rotgrub
Initiate Douchebag
Posts: 11
Preferred Game Systems: Call of Cthulhu, Dark Heresy, Mongoose Traveller, Rogue Trader, Deathwatch, Savage Worlds, Pathfinder, World of Darkness
|
Post by rotgrub on Jun 29, 2013 6:30:16 GMT -8
Game: Vampire the Masquerade 20th Edition
What : Seeking ideas
A couple of my players characters inadvertently killed a number of innocents - they were vampires in the heat of a frenzy, it happens.
I've brought the ghosts of those innocents back to haunt the PCs individually. I want a 'threat' that the characters cannot solve through explosives or quick fix blood magic. The idea is a recurring horror subplot where the characters must work to atone for their sin over time.
I've already got the big picture, what I am really seeking is ways to creep out the characters with the largely phantasmal ghosts.
Thanks!
|
|
D.T. Pints
Instigator
JACKERCON 2018: WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY June 22-July 1st
Posts: 2,857
Currently Playing: D&D 5e, Pathfinder, DUNGEONWORLD, Star Wars Edge of the Empire
Currently Running: DUNGEONWORLD, PATHFINDER
|
Post by D.T. Pints on Jun 29, 2013 9:49:42 GMT -8
I really like the soft whispers in the darkness...to creep people out. Oh, you mean in the game.
I really like the soft whispers in the darkness...to creep players out. Those little voices that know more about the character than they should, that maybe start out as a nagging voice of doubt then become increasingly full of persecution. "Why did you do that ? Do you know those other vampires hate you ? Trust no one..."
The player may realize that all of it is bullshit, but maybe some of it isn't and you can play off those nagging player fears about wrong turns they might have taken or mistrust within the party.
Our Pathfinder game has a devil vs paladin interaction going on where the devil actually provides legitimate information to the paladin but it just plays on all the holy warriors paranoia, worries and fears.
Then have the ghosts start to fuck with weaker allies so that they become a problem as well.
Our oWoD game had malevolent spirits of slain werewolves fucking with the PCs that would allow for all sorts of ethereal encounters that had them wondering what was real and what was all in their heads.
|
|
|
Post by Kainguru on Jun 29, 2013 12:34:30 GMT -8
Watch 'Being Human' the original UK series. A ghost of a past victim taunts Mitchell and reveals a major plot developments in the process. Don't want to say too much as *spoilers* (although that season is over 3 years old now). Aaron
|
|
|
Post by The Northman on Jun 30, 2013 5:50:45 GMT -8
A few I've used with good results (many are cliched, but with good reason):
-Mirrors and reflections -Fleeting images - ghosts altering the characters' perception so an unrelated stranger looks like the deceased, or pulling the old vanishing trick when a bus goes by, etc. -Showing the figures in an obscured manner - don't make the identity of the spirit/ghost too obvious -Phone calls - both from the deceased or where the noise on the other end is a 'recording' of the events that killed them -Poltergeist behavior - especially if things are changed/moved around in the area where they sleep during the day. Music/songs turning on works well, too, especially if you actually use the music.
I once combined the above two and had a ghost change the ringtone on the character's phone for 'blocked number' then call the character. Played the clip on my phone and freaked the players right out.
-Along with the whispers that DTP mentioned, sounds and voices in-general. Having your name called out in a bar or while walking alone, but not being able to figure out who said it.
A lot of those aren't always compatible with one another. Just make sure you decide what sort of ghost story you're telling and keep the rules consistent.
|
|
rotgrub
Initiate Douchebag
Posts: 11
Preferred Game Systems: Call of Cthulhu, Dark Heresy, Mongoose Traveller, Rogue Trader, Deathwatch, Savage Worlds, Pathfinder, World of Darkness
|
Post by rotgrub on Jun 30, 2013 13:39:18 GMT -8
Thanks to all!
There are a number of those I will try, and I'll hunt down those Being Human episodes.
|
|
maxinstuff
Supporter
Posts: 1,939
Preferred Game Systems: DCC RPG, Shadowrun 5e, Savage Worlds, GURPS 4e, HERO 6e, Mongoose Traveller
Favorite Species of Monkey: Proboscis
|
Post by maxinstuff on Jun 30, 2013 19:23:14 GMT -8
|
|
|
Post by jazzisblues on Jul 2, 2013 11:03:49 GMT -8
What the players, and by extension the characters, do not know will be far scarier to them than what they do know, no matter how horrific. Fleeting glimpses that they can't identify, barely heard sounds and mysterious voices go a lot further to make with the scary than anything graphic. Also suggestions from their subconscious are a wonderful tool. Main thing, keep the mystery alive and keep them off balance.
Cheers,
JiB
|
|
|
Post by Kainguru on Jul 2, 2013 12:48:42 GMT -8
Aaron
|
|