Masks of Nyarlathotep: A Global Tale of Cosmic Horror

Creating your character

Character creation will take place during Session Zero. We'll discuss stat generation together, but most likely we'll roll for stats as a group and build characters collaboratively. This first session will also be a chance to create connections between investigators so the party feels like a cohesive team from the start. I'll guide you through the Investigator Handbook, and we'll use Alchemy for character creation and management. I'll walk everyone through the process step by step, so whether you're brand new or a veteran, you'll have everything you need to get started.

Preparing for the session

Before play, I'll provide all the links you’ll need through the Discord server. Players should: - Create a Discord account (or download the app) to join the game server. - Create an Alchemy account (or use the browser version) for character sheets and gameplay. - Download the apps if preferred, though both platforms work fine in-browser. - (Optional, but encouraged) Read the Investigator Handbook, especially chapters 7–9 if you're new to Call of Cthulhu. That's it. I'll guide you through everything else in Session Zero.

What Dylan brings to the table

I enjoy doing character voices and encourage players to engage in roleplay as much as they're comfortable. For visuals, I have backgrounds and handouts to set the mood, but we'll rely primarily on theater of the mind to bring the story to life. I stick to rules as written 90% of the time but I definitely follow the Rule of Cool when it serves the story. I don't tend to use complicated battle maps for combat, but we'll use a grid when combat does happen.

Homebrew rules

Spending Luck - Spend Luck points to improve any non-fumbled skill roll, including those in combat (excluding damage, Push, and Sanity rolls, critical successes, or to buy off fumbles or firearm malfunctions). Fumble Skill Gain - When you fumble a roll, you get a single point in that skill (excluding Stats, Credit Rating, and Cthulhu Mythos). Think of it as learning from your mistakes, knowing you at least have a 1% better chance of not repeating your mistake again next time. Schrödinger's Backpack - If an item is within your spending limit, and it's vaguely reasonable your character would have bought it before heading into the unknown, chances are it's probably in there. A bit more exotic or hyper-specific? Luck roll. Roleplay Inspiration - Strong roleplay moments may grant a small temporary benefit, such as advantage on a related skill check. Rule of Cool Clause - If something cinematic and fitting enhances the story, I'll allow it, even if it bends the rules slightly.

How Dylan creates a safe table

We'll establish Lines & Veils together during Session Zero, making sure everyone's boundaries are respected. I use Stars & Wishes for feedback and keep an open-door policy so players can always reach out if something isn't working for them. Breaks will be employed too, and we'll have an aftercare channel on the Discord server for decompressing, talking things through, or sharing highlights after sessions.