Archetypes and Hungry Hollows
An examination of how we approach creating "bespoke" Investigators (and a sneak peek at both the newest module and Deluxe Edition)
If you’ve been playing Liminal Horror from the beginning, you’d notice that there has been an evolution in how one creates an Investigator.
Legacy Edition & The Mall:
In the original core rules, players were given a table of backgrounds that functioned as what they did prior to becoming entangled in the weird.
The backgrounds functioned as a starting place that informed the skills and experiences the Investigators brought to bear when battling cultists and monsters.
In The Mall, we took a step beyond focusing on a simple background and tied it closely to the Investigators relationship to the space (since the setting is important in that module specifically). It is how they exist in relation to the titualar mall that informs how they navigate the space the the events of the module (remember, it’s The Thing but set in a 1990s mall).
Character Creation in The Bureau and The Bloom
It became obvious that Creating an Investigator is an important step in writing a module. While any module can use the core rules, tailor made character generation can help reinforce the themes and genres of the module.
As we were writing The Bureau (digital, print) we wanted to create a streamlined experience that allowed players to jump right in to play, with enough characterization to pull from. For The Bureau we called them Operational Experience (since the module acts also as an in-world artifact).
Our aim was to leverage the title, description and items in such a way as to give players enough to work with from the start. These served as models for our module design going forward.
As we were developing The Bloom (digital, print) we were also looking ahead to the Deluxe Edition. It was important that we started to seed the design decisions that would be the foundation for the system going forward.
From page 5 of The Bloom: Archetypes
To determine a character's Archetype, roll 1d20 (or choose) and refer to the options on Page 6-7. These represent the Investigatorsʼ history and provide clues to their personal goals. Players may also work with the Facilitator to create their own Archetype or start with one of the basic Backgrounds from Liminal Horror
Not only do these Archetypes help players engage in the setting, but as a module writer it helps me think through how different characters may interact with the events. Each Archetype acts as a potential divergent narrative.
Investigators and the Deluxe Edition
As we revist the core rules for the player facing Investigators Edition (digital, print), we’ve been having a lot of fun re-examining both Backgrounds and Archetypes. The goal of that text is to present options that are applicable at any table/subgenre of horror.
In this iteration we examined what backgrounds were present (and what ones we felt would be interesting participants in a horror story). Each background also includes equipment that functions both as narrative world building and streamlines making an Investigator as you no longer have to roll for equipment.
As we’ve been drafting the Deluxe Edition we’ve been having a lot of fun making custom Archetypes that are general enough for play, but deep enough to come alive at the table (and also to be fun shout outs to some of our favorite horror characters).
Sneak Peak (subject to change):
Archetypes are expanded Backgrounds, providing a more robust characterization to start with by including a glimpse at an Investigator’s history and clues to their personal goals. Archetypes are useful when you’re looking to quickly get into the action, such as one-shots or short arcs, or when you want to lean into specific thematic touchstones.”
“Ghost Hunter: That video really did ruin everything. Your team quit and your reputation in the online community tarnished. All is not lost though, as there’s nothing better than a comeback! Now you just need the perfect footage. Take: Spirit box, multi-range video-camera, EVP wrist recorder.
Compliance Officer: Your counterpart just quit and you inherited a massive stack of overdue sites to inspect. Almost everywhere you turn is a place on your to-do list. Take: Inspection form, flashlight (d6), all-in-one measurement/testing tool.
Truck Driver: You just finished a big run and now it's time for some R&R. This time you promised yourself you wouldn’t get into any trouble. Take: Semi-truck, revolver (d6), high contrast jacket (+1 armor).
The Parthenogenesis of Hungry Hollow
For our newest module, we’ve taken a different approach on framing. For this module we are presenting the baseline experience of playing Investigators that have had at least one mystery behind them. They’ve battled the weird before, and are presented with a new challenge. This set up differs from the other modules in that they present Investigators learning about the weird for the first time. this also makes Hungry Hollow function as a potential continuation with Investigators from previous adventures.
For context on the new module
Spring has taken to a cold start, the morning fog clinging on well into the afternoon. Hungry Hollow is a quiet town though and most folks don’t seem to mind. With spring comes the birth of new life, something well celebrated in a town propped up by its farms. Though Hungry Hollow is changing, its citizens consorting to bring about something… new. Something rotten.
The Parthenogenesis of Hungry Hollow is a small sandbox investigation for Liminal Horror. Something strange is happening in Hungry Hollow, seemingly centered around one of its residents. Dive into the town, make acquaintance with its inhabitants, and unravel the horrid truth that lies buried just beneath the surface.
Twisted Classics
The Liminal Horror Twisted Classics line are ground up reimaginings of classic adventures. Instead of direct conversions, we take inspiration from the core elements of these older adventures and add a variety of twists to give them a unique flavor and bring them into the era of modern horror. The Parthenogenesis of Hungry Hollow presents a new take on Against the Cult of the Reptile God. Thank you to Douglas Niles and team for the inspiration.
Since I’m about to go run the draft for the first time, it may be fun to share with you the DRAFT Creating an Investigator section:
Creating Investigators
The party has been brought together to investigate the strange goings on in Hungry Hollow. There have been multiple disappearances in and around the area, including a person of interest to their patron named Brea. It is believed that there may be one or more Resonant Artifacts at this location.
The group of Investigators have been brought together by a patron.
The Archivist is their patron. The Archivist is a mysterious figure that looks into the uncanny occurrences, collects Resonant Artifacts, and is at odds with The Bureau. He often provides Investigators with resources and leads to uncover information and collect Resonant Artifacts.
Archetypes:
Choose an Archetype… You can also choose a background showing what you did prior to being an investigator and battling the weird.
Choose an Archetype / (optionally choose a background as well)
Burned: The Bureau interfered with your life, and you want to find enough evidence to bring them to justice. During one of their operations they may have: contributed to the death or loss of a loved one, instituted a cover up that destabilized your life, you narrowly escaped their grasp.
Final Girl: Your life has already been touched by the paranatural and there is no going back to what was... you are driven to find answers. You start with a Fallout (LIMINAL HORROR Investigators p. x).
Quid Pro Quo: The Archivist has something you need (or holding something over your head) that is more important/dangerous than breaking the law or going into danger. It may be: a way to save a loved one, evidence you need to put your life back together, or a resonant artifact you need to save them.
Indebted: Your debts became too large to bear. Is the Archivist your means out or does he own your debt (and you want a way out from under his thumb)?
Trail of Breadcrumbs: Your quest for the truth has led you to dark places, breaking norms, and pushing past laws. Your search leads you to the attention of the Archivist, and he's providing you an opportunity to peek behind the veil.
Relic-Touched: A resonant artifact is in your possession. Not only do you have access to its power, but being its keeper puts a target on your back. Sometimes being on the offensive is a better tactic. You start with a resonant artifact in your possession (LIMINAL HORROR Investigators p. x).
Bonus: This can be taken by one player (and may be kept a secret by all but the Facilitator). This is an additional Archetype on top of one of the above.
Sleeper Agent: You are secretly a Bureau agent. One of the above Archetypes acts as your cover. You can't help but wonder, given the Archivist's knowhow, does he know the truth about your involvement. (How committed are you to the cause? How close are you to turning double agent?)
Starting Fresh Questions:
***We’ll answer these all together
Use these questions to help flush out your party and provide a backstory that a continuing campaign would already have built in:
How does your patron connect with the group? Is there a point of contact?
What are the sleeping arrangements (tents, camper, trailer, hotels)?
What vehicle does the group use? Who is the owner? What is its condition?
How much firepower do you each carry (knife, nonlethal, handgun, rifle, shotgun)? Are the weapons registered?
How many Mysteries has this group been on together?
(individually or as a group) What is the scariest thing you’ve encountered? Did you kill it or just simply escape?
Equipment -
Each investigator has the weapon identified in the Starting Fresh Questions.
As a party choose an Investigator kit:
Extermination: Flame thrower, chainsaw, pipe bomb
Artillery: Assault Rifle, Shotgun, Sniper Rifle
Heavy Duty: Bolt cutters, welding torch, axe, commercial explosives
Reconnaissance: Surveillance Equipment, alarm bypass, CCTV hijacker
Containment: Handcuffs, zip ties, tranquilizers, High modulus polyethylene rope, tungsten shackles & locks.
Espionage: Large amount of cash, forged credentials, silenced pistols
Party NPCs:
As a party, create 1-2 NPCs that are Investigators with the party (roll stats, give equipment, and choose an Archetype or Background for them). The amount should make an even number within the party.
Items in print
LIMINAL HORROR INVESTIGATORS Edition https://spacepenguin.ink/collections/liminal-horror/products/liminal-horror-investigators
This is uncoated and includes multiple character sheets, so it’s perfect for players at the table.
One Night At The Shelterwood Inn https://spacepenguin.ink/collections/liminal-horror/products/one-night-at-the-shelterwood-inn
The Bloom https://spacepenguin.ink/collections/liminal-horror/products/the-bloom
The Bureau https://www.exaltedfuneral.com/products/the-bureau?_pos=1&_psq=The+bureau&_ss=e&_v=1.0