Introduction
Call of Cthulhu is a role-playing game that is based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, the famous American author of horror and science fiction. The game is set in the 1920s and allows players to take on the roles of investigators who are trying to uncover the secrets of the mythos and prevent the world from being taken over by ancient, powerful entities.
The Game Mechanics
The game is played using a percentile-based system, which means that players use two ten-sided dice to generate a number between 1 and 100. This number is then compared to the character's skill level to determine if the task is successful or not. The game also uses a sanity mechanic, where players can lose their sanity as they encounter the horrors of the mythos.
The Setting
The game is set in the 1920s, which was a time of great change and upheaval. The world was recovering from the First World War, and many people were looking for new ways to live their lives. The game is set mainly in the United States and Europe, but it also includes locations in other parts of the world.
The Characters
The characters in Call of Cthulhu are investigators who are trying to uncover the secrets of the mythos. They can be from a variety of different backgrounds, such as academics, journalists, or even criminals. Each character has a set of skills and attributes that determine how well they can perform certain tasks.
The Mythos
The mythos is a collection of ancient, powerful entities that exist beyond our reality. These entities are often referred to as the Great Old Ones, and they are worshipped by cults that seek to bring about their return. The mythos also includes various other creatures, such as shoggoths and deep ones, which are often used as minions by the Great Old Ones.
The Campaigns
Call of Cthulhu can be played as a one-shot game or as part of a longer campaign. In a campaign, players will take on multiple scenarios that are connected by a larger story arc. These scenarios can range from investigating a haunted house to stopping a cult from summoning one of the Great Old Ones.
The Scenarios
There are many scenarios available for Call of Cthulhu, both official and fan-made. These scenarios often involve investigating a mystery or stopping a cult from completing a ritual. They can be set in a variety of different locations, from a small town in New England to a remote island in the Pacific.
The Lovecraftian Horror
The horror in Call of Cthulhu is often referred to as Lovecraftian horror, named after the author who created the mythos. This type of horror is characterized by its cosmic scale and its emphasis on the unknown and the unknowable. It often involves the characters encountering things that are beyond their comprehension, such as the Great Old Ones themselves.
The Cults
Cults play a large role in Call of Cthulhu, as they are often the ones trying to bring about the return of the Great Old Ones. These cults can range from small groups of people to large, well-funded organizations. They are often led by charismatic leaders who are able to convince their followers to do terrible things in the name of their beliefs.
The Investigators
The investigators in Call of Cthulhu are often ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They may be academics, journalists, or even criminals, but they all share a desire to uncover the truth and prevent the world from being consumed by the mythos. They often have to deal with their own fears and doubts as they confront the horrors of the mythos.
The Game Masters
The game master in Call of Cthulhu is responsible for creating the scenarios and guiding the players through the game. They are also responsible for playing the non-player characters, such as the cult leaders and the minions of the Great Old Ones. The game master must be familiar with the rules of the game and the mythos in order to create a compelling and terrifying game.
The Atmosphere
Call of Cthulhu is a game that relies heavily on atmosphere to create a sense of horror and dread. The game master must be able to create a setting that is dark and foreboding, with hints of the mythos lurking just out of sight. The players must be able to feel the terror and uncertainty that their characters are experiencing as they confront the unknown.
The Role-playing
Role-playing is a key component of Call of Cthulhu, as players must be able to inhabit their characters and make decisions based on their motivations and beliefs. The game master must be able to create scenarios that allow for role-playing and encourage the players to become invested in their characters. The players must also be willing to take risks and make decisions that may have dire consequences.
The Community
Call of Cthulhu has a large and active community of players and game masters who are passionate about the game and the mythos. There are many online forums and communities where players can share their experiences and discuss the game. There are also conventions and events where players can meet and play games together.
The Legacy
Call of Cthulhu has had a significant impact on the world of gaming and popular culture. It has inspired many other games and works of fiction, and it has introduced countless people to the works of H.P. Lovecraft. It has also helped to popularize the role-playing game genre and has shown that games can be a powerful tool for storytelling.
The Conclusion
Call of Cthulhu is a game that is both challenging and rewarding. It requires players to think creatively and work together to solve mysteries and prevent the world from being consumed by the mythos. It also allows players to explore the dark and terrifying world of Lovecraftian horror and to confront their own fears and doubts. Whether you are a seasoned role-player or a newcomer to the hobby, Call of Cthulhu is a game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment and excitement.
