Introduction to Roleplaying and Call of Cthulhu
What are Roleplaying Games?
Simply put, roleplaying games are a form of entertainment where people gather together (often around a table) to play the parts of characters, and to collaboratively be part of a story. They have several similarities to 'Murder Mystery' parties, usually with a co-ordinator to help move the story along. Often the plots and storylines are provided by published sources, but you can also make your own.
Roleplaying games have been around since the mid 1970s and can provide an immense amount of fun as you and your friends take on a persona from any period or setting, exploring mysteries from the comfort of your own home.
It's often difficult to properly describe how roleplaying games can work, but fortunately we have some sample audio recordings of such games available. Below are just a couple of recordings that are available from Yog-Sothoth.com.
Examples of Games
Members of the YSDC web site have recorded several examples of the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game in actual play, produced in MP3 audio format by the "Bradford Players". The examples stretch over a number of years dating back to 2003. The following are just two adventures, more may be found in the site downloads section. The examples provided here are just one style of play, but should give an indication of general theme.
Dead Man Stomp is a classic adventure set during the Prohibition era of the US. it is a self-contained episode based on one of the scenarios presented in the back of the main rulebook. This and the following Orient Express recordings were made using the Binaural technique, providing a 3D Surround Sound experience as if you were sat right at the table with the rest of the players.
Horror on the Orient Express is an extended trans-European campaign also set during the roaring 20s. This adventure is on the more epic scale, comprising 34 episodes recorded over more than a year.
The Lovecraftian Tales from the Table DVD is Yog-Sothoth's own 10th Anniversary disc featuring more recordings and a plethora of bonus material and is available directly from Innsmouth House.
Call of Cthulhu
Based on the works of Jazz Age weird fiction author, H.P. Lovecraft, the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game immerses players in the exciting settings of Lovecraft's creations. The most common setting for such games is during the 1920s, often with flappers, adventurers, prohibition and the unspeakably monstrous creatures of H.P Lovecraft's 'Cthulhu Mythos'.
Players take on the roles of people drawn into dark mysteries in an attempt to thwart the sinister plots of the 'Cthulhu Mythos'. What's going on in that old house on the hill? Explore the ruins of ancient Mayan temples, plumb the depths of the machinations of nefarious cults. You could be a detective, reporter, archaeologist, venturesome librarian or whatever character you decide to create.
The rules used for the game are straightforward and unobtrusive, a free introductory version is available to download from here:
Call of Cthulhu Quick Start Rules (also includes introductory adventure) PDF, 2 MB (opens in a new window)
All you need are some friends and a few dice to play. If you don't have any dice, simply print out the following PDF with 'number chits' and use them instead.
No Dice? Then print these dice chits!
Dice chits for Call of Cthulhu (Print, cut up, use in a bag, bowl or mug!) PDF, 44 KB (opens in a new window)
Benefits of Roleplaying Games
There are many benefits to roleplaying games, they make use of your imagination, they can help with numeracy, social skills, show the impact of action and consequence and most of all, can be a lot of fun. In these days of computer games that encourage solitary play (at least with people not being in the same room), roleplaying games act as a good reminder of the collaborative fun you can have together with friends around a table.
Give it a go. It's free...
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