An Update on “A Ghastly Companion to Castles, Mansions, & Estates”

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18th Century, Austenpunk, blackpowder, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Historical, Historical Gaming, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era

As you may have noticed, I have been largely absent from this blog (or any social media) in recent days. That’s because I’ve been focusing on editing together a PDF-only, “Rough-hewn Edition” of the long-promised “A Ghastly Companion to Castle, Mansions, & Estates”. This “Rough-hewn Edition” will be a pre-release “ashcan” version containing all the essential text of the final book, but without the final illustrations. It utilizes some public-domain art resources, but areas of the layout that will be eventually filled with actual illustrations are left obvious. Also, the “Rough-hewn Edition” will not be indexed (besides the Bookmarks in the PDF), it will not be as extensively hyper-linked as the final PDF version, nor will it include the example floor-plans that will feature in the full release. Since I need to create about 100 illustrations to finish the book, and the final proofing process for a print book can easily take an entire month, a realistic time-frame for the fully finished version is no sooner than early Summer 2019. Therefore, in order to get the book into the hands of people who would like to actually use it, I’ll be releasing the low-priced “Rough-hewn Edition” shortly. It won’t be perfect, but it will still give you all the tools you need to create plausible Grand Houses for any game set in the late-Georgian / Napoleonic / Regency era (not just Ghastly Affair).

HERE’S WHAT’S IN IT:

PLACES ARE CHARACTERS

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

AN OVERVIEW OF GRAND HOUSES AND ESTATES

REGARDING CASTLES
REGARDING MANSIONS
REGARDING ESTATE HOUSES
CASTLES, MANSIONS, AND ESTATES BY REGION
The British Isles (including Ireland)
France
German States
(Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg Austria, and Kingdom of Prussia)
Kingdom of Hungary (including Transylvania)
Italian States
Poland-Lithuania
Russia
Spain and Portugal
THE RHYTHM OF LIFE IN A GRAND HOUSE
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

BUILDING YOUR GRAND HOUSE

Representational Maps
Schematic Maps
PART I – THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURE
Which Tables to Use:
Table 1a: Most Notable Feature of a Castle or Country Estate
Table 1b: Most Notable Feature of an Urban Mansion
Table 1c: Animals
Table 1d: Architecture
Table 1e: Art Collection
Table 1f: Attractive Residents
Table 1g: Cabinet of Curiosities
Table 1h: Cursed Family
Table 1i: Entertainment
Table 1j: Follies
Table 1k: Food
Table 1L: Games, Sports, and Contests
Table 1m: Gaming Room
Table 1n: Gardens
Table 1O: Haunting
Table 1p: Horrible History
Table 1q: Hunting
Table 1r: Library
Table 1s: Literary or Philosophical Salon
Table 1t: Notable Former Resident
Table 1u: Secret Passages/Rooms
Table 1v: Unsolved Mystery
Table 1w: Water Features
PART II – APPROACHING THE GROUNDS
Which Tables to Use
Table 2a: First Impression of the Greater Estate
Table 2b: Primary Produce of the Greater Estate
Table 3: Barrier of the Enclosed Parkland
Table 4: Parkland Barrier Height
Table 5: Urban Mansion Barrier
Table 6a: Main Gate to the Enclosed Parkland of a Castle or Estate
Table 6b: Front Gate of an Urban Mansion
Table 7: Castle and Estate House Parkland Size
Table 8 Urban Mansion Lot Shape and Size
Table 9: Setback of a Castle or Estate House Within its Parkland
Table 10: Path to a Castle or Estate House from the Parkland Gate
PART III – THE EXTERIOR
Which Tables to Use
Table 11a: The Architectural Style of a Castle
Table 11b: The Architectural Style of an Urban Mansion or Estate House
Table 12: Basic Plan of a Castle
Table 13: Castle Situation
Table 14: The Curtain Walls of a Concentric Castle
Table 15: General Plan of a Castle Keep
Table 16: Size of a Castle Keep
Table 17a: Basic Plan of an Urban Mansion
Table 17b: Basic Plan of an Estate House
Table 18: Size of an Estate House
Table 19: Building Material of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 20: The Height (in Stories) of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 21: The Height of a Story
Table 22: The Roof Style of a Castle, Tower, or Keep
Table 23: The Roof Style of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 24: Keep, Compact Castle, Courtyard Castle, & Fortified House Door
Table 25: The Servants’ Quarters
Table 26a: Castle Gatehouse
Table 26b: Gatehouse Entrance
Table 27: Distinctive Architectural Features of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 28: The Front Courtyard of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 29: The Shape and Size of Castle Towers
Table 30: The Roofing Material of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 31a: The Front Stairs of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 31b: The Portico (or Porte-Cochère) of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 32: Avant-Corps Projecting From the Facade
Table 33: The Main Door of a Mansion or Estate House
PART IV – THE RESIDENTS
Which Tables to Use
Table 34: The Family of the House
Table 35: The Family Wealth
Table 36: Servants and Retainers of the Household
Table 37: Overall Impression of the Servants
Table 38: Pets Living in the House
Table 39: Strange Customs of the Household
Table 40: The Lord and Lady’s Relation
Table 41: The Formal Livery of Male Servants
Table 42: Vermin in the House
Table 43: The Family’s Dark Secret
PART V – THE INTERIOR ROOMS
Which Tables to Use
Table 44a: The Entrance Hall of a Castle
Table 44b: The Entry Room of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 45a: The Main Staircase of a Castle (or Castle Keep)
Table 45b: Stairs in a Tower
Table 45c: The Grand Staircase of a Mansion or Estate House
Table 46: Rooms on the Ground Floor
Table 47: Rooms on the Upper Floors
Table 48: Rooms in the Basement
Table 49: Rooms in the Attic
Table 50: Rooms in the Servants’ Section
Table 51: Distinctive Features of Rooms
Table 52a: Remarkable Floors
Table 52b: Remarkable Walls
Table 52c: Remarkable Ceilings
Table 52d: Remarkable Furniture
Table 52e: Remarkable Images
Table 52f: Remarkable Sculptures
Table 52g: Remarkable Fireplaces
Table 52h: Remarkable Heating Stoves
Table 52i: Remarkable Doors
Table 52j: Remarkable Objects
Table 52k: Remarkable Windows
Table 52L: Remarkable Room Shapes
Table 52m: Remarkable Atmospheres
Table 53a: Ordinary Castle Walls
Table 53b: Ordinary Mansion and Estate House Walls
Table 54: Ordinary Paint Colors
Table 55: Ordinary Wallpapers
Table 56: Ordinary Doors
Table 57: Ordinary Windows in Castles
Table 58a: Ordinary Windows in Mansions and Estate Houses
Table 58b Ordinary Windows in Mansion and Estate House Basements
Table 58c Ordinary Windows in Mansion and Estate House Attics
Table 59: Ordinary Curtains, Drapes, and Wall Hangings
Table 60: Ordinary Ceilings
Table 61: Ordinary Floors
Table 62: Ordinary Heating Sources
Table 63: Ordinary Lighting
Table 64: Number of Doors in a Room
Table 65: Secret Passages, Concealed Doors, and Hidden Areas
Table 67: Beds
Table 68: Furnishings for Bedrooms, Boudoirs, and Cabinets
Table 69: Furnishings for Salons, Drawing Rooms, and Ballrooms
Table 70: Furnishings and Fixtures for Dining Rooms
Table 71: Furnishings and Fixtures for Libraries
Table 72: Furnishings and Fixtures for Kitchens
Table 73: Valuable Serving Ware in the Butlery or Office
Table 74: Personal Items in a Man’s Bedchamber or Cabinet
Table 75: Personal Items in a Woman’s Bedchamber or Boudoir
Table 76: Men’s Clothing (and Items in a Wardrobe)
Table 77: Women’s Clothing (and Items in a Wardrobe)
Table 78: Items in a Cabinet of Curiosities
PART VI – THE PARKLAND AND GARDENS
Which Tables to Use
Table 79: Water Supply of a Castle or Estate House
Table 80: Stables and Carriage House of a Castle or Estate House
Table 81a: Castle and Estate Parkland Areas
Table 81b: Urban Mansion Gardens
Table 82: Deerpark Features
Table 83: English Landscape Garden Features
Table 84: Farmyard or Basse-Cour Features
Table 85: Flower Garden Features
Table 86: French Formal Garden Features
Table 87: Hamlet Features
Table 88: Italian Garden Features
Table 89: Kitchen Garden Features
Table 90: Lawn / Meadow Features
Table 91: Paddock Features
Table 92: Pond and Lake Features
Table 93: Walled Garden Features
Table 94: Wooded Area Features
Table 95: Animals Living in the Parkland
Table 96: Vermin Plaguing the Estate
Table 97: Animals in a Menagerie
PART VII – CURRENT HAPPENINGS
Which Tables to Use
Table 98: Upcoming Scheduled Events
Table 99: Unexpected Events and Catastrophes
Table 100: Mysteries, Disasters, and Secret Intrigues Among the Servants
Table 101a: Castle and Estate Daily Schedule – Morning & Early Afternoon
Table 101b: Castle and Estate Daily Schedule – Later Afternoon
Table 101c: Castle and Estate Daily Schedule – Evening
Table 101d: Castle and Estate Daily Schedule – Night
Table 102a: Urban Mansion Daily Schedule – Morning & Early Afternoon
Table 102b: Urban Mansion Daily Schedule – Later Afternoon
Table 102c: Urban Mansion Daily Schedule – Evening
Table 102d: Urban Mansion Daily Schedule – Night

A GUIDE TO SERVANTS AND RETAINERS

LIFE IN SERVICE
A Servant’s Day
The Clothing of Servants and Retainers
The Wages of Servants and Retainers
A Note on Creating a Servant (or Retainer) Characters for Ghastly Affair
TYPES OF SERVANTS AND RETAINERS
Blacksmith [Grounds Servant]
Butler (Maître d’Hôtel, or Majordomo) [House Servant]
Cavalier Servente [Retainer]
Chaperone [Retainer]
Chaplain (Aumônier) [Retainer]
Coachman [Grounds Servant]
Concierge
Cook (Cuisinière or Cuisinier) [House Servant]
Dance Master [Retainer]
Drawing Master [Retainer]
Dairy Maid [Grounds and House Servant]
Estate Manager (Intendant) [Retainer]
Footman (Laquais) [House Servant]
Forester [Grounds Servant]
Gamekeeper [Grounds Servant]
Gardener [Grounds Servant]
Gardener, Assistant [Grounds Servant]
Governess (Gouvernante) [Retainer]
Groom [Grounds Servant]
Guard [House and Grounds Servants]
Hall Boy [House Servant]
Hall Maid [House Servant]
Handyman or Laborer
[House and Grounds Servant]
Hairdresser [Servant or Retainer]
Hermit [Retainer]
Housekeeper (Gouvernante)
Housemaid [House Servant]
House Steward [Retainer]
Huntsman [Grounds Servant]
Kennel Master [Grounds Servant]
Kitchen Boy (Garçon de Cuisine) [House Servant]
Kitchen Maid [House Servant]
Lady’s Companion
(Demoiselle de Compagnie) [Retainer]
Lady’s Maid (Femme de Chambre) [House Servant]
Laundry Maid [House Servant]
Librarian [Retainer]
Maid-of-all-Work (Servante) [House Servant]
Manservant [House Servant]
Maître d’Hôtel [House Servant]
Mistress [Retainer]
Music Master [Retainer]
Nurse [House Servant]
Nursery Maid [House Servant]
Occultist [Retainer]
Page [House Servant]
Physician [Retainer]
Porter (Concierge, or Suisse)
[House Servant]
Postilion [Grounds Servant]
Reader (Lectrice) [Retainer or Servant]
Scullery Maid [House Servant]
Secretary [Retainer]
Shepherd(ess) or Pastor [Grounds Servant]
Sick Nurse [House Servant]
Still Maid [House Servant]
Swineherd [Grounds Servant]
Underbutler (or Officier) [House Servant]
Under Housemaid [House Servant]
Upper Housemaid [House Servant]
Tutor [Retainer]
Valet [House Servant]
Whipper-in [Grounds Servant]
THE IDEAL (AND ACTUAL) HOUSEHOLD

THE OPEN (OR SANDBOX) SAGA

PREPARING AN OPEN SAGA
Choose a Starting Date
Determine the Starting Region
Create Characters That Have a Plausible Reason to Travel Frequently
Decide on the First Location
Prepare the First Location and Expected Challenge(s)
Ready a Side Location and Challenge(s)
RUNNING AN OPEN SAGA
Starting with the Journey
Spending a Day at the House
Introducing Challenges and Conflicts
When to Conclude an Affair
Down-time in an Open Saga
Sometimes the Journey is More Important than the Destination
Revisiting a House
Using Recurring NPCs and SPCs
Creating Locations on the Fly
Ending an Open Saga

APPENDIX A: OF COACHING INNS (AND COACHES)

HORSES, AND THEIR LIMITATIONS
ABOUT COACHING INNS AND POST HOUSES
Other Accommodations For Travelers
VISITING A COACHING INN
Arrival
Changing Horses
A Meal at the Inn
Sleeping at an Inn
Some Typical Prices at Coaching Inns
FEATURES OF COACHING INNS
Quick Random Characteristics of Inns and Taverns
Features and areas always present at a Coaching Inn:
Additional Features of a Rural Coaching Inn:
Features and Areas Possibly Present at a Coaching Inn:
Typical Staff of a Coaching Inn:
Some Suggested Encounters
for the Common Room of an Inn
Some Notable Events for the Night
NOTES ON CARRIAGES

APPENDIX B: ENCOUNTERS WHILE TRAVELING

Morning, Afternoon, & Evening – On the Road Between Villages
Morning, Afternoon, & Evening – Passing Through a Village
Night – On the Road Between Villages
Night – Passing Through a Village
Table 1: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Road Encounters
Table 2: Night Road Encounters
Table 3: Obstacles and Curiosities
Table 4: Daylight Village Encounters

APPENDIX C: RUINS AND ABANDONED BUILDINGS

Table 1: The Original Structure
Table 2: Cause of Abandonment
Table 3: Most Notable Feature
Table 4: Completeness of the Structure
Table 5: State of the Roof
Table 6: State of the Interior Walls
Table 7: State of the Doors
Table 8: State of the Furniture
Table 9a: State of the Standing Exterior Walls (Unroofed)
Table 9b: State of the Standing Exterior Walls (Roofed)
Table 10: State of the Windows
Table 11: State of the Floors
Table 12: Vegetation
Table 13: Current Inhabitant(s)

APPENDIX D: CRYPTS, CAVES, AND SUBTERRANEAN PASSAGES

ARTIFICIAL TUNNELS AND VAULTS
Table 1: Original and Current Purpose of Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 2: Size of a Subterranean Tunnel Complex
Table 3a: Basic Plan of the Complex
Table 3b: The Entrance
Table 4A: Walls of Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 4B: Floors of Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 4C: Ceilings of Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 4D: Air Quality of Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 5: Notable Features of a Tunnel Section
Table 6: Subterranean Doorways
Table 7: Beyond a Subterranean Doorway
Table 8: Characteristics of Subterranean Chambers
Table 9: Contents of Subterranean Chambers
Table 10: Supports
Table 11: Hazards in Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 12: Traps in Subterranean Tunnels and Chambers
Table 13: Mysteries and Enigmas
Table 14A: Areas of an Archive or Library
Table 14B: Areas of a Mine
Table 14C: Areas of a Secret Society Chapter-house
Table 14D: Areas of a Cistern
Table 14E: Areas of a Burial Complex
Table 14F: Areas of a Wine Cellar
Table 14G: Areas in a Larder or Root Cellar
Table 14H: Areas of an Armory
Table 14I: Areas of a Treasury Vault
Table 14J: Areas of a Cheese Cave
Table 14K: Areas of an Ice Storage Vault
Table 14L: Areas of a Dungeon
Table 14M: Areas of an Ancient Temple, Now Buried
Table 14N: Areas of a Counterfeiter’s Workshop
Table 14O: Areas of a Satanic Complex
Table 14P: Areas of a Hermitage
Table 14Q: Areas of a Sanctuary for Religious Dissenters
Table 14R: Areas of a Vault for Smuggled Goods
Table 14S: Areas of a Mass Grave for Murder Victims
Table 14T: Areas of an Escape Route
Table 14U: Areas of a Creature’s Prison
Table 14V: Areas of the Hideaway of a Family Shame
Areas of the Hideaway of a Family Shame
Table 14W: Areas of a Bandit’s Hideout
Table 14X: Areas of an Alchemist’s Laboratory
Table 14Y: Areas of a Magician’s Retreat
Table 14Z: Areas of a Mad Scientist’s Laboratory
NATURAL (AND NATURAL-APPEARING) CAVES
Table 15: Plan of a Cave System
Table 16: Shape and Size of a Cave
Table 17: Air Quality Inside a Cave
Table 18: Ordinary Features of Airy Caves
Table 19: Strange and Unusual Features in Airy Caves
Table 20: Passability of a Cave
Table 21: Cave Connections
Supplementary Table: Random Compass Directions

APPENDIX E: RANDOM GENERATION OF MEALS IN GRAND HOUSES

MENUS
Breakfast (French Style)
Breakfast (English Style)
A Luncheon
A Grand Dinner
An Evening Supper
DISHES AND DECORATIONS
Breakfast Beverages
Breakfast Bread(s)
Breakfast Main Dishes
Breakfast Condiments
Soups
Meat Entrées
Fish Entrées
Poultry Entrées
Roasts and Main Dishes
Sauces
Vegetables and Salads
Entremets
Desserts
Table Decorations and Pièce Montées (Normal)
Table Decorations and Pièce Montées (Gothic and Unusual)

APPENDIX F: EVENTS AT DINNER

APPENDIX G: EVENTS AT THE DANCE

APPENDIX H: EVENTS OF THE MORNING PROMENADE

APPENDIX I: RANDOM ARISTOCRATIC TITLES

British Aristocrats
Notes About British Titles
French Aristocrats (Pre-Revolution, or Ancien Régime)
Notes about Ancien Régime titles
French Napoleonic Titles (Conferred from 1808 – 1814)
Notes About Napoleonic Titles
German Aristocrats
Notes About German Titles
Hungarian Aristocrats
Notes about Hungarian Titles
Italian Aristocrats
Notes About Italian Titles
Spanish Aristocrats
Notes about Spanish titles
OF ARISTOCRATIC BASTARDS

APPENDIX J: TWISTED FAMILY HISTORIES

Length of the Family History
Shocking Historical Facts about the Family

APPENDIX K: RELATIONSHIPS IN THE HOUSEHOLD

The Loves and Hates of Male Family Members
The Loves and Hates of Female Family Members
The Consequences of Forbidden Love
The Consequences of Hate
CONCERNING LGBT RELATIONSHIPS IN THE GHASTLY AGE

APPENDIX L: INHERITED PECULIARITIES OF INBRED NOBLE FAMILIES

APPENDIX M: THE MOST MEMORABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF NPCS

Female Aristocrats
Male Aristocrats
Female Servants
Male Servants

APPENDIX N: THE DESIRES OF RESTLESS HOUSES

What the House Wants
How the House Communicates
How the House will Lash Out
Where is the Heart of the House?
How can the House be Put to Rest?

APPENDIX O: RANDOM SPECTRAL ACTIVITY

The Usual Apparition
The Other Apparition(s)
Further Spectral Activity
The Phantom’s Release

APPENDIX P: CURSED AND HAUNTED BEDS

APPENDIX Q: PAINTINGS IN A GRAND HOUSE

Table 1a: Type of Painting
Table 1b: Dimensions of a Painting
Table 1c: Age of a Painting
Table 1d: The Frame of a Painting
Table 2: Male Portrait
Table 3: Female Portrait
Table 4: Interior Group Portrait
Table 5: Exterior Group Portrait
Table 6: Historical Scene
Table 7: Religious Scene
Table 8: Mythological, Legendary, or Literary Scene
Table 9: Genre Scene
Table 10: Landscape
Table 11: Animal Subject
Table 12: Still Life
Table 13: Allegory
Table 14: Enigmatic Emblems
Table 15: Erotic Scene
NOTES ON ART IN YOUR GAME
Regarding Portraits
Regarding Historical Paintings
Regarding Religious Paintings
Regarding Mythological, Legendary, and Literary Painting
Regarding Genre Paintings
Regarding Landscape Paintings
Regarding Animal Paintings
Regarding Still-lifes
Regarding Allegorical and Emblematic Images
Regarding Erotic Paintings

APPENDIX R: RANDOM NAMES FOR BRITISH COUNTRY HOUSES

APPENDIX S: 100 POETIC NAMES FOR TOWERS

APPENDIX T: TECHNOLOGICAL MARVELS IN GRAND HOUSES

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Random Landscape Paintings in Grand Houses

Tags

18th Century, Austenpunk, blackpowder, chateau, country seat, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, manor house, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, schauerroman, stately home, steampunk

The 18th century saw the tremendous growth of Landscape painting as a popular genre, especially in Britain. Although contemporary critics ranked it as a “lesser” type of painting (similar to the still-life), there were many more landscapes actually hanging on walls than the more prestigious historical images preferred by the intelligentsia. The early years of the 19th century also saw the emergence of great Romantic landscape artists like Caspar David Friedrich (known for his moody images that often include figures looking into the scene with the viewer) and J.M.W. Turner (whose visionary work prefigured Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism).

Besides its use to add atmosphere to a setting, a landscape painting can also be a great clue to finding a location significant to the resolution of some in-game mystery. If you are running a game set in Highdark Hall, use the following tables to define the landscape paintings found in the Governess’ Bedroom.

d100	The painting depicts a landscape scene of…
1 – 2	a gnarled forest…
3 – 4	a pine forest…
5 – 6	a ruined castle…
7 – 8	a ruined cathedral…
9 – 10	a classical ruin…
11 – 12	a circle of standing stones…
13 – 14	an overgrown churchyard…
15 – 16	a lake…
17 – 18	a field of grain…
19 – 20	an orchard…
21 – 22	a snowy field…
23 – 24	jagged mountain peaks…
25 – 26	rolling hills…
27 – 28	rocky shore…
29 – 30	Venice…
31 –32	the Bay of Naples…
33 – 34	London…
35 – 36	Paris…
37 – 38	Vienna…
39 – 40	the ruins of Pompeii…
41 – 42	the arctic…
43 – 44	a house on the moors…
45 – 46	a ship on a calm sea…
47 – 48	a ship on a stormy sea…
49 – 50	a great chasm…
51 – 52	a formal French garden…
53 – 54	an English landscape garden…
55 – 56	a castle atop a mountain…
57 – 58	Chinese pagodas…
59 – 60	Egyptian ruins…
61 – 62	a cave entrance…
63 – 64	a natural arch of rock…
65 – 66	a monumental building in India…
67 – 68	a Turkish palace…
69 – 70	a mosque…
71 – 72	a lonely tomb…
73 – 74	a grand Gothic cathedral…
75 – 76	a mighty river…
77 – 78	an island in the South Seas…
79 – 80	a forest, with hunters chasing game…
81 – 82	a gathering storm on the shoreline…
83 – 84	a storm raining down on a field…
85 – 86	a beacon on the shore…
87 – 88	a South Seas island…
89 – 90	sandy desert dunes…
91 – 92	a ruined Hindu temple…
93 – 94	Ancient American ruins (Aztec, Mayan, Inca, etc.)…
95 – 96	a volcanic eruption…
97 – 98	a river ford…
99 – 100	a partially-ruined farmhouse…

d4	in the…
1	spring,
2	summer,
3	autumn,
4	winter,

d4	during the hours of…
1	the morning.
2	the day.
3	the evening.
4	the night.

d20	The notable thing about the painting is…
1	the out of place animal(s).
2	the out of place plant(s).
3	the inclusion of an unidentifiable creature.
4	the powerfully moving depiction that fills you with a sense of sublime melancholy (or terror).
5	the strange lights depicted in the sky.
6	the heavy use of impasto techniques that add surface texture to the depictions of features like rocks and trees.
7	the strange use of perspective.
8	that no attempt has been made to follow the rules of perspective.
9	it appears to be an unknown work from a well-known master.
10	it is incompetently rendered, and must have some kind of sentimental value to its owners.
11	the places and objects depicted form a visual pun.
12	the complete lack of apparent brush-strokes.
13	the virtuoso, trompe l’oeil depiction that looks like seeing the actual landscape through a window.
14	it seems to have been painted on a black ground, rather than white.
15	it was apparently painted alla prima, in one sitting with no under-painting.
16	there seems to be another, faintly visible image underneath the current image.
17	it has a heavily crackled surface.
18	although an oil, it is completely painted in translucent glazes that make it resemble a watercolor.
19	it appears to be the work of an unknown master.
20	the semi-abstract rendering, more concerned with color and shape than an accurate depiction of reality.

Random “Genre” Paintings in Grand Houses

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18th Century, Art, blackpowder, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, rpg

In the jargon of art history a “genre” painting is one that depicts a scene of people engaged in ordinary life, without being a portrait of anyone specific, or a depiction of a historical event. Such paintings were very popular in the 18th century, and occupied a middle place in the accepted hierarchy of subjects.

d100	The painting depicts…
1	Gypsies in their encampment.
2	the preparation of a grand feast.
3	a portrait being painted.
4	lovers walking down a street in Paris.
5	a formal dinner.
6	a lady at her toilette, with visitors
7	a woman washing herself astride her bidet.
8	a masquerade ball.
9	a country dance.
10	peasants dancing.
11	a shepherdess and her flock.
12	a pretty milkmaid and her cows.
13	a fox hunt.
14	a stag hunt.
15	a boar hunt.
16	soldiers carousing in a tavern.
17	a peasant wedding.
18	a peasant woman nursing a child.
19	a peddler with a lemonade tank on his back.
20	a peasant family eating dinner.
21	a silhouette portrait being made.
22	several well-dressed young ladies giving a recital.
23	a farmer bringing produce to market in a wagon.
24	a small group of well-dressed people having luncheon in a small, but nicely-appointed room.
25	a modiste visiting a fashionable young lady
26	a water carrier.
27	a seamstress sewing a dress.
28	an operatic performance.
29	a ballet performance.
30	a performance of the Commedia dell’Arte.
31	a group of well-dressed people having a picnic.
32	laundresses washing clothes in a stream.
33	a young lady having a music lesson.
34	a young woman writing a letter.
35	grapes being harvested.
36	a butcher at his work.
37	the interior of a gaming hall.
38	an old washerwoman at work.
39	a group of men and women playing billiards.
40	a horse-race.
41	a cock-fight.
42	a dog fight.
43	a peasant mother dressing her child.
44	fishermen hauling in their catch.
45	a boy building a house of cards.
46	a Gypsy telling a fortune.
47	a governess admonishing a young child.
48	a man spying on a lady during the early part of her toilette.
49	stiltwalkers giving a public show.
50	a procession of pilgrims down a city street.
51	several monks making merry.
52	a young girl eavesdropping on a pair of lovers conversing.
53	a dance master giving lessons.
54	a drawing master giving lessons.
55	a group of men and women playing “blind-man’s bluff”.
56	a public hanging.
57	a public beheading.
58	a debate in an opulent salon.
59	the interior of a shop selling home furnishings.
60	children receiving gifts on Saint Nicholas’ Day.
61	a group of drunken singers at Christmastime.
62	a lady being carried in a sedan chair.
63	a carriage rolling through the countryside.
64	a woman (or man) in the sickbed, attended by their family.
65	a marriage contract being signed.
66	a group of masked Venetians gambling at The Ridotto.
67	a group of English Morris Dancers.
68	a couple visiting a menagerie.
69	a mountebank before a crowd.
70	a group of soldiers performing drills.
71	the crew aboard a ship, hoisting sails.
72	a group of ladies playing cards.
73	soldiers playing dice.
74	a chemist giving a demonstration to a small crowd.
75	a group of actors applying makeup.
76	an elegant salon in a lady’s bedchamber.
77	a patient being bled by a doctor.
78	a woman giving birth, with the family watching.
79	a girl crying over a dead pet.
80	a funeral procession.
81	a tennis match
82	a small group playing battledore and shuttlecock.
83	a group of aristocratic men shooting pigeons.
84	a grand house being constructed
85	a peasant home being built.
86	a group of street musicians.
87	a group of men and women telling ghost stories in a dimly-lit drawing room.
88	a peasant fishing.
89	a group of well-dressed men and women watching a regatta.
90	a dentist pulling teeth.
91	a maid carrying a chocolate pot and cups on a tray.
92	a baker removing loaves from the oven.
93	a woman visiting a fishmonger.
94	women making lace.
95	a sturdy peasant woman at a spinning wheel.
96	a group of well-dressed ladies embroidering.
97	a Spanish bullfight.
98	a group of children playing at being soldiers.
99	a knife-sharpener at work.
100	a money-lender’s office.

Random Allegorical and Emblematic Paintings

Tags

18th Century, alchemy, Austenpunk, blackpowder, chateau, country seat, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, manor house, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, occult, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, schauerroman, stately home, steampunk

Pre-20th century art was filled with allegorical and emblematic images bizarre to modern eyes. “Allegorical” images were usually conventionalized depictions that would be easily recognizable to anyone who had a classical education. They were considered among the “higher” forms of art in the hierarchy of subjects, on par with Historical painting. Of course, many times Allegorical images (particularly subjects such as the “Three Graces”) were simply an excuse to portray beautiful nude women. The type of images referred to as “Emblems”, on the other hand, could be quite startling, and utterly baffling to anyone who lacked the keys to their decipherment. Such an Emblematic image might represent anything from a moral lesson to a coded occult instruction. Reconnaissance art was particularly obsessed with such emblems, the most recognizable example of which to modern people are the twenty-two Trump cards of the Tarot. The twenty-two illustrations of the “Splendor Solis”, a sixteenth century alchemical treatise, are another well-known set of Emblems.

Both Allegorical and Emblematic paintings are great ways for the Presenter (or GM) to hide clues to some great mystery. Allegorical paintings are also a good narrative device for declaring the mood (or to foreshadow the intended moral) of a scenario. The lodges or chapter-houses of secret societies are particularly likely to be filled with Emblematic paintings, and successfully decoding them may reveal the secrets of such groups. Likewise, the only recorded form of a powerful Magical Ritual might be a series of Emblems whose interpretation has eluded the uninitiated for centuries.

Allegorical Images

d100	This painting depicts an allegorical image of…
1 – 5	Death and the Maiden, depicted as a skeletal figure embracing a young woman.
6	Calliope, the Muse of Eloquent Speaking, holding a writing tablet.
7	Clio, the Muse of History, holding a scroll.
8	Euterpe, the Muse of Music, holding a flute.
9	Thalia, the Muse of Comedy, holding the comedic mask.
10	Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy, holding the tragic mask,
11	Terpsichore, the Muse of Dancing, holding a lyre
12	Erato, the Muse of Love Poetry, wreathed with myrtle, and holding a lyre.
13	Polyhymnia, the Muse of Sacred Poetry, with her elbow resting on a pillar.
14	Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, holding a globe and stylus.
15 – 16	The Nine Muses together.
17 – 22	The Three Graces, depicted as nude women embracing each other.
23 – 24	The Dance of Death, depicting a skeletal figure dancing with people from various stations in society.
25 – 26	The Triumph of Death, depicting a mounted skeleton with a scythe cutting down armies of the living.
27 – 28	The Golden Age of Man, depicting naked people cavorting in an idyllic landscape.
29 – 30	The Ages of Man, showing a man at 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, 50 years, 60 years, 70 years, 80 years, and 90 years of age.
31	Spring, represented as a young woman crowned with flowers.
32	Summer, represented as a woman holding wheat.
33	Autumn, represented as a mature woman holding grapes.
34	Winter, represented as an aged women (or man) in furs.
35 – 38	The Four Seasons together.
39	the Element of Air, represented by a mass of birds and sylphs.
40	the Element of Water, represented by marine life sporting alongside mermaids and nereids.
41	the Element of Fire, represented by a volcanic landscape with dragons.
42	the Element of Earth, represented by gardens, forests, and farmers laboring in their fields.
43	the Four Winds, represented as four men with puffed out cheeks, atop clouds.
44	the River Nile, depicted as man reclining on a sculpture of the sphinx.
45 – 46	the Rhine River, depicted as a man with two horns and a crown of grape leaves.
47 – 48	the Danube River, depicted as a man with weeds growing from his hair.
49 – 50	the Liberal Arts, depicted as seven women. The first holds a book and key, the second a scroll and caduceus, the third a small dragon, the fourth a compass, the fifth a ledger and coins, the sixth a harp, and the seventh an armillary sphere.
51 – 53	the Wheel of Fortune, with figures ascending, riding atop, and descending.
54	the Virtue of Justice, depicted as a woman holding scales and a sword.
55	the Virtue of Fortitude, depicted as a young woman holding open the jaws of a lion.
56	the Virtue of Temperance, depicted as a women pouring water from one jug into another.
57	the Virtue of Prudence, depicted as a woman with a mirror, menaced by a serpentine dragon.
58 – 62	The Four Cardinal Virtues (Justice, Fortitude, Temperance, and Prudence) together.
63	the Virtue of Faith, depicted as a woman with a cup, and a book.
64	the Virtue of Hope, depicted as a woman with upcast eyes, and an anchor, at her feet.
65	the Virtue of Charity, depicted as a bare-breasted woman nursing many children.
66 – 70	The Three Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity) together.
71	the Continent of Europe, depicted as a crowned woman in a Classical breastplate.
72	the Continent of Asia, depicted as a woman wearing a turban.
73	the Continent of Africa, depicted as a dark-skinned woman wearing a head-wrap with ostrich feathers.
74	the Continent of America, depicted as a woman with a headdress comprised completely of feathers.
75 – 78	the Four Continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America)
79	the Deadly Sin of Sloth, depicted as a sloppily-dressed woman asleep.
80	the Deadly Sin of Gluttony, depicted as a woman with a wolf’s head eating a vast amount of food.
81	the Deadly Sin of Wrath, depicted as an angry woman with a bloody sword.
82	the Deadly Sin of Pride, depicted a woman in finery looking into a mirror.
83	the Deadly Sin of Lust, depicted as a naked woman lasciviously holding her breasts and genitals.
84	the Deadly Sin of Greed, depicted as a woman clutching various treasures.
85	the Deadly Sin of Envy, depicted as an old woman with a snake protruding from her mouth, and a dog by her side.
86 – 88	The Seven Deadly Sins in a group.
89 – 90	Vanity, represented by a beautiful woman staring into a hand mirror.
91 – 92	Sacred and Profane Love, depicted as clothed and nude women.
93 – 94	War and Peace, depicted armored Mars embraced by nude Venus.
95 – 96	Peace, depicted as a woman dressed in diaphanous white vestment, and holding an olive branch,
97 – 100	Father Time, depicted with his scythe and hourglass.

d20	Notably,
1	there are several putti also depicted.
2	a main figure has the face of a family member (or ancestor).
3	a main figure has the face of a royal ancestor (or family member).
4	a famous artists’ model obviously posed for the picture.
5	the picture appears to be a work of genius from an unknown master.
6	everything is so realistically rendered it seems completely three-dimensional.
7	the colors are quite garish.
8	the colors are so subdued the painting seems almost monochrome.
9	the perspective seems off.
10	the picture is painted in a flat, medieval style that ignores perspective.
11	the Grand House itself appears in the background.
12	the background depicts an easily recognizable cityscape (Rome, Venice, Paris, Naples, London, etc.)
13	the background is a field of gold leaf.
14	the background is a field of silver leaf.
15	the surface of the painting is badly cracked.
16	sections appear to have been altered and re-painted.
17	the figures are rendered in a way that seems more calculate to titillate than instruct.
18	the shadows seem to be all wrong (or there are no shadows).
19	the composition seems to change slightly with each viewing.
20	it seems impossible to ascertain what medium was used.

 

Enigmatic Emblems

d100	The main subject of this strange painting is…
1 – 5	a young man…
6 – 10	an old man…
11 – 15	a young woman…
16 – 20	an old woman…
21 – 25	a pregnant woman…
26 – 30	a nursing woman…
31 – 35	a male child…
36 – 40	a female child…
41 – 45	an androgyne…
46 – 57	a demonic figure…
58 – 59	a skeletal figure…
60 – 61	a satyr…
62 – 63	a centaur…
64 – 65	a dog…
66 – 67	a cat…
68 – 69	a lion…
70 – 71	a serpent…
72 – 73	a dragon…
74 – 75	an eagle…
76 – 77	a raven…
78 – 79	a mermaid…
80 – 81	a stag…
82 – 83	a ram…
84 – 85	a bull…
86 – 87	a peacock…
88 – 98	a crab…
90 – 91	a fish…
92 – 93	a scorpion…
94 – 95	a swan…
96 – 97	a rooster…
98 – 99	a griffin…
100	a hippogriff…

d100	with…
1 – 4	two heads,
5 – 8	four arms,
9 – 12	one eye,
13 – 16	2d4 eyes,
17 – 20	a strange coloration,
21 – 24	the sun, moon, or a star, instead of a head.
25 – 28	bird wings, (if the figure is a bird, it has the wings of a different bird)
29 – 32	bat wings,
33 – 36	a burning tail,
37 – 40	sigils (or letters) on their (or its) body,
41 – 44	a crown,
45 – 48	a sword (held, or nearby),
49 – 52	a burst of glory emanating from their (or its) body,
53 – 56	a lamp burning atop their (or its) head,
57 – 60	antlers,
61 – 64	a halo of stars,
65 – 68	a chain wrapped around their (or its) body,
69 – 72	various bladed weapons stuck into their (or its) body,
73 – 76	a lance (held, or nearby),
77 – 80	a whip (held, or nearby),
81 – 84	a rose (held, or nearby),
85 – 88	a shovel (held, or nearby),
89 – 95	a horn (blowing, held, or nearby),
93 – 96	an enormous gem in their head,
97 – 100	a human face on its body,

d100	who is…
1 – 4	seated on a throne.
5 – 8	standing in a pool.
9 – 12	being crucified.
13 – 16	being struck with weapons.
17 – 20	spitting a stream of water (or blood) from their (or its) mouth.
21 – 24	breathing fire.
25 – 28	emerging from a grave.
29 – 32	emerging from a pool.
33 – 36	being dressed in a royal mantle.
37 – 40	being disrobed of a royal mantle.
41 – 44	being worshiped by a nude man and woman.
45 – 48	floating in the air.
49 – 52	dancing.
53 – 56	posed between two pillars.
57 – 60	inside a bubble.
61 – 64	hung from a tree.
65 – 68	holding (or standing near) a flowerpot.
69 – 72	menaced by dogs.
73 – 76	being cut into pieces by a man with a sword.
77 – 80	being bathed in a cauldron.
81 – 82	being put through a winepress.
83 – 87	being picked at by birds.
88 – 92	swallowing a snake.
93 – 95	blowing a horn.
96 – 98	contained within a giant glass flask.
99 – 100	chained to the Devil.

d100	In the background is…
1 – 5	the sun and moon.
6 – 10	a smiling sun.
11 – 15	a frowning moon.
16 – 20	a field of 1d20 stars.
21 – 25	1d6 cherubs or putti.
26 – 30	a castle.
31 – 35	a battle.
36 – 40	a river.
41 – 42	a placid ocean.
43 – 44	a forest.
45 – 46	a group of women washing clothes.
47 – 48	a group of peasants working their fields.
49 – 50	an unidentifiable plant.
51 – 52	a chimeric animal.
53 – 54	a hill being excavated.
55 – 56	a group of archers.
57 – 58	a stag hunt.
59 – 60	a vineyard.
61 – 62	the interior of a dungeon.
63 – 64	a barren field full of skulls.
65 – 66	an unfinished pyramid.
67 – 68	a hand projecting from a cloud.
69 – 70	an alchemical furnace.
71 – 72	two towers.
73 – 74	two obelisks.
75 – 76	two classical pillars.
77 – 78	a cliff.
79 – 80	the damned being tortured in hell.
81 – 82	an erupting volcano.
83 – 84	a rain of fire.
85 – 86	a pleasant landscape of rolling hills.
87 – 88	a rocky shore.
89 – 90	a windmill.
91 – 92	two armies about to clash.
93 – 94	a battlefield filled with corpses.
95 – 96	a Chinese landscape with pagodas.
97 – 98	a castle under construction.
99 – 100	the Crucifixion.

Random Secret Societies and Initiatory Orders

Tags

18th Century, blackpowder, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era

The 18th century was a golden age of secret (and semi-secret) societies. Freemasonry’s central role in both the American and French Revolutions is, of course, well known, but a host of lesser-known groups also competed for members and influence. Counted among that group would be the exclusive gentlemen’s clubs of London, and the various knightly orders that had long ceased to serve any actual military function. Libertine organizations such as the Hellfire Club and The Beggar’s Benison attracted the cream of British society. There were also numerous occult variations of Freemasonry created in the 18th century, such as Cagliostro’s Egyptian Rite. Some 18th century groups (such as the Odd Fellows and the Freemasons themselves) endure to this day. The infamous Bavarian Illuminati, although long extinct, live on in the imaginations of conspiracy theorists.

The following tables will let you quickly generate the rough outlines of a quasi-Masonic or pseudo-chivalric organization of the type common among the members of High Society in the late 18th century. They can also be used to define the fictional Magical Order that initiated a Magician PC, or the fellowship that aids a Demon Hunter.

Organization Name

d12, four times	The…
1	Elect…	Brothers (or Sisters)	of the Golden…	Triangle
2	Mystic…	Order…	of the Mysterious…	Temple
3	Ancient…	Confraternity (or Consorority)…	of the Eternal…	Eye
4	Illuminated…	Fraternity (or Sorority)…	of the Wondrous…	Circle
5	Holy…	Seers…	of the Holy…	Cross
6	Sacred…	Companions…	of the Praiseworthy…	Stone
7	Superlative…	Knights (or Dames)…	of the Supernal…	Dew
8	Accepted…	Sodality…	of the Most Revered…	Grail
9	Christian…	Intendants…	of the Divine…	Sword
10	Blessed…	Servants…	of the Untarnished…	Mountain
11	Royal…	Guardians…	of the Deathless…	Sun
12	Blameless…	Watchers…	of the Glorious…	Column

 

Public Purpose of the Group

d20	The organization claims to be a group dedicated to…
1	improving public morals.
2	supporting widows.
3	improving the lives of the poor.
4	providing free medical care.
5	supporting the King.
6	helping “fallen” women.
7	a specific game or pastime.
8	appreciating wine.
9	appreciating food. (A specific food, or fine food in general.)
10	promoting the arts.
11	building churches.
12	sheltering orphans.
13	visiting the sick and imprisoned.
14	advancing medicine.
15	advancing natural philosophy.
16	antiquarianism.
17	exploration.
18	the mutual aid of its membership.
19	defending the realm.
20	defending Christianity.

 

Actual Purpose of the Group

d20	The organization’s real activity is…
1	actually the same thing as their publicly stated goal!
2	vigilantism.
3	international espionage.
4	assassination for hire.
5	instituting a Republic.
6	overthrowing the current Royal House and installing a new one.
7	trading pornography.
8	gambling.
9	indulging in murder (or some other crime) for pleasure.
10	throwing orgies.
11	indulging in elaborate dinners.
12	indulging in flagellation (or another esoteric erotic practice).
13	the destruction of Christianity.
14	the worship of Satan (or another diabolical figure)
15	the worship of Demogorgon (or some other bizarre demon-god).
16	the worship of a pagan god
17	the service of a Fairy Queen (or King)
18	the practice of Magic (or Mad Science)
19	the performance of a vile ritual that keeps their members rich (or young, or beautiful)
20	the destruction of supernatural evil. (They are a society of Demon Hunters.)

 

Tokens of Recognition

d8	Members identify each other through…
1	a secret handshake.
2	a secret password.
3	a catechism.
4	a tattoo or brand.
5	a ring.
6	a perfume.
7	the wearing of a certain flower.
8	an article of clothing.

 

Rituals

d20	The group’s rituals are based on ….
1	Arthurian legend.
2	various incidents in Roman history.
3	Classical mythology.
4	the legends of Charlemagne.
5	the travels of Marco Polo.
6	the Jewish Kabbalah.
7	ancient Gnosticism.
8	Hermeticism.
9	Druidism.
10	ancient Germanic religion.
11	Sacred Geometry.
12	Egyptian myths.
13	the Book of Genesis.
14	an Old Testament story.
15	a New Testament story.
16	the Apocalypse, or Book of Revelation.
17	bastardized Tantracism.
18	bastardized Sufism.
19	a bastardized Native American ritual.
20	a bastardized African ritual.

 

Membership Makeup

d20	Membership is limited…
1	to men.
2	to men of high social standing.
3	to men who have attended a certain boarding school,
4	to women.
5	to women of high social standing.
6	to women who have attended a certain boarding school (or convent).
7	the men and women of high social standing.
8	to Catholic (or Orthodox) men.
9	to Catholic (or Orthodox) women.
10	to Catholics (or the Orthodox) of any gender.
11	to Protestant men.
12	to Protestant women.
13	to Protestants of any gender.
14	to people of a certain ethnicity.
15	to those who have already performed a significant act in support of the group’s public (or actual) purpose.
16	to tradesmen.
17	to tradesmen, and their wives.
18	to soldiers.
19	to soldiers, and their wives.
20	in no way – all are free to join.

 

The Initiation Ritual

d100	The most startling thing about the initiation ritual is…
1 – 3	it takes place in a burial ground (or catacombs).
4 – 6	it takes place in a ruined church.
7 – 9	it takes place in a cavern.
10 – 12	it takes place aboard a boat (or ship).
13 – 15	it involves the relics of a saint (or former king).
16 – 18	the whole ritual is performed in a comedic manner.
19 – 21	its simplicity – the candidate is simply blindfolded, and made to take an oath.
22 – 24	the candidate’s body is painted.
25 – 27	the chamber is decorated with images of horror.
28 – 30	it is completely conducted in a strange and unknown language.
31 – 36	the candidate must strip nude.
37 – 40	the elaborate costumes and masks.
41 – 43	the use of sophisticated magic lantern techniques.
44 – 46	the candidate must take a hallucinogenic drug beforehand.
47 – 49	the oath, which threatens horrible punishments if the group’s secrets are revealed.
50 – 52	the prominent role of a human skull (or skeleton).
53 – 55	the candidate must confess their worst sin in front of the group.
56 – 58	the candidate is made to renounce ALL other allegiances.
59 – 61	the candidates must ritually duel each other.
62 – 64	the candidate is ritually slapped by the senior members.
65 – 67	the candidate must sign a book in their own blood.
68 – 70	the candidate is ritually scourged.
71 – 73	the candidate will be unexpectedly abducted and taken to the place of initiation.
74 – 77	the candidate must kiss the bare buttocks of a senior member.
78 – 80	the candidate is positioned before the backside of goat (or other domestic animal), then blindfolded and told they must kiss the animal’s posterior. At the last moment the animal is replaced with a lovely young women (or handsome lad), who kisses the candidate instead.
81 – 83	the candidate is blindfolded and kept immobile for an hour.
84 – 86	the candidate is branded.
87 – 89	the candidate is briefly buried alive (or locked in a coffin).
90 – 92	the candidate is anointed all over their body with scented oils.
93 – 95	the candidate is ritually bathed.
96 – 98	the candidate is tattooed.
99	the actual presence of a supernatural creature.
100	the candidate must have ritual sex with another member.

 

The Hazing of Candidates

d20	Candidates for initiation are often hazed by…
1	being paddled on their buttocks.
2	being made to run a gauntlet of members wielding birch switches.
3	being made to wait on members while dressed as a peasant maid.
4	being tricked into consuming something inedible.
5	having their hands bound, and being made to move objects around the room with their mouths.
6	being woken in their bed by a bucket of cold water.
7	being made to eat something the other members have deposited bodily fluids on.
8	being bound, blindfolded, and tricked into believing that the group is being attacked by the authorities (or its enemies).
9	being made to drink alcohol until they pass out.
10	being smeared with dirt and garbage.
11	having their entire body shaved.
12	being made to run until they drop.
13	being blindfolded, and having eggs thrown at them unexpectedly.
14	being made to bend over and pick up coins from the ground, and then being kicked in the buttocks.
15	being used as a human table for a meal eaten by senior members.
16	being made to wear donkey ears as they are ridiculed by members.
17	being taken on a hunt for a nonexistent animal (or being sent on a quest to find a nonexistent item).
18	being thrown into an iron maiden with retracting, “trick” spikes.
19	having a pistol loaded with a blank shot fired at them.
20	being made to walk through the streets masked, but in a ridiculous costume.

 

Ritual Costume and Regalia

d20, 1d4 times	The ritual costume of members includes…
1	a robe. (Disregard if a 20 is also rolled.)
2	anachronistic clothing. (Disregard if a 20 is also rolled.)
3	a mantle or cape.
4	slippers.
5	a sash.
6	a badge (pinned to clothing).
7	a medal (worn on a ribbon).
8	a sword.
9	a cord.
10	a hood.
11	a wand.
12	an apron.
13	gloves.
14	a mask.
15	a dagger.
16	a helmet.
17	a candle or torch.
18	a spear.
19	a tool ordinarily used by craftspeople.
20	being nude, except for the other regalia worn.

 

The Privileges of Membership

d20	A major benefit of membership is…
1	access to the group’s secure safe houses.
2	any member can expect unlimited hospitality at any other member’s home.
3	the safety of the group’s extremely liberal social attitudes.
4	a large number of public officials are members (or the spouses of members).
5	a large number of financiers (or their spouses) are members.
6	access to a network of skilled craftspeople willing to build or make anything without question.
7	a large number of very attractive people are members.
8	access to the rare and forbidden books possessed by the group.
9	access to the group’s network of scholars.
10	access to the group’s intelligence network.
11	members agree to hold their spouses in common.
12	access to the group’s store of powerful Weird Objects.
13	access to the group’s vast armory.
14	access to the group’s store of drugs and poisons.
15	potential access to a powerful magical ritual that confers wealth, health, or youth.
16	a large number of aristocrats are members.
17	a large number of artists are members.
18	the numerous parties and feasts.
19	members are pledged to defend each other with their lives.
20	the aid of supernatural allies.

 

Local Section Designation

d12	Each local section of the group is called a…
1	lodge.
2	chapter.
3	circle.
4	coterie.
5	hall.
6	court.
7	hostelry.
8	temple.
9	coven.
10	commandery.
11	bailiwick.
12	parish.

 

Group Structure

d10, twice	The group is organized into…
1	three…	degrees.
2	four…	ranks.
3	five…	grades.
4	six…	tiers.
5	seven…	divisions.
6	nine…	strata.
7	ten…	spheres.
8	twelve…	castes.
8	twenty-two…	qualities.
9	twenty-six…	stages.
10	thirty-two…	levels.

 

Titles for New Initiates

d12	A newly joined member is called a…
1	Neophyte.
2	Apprentice.
3	Initiate.
4	Tyro.
5	Squire (or Maid).
6	Student.
7	Associate.
8	Probationer.
9	Aspirant.
10	Novice.
11	Seeker.
12	Novitiate.

 

Titles for Middle-ranked Members

d10, twice	The middle-ranked titles include…
1	Fellow…	Journeyman / Journeywoman.
2	Registered…	Brother / Sister.
3	Recorded…	Knight / Dame.
4	Practicing…	Craftsman / Craftswomen. (May also be a specific trade associated with the group’s purpose, such as Carpenter, or Hunter).
5	Errant…	Frater / Soror.
6	Ordained…	Adept.
7	Uncontested…	Scribe.
8	Faithful…	Warder.
9	Ordinary…	Companion.
10	Instructed…	Comrade.

 

Titles for Senior Members

d10, three times	The senior-ranked titles include…
1	Perfect…	Master / Mistress…	of the Temple.
2	Supreme…	Prince / Princess…	of the Rule.
3	Absolute…	Custodian…	of the Law.
4	Anointed…	Hierophant…	of the Secret.
5	Royal…	Guardian…	of the Portal.
6	Ineffable…	Commander…	of the East (or other direction).
7	Sublime…	Intendant…	of the Holy Mountain.
8	Glorious…	Chamberlain / Chatelaine…	of the Eagle.
9	Most Holy…	Confidante…	of the Crown.
10	Sacred…	Sovereign…	of the Most Holy Grail.

 

Group Governance

d10	The group is governed…
1	as completely independent cells without any kind of higher organization.
2	by local bodies electing representatives to regional bodies, who in turn vote for the overall leader.
3	by the eldest member of a single family, whose word is absolute.
4	by an absolute leader appointed by the previous one.
5	by a leader who is appointed by the previous one, but must also be confirmed by a vote of the membership.
6	by a cabal who appoint their successors.
7	by a Grandmaster appointed by a monarch (and not necessarily the local one).
8	as a true democracy, and all major decisions of the elected officers must also be ratified by the membership.
9	by a hierarchy so complicated that not even its members fully understand how it operates!
10	directly by a supernatural being.

 

Meeting Frequency

d20	The group meets…
1	every Sunday.
2	every Monday.
3	every Tuesday.
4	every Wednesday.
5	every Thursday.
6	every Friday.
7	every Saturday.
8	every fortnight (two weeks).
9	once a month, when the sun enters a new zodiacal sign.
10	on the first of each month.
11	in the middle of each month.
12	at the end of each month.
13	on every full moon.
14	on every new moon.
15	four times a year – on the Equinoxes and Solstices.
16	four times a year – on Candlemas, May Day, First Fruits, and All Saints Day.
17	annually, on Pentecost.
18	annually, on the Spring Equinox.
19	annually, on Walpurgisnacht.
20	annually, on Good Friday.

 

The Group’s Nemesis

d12	The organization that is the group’s nemesis…
1	wants to expose the group’s secrets, and what it believes to be their true activities.
2	is antagonistic only because of a petty personal grudge on the part of its leader.
3	wants to avenge a specific crime the group purposefully committed.
4	wants to avenge a crime the group inadvertently committed.
5	actually originated as a splinter faction, and still even shares the same goals!
6	often makes overtures of reconciliation, but the group always rebuffs them.
7	is significantly weaker, but its current leadership is extremely clever and resourceful.
8	is much stronger/larger, but its current leadership is incompetent.
9	was founded by people denied membership to the group.
10	is comprised of the same kind of members, but has an opposite goal.
11	is completely opposite in both its membership characteristics and its goals.
12	hates the group for some reason nobody can ascertain.

Random Historical Paintings in Grand Houses

Tags

18th Century, Austenpunk, blackpowder, chateau, country seat, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, manor house, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, schauerroman, stately home, steampunk

Historical painting occupied (along with religious painting) the most prestigious place among the accepted hierarchy of subjects that reigned in Western art before the 20th century. It was praised as the greatest and most serious type of art by critics and philosophers of the 18th century, who looked down upon the more popular portrait, landscape, and still life paintings that actually occupied most of the wall space in the homes of collectors.

It was common before the 19th century to depict historical figures in contemporary costumes. For example, Nero might be depicted in the garb of the 15th century king, or El Cid in historically inaccurate plate armor. Painters also commonly increased their sales by putting bare-breasted and nude women into every scene that could plausibly (or even possibly) include them. And of course, painters were always expected to portray events in a way that reflected the values and prejudices of their wealthy patrons. A historically accurate historical painting would actually have been quite unusual!

Historical paintings can be great clues to the secret history of the family inhabiting a Grand House such as Highdark Hall, or indications as to their actual political ( or religious) allegiance. A large amount of historical paintings present in a collection can warn PCs of the owner’s social pretensions, or intellectual snobbery. A historical painting might even be supernatural portal between the past and present!

d100	The painting depicts…
1 – 2	the abduction of the Sabine women. (circa 750 BC)
3 – 4	the suicide of Lucretia. (circa 500 BC)
5 – 6	the Battle of Marathon. (490 BC).
7 – 8	the Battle of Thermopylae. (480 BC)
9 – 10	the death of Socrates. (399 BC)
13 – 12	Alexander the Great in the Temple of Jerusalem. (332 BC)
13 – 14	Hannibal crossing the Alps. (218 BC)
15 – 16	the murder of Julius Caesar. (44 BC)
17 – 18	Cleopatra’s lavish pleasure ship arriving at Tarsos, to meet Marc Antony. (41 BC)
19 – 20	the defeat of Marc Antony’s naval forces at the Battle of Actium. (31 BC)
21 – 22	the suicide of Cleopatra. (30 BC)
23 – 24	the destruction of the Roman legions by Arminius during the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. (9 BC)
25 – 26	the Great Fire of Rome under the Emperor Nero. (64)
27 – 28	the Emperor Constantine’s vision of the Chi-Rho before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. (312)
29 – 30	the Council of Nicea. (325)
31 – 32	the sack of Rome by Alaric. (410)
33 – 34	Pope Leo I convincing Attila the Hun to spare Rome. (452)
35 – 36	Charles Martel defeating the Saracens at the Battle of Tours. (732)
37 – 38	the coronation of Charlemagne as Emperor. (800)
39 – 40	the “Cadaver Synod”, when Pope Stephen VI put the rotting corpse of former Pope Formosus on trial for perjury. (897)
41 – 42	an outraged husband catching his wife in bed with Pope John XII, and murdering the pontiff with a hammer. (964)
43 – 44	the Battle of Hastings. (1066)
45 – 46	the sack of Jerusalem by the Crusaders. (1099)
47 – 48	the last ride of El Cid, with his corpse tied to his horse. (1099)
49 – 50	the taking of Carcassonne during the Albigensian Crusades. (1209)
51 – 52	the signing of the Magna Carta. (1215)
53 – 54	Marco Polo in the court of Kublai Khan. (1275)
55 – 56	French knights facing English longbowmen at the Battle of Poitiers. (1356)
57 – 58	King Peter I of Portugal forcing his court to pay homage to the decayed corpse of Inês de Castro. (1357)
59 – 60	Jacques de Molay, last Grand Master of the Templar Order, burnt at the stake. (1314)
61 – 62	the Battle of Agincourt. (1415) (Roll again in France.)
63 – 64	Saint Joan of Arc waving the French banner at the Siege of Orléans (1429). (Roll again in Britain.)
65 – 66	Saint Joan of Arc burnt at the stake. (1431)
67 – 68	the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks. (1453)
69 – 70	the fall of the Alhambra in Granada. (1492)
71 – 72	Columbus stepping foot upon the shore of San Salvador (1492)
73 – 74	Cesare Borgia, his sister Lucrezia, and their father Pope Alexander VI, at the infamous “Banquet of Chestnuts”. (1501)
75 – 76	Hernando Cortes landing in Mexico. (1519)
77 – 78	the conquest of Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) by Hernán Cortés. (1521)
79 – 80	the Sack of Rome by the forces of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. (1527)
81 – 82	the Siege of Vienna by the Turks. (1529)
83 – 84	the arrival of Catherine de Medici in France. (1533)
85 – 86	the execution of Atahualpa, the last Incan Emperor. (1533).
87 – 88	the defeat of the Ottoman Fleet at the battle of Lepanto. (1571)
89 – 90	the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. (1587)
91 – 92	the sinking of the Spanish Armada (1588) (Roll again for houses in Catholic countries.)
93 – 94	the coronation of Louis XIV. (1654)
95 – 96	the Battle of Vienna. (1683)
97 – 98	the Great Fire of London. (1666)
99 – 100	The Great Lisbon Earthquake. (1755)

d20	The strange thing about the depiction is…
1 – 4	nothing – everything about the painting appears perfectly ordinary and conventional.
5	the figures appear to be of different racial or ethnic backgrounds than reported in orthodox history.
6	one of the famous men of history is painted as having actually been a woman (or vice versa).
7	everyone is painted with animal heads.
8	the painter has included the figure of Satan snickering.
9	everyone is nude – even if the painting depicts a battle or coronation!
10	the colors are utterly bizarre and garish.
11	if you look away, and then look again at the painting, the figures look as if they have changed positions.
12	it appears to be the work of an otherwise unknown master.
13	it is so realistic-looking you feel as if you could reach in and touch the figures.
14	it done in a flat and stylized manner.
15	it seems impossible to ascertain what medium was used.
16	it seems almost self-luminous.
17	the presence of several mythological creatures.
18	the side usually accepted as heroic is painted as if they were villainous, and their opponents are depicted heroically.
19	one of the figures clearly has the face of a Player Character.
20	the series of seemingly random numbers and letters that have been incorporated into the composition.

Random Religious Paintings in Grand Houses

Tags

18th Century, Austenpunk, blackpowder, chateau, country seat, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, manor house, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, schauerroman, stately home

Religion played a much larger part in Western culture during the Ghastly Age than it does today. While the aristocracy of the 18th century were frequently impious in their personal beliefs (particularly in pre-Revolutionary France), they were socially obligated to be seen attending church services, and were otherwise expected to publicly support their country’s established church. While many members of the intelligentsia were Deists who believed that Nature’s God created the world, but did not intervene in it, the vast majority of the middle and lower classes believed absolutely in the reality of miracles, and the literal truth of Biblical stories. It was also traditional in many places for the third son of an aristocratic family to assume a religious office (with the first son inheriting the property, and the second becoming a military officer).

In Catholic countries (particularly Spain, Portugal, and the Italian States) every Grand House will be filled with religious paintings on canvas or wood, which will be viewed as both devotional and decorative. However, in France such paintings are apt to be hidden away between 1793 and 1801, when the public celebration of Christianity was either illegal, or discouraged.

In Eastern Orthodox countries (particularly Russia), a religious painting will often be a venerated Icon rendered in a highly stylized manner, and painted on wood or metal. Icons will often lack any middle ground at all, being painted in a flat style that ignores the rules of perspective in favor of a highly symbolic placement of figures. The background of Icons will often (but not always) be a field of gold or silver leaf framing the main subject. The veneration of Icons is an essential facet of Orthodoxy, and a Russian Dvorets (palace) will often have a dedicated Icon Room (in addition to any chapel also present on the property). Certain Icons are said to be miraculous – exuding holy oil, or being vehicles for supernatural cures.

In Protestant countries such as England, the owners of a Grand House might collect religious paintings purely for their artistic value, and decorative qualities.

Of course, Gothic novels have long focused on the most outrageous excesses of Catholicism (typified by the Inquisition). Religious extremism is also a recurring theme of the early American Gothic tradition, from “Wieland” to “The Pit and the Pendulum”. Likewise, late 18th century French novels often featured depraved clergy (even though such writing risked official censorship and reprisal). Therefore, the subjects listed below are weighted towards strange and violent images, consistent with the creation of a properly Gothic atmosphere. Naturally, the Presenter should keep in mind the sensibilities of the players when describing any paintings depicting religious subjects.

 

d100	In the foreground is/are…
1 – 2	Salome holding the head of John the Baptist on a platter.
3 – 4	the Crucifixion of Jesus.
5 – 6	the Madonna in glory.
7 – 8	Saint Sebastian tied to tree and riddled with arrows.
9 – 10	Saint Lucy carrying her own gouged-out eyes on a plate.
11 – 12	the Massacre of the Innocents by the soldiers of Herod.
13 – 14	Judas hanging himself, with his entrails spilling onto the ground.
15 – 16	the visitation of the Magi to the Holy Family.
17 – 18	the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary by the angel Gabriel.
19 – 20	the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate.
21 – 22	the Last Judgment, with Christ in glory sending some to Heaven, while condemning others to Hell.
23 – 24	David slaying Goliath.
25 – 26	Samson fighting the lion.
27 – 28	Jesus walking on water.
29 – 30	King Solomon commanding demons.
31 –32	The Walls of Jericho falling before the trumpets of the Israelites.
33 – 34	Saint Catherine, with her emblems of the sword and breaking wheel.
35 – 36	sinners tortured in Hell.
37 – 38	the Whore of Babylon riding the Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns.
39 – 40	Saint Bartholomew holding his own flayed skin.
41 – 42	Jesus, Mary, and Joseph’s flight into Egypt.
43 – 44	Saint George and the Dragon.
45 – 46	the penitent Mary Magdalene, dressed only in her own long hair.
47 – 48	the Last Supper.
49 – 50	Jesus transforming water into wine during the Wedding Feast at Cana.
51 – 52	Jesus tempted by Satan in the wilderness.
53 – 54	Jesus carrying his cross through Jerusalem.
55 – 56	Jesus flogged by Roman soldiers.
57 – 58	Saint Theresa writhing in ecstasy as an Angel plunges his spear into her body.
59 – 60	the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.
61 – 62	the Patriarch Abraham about to sacrifice his son.
63 – 64	Judith beheading Holofernes.
65 – 66	two old men spying on the naked Susanna.
67 – 68	the archangel Michael casting Lucifer from Heaven.
69 – 70	The four Living Creatures of the Apocalypse – a man, a bull, an eagle, and a lion. Each has six wings, and covered with eyes all its body.
71 – 72	Saint Joan of Arc burning at the stake.
73 – 74	Jonah in the mouth of the whale.
75 – 76	Saint Hubert dressed as a hunter, confronted by a stag with a glowing crucifix between its antlers.
77 – 78	the Resurrection, with the decayed dead being re-clothed in flesh at the command of Jesus.
79 – 80	Jesus cursing the fig tree, for not bearing fruit out of season.
81 – 82	the battle of the angel Raphael and the devil Asmodeus.
83 – 84	Adam and Eve tempted by the Serpent.
85 – 86	the Tower of Babel.
87 – 88	the slaying of Abel by Cain.
89 – 90	Noah leading animals two-by-two onto the ark.
91 – 92	Moses bringing down the plagues on Egypt.
93 – 94	Saint Peter confronting Simon the Magician.
95 – 96	an unidentifiable male saint.
97 – 98	an unidentifiable female saint.
99 – 100	a religious scene where the figures have the recognizable facial features of family ancestors. Roll again to determine scene.

d12	Notably, the middle ground beyond the main figures features…
1 – 4	cherubs.
5 – 6	robed angels.
7	recognizable family ancestors.
8	onlookers in clothing contemporary to the painting’s era.
9	the Royal Family (of the painting’s time and country of origin).
10	oddly-shaped boulders.
11	several unidentifiable animals.
12	an unidentifiable species of tree.

d12	The background is/are…
1 – 6	more or less historically and geographically accurate.
7	a formal garden.
8	a theatrical stage. (The depiction is actually of a play, or opera.)
9	a pastoral countryside.
10	the Grand House itself.
11	a field of gold leaf
12	a field of silver leaf.

Random Still-Life Paintings in Grand Houses

Tags

18th Century, Austenpunk, blackpowder, chateau, country seat, dreadpunk, Eighteenth Century, First Empire, French Directory, French Revolution, Georgian, Ghastly Affair, gothic game, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothic Literature, Gothic Romance, Gothick, Gothique, Historical, Historical Gaming, History, Louis Seize, Louis XV, Louis XVI, mannerpunk, manor house, Napoleonic, nineteenth century, Regency, Romance, Romantic Age, Romantic Horror, Romantic-era, Romanticism, schauerroman, stately home, steampunk

Often unfairly maligned as the most boring kind of art, still-life (or nature morte) paintings are actually a great way for the Presenter (or Game Master) to give in-game clues to the Player Characters. The items depicted might be the components for a Magical Ritual, the objects that must be buried to pacify a ghost, or even be a visual pun that helps solve a longstanding family mystery. Painters often used the still-life as an opportunity to display unbridled virtuosity through trompe l’oeil (“fool-the-eye”) depictions that seem almost real. In a world of real magic, perhaps one could actually take objects out of such a painting! And of course, a “Vanitas” (still-life that includes one or more skulls) will help add a properly Gothic atmosphere to any room.

d100, 2d4 times	The image depicts….
1 – 2	1d4 skull(s),
3 – 4	1d6 apple(s),
5 – 6	1d6 pear(s),
7 – 8	1d6 peach(es),
9 – 10	a lobster,
11 – 12	a ham,
13 – 14	1d2 sausage(s),
15 – 16	a coffee pot,
17 – 18	a crystal goblet,
19 – 20	a silver goblet,
21 – 22	a dead game bird,
23 – 24	a pitcher,
25 – 26	a bottle,
27 – 28	1d4 orange(s),
29 – 30	a bunch of grapes,
31 –32	a dagger,
33 – 34	1d6 oyster(s),
35 – 36	a Chinoiserie-patterned cloth,
37 – 38	an Indienne-patterned cloth,
39 – 40	an Arabesque-patterned cloth,
41 – 42	1d20 flower(s),
43 – 44	1d4 pine cone(s),
45 – 46	1d4 artichoke(s),
47 – 48	1d4 fish,
49 – 50	1d20 coin(s),
51 – 52	a melon,
53 – 54	a cabbage,
55 – 56	a violin,
57 – 58	a silver platter,
59 – 60	a porcelain platter,
61 – 62	a book,
63 – 64	a candlestick and candle,
65 – 66	an hourglass,
67 – 68	a globe,
69 – 70	a loaf of bread,
71 – 72	1d12 fig(s),
73 – 74	1d6 sea shell(s),
75 – 76	1d6 pastries,
77 – 78	1d8 chestnut(s),
79 – 80	1d10 walnut(s),
81 – 82	a pistol,
83 – 84	a crock of butter,
85 – 86	a gauntlet,
87 – 88	a helmet,
89 – 90	a sculptural bust,
91 – 92	a silver soup tureen,
93 – 94	a cheese,
95 – 96	a fly,
97 – 98	1d4 lemon(s),
99 – 100	a ring,

d10	gathered on / in…
1	a basket,
2	a table,
3	a chair,
4	a stump,
5	a stone,
6	a pillar,
7	a pedestal,
8	a stand,
9	the floor (or ground),
10	an oriental rug,

d12	in front of…
1	a field of shadow.
2	a closed curtain.
3	an opened curtain with a rolling landscape beyond.
4	a formal (or French) garden landscape.
5	a landscape (or English) garden.
6	a painted boiserie (paneled wood) wall.
7	an oiled boiserie wall.
8	a stone wall.
9	a plastered wall.
10	a brick wall.
11	an unfinished wooden board.
12	servants going about their work.