[A review section of sorts. Unremarkable and too brief.]<\/em><\/p>\n The past several months have seen a flurry of activity in the Call of Cthulhu Mansions of Madness<\/strong>, from Chaosium, is a compilation of five new Cthulhu Casebook<\/strong>, again from Chaosium, reprints a number of brief Lurking Fears<\/strong> is the first product from a new company, Triad Entertainments. Fatal Experiments<\/strong> is kind of an oddball book from Chaosium. It contains Blood Brothers<\/strong> is just plain weird. It contains 13 short scenarios, Curse of Cthulhu<\/strong>, the newest Chaosium release, is another in the
\ngame. Below are capsule reviews of six recent products:<\/p>\n
\n1920’s scenarios, all of which involve mysterious buildings. “The Sanatorium”,
\nby Keith Herber, is perhaps the best of the lot, though it is difficult
\nto imagine any group of investigators actually surviving the scenario due
\nto the unusual and overpowering abilities of their opponent. But the tasks
\npresented for the investigators are first-rate, and will give the players
\na lot of opportunities for creative problem-solving. “The Crack’d and
\nCrook’d Manse” really needs a dedicated and imaginative Keeper, since
\nmost of the adventure will consist of keeping the investigators off balance
\nand uncertain of what they are up against. The other three scenarios look
\npromising as well, though in “The Plantation” the investigators
\nmay not have a lot to do towards the end as events careen out of their control.<\/p>\n
\nscenarios from out-of-print books (including The Asylum, Curse of the Chthonians,
\nand others). If you have the older material there won’t be much here for
\nyou, but otherwise the book is well worth getting. There are quite a few
\nexcellent short scenarios inside, including “The Curse of Chaugnar-Faugn”
\nand “Thoth’s Dagger”, as well as some interesting new play aids
\nin the back. These include adventure ideas for Keepers and a nice set of
\ndescriptions that demonstrate how the various Cthulhu creatures kill people.<\/p>\n
\nIt is a set of six scenarios, all by Scott Aniolowski and Michael Syzmanski,
\nwho have both contributed several scenarios to Chaosium publications. The
\nbook is nicely produced, with numerous player aids. The two standouts are
\n“Rise of the Sleeper” and “The Devourer”, though all
\nof the scenarios really require an experienced Keeper to run effectively.
\nTriad also sells a packet reproducing many of the handouts, along with a
\ncouple of extra items you can make use of in the book’s adventures or in
\nyour own. At a price of about $5 the packet is a nice accessory. For more
\ninformation write to Triad at P.O. Box 90, Lockport, NY 14095.<\/p>\n
\nthree scenarios, and a well-illustrated article on unusual weapons for 1920’s
\ngaming. The first scenario, “Tatterdemalion” includes a brief
\nside trip to Carcosa, and should make interesting reading alongside this
\nissue’s article on that city. In the second, investigators may find themselves
\nunfortunate prisoners and guinea pigs to a group of Mythos beings. The final
\nadventure is for advanced players and experienced investigators only; it
\nis very deadly and should be a real challenge. The weapons article is interesting,
\nand it includes a fold-out page of firearms drawings similar to Cthulhu
\nNow. It will no doubt light up the eyes of any player.<\/p>\n
\nall non-Mythos. Instead, they feature common villains from monster movies
\n— mummies, zombies, swamp men, and worse. Pre-generated investigators are
\nprovided for each scenario, so while they won’t go into a campaign they’re
\njust right for a quick game.<\/p>\n
\nseries of reprint books Chaosium has issued. This one reprints Keith Herber’s
\nFungi From Yuggoth campaign from some years ago. It is an excellent campaign,
\nwith lots of player handouts and some real globe-trotting adventure. This
\nnew edition includes a couple of short scenarios not present in the original.
\nOne of these, “The Case”, is an almost literal adaptation of one
\nof H.P. Lovecraft’s best works and should be fun to play.<\/p>\n