A week or so before Christmas I was lucky enough to be sent a review copy of Cthulhu by Gaslight: Investigators’ Guide, which takes the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game to the fog-shrouded streets of Great Britain and beyond. Unfortunately due to a world-class mother of a flu-bug my initial plan to feature the review as a video on our YouTube channel, together with an interview with some of the book’s creatives, has had to be re-scheduled until I cease to cough like a heavily-pregnant desert camel. (*)
So far now here are some brief thoughts on this product.
Originally produced in 2012, this is an update of a genuine Cthulhu classic. Chaosium’s 2024 release of Cthulhu by Gaslight: Investigators’ Guide an inspiring and entertaining exploration of Victorian England, providing players with a broad range of investigator backgrounds and diverse perspectives on life in 19th-century London. The focus on class dynamics that adds nuance to upper-class adventurers is genuinely enthralling, while sections on Victorian society, science, and empire offer plenty of creative fuel for players and Keepers alike.
However, while the book is beautifully presented and the artwork throughout is delicious, it feels a little sparse in some areas. At first glance there are some minor quibbles. The book provides limited detail on the arts, notable landmarks, music, and the specific geography of London and its neighborhoods, which might make it harder for characters to feel fully connected to the setting. While the industrial revolution was a key period of innovation, it is only briefly mentioned, and regional diversity within Britain is addressed in a fairly surface-level manner. However, based only upon read in and not playing the book, these at the moment are but minor quibbles.
The Cthulhu by Gaslight: Investigators’ Guide serves as a solid companion for Call of Cthulhu players, transporting them to the evocative world of Victorian England in the 1880s. It is important to state Cthulhu by Gaslight is a stand-alone game, and contains the complete rules for the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game, including character creation. You do not need a copy of the Call of Cthulhu: Keeper Rulebook or Call of Cthulhu: Starter Set to play. The Cthulhu by Gaslight: Investigators’ Guide can be enhanced with the Call of Cthulhuroleplaying game as well as the Pulp Cthulhu supplement.
This edition provides everything from character creation rules and era-appropriate equipment to rich insights into the social structures of the time, making it an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned players eager to delve into the shadowy streets of 19th-century London.
(*) Disclaimer
I have no idea what a heavily-pregnant desert camel actually sounds like….obvs.
Cthulhu by Gaslight is available as a PDF here at DriveThruRPG and in hardcover here at the Chaosium website.
Full disclosure: This 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 in exchange for our review…….sadly
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