Review of the Japanese Call of Cthulhu scenario No Breaking Off (私には止められない), written by Uchiyama Yasujirou, from the modern-day sourcebook and scenario collection Cthulhu 2020 (クトゥルフ2020). In Short: A very linear scenario that trades player agency for a somewhat unique structure, spooky atmosphere, and a neat set piece. Spoiler-lite for Players and Keepers: No Breaking Off (weird English title instead of just going with ‘I…
Starting in January I have released one short, one-hour scenario per month, under the series title Flash Cthulhu. The final four are completed and now part of a ‘Season 3’ bundle, as well as together with the previous seasons into a full, 12-scenario ‘Year One’ bundle. I’ll give a short logline and general theme for the last four scenarios, then a more detailed explanation and…
Since January I have been releasing one short, single hour scenario per month, under the series title Flash Cthulhu. I collected the first four into a ‘Season 1’ bundle, and now I’ve done the same with the next four, putting them into a ‘Season 2’ bundle. As they are super short, I’ll start by just giving the logline and general theme for each, then dive…
Interview with Victims of Intelligence – Aka and Lom, featuring Byoushin – authors of the recently translated ‘Japonism 2024 – 3 Modern Day Japan Call of Cthulhu Scenarios.‘ The following is an interview with Aka, Lom, and Byoushin, the authors of Japonism, a collection of 3 modern day Japan scenarios. Originally released in Japanese in 2019 for Call of Cthulhu 6th edition, updated for 7th…
Review of the Call of Cthulhu supplemental Bouts of Madness Deck by Aaron Sinner and Todd Walden of Ruined Relic Games. In-Short: By far my most used supplement for Call of Cthulhu (despite fierce competition), enhancing the core mechanic of the game – insanity and madness. Spoiler-lite for Players and Keepers: Ruined Relic’s Bouts of Madness Deck is exactly what it says it is –…
Review of the Call of Cthulhu scenario Servants of the Lake, written by Glynn Owen Barrass, from Chaoisum’s scenario anthology, Doors to Darkness. In Short: A sleek little investigative/survival horror scenario that could benefit from a bit more fat cutting to bring it to a light 2-ish hour play time, or to give more time for a longer, player-led conclusion. Spoiler-lite for Players Servants of…
Review of the Japanese Call of Cthulhu scenario Cartoon Reanimation, written by Nanamine Kizashi, from the scenario anthology Bibliothek 13. In-Short: A lovely and bizarre mashup of cartoony slapstick, noir, and a classic CoC investigation structure that’s equal parts silly and grotesque. Spoiler-lite for Players and Keepers Cartoon Reanimation is the last scenario in Bibliothek 13, and the only one not set in modern day…
Since January I have been releasing one short, single hour scenario per month, under the series title Flash Cthulhu. I’ve collected the first four into a ‘Season 1’ bundle, and as I’ve only done a write up for the first Flash scenario, Cafe au Morte, I’ll do a little overview of each here. *Note as of October 2024: Season 2 bundle also now available. As…
Review of the Call of Cthulhu Gaslight scenario The Phthonus Cabinet, written by John Crowdis. In-Short: An investigation-heavy scenario romping through the 1890s London dockyards with a novel Mythos threat. Spoilers-lite for Players and Keepers The Phthonus Cabinet is John Crowdis’ second scenario, following up Al-Azif Unearthed: The Unraveling (they are unrelated, separate stories). While the scenario has a similar feel to its predecessor, with…
Review of the Japanese Call of Cthulhu scenario Black Eyeball (黒い目玉), written by Uchiyama Yasujirou, from the modern-day sourcebook and scenario collection Cthulhu 2020 (クトゥルフ2020). In Short: A unique introductory scenario in the vein of the Gateways to Terror scenarios, or A Cup of Horror by the same author, but with much less emphasis on combat and more on puzzle-solving. Spoiler-lite for Players and Keepers:…
