Introducing the Ordo
Welcome to the first episode of our playtesting series for “The Ordo Scriptorium,” a Gothic horror TTRPG designed by myself, Ash Alder, and my friend Zachariah from Old Man Gaming. In this unique and chilling game, players gain powers through a transfusion of blood from previous monster hunters, known as “Authors.” These Authors are inspired by Gothic horror writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, H.G. Wells, H.P. Lovecraft, and Ann Radcliffe. Join us as we delve into this dark and literary world where supernatural events are documented and fought by those with the knowledge and courage to face the unknown.
Summary
In the first episode of our “Ordo Scriptorium” playtest, we dive into a gripping Gothic horror game set in a shadowy landscape. Our journey begins with a terrifying nightmare experienced by all the characters, a vision of a young woman being engulfed by dark tendrils in a desolate, watery setting. Awakening from this shared nightmare, the characters receive a mysterious call summoning them to a library.
At the library, the players are introduced to Charles Wheat, their mentor, who reveals their mission: to investigate the disappearance and likely death of a potential new Author in the isolated village of Veiled Bluff. The library serves as the headquarters for the Ordo Scriptorium, where Editors like Charles Wheat work and guard over the blood of the previous generation of Authors. This individual, possibly a student from a local art college, vanished under suspicious circumstances, and the team must uncover the truth while facing the looming threat of supernatural stalkers.
The players, including Elliot Craig (a middle-aged mechanic aligned with H.P. Lovecraft), Rex Johnson (a noir detective from New York), Bonnie Carlton (a young college student under the influence of Mary Shelley), and Preston Thaddius Howlet (a wealthy, somewhat arrogant young man using H.G. Wells’ powers), each bring unique skills and backgrounds to the investigation.
Upon arriving in Veiled Bluff, the team splits up to gather information. Rex heads to a local pub to mingle with the townsfolk, while Bonnie examines a community bulletin board and learns about a candlelight vigil for a recently deceased girl, likely their target. Preston secures accommodations and uses his charm to extract crucial details from the bartender about the girl’s death and her possible boyfriend, Johnny Becker.
As the sun sets and the village is shrouded in an eerie atmosphere, the team regroups, armed with new information and ready to attend the vigil, hoping to uncover more about the supernatural forces at play and the identity of the stalker responsible for the girl’s death.
Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to explore the dark and haunting world of “The Ordo Scriptorium.”
Other Shows
Wizard’s Respite Sanctorum
Astral Drive
TMNT and Other Strangeness
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The Last Tea Shop. A solo TTRPG playthrough. Written by Ash Alder and narrated by Zachariah Van Sluyters
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