Random Events – Oceanic Travel

Whether playing Masks of Nyarlathotep or enjoying a home-brew campaign, travel on a majestic ocean liner is the period-perfect mode to reach far-flung destinations. If seasoned investigators expect to sun themselves on the deck while enjoying a juicy Mythos tome or draw a quick redline to their next stop, these two random events tables help catch them off-guard and introduce some intrigue into their stately voyage. The first table provides action-packed situations that affect the entire boat, while the second creates personal predicaments and investigative threads. Depending on available time and investigator interest, these can be quick interludes or fuel for in-depth investigations.

1. 1. Storm at Sea: A fierce storm batters the liner, causing it to pitch and roll violently. Passengers are thrown about, furniture topples, and the sound of howling wind and crashing waves fills the air. The crew struggles to manage their duties and the terrified passengers.
   2. Fire!: A fire erupts in the lower hold, sending thick smoke billowing through the corridors. Panic ensues as passengers and crew evacuate to the deck, fearing for their lives as flames threaten to consume the ship.
   3. Engine Trouble: The boat slows down, stranding the vessel in the middle of the ocean. Fears of being adrift fuel speculation about sabotage or deeper mechanical issues.
   4. Collision with Another Vessel: The ocean liner collides with another ship in dense fog, tearing a large gash in its hull. Water rushes in, and the ship begins to list dangerously. Passengers and crew scramble for lifeboats as the ship starts to sink.
   5. Man Overboard: A passenger is reported missing, believed to have fallen overboard during the night. The ship’s crew launches a search, but the chances of survival in the cold, dark waters are slim.
   6. Illness Breaks Out: An outbreak of illness sweeps through the ship, with dozens of passengers falling ill with a mysterious ailment. Quarantine measures are implemented, and fear of a potential epidemic spreads among the remaining passengers.
   7. Rescue at Sea: While en route, the ocean liner comes across a small, disabled vessel adrift at sea. The crew mounts a daring rescue operation, saving the stranded passengers and crew. The heroes earn praise for their bravery in the face of danger, but who are these strangers and where did they come from?
   8. Off Course: The ocean liner’s navigational system malfunctions, leaving the crew in unfamiliar waters. As anxiety spreads among passengers, the crew struggles to regain their bearings…is there something else at play?
   9. Strange Phenomenon: An eerie glow surrounds the ship at night, revealing bioluminescence below. The impenetrably deep waters are electrified.
   10. In the Mist: A mysterious fog envelops the ship. Winged things can be heard, though never fully glimpsed as they circle above. 

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1. 1. Passenger Disappearance: A prominent passenger goes missing under suspicious circumstances, leading to speculation and rumors among the passengers. The crew searches, but the disappearance remains a mystery.
   2. Mutinous Guests: Dissatisfied with the conditions on board, a group of passengers stage a mutiny, demanding better treatment from the ship’s officers. The situation quickly escalates, leading to a tense standoff.
   3. It’s a Stowaway: Having managed to evade detection for several days, a stowaway is discovered hiding in the ship’s cargo hold.  While the motives are unclear, their presence adds a new element of intrigue (and even danger) to the journey.
   4. Sabotage Attempt: Explosives are discovered hidden amidst the boilers, putting the lives of everyone on board at risk. Quick action prevents disaster, but the identity and motives of the saboteur remain unknown. While they strike again?
   5. Dinner with the Captain: Passengers are invited to an exclusive dinner with the ship’s captain, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy gourmet cuisine and hear tales of past voyages. The atmosphere is elegant, but underlying tensions bubble beneath the surface. Can he be trusted?

      

   6. Theft: A valuable item belonging to a wealthy passenger is reported stolen, causing alarm among the guests. Suspicion spreads throughout the ship, and several passengers are questioned, but the thief remains at large. The crew quietly intensifies security. Are the investigators the next targets?
   7. Cultist Aboard: Strange symbols begin appearing around the ship. They could be familiar or foreshadow future encounters. 
   8. Ghostly Encounter: Passengers report seeing a mysterious figure in dated clothing wandering the ship’s corridors late at night. Though dismissed as imagination by the crew, more sightings occur, leading to growing unease and speculation about the ship’s haunted past.
   9. Espionage: A passenger is caught attempting to send coded messages from the ship, sparking fears of espionage. The suspected spy refuses to talk and the motives behind the covert activities remain shrouded in secrecy. Could they be a future ally or an enemy agent?
   10. Smuggling Operation: A covert smuggling ring is uncovered when contraband is found hidden within the cargo. The discovery triggers an investigation as crew and passengers alike come under suspicion. Authorities on board attempt to identify the culprits before the ship reaches port.