Steve Hatherley
The publication of The Old Straight Track yesterday was greeted with amusement by archaeologists everywhere. The book, written by amateur archaeologist, inventor and photographer, Alfred Watkins, proposes that many Megalithic stone circles dotting our landscape are set out to a kind of geometry.
In his book, Watkins describes the lines upon which sacred sites (which include churches and barrows) are located. He imagines them to be perfectly straight invisible lines of power. In past times early man could sense this power and construct sites of worship where it was strongest.
Watkins' 'flash of inspiration' as he terms it came to him as he was riding over the Bredwardine hills in Herefordshire. His conviction was strong enough to lead him to publish his book which has had a critical reception from conventional archaeologists.
Note: This story must take place during 1925 when The Old Straight Track was first published.
The story is sufficiently interesting to be followed up. If it is true then maybe it can provide a means to tracking down elements of the Cthulhu Mythos all the more easily. Besides, a newspaper might pay handsomely for proof of other lines not mentioned in The Old Straight Track.
By using a map, a compass, ruler and pencil the investigator eventually comes to the conclusion that the small village of Todberry in Dorset is the meeting point of three such lines.
By visiting the village, and carefully working out angles with a compass the exact point of intersection can be found. It is in a churchyard, and a stone cross has been erected at the exact point. Upon the stone is a symbol a Cthulhu Mythos roll will identify - the centre of an Elder Sign.
The five points of the Elder Sign can be found as stones from an ancient circle. All are hidden; built into the church, hidden in the graveyard, used in the wall, toppled in a field, submerged in the stream.
1 The stone circle is protection against an ancient demon which will return should it be tampered with. A legend of strangers coming to disturb 'He That Sleeps' is handed down by word of mouth and strangers are closely watched.
2 The circle is an ancient place of worship, but has no other significance.
3 An ancient sorceror is trying to remove the huge Elder Sign so that he may reawaken 'He That Sleeps.' The sorceror has had little success so far, but investigators may unearth the vital clue to breaking the spell.
Copyright (c) 1990 Steve Hatherley
Steve Hatherley is the creator of Tales of Terror, and has written for both Chaosium and Pagan Publishing. He also has a number of other websites, including www.great-murder-mystery-games.com and www.mylowerbackpain.com.
Steve lives in Yorkshire, England.
Click here to see Steve's other Tales of Terror.