Today, we’re talking about adapting elements from movies, TV, and books into your game. But first, we want to thank author Adam “Bucho” Rodenberger for sponsoring this episode. Check out “Under a Black Rainbow,” a collection of surrealistic horror stories. The worlds within Under a Black Rainbow oozes with all of our irrational thoughts and collect…

Summer Book Club #3, Mall of Cthulhu, by Seamus Cooper! Thank you to our sponsor, Poul Holmelund, and his new Call of Cthulhu scenario, Lost in Cremation, a sequel to The Art of Hygge. Lost in Cremation: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/481189/lost-in-cremation?affiliate_id=51821 Jon and James talk about this inaugural book by author, Seamus…

In this episode, Jon and Seth talk about our favorite grave-mold covered cannibals... ghouls! Episode Sponsor: The Great American Dynasty We want to thank author Keller O’Leary and Space Cat Publishing for sponsoring this episode. Check out “The Great American Dynasty,” a true-blue, red-blooded, modern-day Call of Cthulhu scenario! Investigators ar…

Up next in the Summer Book Club, Writing Monsters, by Philip Athans! Listen as Jon and James discuss this (spoilers) AMAZING book on writing and designing monsters. The book is written from the perspective that the advice is for authors writing books, but the advice is equally applicable to authors writing roleplaying game adventures. Writing Monst…

Welcome to the first of three Summer Book Club episodes! Your hosts are Jon Hook and James Droucker. Please forgive James' audio quality. We were so excited for the book club reading that we overlooked the need to have better quality sound. Please enjoy this episode as James and I discuss the stories contained within this excellent anthology, Shado…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 2: The Thirteen Bak'tun, by Jonathan Bagelman Cast: David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Joe Hockin as Marcus Djuric, a bold Private Investigator, and as Paolo Ortega, an intrepid native explorer Matt Repp as Gregory Lawrence Hildebrandt, a well-intentioned dilettante Bry…

In this episode, Jon and Seth talk about Actual Play Games -- how to make them, what traits they share with normal podcast recordings, and how they differ. Episode Sponsor: The Great American Dynasty, by Keller O’Leary, published by Space Cat Publishing. The Great American Dynasty is a true-blue, red-blooded, modern-day Call of Cthulhu scenario! In…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 2: The Thirteen Bak'tun, by Jonathan Bagelman Cast: David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Joe Hockin as Marcus Djuric, a bold Private Investigator, and as Paolo Ortega, an intrepid native explorer Matt Repp as Gregory Lawrence Hildebrandt, a well-intentioned dilettante Bry…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 2: The Thirteen Bak'tun, by Jonathan Bagelman Cast: David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Joe Hockin as Marcus Djuric, a bold Private Investigator, and as Paolo Ortega, an intrepid native explorer Matt Repp as Gregory Lawrence Hildebrandt, a well-intentioned dilettante Bry…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 2: The Thirteen Bak'tun, by Jonathan Bagelman Cast: David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Joe Hockin as Marcus Djuric, a bold Private Investigator, and as Paolo Ortega, an intrepid native explorer Matt Repp as Gregory Lawrence Hildebrandt, a well-intentioned dilettante Bry…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 2: The Thirteen Bak'tun, by Jonathan Bagelman Cast: David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Joe Hockin as Marcus Djuric, a bold Private Investigator, and as Paolo Ortega, an intrepid native explorer Matt Repp as Gregory Lawrence Hildebrandt, a well-intentioned dilettante Bry…

In this episode, Jon and Seth discuss the epic awesomeness that is PULP CTHULHU!!! Dastardly villains and bold heroes! Investigate the Mythos with jet packs, telepathy, and tommy guns! Seth is well experienced in running Call of Cthulhu campaigns using the Pulp Cthulhu rules. The player's heroes are hardier and more apt to survive their brushes wit…

In this episode, Jon and Seth are joined by Call of Cthulhu's Creative Director, Mike Mason! We talk about the new Arkham book, the further plans in the Miskatonic Valley line of books, Chaosium Con 2024, and the Basic Roleplay (BRP) Contest. This episode was graciously sponsored by the creators of Northern Lights & Darkness compellation of modern …

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

In this episode, Seth and Jon talk about werewolves and lycanthropes in your Call of Cthulhu game. Episode Sponsor: Northern Lights & Darkness Northern Lights and Darkness is a collection of six modern-day Call of Cthulhu scenarios written by Scandinavian authors and taking place in each of the author’s home countries. The settings include Denmark,…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

Not sure how this episode was skipped, but here it is. Sorry for the mix-up. - Jon A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilet…

In this episode, Seth and Jon talk about introducing a new game to your table. Benefits of Playing different RPGs Learn fresh approaches (many you can port back into other RPGs) Change of pace. Why change games? Fatigue - Both players and GMs can tire of a system or genre Cult of the New (New editions, new genre, new approach to what you already en…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

A Time for Sacrifice campaign Chapter 1: Egg Out of Time, by Ben Burns Cast: Brett Bookout as Dr. Archibald Bleakman, an archeologist B. Sawyer as Father Doug Roth, a two-fisted missionary priest David Fogel as Beauregard Lafayette Fulbright, a culinary-focused dilettante Seth Skorkowsky as Chester Stanley, Esq., an attorney and Jon Hook as the Kee…

Happy New Year - 2024! Join Jon and Seth as they welcome their guest, Justin Alexander -- an author, game designer, and creator of The Alexandrian blogsite: https://thealexandrian.net/ . Listen in as they talk to Justin about his bestselling book and his love of games. Justin wrote the bestselling "So You Want to be a Gamemaster", published by Page…

As 2023 draws to a close Jon and Seth talk about the things they're reading, watching, and playing as inspirations for future creative endeavors. Jon's Reading: Dracula, Bram Stoker - audio book The Hollow Kind, Andy Davidson - Kindle I Am Legend, Richard Matheson - paperback Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros - hardback (about to start) Seth's Reading: F…

Jon and Seth welcome back the Creative Director for Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu line, Mike Mason! In this episode, we talk about the soon-to-be released Arkham book and how it's the first in the new Arkham Unveiled series of books. Mike also tells us about the new podcast he and Paul Fricker are creating, Mason and Fricker's Eldritch Stories: http:/…

In this episode, Seth and Jon are joined by one of our Patreon members, Martin Heuschober to talk about Kult: Divinity Lost. Martin recently ran Seth and Jon through a short Kult scenario that he designed. The game was fully completed in just a single session, but it was filled with some very cool decisions and consequences. Unfortunately, Jon forg…

We are joined by one of the original Shadow Handlers of Delta Green himself, Scott Glancy! In this interview we discuss his introduction into gaming in general, and specifically how he joined the Pagan Publishing crew at the dawn of Delta Green. Scott shares his tips and tricks for running a Delta Green game and shares with us his amazing take on t…

Jon and Seth are joined by Alex Guillotte and James Droucker to talk about their new book coming out, Grindhouse vol.4! Like the other previous Grindhouse books, this is a gritty Call of Cthulhu double-feature. Grindhouse vol.4 contains... Nazi Bikers Must Die! - by James Droucher Cold as Hell - by Alex Guillotte Alex and James are great guests and…

Two classic Chaosium publications, Blood Brothers and Blood Brothers 2, each include Gothic monsters as those books were designed to emulate the kind of stories seen in movies featuring those beasties. Oath of Blood (BB1) - features vampires The Haunting - Walter Corbitt was essentially a vampire or at least vampire-like Vampire Lore is an example …

The Great Race of Yith Created in “The Shadow Out of Time,” published in the June 1936 issue of Astounding Stories. (87 years ago) Early History: Original home planet: Yith Escaped the planet by mind-swapping with a race of conical-shaped beings that ruled Earth 200 million years ago (co-existed with dinosaurs) 206 mya - 248 mya Triassic Period ear…

In this episode, we’re again joined by actor and director Drew Shirley to discuss old school dungeon crawling and modern Cthulhu gaming. Old School Dungeon Crawling is New Again Question…? ● What is up with the old school “scene”, and its indy success? Favorite old school systems and why? ● What are the parallels between this old school style of pl…

In this (belated) episode, Seth and Jon talk with author Ruthanna Emrys. We discuss her Innsmouth Legacy series, Winter Tide, Deep Roots, and The Litany of Earth. It was a great conversation with a wide range of topics and inspirations. Lovecraft Reread: https://www.tor.com/series/the-lovecraft-reread/ Reading the Weird: https://www.tor.com/series/…

In this episode, Jon & Seth talk about Deep Ones! H. P. Lovecraft first introduced the Deep Ones in Shadow Over Innsmouth. Recently published CoC scenarios that include Deep Ones: Angel’s Thirst, Waiting for the Hurricane (Pulp Cthulhu), Mother’s Love (by Seth Skorkowsky), Flotsam & Jetsam campaign Previously published CoC scenarios that include De…

COMBAT: Initiative: Descending DEX order Tied DEX values are broken by relevant Combat Skill (descending) Action: One main action Time is flexible for the situation, as governed by the Keeper, but it’s typically just a few seconds… 3-5 seconds Movement can be included in the action, but only if the movement and action can be reasonably executed wit…

In this episode, Jon and Seth discuss the fallout from Hasbro's December 2022 fireside chat with their shareholders. This entire conversation is speculative, so please take it with a grain of salt. For all we know, nothing detrimental will come from this, and at worst Jon and Seth sound like old men yelling at clouds. Only time will tell for sure. …

In this episode, Seth and Jon share tips, tricks, and habits every player should know, and how GMs might consider addressing problematic players. Player Tips Do prep-work before the game (pick that skill/power from leveling last game) Remember Other People in the room - Hogging Time/Spotlight Avoid Distractions (phones, crafting, etc.) Look out for…

In this episode, Seth and Jon are joined by Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu Creative Director, Mike Mason. Together, the gents talk about how to manage and run long-running campaign games. Thank you to our recent patrons: Obsession Engine, Bryan Stephens, Zander Ford, Charlie Ough, and to Jim Calabrese for his extra-generous support. If you also want to…

Jon finally fulfilled his promise to run The Code for Seth!!! And we pulled in three patrons to play with Seth, Andy, Chris, and Nelson. It was a fantastic playthrough. The game was recorded, and it’s exclusively available for patrons of the Modern Mythos podcast to enjoy. If you're interested in checking it out, it's a five-hour playthrough comple…

In this episode, we’ll be imagining changes we’d like to see in an imaginary 8th Edition of Call of Cthulhu. Automatic fire – Simplify the skill roll based on difficulty of hitting the target, ignore bullets fired. Introduce snap fire? Sanity/Mythos - Prefer the idea of relationships and cherished things being sacrificed as SAN disappears or to rec…

Pateron voting results: Jon’s plot idea is selected Jon's Idea: Chloe is missing, and could be the victim of serpent people who want to spread their sinister influence. The investigators must find Chloe before a competing team of (bumbling) investigators ruin the clue trail and seal Chloe's fate. Low-budget grindhouse movie shot in the Philippines.…

In this episode, Jon and Seth talk about some of their favorite books, movies, and music that inspire their tastes in horror, and they review Blackwater Creek, a scenario suitable for new players and Keepers in the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. Topic 1: Inspirational Media for Horror Games The Fisherman, by John Langan Other short short stories…

In this episode, Jon and Seth discuss running a Call of Cthulhu game without the influence of the Mythos in it, and they continue designing an original Call of Cthulhu adventure with some help from their patrons. Topic 1: Call of Cthulhu without the Mythos This isn't new, Chaosium has several adventures that don't feature the Mythos. Including the …

In this episode, Jon and Seth talk about games where skill failures are still interesting. Games like Dystopia Rising, Kids on Bikes, Achtung Cthulhu, ALIEN, Blades in the Dark, and Call of Cthulhu. Seth and Jon also begin a new series where they will collaborate to design a Call of Cthulhu scenario. We'll be sharing ideas on the Modern Mythos Disc…

Modern Mythos with Jon & Seth - Episode 14: Chaosium Con & Horror Atmosphere In this episode, Jon and Seth discuss ways to effectively create an atmosphere of horror at your gaming table, and the guys were able to finally meet each other in person for the first time at Chaosium Con in Ypsilani, Michigan. It was a blast, and they've got lots of thou…

This 12-minute audio file is a sample taken from Modern Mythos Episode 11 - Bouts of Insanity. This episode was originally released in January 2022. Jon and Seth are submitting this episode sample so it can be considered for the 2022 ENNIE Awards.

Jon and Seth have a conversation with actor, director, roleplayer, and friend of the show, Drew Shirley. We discuss the similarities and differences between directing actors through a scene and being a Keeper in Call of Cthulhu. We can’t do this show alone. We want to thank our amazing editors Max Mahaffa and Edwin Nagy for their hard work and keen…

In this episode, Seth and Jon finish their conversation about the Insanity mechanic in the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. They also share their ideas and advice for playing roleplaying games online. Jon and Seth discuss how to use phobias and manias in your Call of Cthulhu game. And they discuss how sanity is handled in other RPGs, like Delta Gr…

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2022! In this episode, Jon and Seth talk about the Insanity mechanics in the Call of Cthulhu RPG. Recently, Jon had a personal brush with a real life "Bout of Madness," and he shares that story. Have no fear, all parties involved are safe and well, which is why Jon felt comfortable enough to share this story. So, put …

Call of Cthulhu Credit Rating: For many RPGs gaining treasure is a key motivator for both PCs and Players. In CoC a character can simply begin being wealthy, removing much of that character motivation or hurdle of not being able to afford something. Daily Spending Level allows a certain amount of purchases to be made without any paperwork or math. …