Harker's Handbook:

A Gothic Earth Gazetteer.

Credits
Lead Designer: R P Davis
Editor: Ryan Langr
Layout: R P Davis, Nathanael Roux

Cover & Interior Art

Cover: Cover template courtesy of Dean Spencer
Cover & Interior Art: Courtesy of Gordon McAlpin, the British Library and Wikimedia Commons. All art used is either in the
public domain or used under a CC0 license.

About The Author

R P Davis is a best-selling freelance writer, editor, and adventure designer. He has been a tabletop RPG player and referee the
entire time he’s been sen¬tient, and a role-playing addict for more than 30 years. In that time he’s written countless things, from
simple spells and effects to complete game worlds to complete roleplaying games.

Follow R P Davis on Patreon, Facebook, Twitter, and his website. Stay informed by signing up for the newsletter!

Get more of R P Davis's RPG creations on the DMs Guild and the Kabouter Games DriveThruRPG site!

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the dragon
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This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is
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under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.

2
Introduction
collection of materials intended for Dungeon Masters running fifth edition Masque of

A
the Red Death campaigns, Harker's Handbook contains a variety of information to supplement the fifth
edition Masque of the Red Death Player's Guide. It contains a selection of monsters new to fifth edition, as
well as techniques, tips, and tricks for using existing fifth edition monsters in Gothic Earth. It also contains
two powerful villains suitable as the ultimate antagonist in any Gothic Earth campaign, as well as a list of real
historical people, each linked to events in Gothic Earth.

My dear van Helsing,

cip he r by th e fol low in g, I have been hard at work on
As you will no doubt de e of aff ai rs as fa r as Die Wächtern is
ng th e st at
the summary overview outlini pe th is sm al l m on og raph will be of some
ye ar . I ho
aware as of the start of this za tio n as we co m bat our greatest foes in
ou r or ga ni
assistance to new members of
the coming months. gr ea test foe in this monograph, for
no m en tio n of ou r
You will note there is or ev en ru m ou r of hi s existence, much
d no wo rd
try as we might, we could fin , for m y fu rt he r re search brings me to
y foo ts te ps
less his lair. Yet fear dogs m I de al t hi m se vere blows and thought
Qu in cy an d
the conclusion that, though e de cla re s ou r measures were insufficient
fin al ly , fol kl or
him dead once more and hi s wr et ched unlife. It is my fondest
te th e Co un t fr om
to permanently separa e in va in , an d th e un certainty weighs
ifice hi s lif
hope that Quincy did not sacr
terribly upon me.
to M in a, an d te ll he r I sh all be with her and little
Give my love
Quincy again soon. Warmest Regards,

Jonathan Harker

3
Monsters & Masques.
myth, the easier for them to obscure their nefarious plots and
Monsters. dastardly deeds.
espite the brilliance of science

D
Indeed, as humankind has bettered itself, so the Red
explaining the world around us through Death's servants have also learned. No longer do parties of
logic and reason, observation proves that enraged villagers hunt the monsters who prey upon them.
monsters yet exist. Spirits, ghouls, and Monsters have learned to fade into the background, living
goblins are real, and still haunt humanity. in the darkness rather than the light of day. The Red Death
Universities have departments dedicated has assisted its servants in this matter, granting them powers
to the study of the paranormal and supernatural. which obfuscate them from the uninitiated. These powers
Luckily for the Dungeon Master of a Masque of are known to the enlightened as Masques.
the Red Death campaign, many monsters from the Masques are designed for you to easily incorporate
core Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks can be used as existing D&D creatures into your Masque of the Red
presented. There's no reason a warg roaming Dartmoor can't Death game. In game terms, a Masque is the same as a
just be a warg. Creature Template from 3rd Edition (or 3.5): It is a set
To increase immersion and dramatic tension it's wise to of characteristics and abilities that can be applied to an
call it something else, of course—making the warg the Hound existing monster. Rather than go to the trouble of creating
of the Taskertons, for example—but it's not necessary to a completely new creature with a completely new stat
make the creature's stat block mechanically distinct. In the block, a Masque applies a new ability or abilities to an
same way, a member of the Army of Set the Undying is a existing creature.
cultist. No need to change anything. Goblins can be used
as-is, if you describe them as the seldom-seen intruders Using Masques.
from deep in the earth who creep into the cottages of simple
A Masque is a special attack or special quality that can be
villagers and steal babies; give them a suitable colloquial
added to any creature. When adding these special abilities,
name like "the Hidden Ones" and your players will never
there is a CR adjustment involved. In all cases, applying a
know you're using the basic goblin stat block.
Masque to a creature increases that creature's CR by 1. If a
Instead of using lists of “acceptable” monsters, you
creature has a CR less than 1, the creature's CR becomes 1.
are encouraged to make your own decisions as to which
While it's possible for a creature to have more than one
creatures fit best into your Masque of the Red Death
Masque, it's unwise to give a creature more than two.
campaign. Gothic Earth holds many surprises, as monsters
that common sense dictates could never exist suddenly leap
out at the unwary. Even the most fantastic creatures may Masque of the Form.
exist as part of some mad scientist’s attempt to re-create “You shouldn't ort to have come, guv,” growled the stevedore.
"mythical" creatures. “Nuffink good'll come of it.”
Above all, regular, nonmagical humans present some In the blink of an eye, the man transformed. His flesh rippled,
of the most horrific monsters imaginable. The depths of grew long orange hair, and his clothing was reduced to rags as his
human depravity offer a constant reminder that, except bulging muscles ripped through it.
for a decision here, a turning point there, even the most Where the stevedore had been standing now stood a heavily-
dedicated idealist can become a sadistic torturer or a muscled creature with long, canine fangs. Its skin was completely
psychopathic murderer. covered with lustrous ginger fur. It snarled, uttered a few guttural
noises which might have been words, and brandished a vicious-
looking, iron-shod oak club.
Masques. “Fabulous,” whispered Renton. "A bugbear."
But what about a more obviously paranormal monster? If
you want to use a bugbear to be an actual, well, bugbear for A creature with the Masque of the Form has the ability to
your characters, it should be obvious to you that a 7-foot-tall assume a normal human form, where the creature becomes
creature with fangs and covered in orange fur might excite indistinguishable from a real human. The creature retains
comment on the streets of Marylebone. What does that its own ability scores, hit dice, hit points, alignment, skills,
mean for your Masque of the Red Death campaign? senses, and abilities (both natural and supernatural).
Simple. Apply a Masque. In cases where a particular body part is needed to impart
In Gothic Earth, technology, improved infrastructure, and an attack or ability, that body part manifests itself as long as
increased literacy are consigning most paranormal things to it's needed. For example, when an aboleth with a Masque
the realm of folklore. This fading into obscurity is actively of the Form uses its Tentacle attack, the aboleth's real
abetted by the servants of the Red Death, for they have tentacle manifests just long enough to make the attack, then
discovered that if they can hide their evil behind a veil of disappears.

4
 If the creature has an Intelligence score of 6 or higher, it of Jesus." Or it might be a broadly-defined group, such as
can speak when in human form. If it couldn't speak before, it "beautiful men."
gains the ability to speak one language. To all creatures except its prey, a creature with the Masque
When a you first choose the human characteristics for of the Mind is ethereal. While on the Ethereal Plane, the
the creature, it can't assume different ones the next time it creature can only affect and be affected by other creatures
changes; once it chooses a human shape using Masque of the on that plane. Creatures that aren't on the Ethereal Plane
Form, it can never change that shape. When transforming, can't perceive a creature with the Masque of the Mind and
equipment the creature carries doesn't transform with it (and can't interact with it, unless a special ability or magic has
vice versa) unless the new form is capable of carrying the given them the ability to do so. A creature with Masque of
items. Otherwise, equipment falls at the creature’s feet. the Mind can ignore all objects and effects that aren't on
Another creature trying to see through a Masque of the Ethereal Plane, allowing it to move through objects it
the Form does so with disadvantage. When a creature perceives on Gothic Earth.
with Masque of the Form is in human form and becomes The creature’s prey, however, may interact with the
emotionally aroused—whether with anger, jealousy, fear, creature normally, affecting it with physical attacks or spells.
or any other emotion—it reveals subtle hints about its Any non-prey witnessing such a conflict can only see the
true nature. It's up to you to decide which hint is revealed. prey doing battle with an invisible assailant.
For example, if the creature fails a saving throw to resist
the frightened condition, its eyes may glow with an Masque of the Shadow.
unnatural light.
“But it was right there,” shouted Renton. His finger stabbed into the
empty room.
Masque of the Memory. The constable looked at at me and winked before speaking to
"What happened to the Earl of Middleswarth?" Renton asked. Renton. “Now now, sir, let's talk some place else, all right?”
"Nothing," I replied. "Why do you ask?" Renton turned to me. “You believe me, don’t you? Tell him
Renton gaped at me. "My dear fellow, you're covered in blood— I’m not crazy!”
and his body is ripped to pieces in your study."
A creature with Masque of the Shadow can innately cast
A creature with the Masque of the Memory can innately cast the invisibility and gaseous form spells on itself as one action
the modify memory spell as an action without using a spell without using a spell slot or spell components. If the creature
slot or spell components. Instead of being limited to a single attacks, both effects end.
target, however, the creature can target all creatures within a
30-foot radius of itself.
In addition, a creature with this ability can cast the
pass without trace spell without using a spell slot or
spell components.
Once the creature casts either spell, it can't cast that spell
again until it finishes a short or long rest.

Masque of the Mind.

My son wept, clutching his blanket. “No, no!” he whimpered.
I murmured soothingly. “There’s nothing in the room. See?
It is empty.”
The child shook his head vigorously. “You don’t understand,” he
insisted. “Only certain people can see him. I can. You can't.”
“Well then,” I said. “What’s he doing now?”
The child paused. Tiny, terrified eyes peered at me, wide and
glistening. “He’s talking to me. He’s telling me he’s going to eat
Susie and he’s going to make me watch.”

The creature with the Masque of the Mind can become

invisible, inaudible, intangible, and scentless to all living
beings except its prey.
A creature with the Masque of the Mind defines what
"prey" means. Its prey can be individuals or groups. For
example, a creature can name "Bobby, son of Tom and Paula
Davis of Lewistown." Or it might name a narrowly-defined
group, such as "All members of the Order of the Society

5
Minions. Description
Brutes are huge, bestial humanoids created by deranged
owerful villains always surround scientists, whether for their own purposes or at the behest

P
themselves with minions rather than of some evil mastermind. Starting with a normal human, the
face peril themselves. Thanks to the process twists the body beyond imagining and unhinges the
Red Death, powerful villains can arm mind. The brute gains super-normal physical abilities but
themselves with minions specially bred to has no real personality beyond rage. Adventurers most often
that dark purpose. encounter brutes as enforcers or bodyguards.

Brute Skulker
Medium humanoid, neutral evil
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 11
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 22 (3d8+9)
Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
Speed 30 ft.
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2)
Saving Throws Wis +2, Cha +4
Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +5, Con +6
Skills Deception +6, Insight +2, Sleight of Hand +3, Stealth +3
Skills Athletics +10, Intimidation +5
Senses darkvision 120 ft.
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any one language
Languages any one language
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Pack Tactics. The skulker has advantage on an attack roll
Simian Leaping. When the brute makes a long jump, it
against a creature if at least one of the skulker's allies is
covers 40 feet, provided it moves at least 10 feet on foot
within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
immediately before the jump. When it makes a standing
long jump, it can leap 18 feet. When the brute makes a high Mind of Many. All skulkers who serve the same master can
jump, it can leap 30 feet into the air, provided it moves at communicate with each other telepathically so long as they
least 10 feet on foot immediately before the jump. When are within 100 feet of each other.
it makes a standing high jump, it can jump 15 feet. During
a high jump, it can reach above itself to grab something,
adding 5 feet to the distance. It has advantage on checks it Actions
makes to succeed on a jump. Multiattack. The skulker makes three attacks: one with its
bite and two with its claws.
Evasion. The brute can dodge out of the way of certain area
effects, such as a fireball spell. When it is subjected to an Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds
on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Brute. A brute deals one extra die of its damage on a hit
(included in the attack).
Description
Actions
Multiattack. The brute makes three fist attacks. Skulkers are base minions of evil. Like brutes, these pitiable
creatures are often the product of an utterly evil process of
Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. twisted scientific experimentation. Skulkers always need
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. a figure of power to lead them. Without a leader, they are
without cause and purpose, sometimes even going mad
Reactions when not controlled by an outside force. Skulkers can speak
Parry. The brute adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack whatever languages they've been taught by their masters.
that would hit it. To do so, the brute must see the attacker.

6
Who's Who in Gothic Earth
ere follows a list of the most

H
important personages in Gothic Earth. Using the NPCs in Who's Who
Feel free to use the lore parts of these entries to enhance
Where applicable, notes have been your Masque of the Red Death campaign. Having Nikola
appended to the personage's entry Tesla show up as an NPC with an amazing device that can
detailing how they are known to Die contain ghosts, for example, can be an excellent addition to
Wachtern—and likely to the Red Death an adventure, if a little similar to a certain series of films.
as well. The events in each entry are deliberately vague as to
timeline, so you can place them anywhere in the 1890s.
Bierce, Ambrose
(b. 1842) A prolific and
Abbe, Ernst versatile writer, Bierce is
(b. 1840) Born in Germany in humble circumstances, Abbe regarded as one of the most
leveraged his work ethic and prodigious intellect to a degree influential journalists in
from Gottingen University in 1861. In 1863, he joined the the United States, and as a
faculty of Jena University. By 1866, he was research director pioneering writer of "realist"
at Zeiss Optical Works. In 1876 he was offered a partnership fiction, noted for his wit
with Carl Zeiss, and when Zeiss died in 1888, Abbe took and haunting tales of horror
over the firm. He invented or improved a number of optical and death. A veteran of the
instruments, especially microscopes, and is Gothic Earth's American Civil War, he
leading authority in optics. wrote extensively about his
Abbe is also a keen labor reformer who introduced a experiences before heading
pension and profit-sharing to the Zeiss works, and rumors west to edit the San Fransisco
abound he plans to introduce a revolutionary concept: The News Letter newspaper. He
8-hour workday. later spent a few years in
In collaboration with Carl England before returning to
Zeiss, Abbe developed a device the State of California.
intended to create three- We Who Watch believe Bierce's tales of the paranormal
dimensional images. When are without doubt based on personal experience. Definitive
they first applied electricity to proof has come to us that he is a member of the Order of the
the device, they discovered to Crimson Dawn and is an accomplished adept, having seen
their horror that the images things man is not meant to experience.
were not only produced in three
dimensions but were very much Booth, William
alive and able to move of their
(b. 1829) Booth is a British Methodist minister who in
own accord. Abbe managed to
1865 founded the Salvation Army, a Christian organisation
shut the machine down, but not
dedicated to reducing poverty and ‘saving souls’. By the early
before the image-creatures slew
1880s, the Salvation Army had extended operations to other
several laboratory assistants.
countries, notably the United States, France, Switzerland,
Sweden and others, including to most of the countries of the
Anthony, Susan B British Empire: Australia, Canada, the Cape Colony, India,
(b. 1820) Anthony is a campaigner for civil rights and Jamaica, and New Zealand.
women’s suffrage. One of most influential women who Unknown to all but his closest associates, Booth owes
helped secure women the right to vote, in 1872, Anthony the personal magnetism on which his success, and the
was arrested for voting and convicted in a widely publicized success of his organization, depends to magic. At least one
trial. In 1878, Anthony and others arranged for Congress to knowledgeable member of the Watchers who met him
be presented with an amendment giving women the right insists Booth is a Parson and Mystic of no mean power.
to vote. Introduced by Sen. Aaron A. Sargent (R-CA), it
later became known colloquially as the Susan B. Anthony Carroll, Lewis
Amendment. Though it has yet to be fully ratified, it is
(b. 1832) Born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, Carroll is an
predicted to become an Amendment to the US Constitution
English mathematician, writer and author of childrens'
sometime in the very near future.
books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. He also
Anthony is a staunch foe of evil, and her influence with
invented many devices and games, to the delight of children
suffragists is a valuable resource to those of us who wish to
and adults.
stem the Red Death's tide of evil. Therefore we recommend
quietly supporting her efforts.
7
 A bit of mystery surrounds Dodgson, who continues to stories to a voracious public, who remain blissfully unaware
teach at Christ Church, Oxford, for he never took vows to that the stories are in fact real.
become a priest, in defiance of College rules, and uniquely Doyle is fascinated by the paranormal. In 1887, he
to a recipient of an M.A. from that august body. A dedicated began a series of psychic investigations. These included
diarist, several volumes of his diaries are missing; perhaps attending around 20 seances, experiments in telepathy, and
coincidentally, the volumes date from the time when he sittings with mediums. He was a founding member of the
refused holy orders and also began suffering from migraines. Hampshire Society for Psychical Research in 1889 and joined
Dodgson remains stonily silent about this period of his life the London-based Society for Psychical Research in 1893. He
and the location of these diary volumes. Some suspect he joined Sir Sidney Scott and Frank Podmore on a poltergeist
had a run-in with the Red Death at this time, and refuses to investigation in Devon in 1894.
contemplate facing those events again. Some initiates believe that Doyle must be a member of
a renowned Qabal. We Who Watch can aver he is not a
Croker, Richard member of our order, and we doubt such an amateurish
dabbler could be a member of another, though it is always
(b. 1843) Known as "Boss possible he is being duped by an agent of evil such as
Croker," Croker is the James Moriarty.
unofficial head of New York's
political machine, Tammany
Hall. A native of County Cork Edison, Thomas
in Ireland, he emigrated to (b. 1847) Edison is lauded as one of Gothic Earth's most
America with his parents prolific and brilliant inventors. He has filed thousands of
when he was but two years patents, and also combined a rare inventor’s capacity to
old. Educated in New York make them commercially viable. He made a fortune through
City public schools, Croker the electric light bulb and other inventions such as the
gave it up at age 12 to become phonograph. In Menlo Park, New Jersey, Edison created
a machinist's apprentice, and the first industrial laboratory concerned with creating
also became involved in one knowledge and then controlling its application.
of the city's many gangs of In addition to his own work (and the innovations of
street toughs, eventually rising his employees), he had great interest in improving on the
to become the leader of the discoveries of others. A case in point is his experiments in
Fourth Avenue Tunnel Gang. flouroscopy, which until Edison's use of calcium tungstate
After Croker knocked out used barium platinocyanide to develop X-ray plates.
another man's teeth in an amateur boxing match, he came In a battle with
to the attention of Tammany Hall, and soon became active his former employee
in politics. He rose to become an alderman and later coroner Nikola Tesla, Edison
of New York County. At the start of the 1890s, he was city claimed the former's
Chamberlain. alternating current was
Not a single crooked political deal has happened recently dangerous and lethal,
in New York City without Croker having his hooks more pointing out how the
or less deeply into it. From real estate to vice, Croker American authorities
either controls it or is making money from it, enough to have settled on A/C
purchase several European properties. Croker is reportedly for its newfangled
masterminding an election in which one mayor controls all apparatus by which
five boroughs of greater New York City; if he brings this it executes prisoners
about he will consolidate his (and Tammany Hall's) power condemned to death:
for many years to come. The electric chair.
We Who Watch suspect Croker is either a member of, We Who Watch
under the control of, or funnelling money to at least one evil believe Edison is a
Qabal. We have heard rumors of the Cult of the Hell Hound ranking member of
Whisperer, though nothing is known for certain. the Brotherhood of
Alchemae, who are
Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan known to use Edison
devices and equipment in their attempts to bridge technology
(b. 1859). A Scottish physician best known as the author and magic. This may also explain his enmity to Tesla, who is
of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories, Doyle is a close known to have rejected the Brotherhood's overtures.
friend to both Holmes and Dr John Watson. Doyle is also
a confidante of Professor George Edward Challenger. He
collaborates with Challenger and Watson to relate their

8
Gladstone, William Naser Al-Din Shah Qajar
(b. 1809) Gladstone served (b. 1831) Shah Qajar
as Liberal Prime Minister is King of Persia.
on four different occasions, Qajar is regarded in
and also as Chancellor of Europe as the first
Exchequer. He is widely "modern" ruler of
considered to have the the ancient realm of
epitome of moral values and Persia, though Persia
probity. He is a champion itself is far older
of the poor worker than any European
and the downtrodden, culture can claim.
having experienced a Invested by Queen
transformation in the Victoria as a Knight
1830s. In the 1860s, when of the Order of the
he was Chancellor of the Garter in 1873, he
Exchequer, Gladstone has visited Europe
earned the reputation as the several times, and
liberator of British trade and after a shaky start
the working man's breakfast has established
table, the man responsible good relations with
for the emancipation of the popular press from "taxes upon Russia and the other
knowledge" and for placing a duty on the succession of the European colonial
estates of the rich. powers with interests in the region.
Gladstone has ever been an ally of our Order's work, We Who Watch worry about how Qajar came to
providing unequaled access to Her Majesty's government power in the first place. He started out with a national
whenever he has been in power. Let us hope he and his party army significantly smaller than the private armies of
remain for the foreseeable future. tribal warlord's in Persia's hinterland, and within a few
years had established himself firmly on the throne with
Marconi, Guglielmo a fabulous fortune to match. Where did the money and
power come from?
(b. 1874): A promising young man, Marconi is greatly
interested in the rapidly-evolving study of electricity.
When he learned of Heinrich Hertz’s experiments with Peary, Robert
electromagnetic waves, Marconi became convinced that (b. 1856) The intrepid American naval officer and explorer
it must be possible to use them for the transmission of has recently completed a trip to prove conclusively that
information. He envisioned a type of telegraph that uses Greenland is an island. In order to facilitate this journey,
no wires. He is conducting experiments in this "wireless Peary spent many months living with and learning from
telegraphy" in his home, Villa Griffone in Pontecchio. His Inuit willing to share their ancient knowledge with him. He
work (expanding on the work of Hertz, Righi, and Lodge) has just left on another expedition to find the North Pole
uses a coherer, based on the findings of the French physicist via dogsled.
Edouard Branly. Marconi is reportedly building a storm We Who Watch wonder just what he learned from the
alarm made up of a battery, a coherer, and an electric bell, Inuit, and what he gave in exchange. His current expedition
which went off when it picked up the radio waves generated to the Pole is his second one. He failed to find it on his first
by lightning. Marconi posits that when the coherer changes attempt, and he has been notably reticent about what exactly
resistance, based on radio waves produced by lightning, the he did find.
current will set off the bell.
Like Tesla, Marconi is an unqualified genius. Unlike Tesla,
Marconi is incredibly ambitious, and hungry for both fame
and fortune. The possibility that he might be compromised
by agents of the Red Death is quite high.

9
Pinkterton, Allan developing new types of electric motors, generators, and
other devices.
(b. 1819 – 1884?) A Now relatively wealthy, Tesla is in a much-improved
native of Scotland, research facility, where he is investigating breakthrough
Allan Pinkerton scientific techniques he learned at the 1889 Exposition
emigrated to America Universelle in Paris. The world awaits the innovative
in 1842, where he inventions of this brilliant man.
pursued his trade It is to be remarked that nothing points to the Red Death
as a cooper near having any interest at all in Tesla, except perhaps as a target
Chicago. A chance for elimination (see Edison, Thomas).
encounter with some
counterfeiters led
to him becoming Tubman, Harriet
Chicago's first police (b. 1822) Tubman
detective in 1849. escaped from slavery
When the American but returned on many
Civil War broke dangerous missions to
out, Pinkerton Maryland where she
became head of the helped lead slaves to
Union Intelligence freedom. She also served
Service, serving with as agent and leader
distinction in several during the American
undercover operations Civil War, and became
from which he barely escaped with his life. After the War, a symbol of the
his private detective business, the Pinkerton National abolition movement.
Detective Agency, became a household name. Pinkerton Many new initiates
supposedly died in 1882, from either a stroke or gangrene, to our Order might
depending on which story one accepts. Pinkerton was a be surprised to know
famous anti-labor reactionary. After his supposed demise, Tubman is a long-
his agency became a major force against the organized labor time member of Die
movement in North America, including the Homestead Wächtern, having
Strike, the Pullman Strike, and the Wild Bunch Gang, all of performed Herculean
which led to a Federal Act prohibiting the US government efforts on our behalf and
from hiring the agency. on behalf of humankind
Some say that Pinkerton faked his own death, either in opposition to the Red Death.
at the behest of robber barons (who feared the rise of
organized labor) or at the request of President Chester
Arthur's Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln (who feared
Twain, Mark
recurrances of the Cincinnati Riots of March of 1884), in (b. 1835) American
order to go deep undercover for some reason. Some say writer and humorist,
he had magical help from one Qabal or another. It seems considered the ‘father
plain from his uncanny ability to gather information that of American literature’.
Pinkerton had (or has) some affinity with magic. Famous works include
The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer (1876)
Tesla, Nikola and Adventures of
(b. 1856) Born in Serbia and educated there, Tesla is one Huckleberry Finn (1885).
of the most wondrous inventors of our age. Possessed of Some among the
eidetic memory and the ability to perform integral calculus Watchers suspect that
in his head, he never finished a university degree, though Mr Twain has access
he was considered a brilliant student. In 1882, Tesla gained to some device or
employment at the Paris headquarters of the Continental power which enables
Edison Company, where he swiftly came to the notice of him to actually travel
his superiors. The company brought him to the United in time. His "novel" A
States, where he worked in New York City supervising the Connecticut Yankee in
installation, maintenance, and improvement of the Edison King Arthur's Court is
electric grid. He soon left the Edison operation—reportedly too fantastically realistic
on bad terms with the great inventor himself—and set up to be made up out of
his own laboratory where he worked on improving and whole cloth.

10
Vivekananda Wilhelm II
(b. 1863) The Indian (b. 1859) Kaiser Wilhelm II has led Germany on a more
monk Swami Vivekananda bellicose, assertive foreign policy, where he clearly wishes
travelled to the United to see Germany become a major European power. He is
States and spoke on the pursuing alliances with other European powers, which
ideal of religious tolerance some among the Watchers worry will lead to trouble in the
at the World Parliament years to come.
of Religions 1893. He Wilhelm is known to be a harsh, judgmental man
teaches a spiritual path with great ambition. He chafes at the status accorded his
which combines Eastern neighbors—like France—and seeks German dominance over
mysticism and Western Europe and eventually the world. Our agents are aware that
dynamism, and is a key German military and intelligence officers are searching at
figure in the Indian home and abroad for occult secrets which can aid his aims.
Renaissance. It is only a matter of time until he is suborned by the Red
Swami Vivekananda's Death, if he isn't already.
message is an excellent
counterpoint to the
temptations of the Red
Death. He should be
closely monitored and, if at
all possible, protected from
agents of evil, to whom
he poses a substantial
existential threat.

Wells, H.g.
(b. 1866) The English novelist Herbert George Wells
writes what the public calls "science fiction." Some
watchers, more aware than the unwashed proletariat, know
what Wells describes might very well be science fact. A
mitigating circumstance is his mixture of social commentary
into his work.
If Wells really is describing true events—even if these are
just the kernel from which his stories grow—it is entirely
possible that he possesses the notes of "Dr Moreau," the
formula for a potion of invisibility, or a functional time
machine. He must be closely watched.

Wilde, Oscar
(b. 1854) Wit, playwright, poet and author, Oscar Wilde
dazzles theatre goers with his innovative and witty plays.
However, he got caught up in scandal and was sentenced to
jail for gross indecency after attempting to sue the Marquis
of Salisbury for libel. His pithy observations about social
niceties shock the polite public, and his keen insights into
human nature make him popular.
Like Mark Twain, observers note the shocking realism in
Wilde's sole novel, The Picture of Dorian Grey. We wonder
just how he came to know about this life-lengthening
technique, as well as describe it so vividly.

11
Villains ere follows a selection of villains

H
so vile that one might call them "Gothic
Earth's Most Wanted." Be forewarned,
however, before you dare go charging
off after them: They are beings of nearly
infinite power, well-insulated from mere
mortals, and therefore so dangerous that to tangle with even
their lower subordinates is more than many can handle.

Professor Moriarty
Medium fiend, lawful evil

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 195 (23d8 + 92)
Speed 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 20 (+5)

Saving Throws Wis +9, Cha +10

Skills Arcana +10, Deception +10, Insight +9, Perception +9
Damage Vulnerabilities piercing from magic weapons
wielded by good creatures
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages All (read only), English, Hindu
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)

Limited Magic Immunity. Moriarty can’t be affected or

detected by spells of 6th level or lower unless he wishes
to be. He has advantage on saving throws against all other
spells and magical effects.

Innate Spellcasting. Moriarty's innate spellcasting ability is

Charisma (spell save DC 18, +9 to hit with spell attacks).
He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:

At will: detect thoughts, disguise self, mage hand, minor illusion

3/day each: charm person, detect magic, dispel magic, hellish

rebuke, invisibility, major image, speak with dead, suggestion
horrible images and dreams. The cursed target gains no
1/day each: banishment, demiplane, dominate person, fly, benefit from finishing a short or long rest. The curse lasts
forcecage, geas, plane shift, true seeing until it is lifted by a remove curse spell or similar magic.
Magic Weapons. Moriarty's weapon attacks are magical.

Shapechanger. Moriarty can assume any humanoid form or Background

revert to his own form as an action. In humanoid form, he
loses his claw attack. Moriarty remains in one form until he James Moriarty’s true name is unknown. Indeed, it is
chooses another. Any equipment he wears or carries isn't unpronounceable by the human tongue, for he is one of a
transformed. He reverts to his true form if he dies. True breed of powerful and malevolent fiends called rakshasa.
seeing reveals the Professor for what he is. None can say how these fiends first reached Earth, but we
can safely assume it was alongside the Red Death itself, or
Actions else summoned or spawned by it. Presumably the creature
Multiattack. Moriarty makes four claw attacks. now known as Moriarty dwelt for millennia in India, moving
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. among the people there.
Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage and the target is cursed if When the British first colonized India, Moriarty was
it’s a creature. The curse takes effect whenever the target fascinated by them. Humans who looked nothing like those
takes a short or long rest, filling the target’s thoughts with

12
with which he was familiar, with their unfamiliar culture Lair
and technology, were of immense attraction to him. He lived
among the British for a time, disguised as one of them. He Moriarty keeps an inconspicuous townhouse in London.
even dared to visit Britain itself. His fascination galvanized, While his home seems quite mundane from the
he stayed. In London, Moriarty forged a new identity for outside, inside, the house is a nightmare concoction of
himself which explained his expansive knowledge (and some illusions and magic.
of his powers): the unassuming role of a simple university No spells or abilities other than Moriarty’s own function
professor. As Moriarty walked in various social circles, within the house. Spatial magic makes the house look much
he became more and more intrigued with British society, bigger on this inside than it does on the outside. Many of the
including its rigid customs and etiquette. doors and walls of the Professor’s abode are phantasmal, so
Eventually, having explored polite society to its edges, he an adventurer who enters a room might find that the door
became bored. As a diversion, he began indulging in criminal she just walked through leads to a room that wasn’t there
activities, a test to see how long he could go before he was a moment ago.
caught. Moriarty discovered he had a talent for organizing
crime. Soon crime became his only source of amusement. Possibilities
It was only a matter of time before Moriarty ran afoul Though his war with Holmes is in a state of truce (for it
the great detective Sherlock Holmes. After a number of can never be said to be truly over), the Professor constantly
encounters, Holmes pierced Moriarty’s disguise, discovering seeks new opponents with whom to match wits. As one of
the true nature of his opponent. (For reasons of his own, the most brilliant criminal minds on Gothic Earth, other
he never revealed this information to his boon companion, criminals often seek him out for his aid, just as the police
John Watson, and he certainly declined to reveal it to his once sought out Sherlock Holmes. If Moriarty were to find
unofficial biographer, Doyle.) After their physical battle other opponents worthy of his stature, he would hound them
atop Reichenbach Falls, Holmes and Moriarty survived and night and day, if only to provide himself entertainment.
remain in hiding from each another.

Combat
Moriarty has never to our knowledge met a mortal in hand-
to-hand combat other than Holmes. Therefore, this section
does not concern itself with his abilities in a fight; suffice it
to say they are considerable. On the contrary, he is always
protected by brutes and lurkers (see Monsters, above).
Professor Moriarty's real threat is his towering intellect.
Along with his criminal brilliance comes a daunting
command of magic, which means no single being on Gothic
Earth is more dangerous than Professor Moriarty. He one of
Gothic Earth’s most fearsome opponents.
Moriarty is the quintessential criminal mastermind. Coldly
calculating, he prides himself on his ability to predict an
opponent’s every move. Only the canniest of heroes, such as
the great detective himself, have been able to defeat his ploys.
Most elegant of all, Moriarty ensures these plots can never be
traced directly back to him.
Unlike many villains, Moriarty is not obsessed with any
cause, anything, or anyone. He pursues crime purely as
a pastime to alleviate his immortal boredom. Crime is to
him a game, and mortals are the pieces. For this reason, the
Professor delights in finding opponents who are capable of
piercing his stratagems, treating them with great respect.

13
Imhotep
Medium undead, lawful evil

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

18 (+4) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 18 (+4) 22 (+6) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Con +8, Int +9, Wis +11, Cha +8
Skills History +9, Religion +9
Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison; bludgeoning, piercing,
and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Imhotep has mastered all languages, including all
those spoken on Gothic Earth
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)

Magic Resistance. Imhotep has advantage on saving throws

against spells and other magical effects.

Manifest Presence. Wherever Imhotep’s name appears, he

may use a standard action to project himself and all his
equipment, appearing anywhere within 10 feet of the image
or name. Should this form be destroyed, Imhotep can simply
manifest from any other spot in which his name or image
appears. Destroying the name or image of Imhotep causes
him to be stunned for 1 round, but does not destroy him.
It does, however, prevent Imhotep from manifesting from
that name or image again, unless someone restores the
name or image. Imhotep can only manifest himself in this
way during sunrise and sunset. During the day and night, he
is prevented from doing so by the Amulets of the Sun and
Moon (see below).

Inhabit Statue. Imhotep can inhabit any statue made in his

Spellcasting. Imhotep is a 10th-level spellcaster. His
likeness. Doing so causes the statue to animate, becoming
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 19, +11
a stone golem. The golem acquires all of Imhotep's mental
to hit with spell attacks). Imhotep has the following
stats. He retains the use of his spells and abilities while
spells prepared:
inhabiting a statue.
Cantrips (at will): sacred flame, thaumaturgy
My Name is My Eye. Imhotep can use any instance of his
name or image as a focus for a scrying spell, which he can
1st level (4 slots): command, guiding bolt, shield of faith
cast without using a spell slot or components. Unlike the
spell, the focus can't move. A creature Imhotep monitors in 2nd level (3 slots): hold person, silence, spiritual weapon
this way can make a DC 20 Charisma saving throw, ending
the effect on a success. 3rd level (3 slots): animate dead, dispel magic, bestow curse
Watchword. When a creature speaks Imhotep’s name, there 4th level (3 slots): divination, guardian of faith
is a 5% chance that the he hears and takes notice. The
chance increases cumulatively by 1% each time within an 5th level (2 slots): contagion, insect plague
hour it is spoken by the same creature. Imhotep can watch a
creature he notices as though he cast a scrying spell on it. A 6th level (1 slot): harm
creature noticed by Imhotep must make a DC 20 Charisma
saving throw. On a success, the effect ends. Actions
Rejuvenation. If he's destroyed, Imhotep gains a new body in Multiattack. Imhotep can use his Dreadful Glare and makes
24 hours if his heart is intact, regaining all his hit points and one attack with its Rotting Fist.
becoming active again. The new body appears within 5 feet
Rotting Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
of Imhotep's heart.
target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 21 (6d6)
necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed
on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with
mummy rot. The cursed target can't regain hit points, and
its hit point maximum decreases by 10 (3d6) for every 24

14
 hours that elapse. If the curse reduces the target's hit point instead, ripping a hole in the fabric of the universe allowing
maximum to 0, the target dies, and its body turns to dust. the Red Death to creep into the world.
The curse lasts until removed by the remove curse spell or Imhotep and King Djoser were instantly corrupted by
other magic.
the Red Death and painfully transformed into its servants.
Dreadful Glare. Imhotep targets one creature he can see Although both had received what they asked for—eternal
within 60 feet of him. If the target can see Imhotep, it must life—it came at the terrible cost of their eternal souls.
succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw against this For the next thousand years, Imhotep, Djoser, and their
magic or become frightened until the end of Imhotep's next minions terrorized Egypt. Finally, however, their reign of
turn. If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is
also paralyzed for the same duration. A target that succeeds
terror was brought to an end by King Ankenaten and Queen
on the saving throw is immune to the Dreadful Glare of Nefertiti. This king and queen created a pair of magic items,
Imhotep and all other mummies for the next 24 hours. the Amulets of the Sun and Moon. The Amulet of the Sun
prevented Imhotep and Djoser from walking about during
Legendary Actions the day, while the Amulet of the Moon kept them from
Imhotep can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the prowling the night. Imhotep was imprisoned in the very
options below. Only one legendary action option can be pyramid he designed for Djoser.
used at a time and only at the end of another creature's Now, after thousands of years of bending all his thought
turn. Imhotep regains spent legendary actions at the start
to it, Imhotep has found a way out of his prison: he can
of his turn.
Attack. Imhotep makes one attack with his Rotting Fist or manifest during the setting and rising of the sun, when the
uses his Dreadful Glare. line between night and day is blurred.
Blinding Dust. Blinding dust and sand swirls magically
around Imhotep. Each creature within 5 feet of Imhotep
must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be
Combat
blinded until the end of the creature's next turn. The limits of Imhotep’s power are beyond the understanding
Blasphemous Word (Costs 2 Actions). Imhotep utters a of anyone who remains on Gothic Earth. Imhotep has seen
blasphemous word. Each non-undead creature within
10 feet of Imhotep that can hear the magical utterance
the birth and death of kingdoms, cultures, religions, even
must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be entire languages. Those who oppose him are nothing more
stunned until the end of Imhotep's next turn. than idle curiosities or tools to him, beings that will die
Channel Negative Energy (Costs 2 Actions). Imhotep within a few short decades, lost in the long corridors of time.
magically unleashes negative energy. Creatures within Imhotep approaches each conflict with cold-blooded calm,
60 feet of Imhotep, including ones behind barriers and patience, and diligence. His plans are devised in terms of
around corners, can't regain hit points until the end of
Imhotep's next turn.
how they will unfold over centuries. He never makes hasty
Whirlwind of Sand (Costs 2 Actions). Imhotep magically decisions, nor is he ever distracted from his far-reaching
transforms into a whirlwind of sand, moves up to 60 goals. Heroes who have faced Imhotep in the past have been
feet, and reverts to his normal form. While in whirlwind shocked to find themselves his unwitting pawns, setting
form, Imhotep is immune to all damage, and he can't into motion a chain of events he had planned even before
be grappled, petrified, knocked prone, restrained, or
they were born.
stunned. Equipment worn or carried by Imhotep remains
in his possession. The only way Imhotep's foes have been able to strive
against him is to commit to long-term plans and objectives
to counter his enduring ambitions. Whole generations of
Background qabalists have been born with no other purpose than to
Imhotep was not only King Djoser’s chief priest and carry out their ancestors’ plans to oppose Imhotep and his
vizier; he was also an architect, mathematician, physician, end schemes.
and statesman. His broad range of skills led him to the
first successful construction of an Egyptian pyramid, an Weaknesses
architectural landmark that was mimicked for over a
thousand years. Imhotep only exists as long as his image or written name
Sadly, temporal achievements did not satisfy Imhotep. He appears on Gothic Earth. Unfortunately, this practically
sought eternal life. In those days, magic was plentiful, and means Imhotep is virtually undefeatable since, as a famous
Imhotep had already seen many unsuccessful attempts at figure in Egyptian history, his name appears in countless
immortality using necromantic magic. Imhotep sought a true journals and books and his image appears in thousands of
immortality in which both the body and the soul would be locations as well.
preserved after death. Thankfully, due to the effect of the Amulets of Sunrise
After numerous vile experiments, Imhotep discovered and Sunset, Imhotep is limited to manifesting himself on
a way to compel all seven parts of the soul to linger in the Gothic Earth during the times of sunset and sunrise. Legend
world after the body had died. He proceeded to test his new has it that there exists a magical formula for the creation
discovery upon Djoser himself, telling the king that he was of two more amulets that Queen Nefertiti was never able
sure of success and wanted only to give his pharaoh eternal to complete: the Amulets of Sunrise and Sunset. If these
life. The magical process tipped the balance of nature, two amulets were completed, Imhotep would be truly

15
imprisoned, without any means of escape at all. Unless, of archaeology, this means that he can watch or appear in
course, one or more of the amulets were destroyed—which is almost any place where Egyptian archaeology is mentioned.
a goal Imhotep's servants ceaselessly pursue. He has access to most of the major libraries in the world,
allowing him to maintain a global network of spies
Lair and servants.
Heroes facing Imhotep find themselves up against
Imhotep is confined a prison of his own making: the numerous adversaries arrayed along an extensive and
famous step pyramid of King Djoser in Egypt, the first complex chain of command. Deadly and immediate threats
pyramid ever constructed and the one on which all other may be vanquished, but only at the cost of discovering that
Egyptian pyramids are based. There he is doomed to forever the enemy now takes orders from someone else—or that
remain, until he can find a way to break one of the ancient the momentary tactical victory plays into one of Imhotep's
mystic seals. larger, more long-term strategic plans.
Imhotep has numerous agendas, all working in
Possibilities conjunction. However, his chief goals are to find the long-
lost Amulets of Sun and Moon in order to destroy them,
Imhotep is an excellent master villain for your Masque of
allowing him to freely stalk the earth once more.
the Red Death campaign. As a true immortal, Imhotep
can peer into just about any place where his name or image
appears, and because he is a central figure in history and

16