It is 1816 in Italy, and players take on the role of children aged 10-12 recruited by the Supernatural Protectorate Order of Knighted Youth in an adventure written for Call of Cthulhu 7e (but playable with earlier versions if preferred).

The adventure opens with a prelude episode that sees a monstrous attack on a tavern, the children's parents slain and them recruited by their saviour, a knight of S.P.O.O.K.Y. They are then whisked off...

To the next few scenes some five years later, with the characters now well-advanced in their training in what seems to be S.P.O.O.K.Y.'s equivalent of Hogwarts. There are some neat incidents designed to help them develop into their specialties, which range from alchemist to doctor, engineer or huntsman and more.

Fast forward once again another five years, when they are attending a history lecture by Alexandre Dumas as they prepare for their 'graduation mission' as they progress in the Order from initiates to novices (odd, it's usually the other way around). This mission, a werewolf hunt with a twist or two, completes the adventure, ending with the characters ready-formed into a team and hopefully ready for more adventure.

It makes for a novel and interesting twist and one which might appeal to younger players. The writing is somewhat clunky in places with need of polish, but shows promise, with game mechanical details such as the various specialties available being well thought out. An encouraging beginning for a new writer, now looking forwards to the next offering.

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Reviewed: 25 April 2015