Just finished "Our World;" and I thought that it was awesome in the context of the DFU. However, being a Chicago resident, I have to admit that I'm a bit "sensitive" about my city being written about. Ken Hite (who I didn't know was also a fellow resident), definitely got the feeling and energy of our home on point. I'm more than a little passionate about my home, so when I first saw the Dresden Files series and found it was set here, I was excited and then when I found that a game would be coming out based on Butcher's work, I nearly exploded.
I've purchased both of the game books and I'm in the process of trying to sell it to my gaming group. I've enjoyed what I've read so far I can't wait to get a game going.
Anyway, getting back to the Occult Chicago segment, Ken did a great job merging real and DFU Chicago, but however and to be honest, Chicago (especially in the context of the DRU) deserves it's own book. I would imagine that Ken had a limited amount of space to work, so he touched on the most notable neighborhoods in the city. I do love that he made mention of Resurrection Mary, La Llorona, and the Hull House Devil Baby. But there is so much more...so very much.
So, with that in mind, I want to start an "Occult Chicago" thread on this forum, so other players who want to run their DFRPG games in the Chi, can draw on more info to flesh out their games. As a resident of the "City of Big Shoulders," I feel that this is something that I can do. If my city is going to be represented, then it has to be done right. JB, Ken Hite and the rest of the Evil Hat crew got the ball rolling, but I felt that rather than complaining about what was missing, I should contribute and build on what they constructed. If anyone else here wants to pitch in, feel free.
What I propose for the thread is that folks can post historical notes, other supernatural legends, or links to sites where relevant research has been done. Finally, I'd like to see fan/player developed stuff set in Chicago be posted here as well.
In addition, I'd like to see residents of other cities do similar threads for their own homes.
With all of the above being said, I might as well get started.
How many folks here knew that part of Lincoln Park used to be a cemetery? The part bounded by Clark St., North Ave., Burton Place, and Dearborn Pkwy, as well as an area north of North Ave, used to be a cemetery. In 1860, the land was commissioned to become a public park, so when the developers came in to begin clearing the land, little did they know that there were a large number of unmarked graves in the earth there, but more than a century later, the truth came out. When the Chicago Historical Society decided to break ground for a new edition, the construction crew discovered a very large number of human remains.
So, what would happen if those spirits decided to get up in arms?
Possible aspects for Lincoln Park, Chicago:
"Who has disturbed our eternal rest?" (Agitated spirits in Lincoln Park)
"The dead have their own history (Chicago Historical Society Building)"
"So, what do a few dead folks matter when we stand to make a profit? (Contractors who did the CHS edition)"
Okay...I'll try to post more at least weekly.