What a year (part 1)

By great Nodens beard I’m beat, but, dear reader, I feel obliged to start my year-end wrap up before 2014 is too long in the tooth.

First off, I want to thank every one for the kind words regarding Oliver, on and off-line.

Secondly, in looking back at the past year in Lovecraftian gaming, I realize how much of it I haven’t had either the time or inclination to read. This is, in a way, a good thing, since it suggests just how much material was produced for Call of Cthulhu and related systems. I hope no one is too put out that I am not going to give a comprehensive review to every release.

Let’s get started!

Arc Dream Publishing
The Unspeakable Oath #22
The Unspeakable Oath #23

I’ve written for the Unspeakable Oath, so I’m far from unbiased, but I look forward to every issue. The Oath put out two issues this year, which is a pretty good pace. Hopefully now that they’ve had a successful subscription drive they’ll have the resources to do even more in the future. My only criticism is that, as much as I liked “Cold Dead Hand”, Adam Scott Glancy’s Soviet scenario in issue #23, I would rather it have been a stand-alone publication rather than 75% of one issue of the magazine. I want more Oath.

The Sense of the Sleight of Hand Man

I realized yesterday that I hadn’t actually finished reading the campaign (I got distracted around page 200), so I can’t say I’ve read the whole thing, BUT I think this is a great book. It’s a unique campaign, only the second ever set in the Dreamlands (after Kevin Ross’ neglected “The Dreaming Stone”). It is a fresh approach to the setting that I think should disabuse Dreamlands detractors of their disdain. It can seem a little railroaded, but I think most players will enjoy the ride so much, they won’t notice.

Cubicle 7
Folklore (print version)

It was nice to finally see this in print. Not essential, but an enjoyable addition to my collection, especially useful to those running games set in the UK or using Celtic myths and legends.

World War Cthulhu

Confession time… I haven’t read this and I’m not likely to pick it up any time soon. WWII just isn’t a gaming setting that piques my interest. It sounds as if the Cubicle 7 version is less pulpy than Modiphius’ Achtung! Cthulhu, but if I’m using the War, I think I’d go even darker.

Golden Goblin Press
Island of Ignorance

Last for today, but most certainly not least, is Golden Goblin Press’ first foray. A really solid scenario collection with a couple outstanding pieces, Island of Ignorance is an impressive debut from this fledgling publisher. My own tastes would have replaced the supplemental articles with scenarios but I respect Oscar Rios’ desire to emulate the CoC Companions of old. GGP also ran the best Kickstarter I’ve yet seen – on time and with very open lines of communication. Let’s hope they keep up the good work, which I very much think they will.

That’s enough for now – next time, the rest of the books

News roundup (yee-ha?)

Sorry to have been so remiss in my posting.  I’ve been focused on wrapping up the first regular issue of the Arkham Gazette as well as another writing project (more on that soon, I hope); when compounded with pressing real-life necessities, the blog had to take a pause.  That being said…

My copy of Island of Ignorance arrived (slightly dinged sadly), making Golden Goblin Press the first publisher to keep a deadline for any Kickstarter I’ve joined.  Nicely done.  The book’s great too; hopefully I can put together a review at some point.

Podcast news:

• The Good Friends of Jackson Elias have talked about their favorite spells  in CoC and conducted a video interview with author Rafael Chandler (also available in purely audio form).
• The Miskatonic University Podcast crew released another episode, this time talking about art and inspiration for your Call of Cthulhu game.
• The Unspeakable Oath has released a recording of a playtest of Cold Dead Hand, a scenario that appeared in their latest issue.
• Ken and Robin Talk About Stuff talked about Ken’s trip to Vermont and Marblehead MA and, more disturbingly offered preliminary reviews of Sleepy Hollow and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  I cannot agree with their assessment of the two shows; I find it much easier to ignore some rejiggering of the Marvel Universe continuity than having real-world history put through the filter of the National Treasure movies.  In other words, Sleepy Hollow – bleh, Agents of Shield – eh.

 

Look what showed up on my doorstep.

News from the Islands

Golden Goblin Press lead goblin Oscar Rios has been interviewed in the latest episode of the Miskatonic University Podcast, wherein he talks about not only this first release from GGP, Island of Ignorance, but the process of birthing that book as well, which I think is useful listening for anyone considering launching their own Kickstarter.

Speaking of Island of Ignorance, that book has had its second review, this time by Matthew Pook over at Reviews from R’lyeh.  Two positive reviews so far for “Island”, which bodes well.

Legend tripping with Pete and Pete (and more)

Things remain busy here at TiP central.  A few bits and bobs to amuse in the mean time…

The gents at Good Friends of Jackson Elias have released another episode, this one a discussion of HPL’s “The Haunter of the Dark”.

Golden Goblin Press has announced that Island of Ignorance is being printed even as I type this; the book’s also had its first review.

Venturing further afield, the two former Petes of The Adventures of Pete & Pete have started a podcast in which they go on adventures together (no, seriously) and in the most recent episode (NSFW) they tour around some of New Jersey’s most… haunted(?) spots as well as chatting with Chris Gethard of Weird New Jersey.  It is an interesting listen not just for fans of mid-90s Nickelodeon programs, but as an insight into the sociological phenomena of legend tripping.

Finally, if you’ve somehow missed it, here’s the ‘trailer’ for Hell No, a horror movie in which people act rationally and reasonably.

New Islands and Journalists vs. the Shan

Surtsey, rising from the Atlantic

Oh how the time flies, bat-like, ever forward. Let’s catch up a bit on the news-front:

1. Golden Goblin Press have released the PDF for Island of Ignorance, with the book being sent off to the printer.  Well done Goblin Horde, you’re the first Kickstarter I’ve joined that released the product done on time.  I’ve had a chance to skim the book and it looks very good.  I look forward to reading it… eventually.  (I’ve got a stack by the bed that I need to finish for the Arkham Gazette.)
2. Solace Games released Fungi Mine, a modern scenario for Call of Cthulhu.  I’ve not read it, but I note that they’ve hired Matthew Pook to proof-read it, suggesting an improvement of quality over their first book.
3. There have been new episodes of the Miskatonic University Podcast and a pair from the Good Friends of Jackson Elias (Episodes 12 and 13).  I’ve only had a chance to listen to MUP’s latest, which includes a very interesting survey of the state of journalism in the 1920s, touching on topics like the centrality of newspapers, the importance of editors, the nature of radio reporting (i.e. reading the newspaper on the air), etc; definitely worth a listen.

More later.

New Orleans, 7th Ed. CoC, Island of Ignorance, and more

Today’s the final day for Golden Goblin Press’ Island of Ignorance’s Kickstarter.  As of this posting, they’re at about $12,750, so well above their goal, but short by about $1000 to add a fifth scenario.  Looking forward to seeing how I do in the voting for the bonus scenario.

The Grunch, apparently

There have been two new episodes of the Miskatonic University Podcast.  The first is a regular episode, this time the subject is an interview with one of their regular readers NewOrleansMythos (Matt), who talks about his New Orleans centered campaign and how he ties local history into his game.   Check it out and learn about the Grunch, among other things.

The MUP crew also posted a 30 minute interview with Mike Mason and Paul Fricker previewing the soon-to-be-launched Kickstarter for the 7th Edition Call of Cthulhu rules.  There are a lot of details about not only the Kickstarter to come, but about the contents of the 7th Edition book as well.  Two new scenarios, eh?

(Lo and behold, it looks like the Kickstarter has begun.  LINK.)

Lastly the Gaming Grunts have been posting new episodes of their playthrough of Realm of Shadows.  Have a listen.

Blog housekeeping and news roundup

As summer approaches my corner of Lovecraft Country, free time fades like the bloom on my daffodils (what, I can’t talk about Lovecraft, colonial graveyards, AND flowers?).  Nevertheless, I wanted to pass on a few items that might be of interest to my small cadre of readers.

• The gents at 314 Games have let me know that some reviews have come in for Central de Maquineria Jarkov-37 and they are positive… assuming that I passed my R/W Spanish roll (current skill level 4%), of course.  Here’s a video review (he’s wearing a Red Army hat) and a text one, where it looks like the book tied for Best CoC product of 2012.  ¡Excellente!
• In Kickstarter news, Golden Goblin Press’ Island of Ignorance has reached it’s funding goal and is creeping upwards while HP Podcraft’s “Live in Providence” project, which reached in initial goals weeks ago, will close up in a little over 40 hours.  I kind of hope the later somehow his $8000 so they’ll do an audio production of “The Yellow Wallpaper” but that’s not looking too likely at this point.  C’est dommage.
• The gang at the Miskatonic University Podcast released a new episode… now almost 10 days ago… guest hosted by Brian Sammons who talks about Atomic-Age Cthulhu and House of R’lyeh, among other topics.
• I’m still at work on the demo issue of the Arkham Gazette.  I hope to have it wrapped up by the end of the month, ideally sooner.
• I’ve had the time to do a few more visits to smaller graveyards and will post about those as life permits.
• Speaking of graveyards- I finished my map of Franklin County’s graveyards.  Check it out.

Perhaps I should wrap up with a quick survey of my current Lovecraftian projects?

1. A “Mysterious Manuscript” submission for the Unspeakable Oath.
2. Another article for the Unspeakable Oath.
3. Large, unannounced project of which I cannot speak in slow development.
4. A booklet for Necronomicon of which I shall speak more on later.
5. A scenario and article for a publisher I’ve not worked with before, due by the end of July.
6. Weekly attempts to prod various parties into releasing the Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion at long damn last.

I should go and actually get to work on that list.  Until later…

Golden Goblin Kickstarter, the House of R’lyeh, and more

Sadly this will be a housekeeping post rather than the next entry in my elderly rambling about Horror on the Orient Express, but I think there is enough to keep you interested…

First off, Golden Goblin Press have announced a Kickstarter for their first book Island of Ignorance.  Three scenarios and a whole bunch of articles are planned for the book.  I have also volunteered to be one of the six potential authors for a bonus scenario for the book (though I suspect one of the other six authors, including Stuart Boon and Jeffrey Moeller, will win).    The PDF only option is but $12 – you get a book at $30 (and a Golden Goblin Statue at $500).

Chaosium have just announced the release of The House of R’lyeh, with scenarios from Brian Sammons, David Conyers, and friend of Tomes in Progress Brian Courtemanche.

I’ve also finished updating my list of graveyards for Hampshire County… only six counties to go. 😉  I’m sure there was something else to mention, but I’m tired and it is late.  Until next time…

Golden Goblins and Lost Lights

In case you missed it, there has been some CoC news recently.

First off, Oscar Rios (that’s a link to his blog there on the right) has announced a new Chaosium licensee – Golden Goblin Press – as well as their first project, “Island of Ignorance“, which is a part of a Lovecraft quote and not a popular Spring Break destination.  Contents include work by Dan Harms and two Lovecraft Country scenarios, so definitely worth watching.  Look for it this year, hopefully?

Next up, Sixtystone Press unleashes “Lost in the Lights” a cult sourcebook and modern-day scenario by Jeff Moeller set in Las Vegas.  Not even an apartment fire (Good Luck, Chris!) can stop this one, albeit in PDF form so far.  Let’s hope Sixtystone’s giant backlog of great books will follow on soon… Investigator Weapons vol. 2 is up next I believe.  Go and get yourself a copy now (and the nifty editable handouts PDF) and give them the funds to get their next book going ASAP.  I’ve already got my copy and will report if the book provides details of the dangers of Bat Country.