As I prep to teach my new Tabletop Game Writing Lab, I am reading a lot of Call of Cthulhu RPG books. I highly recommend for anyone planning to run Call of Cthulhu RPG adventures, and especially those planning to write for Chaosium, that you check out Doors to Darkness – Five Scenarios For Beginning Keepers from Chaosium.
Doors To Darkness provides five scenarios written especially for beginning Keepers and players of Call of Cthulhu. Here you will find horror, mystery, investigation, ghastly monsters, strange magics, and forgotten secrets, as well as plenty of advice about how to run the adventures for best effect. As well as the scenarios, an essay by Kevin Ross details a wide range of hints and tips on running Call of Cthulhu – guidance any Keeper, new or experienced, will find very useful.
The Darkness Beneath The Hill – A friend’s house renovation project leads to unexpected discoveries in Providence, Rhode Island.
Genius Loci – Not all is well at Danvers State Lunatic Asylum and it’s down to the investigators to heed a friend in need’s cry.
Servants Of The Lake – The hunt for a missing person reveals ancient secrets in the wilds north of Kingsport.
Ties That Bind – Strange rock formations have been found in Mrs. Carrington’s prized fountain. But these are like no rocks seen before!
None More Black – The death of a Miskatonic University student leads the investigators into unsavoury neighbourhoods and dark business dealings.Also included are ten diverse and ready-to-play investigators, allowing players to dive straight into the mysteries contained within Doors To Darkness. Lastly, just because these scenarios are written with new players in mind, don’t expect them to be a walk in the park! Those who dare to open the doors to darkness will discover just what secrets and dangers lie within! You must have a copy of the Call of Cthulhu Keeper Rulebook 7th Edition to fully enjoy these scenarios.
Right from the start, this book provides wisdom and insight into storytelling and game mastering with Chapter 1: Sharing Nightmares – Tips for game mastering and playing Call of Cthulhu. That chapter alone makes this book worth having on your shelf, even if you are not running Call of Cthulhu. The advice this chapter provides will make you a better adventure writer and storyteller.
What books have you found that provide great information for you as a game master or adventure writer?