I think Paper Chase is a better first time game for the keeper then the investigator. It has a lot of barren elements that lets the keeper flesh out the game in a way that it isn't a big deal if they do something that ends up feeling wrong. I'd argue that it should be run with only one investigator so the keeper can get a better handle on the system and run a larger investigation with the other investigators (I'd recommend the Haunting for a first time group of investigators). The few narrative stakes lets the keeper make mistakes that may completely derail a different investigation. I personally think that the tunnels are were the investigation can be seen at its best as it gives the keeper options to play up what makes Call of Cthulhu as a system strong. I ran it as the investigator had to get a bit of a way into the tunnels before they saw anything that they may want to leave and close the investigation (I had Kimball eating a long rotted corpse near his collection of books, although the investigator killed their light to sneak out of the chamber before spotting the books). After that it becomes about how the investigator reacts, with several options leading to a tense attempt of an escape of the tunnels. The player I ran this for had poor navigate and was more or less stuck wondering the tunnels blind for hours slowly losing their mind as they had a fantastic hide. This ended with them leaving the tunnels to find they had been somehow covered in blood on their way out of the tunnel (I used this a plot hook in a later investigation as they found out they lost a few days of memory in those tunnels). The investigator made it out alive, but they had developed serious fears of tight spaces and of graveyards.

Love the moody black and white photos and so happy to get a new vid from you. Thank you!

This was my first run as Keeper. I've run it twice and both times none of my Investigators picked up on anything other than going STRAIGHT to the cemetery. They didn't speak to the neighbour, the police nor the newspaper. Were I to run it again, I think I'll give Thomas a connection to the newspaper. Maybe have him so frustrated with the police that he wants the story out. Also, I will have Douglas Kimball show up much later and not in the grave yard. I think I'll leave the gravestone open, so they don't have to open it, but lure the Investigators that way.

This channel is fantastic, thank you so much for all the work. I’m a new keeper and these videos have been very helpful. Criminally underrated channel.

Hi, i just discovered your channel. The flow charts are great. Thanks for doing this.

Always happy to see a new RPG Nook video!

I'm considering running this during the winter for a new pair of investigators as a good intro to CoC system. Thanks for the video.

love the channel, keep it up

This was a great help!! Thanks!

Thanks for keep making content for Call of Cthulhu!

Wish I'd had this when I ran the scenario, it ended in the exact anticlimactic way you worry about. That said, it was a good time. One of my more beligerent players angered the gardener and was nearly killed with a shovel!

That was so useful! I'll be lore keeping for the first time soon for my mates so thank you so much for this! Love all the flesh you put on this story and I'll definitely be stealing ideas.

I missed the part where they take half damage from bullets and my player rolled a 3 killing him instantly....