In this episode of Fast Talk, Cosmic from Roll for Sanity welcomes Clym, a writer under the mantle of CM Arnold in the Miskatonic Repository. The podcast delves into the fascinating world of Call of Cthulhu roleplaying, exploring the intricacies of the game, the creative process behind writing scenarios, and the unique experiences of both hosts and guests.
Cosmic kicks off the podcast by introducing Clym, who shares his journey into the world of Call of Cthulhu roleplaying. Clym recalls his early fascination with Dungeons and Dragons during the height of the Satanic Panic in the 80s. Despite his initial interest, it wasn’t until much later that he fully immersed himself in the roleplaying world. His first game of Call of Cthulhu was “The Lightless Beacon,” which he found to be a perfect introduction to the game’s unique blend of horror and investigation.
Clym discusses his writing process, revealing that he initially aimed to create interconnected scenarios but found it to be a complex task. He eventually managed to merge four scenarios into a short pulp Cthulhu campaign called “American Empire,” available on DriveThruRPG. He also mentions his other works, including “12 Black Feathers,” and his role as a game master at conventions.
Clym expresses his excitement about recent developments in the Call of Cthulhu universe, particularly the new “Cthulhu by Gaslight” rule set. He appreciates the inclusion of a rule set within the book, making it easier for players to dive into the game. He also mentions the success of “Alone Against Nyarlathotep” by Lee Waite, a solo campaign that has received rave reviews and become a gold bestseller in the Miskatonic Repository.
The conversation shifts to the appeal of Call of Cthulhu, with Clym highlighting the game’s emphasis on vulnerability and the frailty of player characters. Unlike other roleplaying games where characters become godlike, Call of Cthulhu focuses on ordinary people facing insurmountable odds. This aspect, combined with the 1920s setting and the visual appeal of the game’s artwork, drew Clym into the world of Call of Cthulhu.
Convention Roleplaying
Cosmic and Clym discuss the dynamics of convention roleplaying, emphasizing the importance of adapting to different players’ sensibilities and ensuring everyone has a good time. Clym shares his experiences running games at conventions, noting the challenges of managing diverse groups and the satisfaction of seeing players enjoy the game. He also mentions the importance of having all necessary materials, such as dice and character sheets, readily available for players.
Advice for New Players
Towards the end of the podcast, Cosmic and Clym offer advice for new players. They emphasize the importance of not being too hard on oneself and enjoying the game. Clym encourages players to embrace their characters and not be afraid to put on a silly voice or fully immerse themselves in the roleplaying experience. He also highlights the significance of a session zero, where players can discuss any concerns or preferences they have, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
Things mentioned in the show
These are affiliate links to products so a purchase supports the creator and the show!
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/437127/twelve-black-feathers?affiliate_id=3019500
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/362071/american-empire?affiliate_id=3019500
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/476836/alone-against-nyarlathotep?affiliate_id=3019500