Cthulhu 2010 by Enterbrain. This is "Intermission Development". It's in the back of the book. As nine months passed, you all get to make five experience rolls. Mutsumi: What skills would you recommend? KP: Hmm. The kinds of skills you use as Investigators. But (Dodge) and (Throw) would be very handy to have. Sayaka: Those are some of my best skills! Sasahara: What're your ratings in those? Sayaka: My (Dodge) is 54%. My (Throw) is 56%. Sasahara: Those are indeed skills you can be proud of, but those numbers mean that when you roll them it's still a tense moment. KP: But since you already have high marks in those it might be hard for you to succeed with experience rolls for them, might it not? Sayaka: I can't think of any others I want to improve. I'll say that I spent a lot of time over the break playing Dodgeball at the gym. (rolls dice) I missed almost all of my experience rolls. That's a shame. KP: Your skills are already so advanced that you didn't have much to learn from playing Dodgeball. Tatsumi: I don't have (Dodge) or (Throw) ranks to be proud of, but I want to push a skill above 89%! Sasahara: Yes, starting with 29 SAN has got to be tough. Tatsumi: The old "Intermission Development", eh? I couldn't do that when I was in a mental hospital. Mutsumi: Those were bad times. Tatsumi: Though it would be nice if I could regain some SAN by raising a skill above 90%. That'd be really good. I'll pick (Credit Rating). I've been busy working as the Director for Mitsukado Gakuen, so I'm sure that's had a positive effect on how well people know me. (rolls dice) I made it! I now have 92%! Everyone: Wooooooow! Sayaka: Congratulations! KP: Through extensive and difficult self-development, you've achieved a core goal. This has proved to be a source of comfort and confidence to your psyche; you can roll 2D6 and regain that many SAN. Tatsumi: This is huge! Oh, I can't wait. Hiyah! (rolls dice) 3! Only three!? Sayaka: Oh no (lol). Tatsumi: Confound and blast it! Ah well, I still have (Persuade)! I'll raise that over 90% and regain more SAN! Sasahara: Must be nice, having skills at 89%. Tatsumi: I never once succeeded during experience checks for this. Here we go! (rolls dice) I succeeded again! KP: Really!? Tatsumi: And I regain (rolls dice) seven points. Everyone else: Hmmm. Tatsumi: It's not low. It's not that low! Sasahara: It's a shame since you finally had a chance to regain some SAN. You got some low rolls. KP: In short, you went from 29 SAN to 39 SAN. Tatsumi: And I expended both chances. But still, this still counts as profit. Mutsumi: You had a low chance of succeeding. Tatsumi: I think I can survive the next scenario. KP: I keep saying this one won't be that brutal. But in any case, let's start it. ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Third Crhistmas Party ------------------------------------------------------------------- KP: As I explained earlier, it's now the Christmas season. As is your custom, you were thinking about having a Christmas party at R'lyeh Company. I'm sure you remember the strange incidents that occured there before? Mutsumi: I bet that Byakhee built a nest nearby (lol). Sasahara: I thought last year's party went off without incident. KP: Sure. Except for the time that Miyako wanted the Yuggothan Bucket and kidnapped Jeffrey. Sayaka: Now that you mention it . . . KP: In any case, you feel the traces of an ill omen. You decide to have the Christmas party somewhere else. Mutsumi: What ill omen? KP: Remember the Ooze mansion from the first adventure in R'lyeh Antique? Sasahara: Oh, that was Yuika-chan's house. KP: Correct. And then they had the event where people were assembled for the reading of the will, but a Tindalosian Hound was hunting everyone down. But that's in the past. Yuika-chan inherited the estate and she and the housekeeper, Ooe Tomomi, live in the mansion now. Sasahara: That's right, she is my childhood friend. Tatsumi: I thought the people from the second scenario would show up again. Mutsumi: She certainly fit the mood of the story. Sayaka: Sasahara-san would not be content only with one girl. Sasahara: Hey, I'm all about Mu-tan. Mutsumi is cute. Tatsumi: Completely bypassing Tomomi-san! (lol) KP: Well, as it was established before, Yuika-chan is a fan of Sasahara's novels so she wants to be in the Christmas party. Sayaka: Hmm, I suppose it could be good for people outside R'lyeh Company to visit. Sasahara: But how would it feel for high school girls to see the same faces at the party year after year? Sayaka: Tch! I have some free space in my schedule but I'm usually really busy! Mutsumi: But you have a really high APP (Appearance) statistic so I'm sure a lot of boys invite you to things. Sayaka: I'm not interested in ordinary boys! (lol) Mutsumi: Hence, the SOS-dan! Sayaka: S, the Shinwa-teki (mythos) cases! O, with Oorakana (calm, magnanimous) feeling! And S, for Suiri (detection). That was what the SOS-Dan was about. KP: Perhaps it was a little different from that. sasahara: I don't think we can be calm when we're investigating the Mythos. Mutsumi: Are we going with the idea that I'm an acquaintance of Mutsumi-chan? Sashara: She's my cousin, so you would have chances to meet her. Mutsumi: Then I'll go to the party with her. KP: Okay then. You all receive e-mail on your phones. B'dah-BEEP. KP's Notes: I really did send all of the players e-mail to their phones in real life. When they looked at the message, they saw it contained a cute striped kitten lying on a bed. Mutsumi: That's a cute little cat. Sasahara: Was Yuika keeping a cat? KP: No. A few days ago this stray cat came to the Ose house. It seems to have become attached to Yuika and decided to live with them. Its name is Kagetora. Mutsumi: Another refined name. Sasahara: Remember,s he's a girl who loves history. Sayaka: That makes sense. Tatsumi: (thinking) I . . . don't have a problem with cats, I guess. KP: You guys should be thinking about Yuika-chan's Christmas present. Mutsumi: That's something that always gives me trouble. Sasahara: She's my fan, so I give her a signed copy of my newest novel. KP: Sasahara is going cheap (lol). Sasahara: And that's what I get for choosing the thing most likely to make her happy. Tatsumi: She's keeping a cat, so I'll bring some cat goods. Catnip, kittle litter, a scratching post, a cat teaser, etc. Sasahara: Those cat ear headbands! Tatsumi: You want to get that for the cat? Sasahara: No, obviously for the cat's owner! Sayaka: (ignoring Tatsumi's remark) Normally I'd get a stuffed animal, but what kind of stuffed animal would be good for a history-loving girl? Tatsumi: Something to do with history? Mutsumi: [What kind of book would be good for her?] Sasahara: I'll roll against (History) to select a subject and title for her. (rolls dice) Made it. KP: Very well. You are able to pick out some good titles for her. Sasahara: (hands Mutsumi the list) [One of these will do nicely.] Mutsumi: (looks at it) [Muu-, she's reading some of the more difficult books.] KP: Okay, we're going to do the Christmas Party scene next. Except for Mutsumi, you arrive at the Ose house, a palatial building in a remote location. It's in the mountains. Sasahara: Are we getting there in the middle of a violent storm? Will that thing be there? (lol) KP: It's fine. You don't sense any danger. Sayaka: I don't have a lot of good memories of this manor. Tatsumi: I lost three points of POW here! They got sucked right out of me! Sayaka: That was terrible! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes (Mu-tan's One Point Sketch): Lovecraft and Cats Mu-tan here. My favorite type of cat is grey tabbys. H.P. Lovecraft loved cats as well. One of his stories is titled "The Cats of Ulthar." Cats also have a big role to play in "The Dreamquest of Unknown Kadath." As a result of these influences, in the Cthulhu TRPG cats have a bigger part than might otherwise be expected. Veteran players like Tatsumi know that when turns up in a scenario, it's a deeply meaningful occurrence. Of course, he would not try to bully the cat under any circumstances. In the Cthulhu TRPG, the Goddess of Cats Bast is one of the Elder Gods. If angered, She may unleash divine punishment upon the fool who earned Her wrath. Of what form her vengeance would take, I can not say. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- KP: As if to dispel your doubts, Yuika comes in to meet you, all smiles. She's carrying the cat close to her chest. [I am called Shadow Tiger, nyaa.] You see her attempt at ventriloquism. Sasahara: Seeing Yuika-chan's cuteness makes me all mellow-mellow.

Tatsumi: Keeper, stay vigilant and ward against Sasahara's deviant behavior. Sayaka: I won't overlook it! KP: Wow, Sasahara-san's got the rest of the Investigators watching him. Mutsumi: [Hello Yuika-chan. Please call me Mu-tan. ] is what I'll say for my greeting. Then I pay attention to the cat. Has the situation changed? Tatsumi: I think I got some products for the cat. I'll see if the cat enjoys playing with them. Sasahara: [Here you are.] I say as I motion for them to put on the nekomimi (cat ears). Tatsumi: You actually bought them! (lol) Sasahara: (confident) They count as "cat goods". KP: Okay, Mutsumi-chan and Tatsumi-sensei can roll against (Biology). Tatsumi: Can I make this? (rolls dice) I succeeded! Mutsumi: I failed. I was bewitched by Yuika-chan's ventriloquism. KP: while playing around with the cat, you notice the animal has stayed very close to Yuika-chan. That's a little unusual since she started keeping the animal just a few days ago. Tatsumi: That cat has a strong attraction to people. Maybe thats why the ventriloquism act works so well. KP's Notes: The quiet party contrinued without any strange events. That's quite unusual for us. While Sayaka and Yuika botched the food preparation, that's not on par with the cosmic horrow they sometimes suffer from. KP: The party is drawing near to a close. Yuika-chan draws closer to Sasahara. She seems to be fidgeting. Sasahara: (excited) What is this? Tatsumi: I watch him carefully. Sayaka: As do I! (lol) KP: (secretly rolls against Sasahara's [Psychology] skill) Sasahara, you sense that she might want to ask you for something. Sasahara: (kindly) Yuika-chan, is there a present you want to get? KP: Yuika-chan acts surprised, as if you read her mind. [In Yokohama, there's a big white boat I saw.] Sasahara: [A big white boat in Yokohama? What could that be?] KP: Sasahara, try a (Know) roll. Tatsumi: We're in the same room. We might well have heard her speaking. May we try too? KP: Sure, that's fine. Sasahara: (rolls dice) I failed. Sayaka: (rolls dice) I also failed. Tatsumi: (rolls dice) Of course I succeed. KP: Tatsumi-sensei, speaking of big white boats, there's the country's biggest cruise ship which just so happens to be docked in Yokohama's port. It's called the "Azukama II". She might be talking about that. Sasahara: (notices Tatsumi's expression) Tatsumi-sensei, if you know something, be sure to tell the rest of us about it. Tatsumi: Oh yeah. [Yuika-chan, you're talking about the Azukama II, aren't you?] Sasahara: I can't give you the boat, but maybe I could reserve some tickets for the cruise ship if I hurry. KP: By the way Tatsumi, you know this about the boat. (hands over a pamphlet) Tatsumi: (reading the pamphlet) Great Scott! Sasahara: What's wrong, sir? Tatsumi: You just calmly talked about reserving a ride on this thing. Do you have any idea how much it costs? Sasahara: Uhh .. a two night, three day in a royal suite would be . . . 40,000 yen!? Tatsumi: The cheapest level on this thing costs 11,000 yen though. Sayaka: Dang, cruising is really expensive. Tatsumi: The very largest cruise ship costs far more. (shows figure) Sayaka: (sighs) KP: Keep in mind that number is for a very long trip. Sasahara: Even one night would cost 25,000 yen. Tatsumi: In short, this is not a good gift for an elementary schoolchild. Sasahara: Grrr . . . I've been saving up the money from my novel sales. Mutsumi: No, no! Please stop with that talk. Please calm down, Tama-nii. Tatsumi: Plus, it's probably too late to reserve a ride even if you could. They're probably booked solid. KP: It is a popular ship. You gotta lock in your reservation for it very early. Mutsumi: We could look at the boat in person for free. After that we'll follow with some sightseeing in Yokohama. Sasahara: [Yuika-chan, I can't get you a ticket for the boat ride, but will looking at the boat in person be enough?] KP: She seems very happy at the idea. [Thank you! I'm so happy.] And she hugs you. Sasahara: I start planning out our sightseeing trip of Yokohama. Tatsumi: (ahem) I'm going to come along. (quiet) I don't want them to go off alone. Sayaka: Indeed! Sasahara: Why are you two so suspicious of me? Mutsumi: I think I ought to be too, Tama-nii. Sasahara: W-what did I do? (sweatdrop) ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Asuka II and the Hikawa Maru ------------------------------------------------------------------- KP's Notes: The gang put together a plan for Yokohama sightseeing. To help the players get into the spirit of it, I placed a Yokohoma guidebook I had previously bought onto the table for them to page through. They had fun leafing through that and talking about what they'd do as if it was real. KP: When you look up the site for the harbor, you see times for boats to be parked and also launched. The Asuka II will be frequently conducting cruises around Christmas and the New Year. As a result, it'll be coming to and leaving from the harbor quite a lot. You could try watching it from the rooftop of a bridge on the harbor. It might be like looking at the back of a whale. Sasahara: Is there no way for us to try a "test drive" of the cruise? KP: No, this is a luxury cruise. You could look at the boat for free, though. Sasahara: That's too bad. Mutsumi: There are a lot of sightseeing spots around the bridge. Sayaka: We could check out the landmark tower near the bridge. KP: And the brick warehouse is near the bridge. There's a park at the bottom of a mountain and a chinatown. Tatsumi: She's an elementary schoolgirl, so she might enjoy checking out Minato Mirai 21. Although it's a little far. Sayaka: Shopping at the red rick warehouse, walking the bridge and the park, and then dinner in Yokohama's chinatown? It's a bit like the standard course, isn't it? KP: That might be okay by itself. Her house is far from Yokohama, so spending one day walking around the neighborhoods might be enoguh. The park has a hotel with a long history called "Newground" which seems quite nice. The area may be the place where Napolitan spaghetti first appeared. Mutsumi: Has she stayed there before? KP: She did eat a meal at the hotel restaurant. Sasahara: Why don't we get a room there? Tatsumi: (looking at the book) It says here that staying at the hotel will cost 38,000 yen for one night. Sayaka: This scenario looks really expensive. KP: That one does come with dinner. Mutsumi: Sayaka-chan, you sell those old antiques for a pretty penny but at times like this you have the wisdom of the commoners. (lol) Sayaka: Selling is not the same as buying! Tatsumi: It's Christmas. I'll reserve the room at the hotel. It's much cheaper than going on the cruiser. KP: So you'll get dinner at a place in chinatown and then get breakfast as an option for two twin rooms. You can fit five people into those rooms and they'll lower the price since you're not getting dinner. That knocks off some money from the bill but it is still 150,000 yen. Tatsumi: Even with the discount, that's a price I hadn't been expecting to pay. Mutsumi: Tatsumi-sensei is rich, though. Tatsumi: I went and bought that Yuggothan bucket. That was not cheap. That thing was 120,000 yen. And there were other costs involved too . . . Mutsumi: You won't get reimbursed, and for three years you haven't had any income. Sayaka: Tatsumi-sensei, are things really that bad for you? Tatsumi: Though I still have 9 million in the bank. KP: You also have securities and foreign currency deposits that are worth around 40 million. The real estate you own is worth about 200 million yen. Miyako lives there with you. Sayaka: You're really wealthy! Please treat us! Tatsumi: I'm already doing that! I always do! (laughs) KP: I'm going to change the scene to your Yokohoma sightseeing day. Tatsumi already reserved the hotel and Yuika-chan came wearing her red cashmere coat and muffler. You notice a brooch that has been attached to the muffler. Mutsumi: Yuika-chan, you're really stylish. KP: The brooch is golden. It has a design like a spider. Everyone else: Like a spider!? Sayaka: [E-excuse me, Yuika-chan. Can you let me see the brooch?] KP: Sayaka-chan, try an [Idea] roll. Sayaka: (rolls dice) I succeeded. KP: It looks a lot like the brooch Tsuruhashi had obtained from you back in R'lyeh Antique's second story. It looks almost exactly the same. Tatsumi: Genroku? (Flashes back to when he lost his marbles and thought the brooch was his brother) KP: You can try an (Idea) roll if you like. Tatsumi: (rolls dice) I made it. KP: Yes, this is your brother Genroku (lol). Tatsumi: [Genroku, what are you doing here?] Sasahara: [Tatsumi-sensei, come to your senses!] Tatsumi: [Uh! No. No. There's no way this can be Genroku!] (lol) Sasahara: [That's a lovely brooch, Yuika-chan. Who gave it to you?] KP: She says she got it from Santa Claus. Sayaka: She still believes in Santa Claus? KP: Not quite. A few days ago, when she woke up, the brooch was on the bed next to her. Tomoemi had no idea when asked about it, so Yuika-chan assumed that it was a present from Santa Claus. Sayaka: Yuika-chan knows how to read the room. Sasahara: But it must have come from someone. Couldn't we check to see who manufactured it, or how, or what it's made of? KP: There's no seal or maker mark on it. Try against your (History) and (Geology). Sasahara: (rolls dice) Made my (History) roll but someone else help me with the (Geology) part. Mutsumi: I'm the best in the party, though my skill is only 19%. (rolls dice) Mu-! I succeeded. KP: This is not a Fibula brooch. It is decoration that you might see on ancient Roman clothing. Or so it appears. Sasahara: I get it. I get it. I'll watch the door. KP: Wearing a fibula brooch might indicate your rank and social position. Sasahara: What position does the spider brooch reveal? KP: You don't know that much. Nor do you know who made it or when. It wasn't made or manufactured in modern times. Mutsumi, who made her (Geology) roll knows that it was made from pure gold. Normally that'd be unsuitable - too soft. It certainly is an unusual piece. Mutusmi: [That's gold. Isn't it too expensive for an elementary school student?] Tatsumi: [And whoever gave it to her put it next to her on her bed while she was sleeping. That's very strange.] KP: You finish your conversation while you also finish shopping at the red brick warehouse. Now it's time for the boat to drop anchor. You'll head over to the bridge. It does remind you of looking at a whale's back. There are also a lot of couples around. It is Christmas break, after all. Sayaka: [Oh wow, there are lots of groups where it's one man and one woman walking toegether.] Mutsumi: [Sayaka-chan, those are couples.] Sayaka: [Oh, that's right. Those are called couples.] (stiff laugh) Tatsumi: [Right now I feel a little bad about having dragged Sayaka-chan out like this.] Sayaka: [There's no problem at all. You treated me to some delicious Chinese food, so it's all good.] Tatsumi: [Oh good. Well, you should look forward to tonight's meal.] Sasahara: (whispered) [Tatsumi-sensei, I'm in charge of dinner for tonight.] Tatsumi: (whispered) [Choose a good restaurant.] Sasahara: [Don't worry. We're all set. I've made preparations for this.] (pulls out guidebook and reads it) KP: While you are having your conversations, you hear Yuika call out, [Aaah, wait!] in a surprised voice. Sasahara: W-what happened!? KP: She had brought the cat in a cage along with her. It somehow got out and is running away across the bridge. Sasahara: Quick, let's catch it! KP: Both the cat and Yuika-chan have run ahead of you and are moving through a crowd of people. You'll need to pass a (Tracking) test to find them. If the person with the best skill makes the roll, you can give an automatic success to everyone else in the group. Sasahara: I've got the best (Tracking) skill. [Everyone, keep up with me!] (rolls dice) I made my roll! KP: Sasaahra, you see that the cat and Yuika-chan are passing through Yamashita park. They're headed towards Kawahama-maru. The cat gets to the wharf, runs along the chain like a tightrope walker, and runs inside one of the boat! Tatsumi: That's a feisty cat. I wonder if it has misunderstood something. KP: Tatsumi, roll against your (Biology). Tatsumi: This cat makes me roll against (Biology) often. (rolls dice) I made the roll. KP: You think that the cat is not running away randomly and that it definitely has a reason for heading in this direction. And not only that, but according to the guidebook Kawahama-maru is a retired luxury cruise liner. Tatsumi: Why would the cat want to go onto that boat? Sasahara: Is the boat about ready to leave? KP: Unlike the other cruiser you were looking at, this one is parked here as a tourist attraction. If you pay the admission fee, you can get onboard and check it out. Sayaka: But if it was a luxury liner, won't it be really expensive? (sounding like a staff member on the home shopping network) KP: Today they have a special discount. It's only 200 yen (ed: about $1.87 USD). (lol) Sayaka: That's cheap! Let's go! (lol) KP: Yuika-chan seems to have run past. Sasahara: We move over to where she is. KP: You are stopped at the reception area. [Excuse me sir, are you the guardian of the young lady?] Mutsumi: That's to be expected. (lol) Sasahara: [There are four adults and one child. No need for change!] I put down a 1000 yen note and then we head on over to where Yuika-chan is. KP: The route on the boat is easy to trace, so you catch up with Yuika-chan. Sayaka: Do you want to look for the cat? KP: You can roll against (Spot Hidden). Sayaka: Searching for a missing cat is the most basic of basics for detectives. (rolls dice) I made the roll.

KP: Your investigation leads you into a largeish old room used for entertainment. It's in the old art deco style and there is a fireplace in the room. And in this room is a sight that shocks you. Sasahara: I-it can't be Yuika-chan, can it? KP: What you see here is different from what you've experienced up till now as Investigators. I'll explain it in turns. First, Mutsumi: in front of the first-class cabin's fireplace, you see Yuika-chan with her hands outstretched. It's as if someone carved her shape. Or if she had lost her consciousness while still continuing to stand. Mutsumi: I rush over to her to help. KP: Just a moment. I haen't finished explaining the situation. Since I'm describing this in turns, I want you to tell me how you respond in turns as well. Now, I will continue. Sayaka-chan and Sasahara, you also see Yuika-chan standing in front of the fireplace. It looks like she is entrapped inside a large spiderweb formed from gleaming silver. Sashara: A spiderweb? KP: And behind her, you see a large form as big as a horse. With eyes that burn like flames, a gigantic spider is standing there. Back during R'lyeh Antique's second chapter, you saw this huge abomination spinning a web bridge in the basement of the Heike house. There's no mistaking it. Its presence is overwhelming. It has the same feel as the spirit god of the sunken lake of Irusuberi village, and the awful feelers it sent forth. You don't know why . . . but this Hikamawaru ship is now host to this cosmic god! Sayaka: Why is that thing in hereeeeee? (sweatdrop) Sasahara: Beginning things with a god's descent, this is a pretty hot start! KP: And finally, we get to Tatsumi-sensei. You see your mother hugging Yuika-chan. Tatsumi: Impossile! I made a full recovery from that delusion! (lol) KP: And mental illness can come back. That said, I'll allow you to make an (Idea) roll. Tatsumi: I don't know whether I ought to succeed or fail. (rolls dice) Well, I succeeded. That's good . . . I hope. KP: You realize that what you are looking at isn't real. What has Yuika-chan right now is n Tatsumi: Maybe I should have failed the roll? KP: Anyway, all you Investigators other than Yuika-chan can make (Sanity) checks. Mutsumi: What's with the preferential treatment? Sayaka: (rolls dice) I failed! Sasahara: (rolls dice) I did not succeed! Tatsumi: (rolls dice) Oh good, I passed. KP: Those who made the roll lose 1 point of Sanity. Those who failed lose 1D10 SAN. Tatsumi: 1 point even if I made the roll? Oh dear, this is the real deal. I have 38 points of Sanity remaining. Sayaka: (rolls a D10) Ooof, that's five points gone. I have 75 points of Sanity remaining. Sasahara: (rolls a D10) Aaaah, I just lost nine points! Now I have but 46 points of Sanity in the bank. KP: You two both need to make (Idea) tests. If you pass, your brain correctly understands the cosmically horrible nature of the thing in front of you and you'll go insane. So be careful when you roll. Sayaka: (rolls dice) Made it. Sasahara: (rolls dice, winces) Got it. KP: Then you both fall into madness. Both of you accrue one point of (Cthulhu Mythos). Update your character sheets, please. Sasahara x Sayaka: Ugggh . . . KP: I'll roll on the Random Insanity Table to see what kind of madness you manifest. (rolls dice) Sayaka: Please let it be something mild. KP: Sayaka-chan, for you, the thing in front of your eyes is a being that transcends human understanding and a spiritual core that exceeds humanity's. You also see your own reflection in its burning eyes. This situation is completely hopeless. For 12 rounds you will be unable to move your hands and feet. Sayaka: uuuuuuuuuhhhhhh. It's like a frog being devoured by a snake. KP: (checks book) Sasahara, this might be a little difficult [KP's notes: the result was homicidal rage.) Sasahara: (to Sayaka) If that's the case, it's all right to pretend it never happened. KP: No, it's not! Sasahara, of the weapons you are carrying, which one does the most damage? Sasahara: Umm . . . I have a large knife. That does 1D4+2+DB. Tatsumi: That's probably a survival knife. Maybe you could use it for chopping like a machete. So why are you carrying that around? Sasahara: I wanted to have it for self-defense. Normally I keep it concealed. Sayaka: I've got something like that too (lol). KP: Well, you've experienced several cases of cosmic horror. I can understand why you'd want to be prepared. Sasahara: In fact, that was something I acquired during charagen. (lol) KP: Okay then, suddenly Sasahara brandishes a large knife. It's so big you think he could use it to kill a goat. He swings it about recklessly as he rushes towards Yuika. You probably want to save both Yuika and Sasahara, but since he's in a berserker rage, that might be difficult. Sasahara: This is terrible! KP: To Mutsumi-chan, it looks like Sasahara is trying to kill Yuika. Sasahara: [I have to save Yuika from the spider! ] My eyes are completely bloodshot. KP: But she doesn't see the spider. She does see you heading towards Yuika with the knife. Mutsumi: [What's wrong, Tama-nii? Have you gone crazy!?] Everyone: Yes, actually. KP: To Sayaka and Tatsumi, yes, Sasahara is headed towards the spider. But he's going to get through Yuika to do it. And Sasahara, right now you don't mind. You normally love Yuika but it doesn't look like it at this moment. Sayaka: I want to stop Sasahara but I'm so terrified I can't move at all! KP: The spider moves from behind Yuika and speaks. When It does, and I'll call It by Its name, which is Atlach-Nacha, Its voice is high and piercing, like a needle. Sayaka: The spider talked! KP: I can see why that would be surprising, but in Clark Ashton Smith's tale, "The Seven Geases" , this Great Old One engaged in conversation, and had some odd quirks that were almost human-like. Anyway, Atlach-Nacha regards Yuika-chan in Its web and thoughtfully begins an inquiry. [ There has been no bridge built across the abyss. I toil forever at that task, but in accordance with the ancient pledge, I will allow you to choose your fates. My web, or join the Deep Ones? Which will you choose?] Sayaka: I don't understand at all. KP: Atlach-Nacha continues. It's clearly aware of your existences. [Which will you choose? My web, or join the Deep Ones?] Tatsumi: We have to choose, and we have only two possibilities. Sasahara: Deep Ones? Like those things from Innsmouth? Tatsumi: I'm stumped. I don't understand what connection the Deep Ones would have with the Lord of All Spiders. KP: Nevertheless, this situation is tense. Sasahara has not stopped and is continuing to draw closer to Yuika and Atlach-Nacha. Sayaka-chan is frozen with fear. Atlach-Nacha is questioning you and expecting an answer. Yuika-chan is still caught in the web. Depending on the results of your next action, a terrible disaster may occur. Mutsumi: I'm going to Grapple Tama-nii and restrain him. Based off my STR I should have a high chance of pinning him down. Sasahara: Mu-tan has seven more points of STR than I do. Mutsumi: I'm the strongest person in the party. (rolls dice) Swing and a miss. I failed. KP: It's rare for Sasahara to avoid Mutsumi-chan's embrace. He must really be going mad (lol). Sasahara: No, I'm not avoiding it. If you like, feel free to use (Grapple) on me two more times! Tatsumi: I'll use (Psychoanalysis) on Sasahara. KP: If you mess up here, Sasahara will suddenly slash up Yuika with a knife. It'll be a big disaster. Mutsumi: After that, Sasahara will be arrested by the police and wail about how he just killed the spider. Then he'll go to an isolation ward in a sanitarium and keep on screaming forever. That'll be the bad ending. Sasahara: I don't like those sad kinds of developments! Tatsumi: Fortunately, my (Psychoanalysis) skill is 98%. (rolls dice) Made it! [Come to your senses, Sasahara!] Sasahara: I- I'm saved! Sayaka: By the way, about the temporary feeling of paralysis. Setting aside arms and legs, can I move my mouth? KP: Sure. But you can't move your legs, so you are can't move from your position. Sayaka: Then I'll ask Na-chan [What are Deep Ones?] KP: (confused) Who is Na-chan? Sayaka: The spider god. KP: Oh yeah, you mean Atlach-Nacha. Tatsumi: For the Spinner in Darkness, Atlach-Nacha, to be called Na-chan (lol). Sayaka: Na-cha, Na-cha is what I said, so it somehow became Na-chan. Sasahara: Atlach-Na-chan . . . it might be cute. Sayaka: Yes, it's cute! So cute that we don't have to roll against (Sanity). KP: Even if you change the way you address It, It is most certainly not cute. Sasahara: There's no way my Atlach-Nacha is this cute! (lol) KP: Umm. To go back to the question at hand, Atlach-Nacha responds to Sayaka-chan's question. [Do you know not of the Deep Ones?] It seems to regard you scornfully. [Then I have no choice but to enfold you within my web.] The being begins to bare its knife-like fangs. These fangs drip with a foul-smelling liquid. Sayaka-chan, you can try an (Idea) roll. Sayaka: This time I may realize how horrible this situation really is. (rolls dice) I succeed. KP: You understand the horror of the being in front of you, and that this monstrous being has no place on the Hikawamaru. In fact, this thing may not be physically present, but may be projecting itself in the form of an illusion. Sayaka: [This isn't real! It's an illusion!] KP: Yes, but even an illusion is fully capable of killing humans. For while it cannot wound the flesh, the same can not be said of the spirit. Sayaka: [Or is it the real thing after all?] Sasahara: I received a (Psychoanalysis) roll, so do I regain my focus? KP: Sure thing. Tatsumi and Sasahara, you both heard Sayaka say this was an illusion. You can both attempt an (Idea) roll. Tatsumi x Sasahara: (rolls dice) We both succeeded. KP: You both understand that this is a powerfully strong illusion, as Sayaka did. Sasahara: Okay, then I move to help Yuika-chan. Tatsumi: I want to help her too. Can I try (Psychoanalysis) here? KP: I can't say whether it'll work, but you can certainly try. Sasahara: Then I'll work on web extraction while Tatsumi-sensei handles the (Psychoanalysis). Is that okay? Tatsumi: [Yuika-chan, this is a dream. The monster is just a thing in the dream, you see . . .] Mutsumi: That's right, Atlach-Nacha is linked by fate to the Dreamlands (lol). Tatsumi: After waking up from a nightmare, don't talk about unlucky omens. (rolls dice) That's a success. KP: Then in response to your urging, Yuika seems to come to. However, she remains in a vague, uncertain state, and soon falls asleep while pressed against Sasahara's chest. At that moment, the illusion of Atlach-Nacha begins to fade, and before it leaves, it speaks again. [Though you may try to flee for a time once again, there's no escape from the Promise of Death.] Those are the words it leaves behind as it departs. Sayaka: It looked like it was aimed at Na-chan. (tears) Mutsumi: We just had a Great Old One affix its attention upon us directly. That's pretty rare. Tatsumi: Why was it here? Sasahara: If we accept that Mu-tan did not see the illusion, then the only people who saw it were the same people that went to the underground section of the Heike family mansion. Tatsumi: [Try to flee for a time once again . . . ] That makes the idea seem possible. KP: The illusion fades. You may all attempt a (Spot Hidden) roll. Sayaka x Tatsumi: (roll dice) We succeeded. KP: The two of you spot a relief of a spider in the hearth, away from where people would normally look. It's made of limestone and is about the size of a name card. But it seems like it was made in a different way than most objects carved from rock. It wasn't carved but the rock was imprinted or pushed in. Tatsumi: Wait, is this like the brooch? KP: Little gets past you. There's some difference in the size, but in terms of shape, yes, it looks like it. Tatsumi: Then there's something here. I want to borrow the thing from Yuika and test it. KP: It's round. Very round. Tatsumi: I try to use it to open the hearth. It should work (lol). KP: It won't open. There are no changes to it. But it is an interesting coincidence that it reminds you of the shape of the Hikawamaru decorations. That's not a coincidence, and you are sure of it. Sasahara: [In any case, let's get off of the boat. I think this place is dangerous.] Tatsumi: [That makes sense. Why don't we get back to the hotel, check in, and let Yuika-chan get some rest?] Mutsumi: [Shall I remain behind to search for Kagetora? ] Sayaka: [That's a good point. When she finally wakes up, she'll probably be sad to be without Kagetora.] Tatsumi: [Hmm. I have some concerns, but I will leave the matter of the cat for the two of you to solve.] Sayaka: [Oh yes. If there's a need to find a cat, trust this high school girl detective with the matter!] KP: Very well. Tatsumi-sensei and Sasahara move to leave the Hikawamaru. The two of you should roll (Listen). Sasahara: Oooh, now I feel like I want to hear something. (rolls dice) I made the test. Tatsumi: (rolls dice) I also succeeded. KP: You heard a noise in the water, underneath the boat. You can also try a (Spot Hidden) roll. Sasahara: (rolls dice) Got it. Tatsumi: (rolls dice) I did also. KP: The two of you see the outline of a fish as you leave the Hikawamaru. It's about the size of a human being, and you realize it strangely has frog-like appendages. Please roll against your (Sanity). Tatsumi: (rolls dice) Passed that. Sasahara: (rolls dice) Me too. KP: The two of you lose one point of Sanity each anyway. The shock you felt when seeing that outline caused a chill to run down your spine. You're sure what you saw was real and that you did not mistake what you saw. The couple you saw at the park was also strange. Tatsumi: Hmm. I'd feel better if we get farther away from the boat. I'll warn the girls via their cell phones and then I'll hurry towards the hotel. KP's Notes: After that, Sayaka-chan and Mutsumi-chan got First Aid treatment from the attended and carefully searched the Hikawamaru. But they couldn't find Kagetora. Yuika-san, who'd woken up again, was saddened by the loss of Kagetora. Mutsumi-chan cheered uher up, and they had a luxurious Chinese dinner in Chinatown. And as a side remark, for some reason Tatsumi picked up the tab for their 40,000 yen dinner that night. Sasahara looked through accessories on sale in the area and found a cheerful one to replace the suspicious spider brooch. Good job Sasahara on not overlooking part of the job. Having possession of the spider brooch causes your POW to function as one point higher than it actually is, so Sasahara asked Tatsumi, who is low on POW, to hold onto it. KP: All of you have finished that delicious dinner. And you've made it back to your comfortable rooms where the best beds await your tired bodies. Here's where everyone other than Mutsumi-chan have strange dreams. Tatsumi x Sasahara x Sayaka: Here it comes! KP: The location is a dark, underground cave. In the middle of the darkness is a large stone pillar. Gripping onto the surface of the stone pillar is one Atlach-Nacha. He either hasn't noticed you or is ignoring you. He speaks. [Will you hold to me? Or will you accept the Deep Ones?] He repeats the question several times. Will the people having the dream attempt (Idea) rolls, please? Sayaka: (rolls dice) Oh drat, I got a 100. That's the worst possible result, so I don't realize anything. Tatsumi: (rolls dice) I made it. Sasahara: (rolls dice) So did I. KP: The pillar is shaped like a tree's trunk. Looking up at the cave ceiling reveals countless other pillars jutting up. It's as if they're supporting the ceiling of the cave. By your feet, black water has accumulated. Inside that, things that are neither human beings nor fish float, regarding you with emotionless saucer-shaped eyes. Maybe they are waiting for something. Tatsumi: [It's just some kind of big tree.] I say, while absolutely not looking down. (lol) KP: That's when you awaken. Sayaka-chan, who was staying in the same room as Mutsumi-chan, is shivering and chattering her teeth. It felt like the terror they'd experienced the same afternoon. Mutsumi: I hurry and wake everyone up. KP: Sayaka-chan awakens quickly. She seems damp with moisture when you wake her up. At first you think it's just a lot of sweat, but you realize she smells like the sea. Mutsumi: ï¼»Sayaka-chan, you smell like seawater.ï¼½ Sayaka: For a girl to wake up and be told she msells like sea water, that's not okay! (tear) KP: There's something like gold thread stuck to your body. And strangely, it's underneath your clothes, stuck to your skin. It feels a bit like spider silk. But more surprising than that is that it's in your mouth. Sayaka: Ueeeeee! (tear) KP: When you try to spit out what's in your mouth, out comes the gold-colored spider brooch! Sayaka: Why that!? KP: Sasahara and Tatsumi-sensei wake up around this time. The same thing happens to Sasahara but Tatsumi-sensei is naffected. While Sasahara spits out a spider brooch, Tatsumi notices that his is beside him on the bed. It's as if they were sleeping together in the same bed (lol). Sasahara: That's strange, but I'm going to hold onto mine and pin it to my coat near my heart. It'll raise my POW. (lol) KP's notes: After having undergone this frightening experience, the Investigators all rolled against their SAN. Except for Mutsumi, all of them each lost a point of Sanity. Mutsumi: How is Yuika-chan doing? KP: Oh, you realized. You thought she was sleeping quietly, but Yuika-chan spits out a spider brooch. With eyes wide open, she stiffens. It's as if she's fallen into a coma. Her body bends, as if someone is trying to tie it up with something. Mutsumi: I try to get any other of those things out of her mouth and wake her up! KP: No matter what you try, she doesn't wake. You need to make a (Medicine) or (Psychiatry) test or she's going to be in a bad spot. Sayaka: [I'll call Tatsumi-sensei!] Tatsumi: I'll rush over there after I get the call from Sayaka-chan. KP: When Tatsumi-sensei arrives, Yuika is curved in on herself, being pressed by some unseen power. She's not breathing well. You can roll against (Medicine) or (Psychiatry). It's going to be very bad if you fail. Tatsumi: Well then I'll go with my best skill, (Psychiatry). I'll use it to help Yuika-chan. (rolls dice) I made the roll! KP: It is good that you made it. She was in a very dangerous state, but thanks to your expert ministrations, she recovers and opens her eyes. That's when she opens her mouth and begins crying in a loud voice like a baby. It's like she's panicking. Sasahara: I hold her like a baby and try telling her that everything's okay now. KP: Yuika-chan cries for a bit more but then leans against your chest and goes back to sleep. KP's Notes: After this, the Investigators carefully watched over Yuika to make sure she didn't have anymore nightmares. In her dream, Atlach-Nacha climbed off of the pillar and rushed over to her. But before the Great Old One reached her, Tatsumi-sensei was able to wake her. Tatsumi-sensei rolled against his (Cthulhu Mythos) spell and realized the god was using a (Contact Human) spell. The target of the rite has their mind linked with the caster's, and the caster can then attempt to issue orders to the subject or impart information to the target. Tatsumi: It's likely that her nightmare was Atlach-Nacha's doing. It was attempting to send a messave to Mutsumi. The spider brooch was a message too. [I'll always be coming for you.] Sasahara: But why would Atlach-Nacha have his sights set on Yuika-chan? Mutsumi: There must have been some chance occurrence that cause this to happen. Could it be connected to Kagetora? Sasahara: When did that cat first come to her? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References Occuring Throughout the Work -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Final Thoughts from the Translator -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here we are once again. As you know, I love the Cthulhu Mythos, Japan, and anime. I wonder if it was my destiny to translate this series. I intend to keep going with the kind support of my fans, whose encouragement and enthusiasm are always appreciated. I hope you enjoyed reading this, and I want to give words of thanks again. To Uchiyama Yasujrou, thank you for creating the R'lyeh replay series, which has provided many years of laughter, scares, and entertainment to Cthulhu players. To Koin-sensei, thank you for creating wonderful drawings depicting cute girls as well as unearthly beasts. To H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert Bloch, Robert E. Howard, and August Derleth, for getting this ball rolling. To Chaosium, Sandy Petersen, Lynn Willis I give my profound gratitude for creating the Call of Cthulhu TRPG. To Arkham House, for keeping the above guys in print! To Nintendo, for helping make Kanji Sonomama Rakubiki Jiten. To Glenn Rosenthal, for JWPce. To Thomas Wilde, for Elsewhere AND teaching me what it means to be a writer. Thanks to all, and good night. - Claude Smith of heavens-feel.com, 2017