Review of Chaosium’s classic Call of Cthulhu scenario, Paper Chase, originally written by John Sullivan and revised by Mike Mason. In Short: Included in the Starter Set as the first scenario for good reason, Paper Chase is very easy to run and play for a pair of beginners, but with a unique spin that gives it legs for more experienced players and Keepers as well….
Review of the Japanese Call of Cthulhu scenario, Chanting Sutra Network (読経ネットワーク), written by Lom (ろむ), the second entry in the Japonism collection of modern-day Japan scenarios released by the Victims of INT (INTの犠牲者卓). In Short: A techno-thriller scenario that works its way through a procedural investigation in Kyoto up to a wild climax. Hits a unique sweet spot of social investigation and pulpiness, and…
This is not a review or anything of the sort, just a short announcement. If you’re looking for something more substantial, by all means go on to the next thing. Just here to announce that my first Call of Cthulhu scenario, Branches of Bone, now has hardcopies available via print on demand from DriveThruRPG. If you don’t anything about Branches of Bone, it’s a…
Review of the free Call of Cthulhu scenario Vengeance from Beyond, written by Mark Chiddicks and Marcus D. Bone, the first scenario in the Monophobia – A Fear of Solitude collection of three one-on-one ‘duet’ scenarios. In Short: A unique take on one-on-one scenarios, a common horror trope, and a classic Call of Cthulhu mystery setup, that makes for a tense and intimate game between…
Review of the Japanese Call of Cthulhu scenario Erich! (エーリッヒ！), written by Seto Eiji (瀬戸エイジ), the second entry in the Bibliothek 13 (ビブリオテック１３) scenario collection. Currently only available in Japanese. In short: A short and very linear beginner investigation with ties to an under-utilised Lovecraft story (for CoC) and a couple of nice scenes, but without much meat on the bones and an out-of-left-field ending….
Review of the Call of Cthulhu scenario, Fish in a Barrel, written by Phil Anderson and Nick Holland of Type40, and the sixth title in the Seeds of Terror series. In-short: One of my favourites of the Seeds of Terror series, a fantastic vertical slice of everything good about classic 1920s Call of Cthulhu in a tight package, well recommended for any player group, whether…
Call of Cthulhu scenario, Dossier No 1 – The Maw, written by Matthis Sperlis and Björn Soentgerath, produced by OBSCURIAT WALSER. In Short: Top-notch layout and design complement a meaty, two-part investigative and adventure focused scenario that makes full use of its setting and colourful NPCs, but does need a bit of work from the Keeper to smooth over a mechanically difficult climax. DISCLAIMER: I…
Review of the Call of Cthulhu scenario, Tickets Please, written by Allan Carey of Type40, and the fifth title in the Seeds of Terror series. In-short: A pulpy, action-packed scenario taking place on an airship that offers a cinematic session, but it does requires some preparation and alteration to run smoothly. Spoilers-lite for players and Keepers: Tickets Please is the fifth title in the Seeds…
This is an overview of my Call of Cthulhu scenario, A Chill in Abashiri – A 1920s Taisho-Era Japan Scenario. In Short: An investigation-heavy scenario in a frigid northern Japanese prison, for players and Keepers wanting a long single session or dual sessions of mystery and seclusion. No spoilers for Players and Keepers: As this is my own scenario this is not a review, but…
A small handful of House Rules my group uses for Call of Cthulhu and other systems. I use a handful of house rules and traditions for my home group, some specific to Call of Cthulhu, others we carried over from other systems over the years. I’ll share a few that could be of use to other Cthulhu tables, and some compatible with most other TTRPGs….
