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Full disclosure: This hardcover product was sent to us for an honest and objective review. No promises were made of financial remuneration, free gifts or holidays in the sunny Bahamas…….sadly.
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The fine people at Modiphius Entertainment were good enough to send me a physical version, soon to be released, of a very recent addition to the Achtung! Cthulhu campaign stable, Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20: Serpent and the Sands.
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For those foolhardy individuals not in the know……Achtung! Cthulhu is a RPG setting that combines elements of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos with the backdrop of World War II. Published by Modiphius Entertainment, “Achtung! Cthulhu” offers players a unique blend of historical World War II settings and Lovecraftian horror.
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In “Achtung! Cthulhu,” players take on the roles of investigators, spies, soldiers, and occultists who are tasked with confronting the sinister and otherworldly threats posed by the Cthulhu Mythos. They might be part of a covert Allied team combating the insidious forces of the Nazis, who have delved into dark rituals and ancient artifacts to gain power.
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The setting incorporates real-world historical events and locations, such as the Normandy landings, the Eastern Front, and secret Nazi experiments, blending them with the eldritch horrors characteristic of Lovecraft’s stories. This mix of gritty World War II action and mind-bending cosmic horror adds a unique and captivating dimension to the role-playing experience.
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Still not convinced? ………. Well, picture this: World War II is already a chaotic mess, what with the Nazis doing their villainous thing and the Allies scrambling to save the day. But wait, what’s that lurking in the shadows? It’s not just the usual wartime drama – it’s “Achtung! Cthulhu”!
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Imagine a bunch of spies and soldiers, all ready to do their patriotic duty and kick some Nazi behinds. But hold on a second, because now they’re not just fighting regular bad guys. Nope, they’ve stumbled upon cults worshipping ancient, tentacled monstrosities. Who knew that sacrificing goats would be part of the spy training regimen?
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So, our brave heroes are facing off against Nazi sorcerers who are like, “Haha, we’ve got zombies now!” And our heroes are like, “Oh great, just what we needed – undead foot soldiers with terrible fashion sense.” But hey, it’s all in a day’s work when you’re trying to save the world from cosmic horror.
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And let’s not forget about the eldritch artifacts. You know, those ancient relics that can drive people insane with just a glance? Yeah, those are lying around too, like the cursed equivalent of lost socks. So, our characters are not just dodging bullets, they’re dodging sanity-blasting tchotchkes.
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But wait, there’s more! Now our heroes are deciphering cryptic texts that make Ikea assembly instructions look like child’s play. They’re consulting with librarians who have seen things that would make a hardened soldier run for the hills. And when it comes to interrogating cultists, forget good cop-bad cop – it’s more like “I’ll summon a tentacled horror if you don’t spill the beans” cop.
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In the end, “Achtung! Cthulhu” is like a mashup of “Saving Private Ryan” and a Lovecraftian fever dream. It’s a rollercoaster ride where you’re fighting Nazis one minute and desperately trying not to lose your mind the next. So grab your dice, your character sheet, and your best quip for when things inevitably go sideways. After all, in the world of “Achtung! Cthulhu,” surviving both war and eldritch abominations is all in a day’s work – and a whole lot of fun!
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Which brings me to the actual point of this article – a review of Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20: The Serpent and the Sands……. Well, spoiler alert – it’s bloody great!
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Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20: The Serpent and the Sands
Venom, Vengeance and Victory!
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It is said you cannot leave Africa, it is always with you and in this combined guide and campaign book for Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20, they present a complete field guide for one of the Secret War’s most intriguing theatres, plus an epic 10-part campaign battling the might of the invidious Ophidians!
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In the Guide to North Africa, you’ll find chapters on both the conventional and Secret War, with briefs, adventure seeds, bases and locations for all major factions in theatre, with the centrepiece a double page map and guide to Nachtwölfe‘s top secret “Adlerhorst” Eagle’s Nest base.
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There are new opportunities for character creation as the realms of the adventurer, gambler, and diplomat unfold before your very eyes! Prepare to immerse yourself in the mystique of North African-themed backgrounds, characterized by an essence that will leave you enraptured. Unveil the talents that lie dormant within, and witness the burgeoning narrative tapestry. Emerge from the shadows, as a pantheon of newfound heroes and villains of North Africa await your command. Fear not the challenges that lie ahead, for you shall be equipped with an arsenal of formidable weapons, unruly vehicles, and enigmatic creatures. Brace yourself, as the boundaries of your imagination are about to be severely tested!
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Embark on a captivating journey through a 10-part campaign that will transport you from the enchanting city of Alexandria to the bustling metropolis of Cairo, with intriguing stops in Tobruk along the way. Prepare to discover hidden Alexandrian temples, mesmerizing oases, mystifying caravanserais, and long-forgotten temples. Brace yourself as you face the daunting challenge of thwarting the nefarious plans of Alom Shallar, an awakened Ophidian sorceress determined to fulfill the destiny of the Evolved Serpent and revive the long-lost Ophidian empire. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
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Be under no illusion – I promise you that this is going to be one heck of an exciting, action-packed story! Get ready for some pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat, old-school adventure!
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Features:
A beautifully combined guide and campaign book for GMs, players and even non-players who have an interest in the time-period and setting.
Complete guide to the Serpent People, their history, culture, creatures, technology and equipment, including a major new spellbook of Yig
A dedicated chapter devoted to rules for desert traversal and survival to randomly generate adventures through the great wastes
Requires the Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20 core books to run.
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Conclusions
I cannot help but say that Modiphius have once again set the highest of bars for their releases – this time nailing the release of an expansion to an already much-loved game. For a start, the book is beautifully designed – the cover itself is stunning as it exhibits all the elements of chaos and terror that the game promises. All of which immediately suggests that danger, death and horror are not too far underneath the surface of an already dangerous wartime existence.
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Throughout the book, the artwork is sublime as is not only supports and exemplifies the core rules of the game but also looks beautiful as a separate entity on its own with an impressive attention to detail and historical accuracy.
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Achtung! Cthulhu 2d20: The Serpent and the Sands will soon be available in hardcover. It is currently available in PDF at DriveThruRPG.
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