Cthulhu Hack 2e — Investigation and Revelation in a Dark Universe

A simple game of Lovecraftian nightmares, pitting ordinary people against the terrors of a Dark Universe. A 156-page book with almost all you need to start — just find yourself some dice and something to write with/on.

It's a fast and simple system with just two mechanics - Saves and Resources - that handle your ability to escape threats and manage your dwindling faculties for investigation and sanity.

Streamlined and written from the ground up, 2e is compatible with all first-edition material – or just easily adapted with a little consideration. Speed and simplicity remain at the heart of the game, with guidance and a lengthy example of play to get you in the thick of it by the close of the Introduction.

The bookmarked core book offers:

• simple mechanics to handle threats and investigation, using a standard set of seven polyhedral dice (from 1D4 to 1D20);
• ready-to-play archetypes for quick pick-up play or a fast and flexible character creation system to tailor Investigators to your specific needs;
• a horde of Mythos horrors - including the Deep Ones, Elder Things, Shamblers, and Shoggoth - to challenge your Investigators; and,
• a complete and expanded adventure - Save Innsmouth - rugose with colourful descriptions and plentiful guidance to make the investigation your own.

What's changed from the First Edition?

Well, the 2e is full colour, for one thing. Glorious chapter images come courtesy of Paul Tomes.

The bigger page count means more guidance and thoughts on running a campaign – where individual connections survive, even if individuals do not. More magic, plus books of lore. And an expanded intro adventure, Save Innsmouth – with variations, discoveries, strange plots, and horrible revelations.

2e presents Mythos creatures in greater detail, expanding on their origin and purpose. Cthulhu Hack 2e is about throwing off the shackles of preconception, giving the Mythos the opportunity to breathe. Random tables change up their motivations, purpose and physical appearance - and the book has a scattering of other tables and hooks to help you kickstart a new investigation.

Oh, and we lost the "The" in the title.

Want more? Download From Unformed Realms – for creature variations – and The Haunter of the Dark – for investigations.

This book includes artwork generated by Midjourney AI, on a paid subscription, using no artist names as prompts. In lieu of an artist, a charitable donation has been made to the Artists' General Benevolent Institution – https://www.agbi.org.uk/ – Registered Charity Number 212667