All of Arkham's a Stage and We Are Merely Players (Part 1)

Disclaimer:

This session report is long. My goal was to create a session report that was much more "realistic" and capable of allowing more immersion for the reader.
In an effort to meet that goal, I have included background, characterization, explanations, ect. All in an attempt to add flesh to the story. If you dislike the idea of reading a session report that has become a novella, please save yourself the time and trouble and stop reading now. Thanks.
(Due to its length, I have broken this report into two parts. I hope to have the second half of the session up within a week).