October Horror Challenge - In The Mouth of Madness (1995)

Day 27's prompt was "Favorite Horror Director." As I mentioned last year, I think John Carpenter is my favorite.

Plot

Insurance Investigator John Trent (Sam Neill) is sent to investigate the disappearance of popular horror novelist Sutter Cane (Jürgen Pronchow). Soon the lines between fiction and reality start blending together.

Review

"Do you read Sutter Kane?"

Much like the title suggests, this one is a mind fuck. The monsters are truly twisted and most of the effects are practical. Some of the monsters are even reminiscent to Carpenter's The Thing. Lovecraftian is a very appropriate descriptor for this one. Obviously the name is a Lovecraft reference, but there are several quotes and references in the film. 

The cast  are all great. Neill plays a fantastic cynical lead. He's intelligent, determined, and quirky. I mean his first line is "I'm sorry about the balls." Pronchow is thoroughly creepy as the Sutter Kane, a mix of Lovecraft and Steven King. The supporting cast all perform admirably too. 

Your Game 

I think it's pretty obvious but this one is perfect Call of Cthulhu fodder. The works of Sutter Kane could be mini mythos tomes. In my next supernatural game I plan on including a lot of cursed media from films and literature and Sutter Kane's books will be included.

Movies Watched: 30

New to Me: 17.66

#RPGaDAY2024 - Day 2

"Most recently played."

Sadly I rarely get to play. Prior to 2024 I ran games at Origins, but never really got to be on the player's side of the screen. Honestly, I think the last time I was a player was back in 2020. This was an online 5e session of The Horror Out of Hagsjaw. This was a three or four hour session ran by the adventure's author and the mastermind of Planet X, Levi Combs. I played Milo Tealeaf-Tosskettle, a halfling rogue, brewer, and master chef. It was a blast. Let me say, Levi is an awesome dude and a great GM. If you ever get a chance to play a game with him, maybe at North Texas RPG Con, do it!

I might be playing something soon. My friend Lyn is going to run Call of Cthlulhu for the first time and once me to be a part of the game. I'm really looking forward it.

Happy Mother's Day

 

The Borderlands/The Final Prayer (2013)

Synopsis

A group of investigators from the Vatican are sent to check out a strange phenomenon in a small rural English church. The pair are (for the most part) skeptical at first, but soon found out that there is something going on. 

Review

I'm not going to spoil it, but the movie is a slow burn with a phenomenal ending. There are some seriously creepy moments throughout the film too. While some folks might not like the found footage nature of the film, it works well within the narrative. 

The dynamic between the protagonists, Deacon and Grey, is fantastic and feels natural. Deacon is a kind but skeptical priest because of all he's seen. While Grey isn't religious and more tech savvy, he's way more open to belief. They have great chemistry.

While this could change, it's currently available to watch for free here in the States on Tubi.

In Your Game

This movie would be a great Call of Cthulhu scenario. While I don't talk about the game much anymore, because of decisions made by the creator, I think this adventure would be a great Lamentations of the Flame Princess adventure. 

Penicillin Issue 3

Today I'm going to take a look at Penicillin Issue #3. As I've mentioned before, the Penicillin zine is an interesting mix of rpg content and art. You can read my reviews of issue 1 and 2.

Unlike the previous issues that just featured OSR content, issue three includes content for other games. For example, the first article is for Troika!. The Peridgim is an infernal creature (though not necessarily evil and not a true demon) that feeds on passion. The article includes monster stats and a player background for the Peridem.

The second feature is "the wrong place." This is a combination of comic and game. It's system agnostic and made for at least two players. It features wonderful gothic artwork from Kaylee Rowena. 

The third article is written for basic D&D. It discusses dwarves in a non-traditional way, much like the halflings in issue two. There's a discussion of orichalcum. These unique metal-eating dwarves are given the race-as-class treatment. I like these dwarves and while I might not replace standard dwarves with them, I like them as a subrace, perhaps one that sees themselves as the most pure of their race.

The fourth feature is called The Rose' Fountain, Home of the Dynamos Nymphs. I really like this one (and yes I'm a big fan or rose'). This is a unique set piece is cheeky, but fun. The nymphs and their hangers-on are given stats and some unique traits. This might be my favorite entry in the zine.

The fifth article present medicinal amphibians. The article starts with a bit of fiction, but mostly consists of random charts. A total of ten charts let you customize your experience. It's a random, but fun article. It also made me think of this Family Guy episode and song.

Nacre, City of the Squid and the Snail is next. This sixth feature is four pages discussing and underground city. The article as a whole is written as a creative writing journey. This gives a nice overview of the city though. There are several sidebars. Hirelings, things to buy, encounters, and land marks are all discussed. This is an odd one (like anything in the zine isn't, right?). This is a cool infernal underground city and could make an interesting addition to any D&D game.

Alligator Blood is a one page creative writing piece. It's a pitch for a drug and I really enjoyed it, even if there are no mechanics.

The final article is called So You Contacted an Outer Horror. This one includes several charts that would be useful in any game that includes Yog-Sotothery.  The charts are as follows:

• In what terrible form is it glimpsed?
• What did it represent when it was worshipped in strange eons?
• How can the entity be called?
• What dark powers may it provide for mortals?
• What will it take for such boons?
• What horrid plane does it come from?
• How can it be released?
• What truth is there to its form?
• What does it draw power from?
• What oblivion would follow in its wake?

This is a great chart and honestly, you could base a whole game on this. 

Once again, I'm happy I picked this one up. These zines are weird and I'm not sure I'll ever use them. Still, they really interesting zines to read and have quite a bit of artistic merit. You can purchase the pdf of the issue here.

Highway of Blood Review

Highway of Blood is a Call of Cthulhu grindhouse adventure set in the 1970's. Released by Critical Hit Publishing, it's available in pdf and print on demand from DriveThruRPG. While its spelled out on the cover, this one isn't for everyone and it contains the following topics, which could be triggering to some: drug use, disturbing sadistic violence, rape (implied), torture, cannibalism, body horror, and violence against children.

The adventure center includes inbred mutant rednecks, snake people, high speed car chases, and a town appropriately named Abattoir. This adventure oozes style. The layout and font color choices are appropriate and it's an easy read. Pertinent information is placed in strategic spots. There are several GM tips scattered throughout to help make the experience the best it can be. I really like the music recommendations for different set pieces. When I run this I will use them like one of the suggestions as an eerie prophetic/commentary. 

In regards to GM advice, the book does an amazing job of discussing the harsh topics presented here and how to deal with them at the table. There is a whole page to talk about how to present these things to your party, consent, and what to do. This info is right up front and discussed before the rest of the adventure. In an era where the topic of consent is at the forefront of discussion, this is a nice move on behalf of the publisher. 

The writers set out to make an adventure that feels like a grindhouse/slasher flick and they succeeded. Things are entertaining and feel like a movie. I kind of want to make a trailer for the adventure. If I had a better computer to work on I would. Given the setting and cinematic nature of the adventure, this one is built for one shots. However, there are several crunchy bits that can be incorporated into your on going Call of Cthulhu chronicle. The following are included in the various appendices:

• Nonlethal weapons
• Car chase rules
• Extensive desert environment rules
• NPC's (4 unique and 1 minion)
• Monsters (4 total)
• Spells (2)
• Magic items (2)
• Radioactive materials rules
• Vehicle stats (5)

 Like all good Call of Cthulhu adventures, Highway of Blood has several handouts to give to players to help immerse them in the adventure. 

If you can't tell, I'm a big fan of this one. If you want something different for your Call of Cthulhu games or are just a fan of grindhouse things, check it out. Honestly, I'm already thinking about how I can use this for World of Darkness, Dark Places & Demogorgons, Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, and even Vigilante City (using the investigator options presented).

Call of Cthulhu Coloring Book

Hey folks,

Honestly don’t feel like talking about current events and global pandemics other than to mention I love the response folks in the gaming industry are having. GaryCon may be cancelled, but there is now a virtual version of the con. Several publishers have also made some of their PDFs free. Over the next few days I’m going to share some of those.

I thought I’d start with a PWYW print coloring book from Chaosium. You can read more about it and the contest accompanying it here.

Macho Man vs. Cthulhu!

I shared this piece by Tony Max the other day on my wrestling blog, but I wanted to share it here too. This is glorious!

Music Monday - The Yellow King

Today's Music Monday post was inspired by my Halloween costume.

The Yellow Sign - this magical glyph is tied to an entity known as the King In Yellow. Any who possess the symbol open themselves up to the insidious manipulations of the eldritch being. He can send strange dreams and inspire madness and art. Anyone possessing the Yellow Sign is at disadvantage to saving throws related to mind control and suggestion from the King in Yellow and his chosen servants. However, the sign does make them immune to fear and terror effects. 

Shh...

I love this song and have since I first heard it on Rock Band. It's the death song of my Buffy character, Kyle. Check it out.

I understand that you're upset

You have every right to be

It's obvious to see

I was in the wrong

But I will make it up to you

I'm gonna make it right

If we could put this in the past

And never speak to anyone

About this gaucherie

I will swear to you

That it will not happen again

I'm gonna make it right tonight

No tears, no noise, no cause, no choice

No lock, no key, no third degree

No need to trouble the police

And I can take care of the mess

I know a little place

Let me handle this

Why don't you go and see the kids?

I'm gonna make it right tonight.

No tears, no noise, no cause, no choice

No lock, no key, no third degree

No flight, no flaws, no breaks, no pause

No clues, no trace, no hands, no face

Untold, unseen, unfazed, unclean

Unsaid, unkind, undead, unwind

No fuse, no prime, no plans, no time

No push, no shove, no God above

No black, no white, no source of light

No second chance, no end in sight

No friends, no phone, no blood, no mess

No hate, no love, no sweet caress

Nothing to see, no leaks, no ties

No time for that, no long goodbyes

No lies, no fakes, no secrets

No problem

No, wait!

#RPGaDay2015 - Day 27

Day 27: Favourite idea for merging two games into one - 

This is on my RPG Bucket List. I'm never going to get a group together for an extended Call of Cthulhu game. Honestly, I'm not sure I would want to. Still I love the King in Yellow and own this campaign. I think using it as the basis for a 1920's Slayer game would be totally kick ass. I'd obviously borrow some stuff from Ghosts of Albion for it as well.

October Horror Movie Challenge - The Dunwich Horror (1970)

Synopsis: Wilbur Whateley visits Arkham's Miskatonic University to borrow the Necronomican. Little do the students and faculty know that he's not quite human.

The Good: While it's definitely a 70's flick and it isn't like most of the "Lovecraftian" movies I've seen The Dunwich Horror definitely has elements of the source material. I'll be honest, I squee'd when I heard them say the name Dr. Henry Armitage.

The Bad: This flick is a trippy 70's B movie. The acting isn't the greatest.The pacing is different. The movie is quite slow until shit hits the fan, then it moves at a mad dash.

Final Thoughts: This movies not bad or good in my opinion. If you like retro B flicks or Lovecraft, check it out.

In Your Game: If you want some Dunwich Horror in your game check out Call of Cthulhu. Pathfinder's Bestiaries include a lot of mythos creatures.

New To Me Movies Watched: 19

Total Movies Watched: 31

October Horror Movie Challenge - The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988)

Synopsis: Based on  the book of the same name (which is based on the real world account of Wade Davis) An anthropologist goes to Haiti after hearing rumors about a drug used by voodoo practitioners to turn people into zombies.

The Good: The film was shot on location in Haiti. This really gives the film a more realistic feel. Overall, I really enjoy the presentation of Haitian culture and religion. Bill Pullman did a nice job as the lead. The characters are memorable.

The Bad: Had there been no blatantly supernatural elements to this movie, I probably would have loved it. I just have issues with films based on real events that do this. Also, I have an irrational fear of broken glass and there are two glass eating scenes in this flick.

Final Thoughts: This film is pretty average in my opinion. It's not bad, but it's not great. If you're in the mood for something with voodoo, it's a pretty good choice.

In Your Game: The plot of this film could easily be used for other games. I think you could base a great Amazing Adventures or Call of Cthulhu scenario around it (you'd have to adjust the time of course).

New To Me Movies Watched: 7

Total Movies Watched: 10

October Horror Movie Challenge: Event Horizon (1997)

Synopsis: A rescue crew investigates a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned... with someone or something new on-board.

The Good: A haunted ship movie... in space. The film is beautiful, creepy, and atmospheric. The cast is fantastic. The filmmakers did a wonderful job of making the ship a character itself. This movie also has many great lines, including my favorite: "Where we're going, we don't need eyes to see."

The Bad: I don't really have much bad to say about this movie.

Final Thoughts: Hands down, one of my favorite horror flicks. It's definitely my favorite futuristic horror flick. Watch it! If you've not seen it, watch it. If you have seen it, watch it again.

In Your Game: Event Horizon is a Call of Cthulhu scenario in space. Alter the skills, stat up a few technological things and you're good to go. I thought I'd stat out the only antagonist of the movie (outside of the ship itself).

Dr. William Weir, Deranged Scientist, 50
STR 12  CON  14  SIZ 14  DEX 13  APP 11
INT 18  POW 13   EDU19  SAN 0   HP 14

Damage Bonus: +1D4

Weapons: Fist/Punch 25%, damage 1D3 + 1D4

Skills: Astronomy 95%, Biology 65%, Chemistry 65%, Computer Use 80%, Conceal 40 %, Cthulhu Mythos 14%, Dodge 30%, Electronics Repair 80%, Electronics 90%, English 95%, Hide 40%, History 60%,  Jump 25%, Latin 80%,  Library Use 90%, Mechanical Repair 70%, Physics 90%

New To Me Movies Watched:2
Total Movies Watched: 4

#RPGaDay 28

Day 28 - Scariest Game You've Ever Played

I've played some nail-biting D&D games and tension filled cinematic unisystem, but the only game I've truly had fear playing was Call of Cthulhu.

I used to game with a group that played periodic CoC. We would do one shots using the same characters (if they survived). One of the things that made these games scary was the atmosphere involved. We always played at night and typically played by candle and oil lamplight. Sometimes creepy music or sound effects were involved. The atmosphere and mood is what made the games so scary.

#RPGaDay 7

Day 7 - Most "Intellectual" RPG Owned

Like every other answer to this I've read, I'm not positive how to answer this one. I'm taking "intellectual" to mean a game that you have to think about what you're doing, investigate, and NOT run in guns a blazing. For this reason I'd say the most intellectual game I have is Call of Cthulhu or Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space.

This Is Why I Don't Game With Cthulhu Anymore...

Call of Cthulhu - My First Session as Keeper

Recently my gaming group in Columbus has reunited to game on a regular basis and expand. One of our gang met a pretty cool cat at Origins. He's got similiar gaming interest so we've brought him into the fold. To get back in the swing of things (and figure out what game we want to play on a regular basis), we decided to each volunteer and run a few sessions of different games. Three of us came up with this really complicated way, involving another game and a d10.

I got first dibs (or something like that) and decided to run Call of Cthulhu, because Erik has always been the Keeper and never actually got to play.

I thought I was ready. I wasn't. I'm familiar with the rules and mythos, but running CoC is an entirely different monster. I ran a scenario (A Little Knowledge) from one of the older editions of Arkham Unveiled. I spent a good portion of the night figuring out how to get a librarian, a parapsychologist, an artist, and a psychiatrist together. The first two were characters who'd previously investigated together, so no sweat there. However, I just seemed to flounder in my attempt to draw the other two in. This has lead me to believe that an interesting and useful Call of Cthulhu scenario supplement would be one that focuses on bring characters together in the first place.

We didn't finish the scenario last night. We'll finish it next week. I'll leave you with some of the better comments and quotes from the night:

Me: "Make an idea roll."
Steve: "I succeed."
Me: "Okay, you just really want to shake the hell out of her."

Me: "You've even heard rumors that she even dabbles in the black arts."
Erik: [sarcastically] "You mean... like jazz?"