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Full disclosure: This PDF 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 universe of Lovecraft and his associated lore have been historically a formidable part of my own life’s narrative having discovered an obsession with horror in my early teens. This familiarity with Lovecraftian lore also extend a few years ago to an on-going flirtation with the Call of Cthulhu RPG. In fact it would be safe to say that Cthulhu, and additionally, it’s bastard child of the X-Files, The Thing and The Twilight Zone, Delta Green, are now firmly fixed at the pinnacle of my personal RPG adoration. So when the fine when the writer of a new Cthulhu campaign contacted me a short time ago sent me a copy for review, it immediately found itself on my wanted list
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“Dreams of Ghaa-Xothal is a challenging Call of Cthulhu adventure for two to four investigators. The story begins in May 1924 when the investigators are tasked with finding Mary Perkins — a missing journalist at The London Evening News. The players are drawn into an adventure that leads them from the city smog of London to the quaint English countryside, the towering mountains of Tibet, and ultimately a long-forgotten alien city. Can your party overcome the terrors that confront them and escape with their sanity? The fate of humanity is in your hands.”
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Dreams of Ghaa-Xothal is a Call of Cthulhu Adventure By Michael Babbs, and at 194 pages it comes complete with detailed backstory and narrative exposition as it unfolds over 15 chapters and two appendices.
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Your first question may be to ask “Just who the heck is this Ghaa-Xothal’ chap and just how precisely do you pronounce its name?” Well I can’t help you with the second part, but as for the first…….
“Ghaa-Xothal is an ancient being of primordial energy born at the beginning of time. In its true state, Ghaa-Xothal appears as an enormous golden cloud, filled with twinkling atoms like a galaxy of stars.
The entity seeks freedom. Before man walked the Earth, Elder Things summoned Ghaa-Xothal to their city beneath Mount Nyenchen Tanglha and magically ensnared it, binding the being to a rune to provide the city with an eternal supply of energy.
But their prisoner had powers that could not be bound. It whispered to the Elder Things in their dreams, stirring turmoil that led to conflict and bloodshed. The fearful survivors abandoned the city, leaving Ghaa-Xothal to its fate.
Ages passed. Ghaa-Xothal waited. And then it felt a presence—“
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In this book, we see those Ghaa-Xothal’s influence has now extended to the formation of followers of The Order. They are fervent devotees of Ghaa-Xothal. Established during the 9th century by the monks of Quecequ Monastery situated in Tibet, The Order extended its influence across Asia and traversed various lands, eventually arriving at the North American shores during the mid-19th century, and subsequently expanding into Europe.
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The only request that the writer made to me prior to sending me the PDF copy of the story was not to divulge the central plot because he’d like it to be a surprise for both the GM and players. Hence the lack of detailed narrative description from me. However, what I can say is that if you like your Call of Cthulhu set in a traditional 1920’s form and inhabited by shady, enigmatic characters and and investigation that perfectly encapsulates the chilling flavour and eerie texture of the Cthulhu Mythos, then is book is for you.
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The adventure is structured into distinct chapters, with each chapter depicting a unique location or event within the narrative. While the intended sequence is sequential, there’s flexibility for players to potentially skip or approach chapters in a different order.
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Text boxes offer scene narratives for significant locations and events in the storyline. These narratives intentionally omit confidential details and can be openly shared with players. They serve as a storytelling aid aimed at offering context, yet their utilization is optional, allowing the Keeper to decide when to employ them.
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Beneath the narratives, you’ll find scene descriptions that furnish additional contextual insights meant to be kept hidden from players. I like the way that noteworthy terms are highlighted in bold to facilitate swift reference. The adventure is exquisitely detailed but not at the cost of becoming overwhelming for a reader’s understanding.
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The narrative elements have been meticulously woven, assuring that in case the Investigators miss a pivotal clue or initial information, alternate routes are available for them to obtain crucial components before they reach the climatic conclusion. It’s essential to recognize that this doesn’t suggest the Investigators should be granted an effortless path; rather, it acknowledges the fluid essence of a sandbox environment. Those Investigators who rashly hasten towards the climax without conducting thorough research must confront the perilous and consciousness-altering destiny that awaits them.
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In addition to the extensive collection of handouts and maps, there are also detailed character profiles for each of the main protagonists in the investigation. These profiles provide in-depth background information, including personal histories, relationships, and motivations, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the narrative.
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Furthermore, the game features a vast array of clues and evidence scattered throughout various locations. From cryptic notes to hidden objects, players must carefully analyze and piece together these elements to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Each clue serves as a crucial puzzle piece, contributing to the overall puzzle-solving experience and adding layers of intrigue to the gameplay.
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Dreams of Ghaa-Xothal stands as an excellent sourcebook designed for the Call of Cthulhu Roleplaying Game. It transports players through an eerie and evocative expedition into the enigmatic and shadowed recesses of Lovecraftian Lore. With its exquisite presentation, sensitive portrayal, and innovative mythos material, it delivers an unforgettable gaming journey set in a captivating and haunting backdrop. Whether you are a seasoned participant in Call of Cthulhu or an enthusiast of Lovecraft in general, this sourcebook becomes an indispensable addition to your compilation.
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It assures an enthralling supplement for any Call of Cthulhu campaign. With its well-crafted storyline, immersive gameplay elements, and attention to detail, this game is sure to captivate players and keep them engrossed in a thrilling and mysterious adventure from start to finish. So, gather your wits and prepare to embark on a journey like no other as you unravel the secrets that lie hidden within this intriguing investigation!
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Dreams of Ghaa-Xothal is available in all it’s Lovecraftian glory at DriveThruRPG
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