Miskatonic Monday #245: At the Gates of Carcosa

Between October 2003 and October 2013, Chaosium, Inc. published a series of books for Call of Cthulhu under the Miskatonic University Library Association brand. Whether a sourcebook, scenario, anthology, or campaign, each was a showcase for their authors—amateur rather than professional, but fans of Call of Cthulhu nonetheless—to put forward their ideas and share with others. The programme was notable for having launched the writing careers of several authors, but for every Cthulhu Invictus, The Pastores, Primal State, Ripples from Carcosa, and Halloween Horror, there was Five Go Mad in Egypt, Return of the Ripper, Rise of the Dead, Rise of the Dead II: The Raid, and more...

The Miskatonic University Library Association brand is no more, alas, but what we have in its stead is the Miskatonic Repository, based on the same format as the DM’s Guild for Dungeons & Dragons. It is thus, “...a new way for creators to publish and distribute their own original Call of Cthulhu content including scenarios, settings, spells and more…” To support the endeavours of their creators, Chaosium has provided templates and art packs, both free to use, so that the resulting releases can look and feel as professional as possible. To support the efforts of these contributors, Miskatonic Monday is an occasional series of reviews which will in turn examine an item drawn from the depths of the Miskatonic Repository.

—oOo—

Name: At the Gates of Carcosa

Publisher: Chaosium, Inc.
Author: Quico Vicens-Picatto

Setting: 26th Century colonial space

Product: Scenario
What You Get: Twenty-one page, 640.22 KB Full Colour PDF
Elevator Pitch: Groundhog Day-style horror on the edge of reality.

Plot Hook: Investigate a sudden anomaly before it becomes a threat to the colony.
Plot Support: Staging advice, six pre-generated Investigators, two maps and deck plans, and eight Mythos creatures.

Production Values: Serviceable

Pros

# Intriguing setting and ideas

# More scenario and set-up than plot

# Potentially fascinating new system of magic

# Entomophobia

# Mycophobia

# Chronophobia

Cons

# Needs a strong edit

# More scenario and set-up than plot

# Undeveloped presentation impedes comprehension

Conclusion

# Potentially interesting Science Fiction horror setting and ideas impeded by lack of clarity and clear implementation

# Scenario needs stronger set-up and staging in terms of plot to be run effectively