Resist the Mythos - a Mephisto review

The resistance movements in World War 2 are the subject of the sourcebook Vive la Résistance!, which opens up new character options, opponents, allies, and game scenarios for Achtung! Cthulhu. The book begins with a brief introduction to the world of Achtung! Cthulhu, which is redundant to the basic rule book. It then introduces the thematic background of the resistance movements. In doing so, the book presents resistance fighters as potentially heroic characters who are heavily outmatched by their opponents, but also points out that this background includes sensitive issues of real war topics. Therefore, the usual security mechanisms at the gaming table, such as lines and veils, are also briefly introduced here. 

The first chapter provides a concise outline of the resistance movements during the World War 2. While the focus here is on France, Poland, Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, but also Germany and Italy are referenced. In its condensed form, this chapter provides a quick overview of the respective resistance movements and their development, but mainly touches on names, a few dates, and some basic information. 

The following chapter on character creation is more detailed: With Assassin, Resistance Leader, Saboteur, and more, there are five new archetypes that can be combined with additional backgrounds and characteristics. In addition, there are further talents, so that the character options (including regular character creation) are generally expanded. Accordingly, the following chapter introduces new enemies and allies — both in the form of selected individual characters and archetype templates. 

Demons, which may only be manifestations of the mythos or possibly something else entirely, are given a special place here. These entities are also taken up in the magic chapter, which introduces the new magic school of Demonology with various spells. These can be used to summon demons or unleash demonic powers. 

There is also a chapter on equipment, which contains both everyday items and unusual, experimental equipment. To provide the game master with material, there are tables that can be used to roll dice and add details to missions. There are also five specific locations that can serve as a backdrop for missions, consisting of a hook, maps, and options for secondary objectives or complications. From a gala in a museum to an attack on a train station, these missions cover a broad spectrum. 

Vive la Résistance! primarily expands the character backgrounds with additional options and a slightly different style of play. In addition, Demonology adds an unusual branch of magic. Enemies, allies, and missions also provide the game master with a toolbox. Vive la Résistance! can also be a good addition to the game if you do not want to shift the focus to resistance movements but use the additional material for regular agents. In fact, the Resistance setting feels more removed from the Mythos and focuses more on the war theme, as the main focus here seems to be against the invaders and only secondarily against the Mythos. 

Opinions will also disagree on Demonology. On the one hand, this type of magic opens up more possibilities for the player characters, but on the other hand, classic demons do not fit in well with the cosmic horror of the Mythos. My impression here is that the intention was to give the resistance fighters a magical weapon without having to use the same corrupt Mythos powers as their opponents. I find this approach a bit black and white, also because the demons are portrayed purely as magical tools and not as corrupting evil. 

The characters are also portrayed in a somewhat clichéd way and, for example, like to make use of the image of the attractive young French woman (either heavily armed or as a femme fatale in an evening dress). 

Anyone who likes the new pulp approach of Achtung! Cthulhu will probably find these elements coherent, and also overlook the fact that the real oppression of the civilian population by fascist regimes during World War 2 is the subject of the game, which is certainly not for everyone's taste.

(Björn Lippold)