Promethean Foundation
The Promethean Foundation is a private organization with a mission to sponsor research in parapsychology and related fields. The institute was founded in 1908 through private donations and is administered by a board of directors. Grants are given by the institute to fund a number of areas of private and public research. The institute also funds a number of scholarships and grant programs for university students who are pursuing studies related to parapsychology.
Research Initiatives
The Foundation sponsors research in consciousness studies, psychology, eastern & western religions, mysticism, metaphysics, occultism, and classical and modern philosophy.
In 1924 the foundation announced the funding of a dream study institute in Los Angeles. The program was designed and supervised by Dr. Jeffrey Parkman, who went on to become Foundation director in 1925 with the death of founder Gerhard Thuringer. The Parkman Institute in Pasadena was created by the Foundation in 1950 to continue Dr. Parkman's research.
The disastrous 1930 Pabodie Expedition to Antarctica was co-sponsored by the Foundation along with Miskatonic University.
Research Facilities
The Promethean Institute is an interdisciplinary research facility funded by the Foundation. The campus is located across the street from Alden House and features housing facilities for visiting scholars. The institute library houses some of the rarest collections in consciousness studies, psychology, eastern & western religions, mysticism, metaphysics, occultism, classical and modern philosophy. The primary aim of the library is to provide researchers and students with hard-to-find materials. The library also supports the Foundation through the development and maintenance of its large local collection, which features over 50,000 volumes and also houses a collection of original manuscripts and folios. The Promethean Foundation received the entire collection of the Miskatonic University Library when the university closed its doors in the 1930s. The majority of the Miskatonic collection is housed in a dedicated room of the research facility library and is available for study. The infamous "special collection" is however kept secured and is available only by special grant.
History
See Promethean Foundation History.
The foundation was begun in 1909 by Gerhard Thuringer, who decided to dispense a large personal inheritance by donating it to various academic associates to advance their research. At the urging of his colleague Ted Webster, Thuringer also began funding what was termed "practical magical research." Webster began traveling to various locations researching the presence of practical magic. Webster's goal was to develop a general practical theory of magic, goal which he failed to reach before his tragic and untimely death in 1926. It was after this event that Thuringer decided to formally organize the foundation. When Thuringer asked his friend Calvin Alden to help raise funds for the cause, Alden agreed to finance the organization himself. Alden recruited pioneering psychiatrist Jeffrey Parkman to direct the foundation.
Foundation Directors
| Gerhard Thuringer | (1908-1925) |
| Jeffrey Parkman | (1925-1950) |
| Quentin Devereux | (1950-1953) |
| Magdalena Carter | (1953- ) |
Board of Directors
| Tinley Beckwith | Associate Director |
| Gyaltsen Chodep | Associate Director |
| Mycroft Jones III | Business Director |
| Ryan Keaton | Technology Director |
| Evangeline Mayeux | Associate Director |
| Francis Xiconocatzin | Associate Director |
Previous Prometheans
| Name | Term of Service | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Zephyr Adams | 1951-1959 | MIA |
| Magdalena Carter | 1932-1942 | Retired |
| Evangeline Crowe | 1942-1947 | MIA |
| Harriet Hartford | 1952-1954 | KIA |
| Robin Finch-Marten | 1942-1947 | MIA |
| Mycroft Jones | 1932-1942 | Retired, Deceased |
| Niles Kiplinger | 1934-1942 | Missing |
| Ramona Kiplinger | 1934-1937 | KIA |
| Eliza Shanksworth | 1942-1943 | MIA |
| David Spencer | 1932-1934 | MIA |
| Daniel Van Helsing | 1951-1961 | KIA |
| Samuel Welles | 1951-1959 | Retired |
The Foundation as Patron
Point Cost: 20 points
Power: A fairly powerful organization (10 points)
Frequency of Appearance: Fairly often (roll of 9 or less) (x1)
Special Enhancements: Supplies useful equipment in excess of starting wealth (+100%)