First, a confession: I've never been very successful when it comes to subscriber-based self-publishing. I gave a Patreon a try for a time, but found it largely unsatisfying for a variety of reasons - fiddly software, low patron turnout, lack of focus. I jumped ship when Curious Fictions came along, but while the overall experience … Continue reading Artisanal Story Crafting
Royal Occultist
The Unnameables
Today's look at the world of the Royal Occultist focuses on an old friend and staunch ally of Charles St. Cyprian, the ex-soldier and adventurer, Bobby Ogden, as well as his fellow 'Unnameables'. Sergeant Robert ‘Bobby’ Ogden, formerly of the 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, currently of no fixed abode. Ogden and his squad were seconded to … Continue reading The Unnameables
The Amateur’s Amateur
Today's look at the world of the Royal Occultist centres on one of Charles St. Cyprian's better-known associates, the amateur occultist, Philip Wendy-Smythe. Philip Wendy-Smythe is the last of a once-proud line. Avowed orientalist and amateur occultist, he has amassed a substantial collection of mostly fake, but occasionally extremely dangerous artefacts, grimoires and statuary. Over … Continue reading The Amateur’s Amateur
The French Connection
Today's look at the world of the Royal Occultist features on another ally of Charles St. Cyprian, the so-called Necromancer of Paris, Andre du Nord. Andre du Nord is the latest in a proud Gallic line of sorcerers, occultists and necromancers. The du Nords have owned land in the werewolf-haunted province of Averoigne since 1281 … Continue reading The French Connection
The Westenra Fund
A body drained of blood is found on Hampstead Heath. Three nights later, a white face is seen pressed against a window in Highgate. In Hampstead tube station, something titters in the shadows of the platform. In Surrey, a phone rings. The agents of the Westenra Fund are on the case… The origins of the organization … Continue reading The Westenra Fund
Men From the Ministry
Today's entry in the Royal Occultist Compendium delves into the bureaucratic wrangling of the Ministry of Esoteric Observation and Containment. The Ministry of Esoteric Observation and Containment was formed in 1907, following the disappearance of Edwin Drood, the then Royal Occultist. Drood, a firm believer in the rational sciences and the observation, classification and regulation … Continue reading Men From the Ministry
The Cavalier Occultist
Today's entry in the Royal Occultist Compendium takes a look at one of the earliest holders of the office - Prince Rupert of the Rhine, 1st Earl of Holderness, Duke of Bavaria, soldier, admiral, scientist, slave-trader and sportsman. Rupert was the holder of the offices of Royal Occultist during the turbulent period of history known … Continue reading The Cavalier Occultist
The Black Pharaoh
Permit not thou to come nigh unto me him that would attack me in the House of Darkness.-Book of Dead Nephren Ka. The name of an old horror from a forgotten time. Little is known of the being known as the Black Pharaoh. Scattered references in ancient writings were all that remained to mark the … Continue reading The Black Pharaoh
Casefiles of the Royal Occultist
For today's look at the Royal Occultist universe, we have a chronological listing of all of the short stories published so far, as well as those that are forthcoming in the near future, and where you can find some of them. The stories below are listed in a rough chronological order - or as near … Continue reading Casefiles of the Royal Occultist
The Hateful Hound
In today's look at the Royal Occultist universe, we examine one of Charles St. Cyprian's deadliest foes…the monstrous Hound of Mons. The first recorded appearance of the gigantic canine known as the Hound of Mons was in Belgium in 1914, when it reportedly stalked No Man's Land. An enormous black mastiff, driven mad by the … Continue reading The Hateful Hound
