Pyramid Review
Cthulhu Invictus: Horror Role-Playing In Ancient Rome (for Call of Cthulhu)
Published by Chaosium, Inc.
Written by Chad Bowser, Andi Newton, & Deane P. Goodwin
Illustrated by Chad Bowser & Andi Newton
120-page tape-bound b&w book; $20
Outside of the three core eras -- the twenties, the 1890s, and the modern day -- Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu has explored few other time periods. The scenario anthology, Strange Aeons was the only exception to this until the release of Cthulhu Dark Ages earlier this year. It is now followed by another of Chaosium's "Miskatonic University Library Association" Monographs, only available direct from the publisher's website. Each volume explores an idea, scenario, or setting with a view to proper publication should it prove popular. Cthulhu Invictus explores the existence and influence of the Cthulhu Mythos in Ancient Rome.
The year is 50 C.E. during the reign of Emperor Claudius. The Empire is prosperous, thriving, and expanding, but is also open to the venal, the corrupt, and the squamous. While mothers tell children tales of gods, of heroes, and of monsters, real horrors are abroad in the night, some unknown; others kept hidden for the Empire's safety. In Greece, Athens has been prevented from progressing for over a century, punishment for magi summoning an avatar of Yog-Sothoth. Rome's Vestal Virgins tend the Sacred Flame to keep both city and Empire safe spiritually, were it extinguished, Y'Golonoc will be set free and the city easy prey . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: January 28, 2005
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