Summon The Great Old Ones With ‘The Call of Cthulhu’ – How To Get Started
Avoid the cults, learn the secrets of the Great Old Ones, and try to keep your wits about you when you explore the world of Call of Cthulhu.
Call of Cthulhu is one of the most infamous RPGs of monsters, mayhem, and keeping it together after viewing unthinkable Lovecraftian horrors. Just like its subject matter, Call of Cthulhu can seem a little intimidating to jump into. So if you’re not sure where to start, what books to pick up, or if this is the game for you, this is a great place to start.
Call of Cthulhu Starter Set
If you’re ever not sure about a new TTRPG and want a low commitment place to start, I always recommend a starter set like this one. Included in this set are five ready-to-play characters, blank investigation sheets, dice, a crash-course on basic rules, and an introductory adventure for a group or a solo investigator. Pricy TTRPG books are totally worth it if you know you’ll play and enjoy the game. But if you’re not sure yet, definitely start with one of these sets. And it’s under $30.
This Starter Box contains everything you need to start playing Call of Cthulhu: the tabletop roleplaying a game of mystery and horror. Players take on the role of investigators of mysteries, uncovering dark secrets, encountering strange monsters, and thwarting sinister cults. Together, you and your friends create and develop a story in which each of your characters plays a leading role, which could be foiling some dastardly plot or stopping horrors from beyond space and time!
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Keeper Rulebook
Your game is going to need a GM or a ‘Keeper,’ and that player is going to need the book that holds all of the basic rules, spells, monsters, and lore. There are a few books in every TTRPG that are absolutely necessary, and this is one of those books for Call of Cthulhu.
This book, the Keeper Rulebook, contains the core rules, background, guidance, spells, and monsters of the game. It is intended for use by the Keeper of Arcane Lore (the Keeper) that player who will present the adventure to the other players. You must have at least one copy of this book to play Call of Cthulhu.
Investigator Handbook
This is another one of those necessary books, only this time it’s for the regular players. Their characters are normal people who are forced to investigate, uncover, and learn way too much about the terrifying unknown. This book will help them create those investigators, know about their options for occupations, backgrounds, and abilities, and learn a little more about the setting and time the game takes place in.
In Call of Cthulhu, you take on the role of everyday people who become investigators of the unknown – whether they are prepared or not. The mysterious places, people, and situations you encounter are often not what they seem – you and your friends are the only thing standing in the way of diabolical cults and cosmic monsters from beyond space.
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Malleus Monstrorum
One of the most unique and frightening aspects of Call of Cthulhu is the deep lore surrounding the monstrous beings you’ll encounter. So you’ll need a lot of monsters to encounter. This set comes with two bestiaries full of all of the unspeakable lurkers and terrible myths come to life that you could hope for.
Ancient secrets, whispered lore, and collected facts concerning the alien and otherworldly horrors of the Cthulhu Mythos. A cavalcade of monsters and god-like alien intelligences beyond human understanding, all vividly detailed and portrayed. With over 250 entries to inspire countless adventures.
Cults of Cthulhu
Of course, it’s not all horrible monsters and creatures. Sometimes you may run into something just as bad: the humans who worship and want to summon the horrible monsters and creatures. This book includes five distinct cults, and detailed histories so you know who they are, how to use them, and where they may pop up to torment your players.
Cults of Cthulhu delves into the human side of the dark and horrific world of those who worship the dead yet dreaming abomination known as Great Cthulhu. Here, twisted humans try to find meaning in a hopeless universe, and seek purpose in their fleeting and insignificant lives. This is the world of the Cthulhu Cult and those who hear its master’s dark call.
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No Time To Scream
Once you have your characters, basics, and books all together, it may be a little daunting to come up with an original adventure or investigation. That’s okay! Books like No Time to Scream will give you multiple Call of Cthulhu adventures to stumble and scream through. This one has three spooky scenarios that are each perfect for a horror one-shot or part of a bigger campaign.
Each scenario is perfect for a single evening of mystery and horror, and are designed to be played in around two hours. Each scenario includes four pre-generated investigators, along with full-color maps and handouts.
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