On today’s show we talk about the immersive world of Call of Cthulhu roleplaying, bringing in expert insights from Mike Percival Maxwell, the talented host of Mr. Spike’s Bedtime Stories podcast. In this Bedtime episode of Fast Talk, we delve deep into the genesis of Mike’s affinity for the mythos and his extensive journey through both reading and running Call of Cthulhu games.
Mike traces his roots back to the 1980s, reminiscing about how he first stumbled upon the writings of H.P. Lovecraft as a young reader and how that serendipitously led him to discover the world of tabletop role-playing games. He reflects on the initial excitement of playing with friends and the anticipation of exploring the chilling realms that Lovecraft wove into his prose. However, like many of us, he experienced a long hiatus from gaming, which changed when a college friend introduced him to a Call of Cthulhu campaign, “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” allowing him to reconnect with this enthralling universe.
The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of maintaining friendships over three decades through gaming, emphasizing the importance of adaptability—especially when transitioning from in-person games to online platforms during lockdown. Mike shares insights on the evolution of gaming technology, highlighting his early ventures with tools like Skype and later advancements that made remote play smoother.
As we venture further into the episode, Mike discusses his inspirations and the influences behind his own podcast, where he captures the eerie spirit of classic horror literature. He elaborates on his journey of starting Mr. Spike’s Bedtime Stories, driven by the desire to share enthralling tales that evoke suspense and offer listeners a chance to revel in the macabre. His choice of stories stems from a dedication to uncovering lesser-known works, reigniting interest in the ghostly prose of Victorian literature for a contemporary audience.
In a highlight of the episode, Mike and Cosmic discuss a treasure trove of recent projects related to Call of Cthulhu, including the anticipated “Cthulhu by Gaslight” publication, and delightful discussions on newer fiction that is expanding the mythos. Mike expresses particular enthusiasm for narratives set in interesting time periods, such as the Victorian era, commenting on its inherent gothic inspirations and its endless possibilities for horror storytelling that remains relevant.
Throughout the episode, we hear anecdotes of memorable gaming moments, including humorous interactions between characters and the tension of making choices that can lead to elusive, unsettling consequences. Mike emphasizes that players should embrace the unpredictable nature of role-playing games—whether it involves poking at mysterious entities or boldly taking actions that may lead to the delicious chaos that characterises Call of Cthulhu.
Wrapping up the episode, we learn about some of Mike’s actual plays, such as the Illusion Horror and the Old Ways podcast, where he brings stories to life alongside other talented gamers. As he shares the insights he’s gleaned from years in the roleplaying community, he imparts advice on embracing curiosity within gameplay and emphasizes the joy of collaborative storytelling—encouraging all players to investigate and immerse themselves fully in every scenario.
Tune in to Fast Talk for an engaging dialogue filled with nostalgic reflections, tips for aspiring role-players, and a rich appreciation for the art of narrative horror. Whether you are a seasoned investigator of the mythos or a curious soul eager to explore, today’s conversation promises to inspire and entertain.
Show Notes:
Season Two continues with Mr Spike’s Bedtime Stories where we again talk about Cthulhu by Gaslight also The Sutra of Pale Leaves – Twin Sun rising, an 80s Japan adventure about the Yellow King:
And the Alchemy VTT https://alchemyrpg.com/
As well as everything about Mr Spike’s Bedtime Stories.
The music break is “Sanity Unravels” by White Bat audio by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.
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