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As part of our Call of Cthulhu 40th anniversary our friends the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society are creating a Deluxe Handout Set to go with the five supplements included in our Call of Cthulhu Classic Kickstarter. Winners of Product of the Year in the 2019 ENNIE Awards for their Masks of Nyarlathotep Gamer Prop Set, they promised this new one will offer "levels of detail and realism to enhance fun and test sanity". Having just seen all the proofs, we can certainly say they have delivered! The HPLHS Call of Cthulhu Classic Gamer Prop Set will be released around the same time as the Call of Cthulhu Classic boxed sets, later this year*. We will have more details about the release date soon... *If you missed the Kickstarter: we will have left-over copies of both of the Call of Cthulhu Classic boxed sets after the Kickstarter fulfilment. These will be offered to the general public via Chaosium.com. ABOVE: ONE OF HPLHS'S STUNNINGLY AUTHENTIC NEWSPAPER CLIPPING PROPS FOR THE SCENARIO 'THE HAUNTED HOUSE", FROM THE TRAIL OF TSATHOGGHUA.

The Miskatonic Repository and Jonstown Compendium are Chaosium's thriving community content programs at DriveThruRPG for independent creators. Here, the Council of Shoggoths (organizing body of the Miskatonic Repository Con) discuss with James Coquillat what types of Community Content you can expect at Chaosium Con, coming up in April: Events Include: Try This At Home (Fri 9am) — Panel with the Shoggoths and Chaosium Community Ambassadors where we discuss how to get your playable content published. Play with the Author (Fri 2pm) — Play directly with the author on some awesome bestselling community content! RuneQuest, Call of Cthulhu, and even 7th Sea! Creators Corner (Sat 9am) — Join writers, editors, artists, proofreaders and more for this informal hangout. Mimosas and breakfast provided! Get your badge for Chaosium Con and we'll see you in April!

The review site Reviews from R'lyeh — a "blog dedicated to reviews of RPGs and their supplements, with an emphasis on Call of Cthulhu and other Lovecraftian inspired games" — marks its 1500th review this month with a review of the Call of Cthulhu RPG. Reviews from R'lyeh reviewer Pookie concludes the characteristically comprehensive review by noting: "There is a reason why Call of Cthulhu is regarded as one of the greatest roleplaying games ever published. It is a classic piece of design that successfully emulates the singular genre it is inspired by and in doing so, introduced new ways to roleplay and tell amazing stories as well as innovations to the roleplaying hobby that are still influential today. It is always going to be the greatest horror roleplaying game there is, not just because of the Mythos, but because of its influence, innovations, and the simple fact that it can still give you a great playing experience." In October 2019, we congratulated Reviews from R'lyeh on its 1000th Review, which was of Greg Stafford's masterpiece King Arthur Pendragon ("one of the greatest roleplaying games ever published, the perfect combination of mechanics and theme", said Pookie.) We now congratulate Pookie on reaching this new milestone of 1500 reviews! What is also notable is Pookie's commitment to reviewing work by independent creators (many first-time authors) in the Miskatonic Repository and Jonstown Compendium community content programs at DriveThruRPG. You can find these at Reviews from R'lyeh under the search tags 'Miskatonic Monday' and 'Jonstown Jottings'. This support of new and up-and-coming TTRPG creators is greatly appreciated!

As we said in our announcement, we have halted our plans for any future NFT/digital collectable releases. Either in Q2 or any other time.

I too see date palms as more an Oasis thing, rather than found growing along the Zola Fel. (BTW, as discussed in another thread, I noted that because dates were a staple for the Bedu of Arabia and are very sweet, they didn't crave sweet things. They craved fat. Where we might give a child some candy as a treat, in those days on the Trucial Coast a treat would be giving a child a great big gobbet of fat to chew on. Just bear that in mind when a hospitable Praxian Oasis dweller offers you a "treat" that's not a marshmellow...)

We have heard your concerns about the licensed NFTs created for Veve using Chaosium IP. Today we are announcing that we are suspending production. Read the statement from Chaosium President Rick Meints here: https://www.chaosium.com/blogchaosium-suspends-plans-for-future-nfts

Outsiders joke that Sun Domers who don't look like this get the 'Total Celibacy' geas.

It was loads of fun doing that series of daily posts - I think in the end there was about 48 posts in a row, covering what went on in Sun County from the appearance of the Cradle in 1621 right through the Great Winter and its aftermath to the Second Battle of Moonbroth. Lots going on at the moment, both professionally and at home, but when I have the time I'll continue the tale from 1624 through to 1627: this is known in Sun County as "The Time of Two Counts".

Enter the mythic, Bronze Age world of RuneQuest with our new trailer featuring Becca Scott!

The Bits and Mortar program is available to FLGSs worldwide - see store locator here: https://www.bits-and-mortar.com/store-locator

We are so excited to announce our official RuneQuest Stream! Join our stellar cast from Monday, February 14th at 3PM Pacific, at Chaosium Twitch for our roleplaying game of heroic fantasy rich in magic, mystery and extraordinary adventure, set in the world of Glorantha. Cast Members Taking the role of Varakos Wolf-Killer is London Carlisle @LondonCarlisle! This fierce warrior is a disciple of the Death God Humakt, and as the name suggests, isn't much of a dog person. Chaosium's own David Naylor @goodshipfuntrip steps into the boots of Mago the Fierce, a passionate follower of the god Storm Bull, who lives to destroy chaos - and to go absolutely Berserk when the occasion calls for it (and sometimes when it doesn't). Ambassador for the Miskatonic Repository, Bridgett Jeffries @SymphonyEntert3, turns her sighs to the mythic, Bronze Age world of Glorantha for the first time by joining us in the role of Yanioth, devotee of the Earth Goddess Ernalda! In the role of the hero Vasana, follower of the storm god Orlanth, is Cynthia Marie @Cyndancer! This warrior and her trusty bison, Molon, are fresh off the battlefield and ready for new adventure! The official RuneQuest stream will be run by the impeccable James Coquillat @robopelican, for whom we have no special promotional graphic, for his talent shines forever in our mind's eye! Begins Monday, February 14th at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm GMT / Tuesday 10am AEDT. www.twitch.tv/chaosiuminc

Our sneak peek of the forthcoming Pendragon 6th Edition core rules and accompanying scenario, Greg Stafford's The Adventure of the Great Hunt, is now available in Japanese! アップデート：日本語でもご利用いただけるようになりました！ Along with English, Russian, and Italian. All free to download at our Itch.io page: https://chaosium.itch.io/the-adventure-of-the-great-hunt

Vale Richard L. Tierney, writer, poet and scholar of H. P. Lovecraft, who passed away on February 1st at the age of 85. Richard was well-known for his work in heroic fantasy including his Red Sonja novels, and his Simon of Gitta series combining the Cthulhu Mythos with Gnosticism. For Chaosium, Richard contributed stories to several Mythos fiction anthologies including The Yith Cycle, The Necronomicon, and The Book of Eibon. The first collection of his Simon of Gitta stories were published by Chaosium as The Scroll of Thoth in 1997. Richard also wrote 'The Cthulhu Mythos in Mesoamerican Religion', published in 1983's The Cthulhu Companion. Described by the Vintage RPG Podcast as "a fascinating exercise in comparative religion, revealing the secret truth of the Cthulhu Mythos lurking in the hearts of human faiths", we're pleased that this influential essay is returning to print again as part of our Call of Cthulhu Classic line for the game's 40th Anniversary. Our condolences go to Richard's family and friends — Chaosium.

Chaosium Con VIP Sessions Update!VIP Sessions will be available to book on March 01, 2022.However, GMs who sign up to run at least (1) 4-hour slot are able to sign up for events (yes, even the VIP events) a WEEK EARLY on February 22, 2022.These highly coveted sessions will take place in their own dedicated area at the con, and seats will be paid entry ($25/seat and maximum 2 seats per badge holder).Remember, you must already be a registered attendee for Chaosium Con to book as a VIP player for one of these sessions. Check out our convention page for more details!

From Bridgett Jeffries VIP Events at Chaosium Con, you say? We DO say! Let’s check out the rollout! This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play at the table with some of Chaosium’s most wildly creative and brilliant creators in sessions for Call of Cthulhu, RuneQuest, Pendragon, Questworlds, Lords of the Middle Sea, Hawkmoon, and Rivers of London. These highly coveted sessions will take place in their own dedicated area at the con, and seats will be paid entry. They'll be available to book soon. Remember, you must already be a registered attendee for Chaosium Con to book as a VIP player for one of these sessions. More VIP sessions may be added. Check out our convention page for more details! Friday 8 April – 9.00AM-1.00PM Nightmare City (Call of Cthulhu) with James Lowder Speakeasies in Prohibition-era Chicago were not the safest places to frequent, but the best boasted high-quality drinks and even higher-quality entertainment. The Wilde Reputation was not one of those. This dingy joint offered the worst rotgut on the South Side and entertainment that could, on the wrong day, prove more dangerous than all the city’s mob bosses combined. For a handful of patrons gathered at the Reputation in January 1929, it’s the wrong day. Based on the Corpse short story cycle by James Lowder. No experience with Call of Cthulhu needed. [Content warning: body horror, violence, cosmic horror.] Friday 8 April – 9.00AM-1.00PM The Church on the Hill (Call of Cthulhu) with Lynne Hardy The Church of St Mary and St Hardulph has stood overlooking the village of Breedon on the Hill for many centuries, although the site on which it stands is older still. And as with all historic sites, there are many legends attached to it. Unfortunately, a recent blasting accident in the quarry at the foot of the hill has damaged the church and the vicar, Rev. Lucas Wolf, has called in the investigators to assess the damage. But what might the accident have to do with the strange claims by the groundskeeper and the church’s cleaning lady? What secrets does the church on the hill still hold? Friday 8 April – 2.00PM-6.00PM The Forest on the Waves (RuneQuest) with Jason Durall When Argrath sent you down the river to Nochet, it seemed like an easy enough task. Deliver enough in the way of treasure and sweetened words to keep Queen Samastina on your side and keep the money flowing. But now, it seems your lazy journey down the Creek-Stream River has hit a snag... Friday 8 April – 2.00PM-6.00PM The House of Infinity (Call of Cthulhu) with David Larkins Private Llewellyn Bagshaw lies in the Invalid Ward of St. Mary’s Teaching Hospital in Arkham. Another anonymous victim of the Great War, he is paralyzed and unable to communicate with the outside world. Unfortunately, Private Bagshaw holds a key clue to a mystery that the investigators are pursuing. There is only one way to retrieve the vital information: journey into the Dreamlands and find the prison that Bagshaw has built around himself based on his past traumatic memories. The investigators must ensure that, in the course of retrieving the clue, they do not find themselves trapped in his self-made prison as well! Friday 8 April – 7.00PM-11.00PM An Unexpected Mystery (Call of Cthulhu) with Mike Mason Mike will improvise a Call of Cthulhu scenario from scratch, using just a few cards from the various Keeper Decks and his twisted imagination. Expect the unexpected and participate in building the story in this one of a kind, unique session. Saturday 9 April – 9.00AM-1.00PM The Wilde Reputation (Call of Cthulhu) with James Lowder Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: For a handful of patrons gathered in January 1929 at the dingy speakeasy known as the Wilde Reputation, a magician’s act gone awry leads to a frantic trek through the city's darkest corners and encounters with its strangest inhabitants, from the Crooked Smile Killers to the weird denizens of the Resurrection Cemetery. The scenario can be played as a sequel to “Nightmare City” or as a stand-alone. Based on the Corpse short story cycle by James Lowder. No experience with Call of Cthulhu needed. [Content warning: body horror, violence, cosmic horror. Saturday 9 April – 9.00AM-1.00PM Jeff runs RQ! (RuneQuest) with Jeff Richard Jeff runs RQ! Join Chaosium’s Creative Director as he runs a session of RQG for you! Saturday 9 April – 2.00PM-6.00PM The Hunting Party (Hawkmoon) with Jason Durall Prince Yaroslav of Waldenstein has invited dignitaries from across Europe to his home at Castle Mirenburg. Enjoy the finest Tragic Millenium hospitality with nobles and worthies from across the land, and perhaps a bit of a most dangerous sort of entertainment. Saturday 9 April – 2.00PM-6.00PM The Goat Man is Coming (Rivers of London) with Lynn Hardy The Folly has been called in to investigate strange sightings of some sort of man-beast along Parkland Walk, a “linear nature reserve” running between Finsbury Park and Highgate. But what has its appearance to do with the strange rash of tags declaring “The goat-man is coming,” and is there any link to the urban myths that haunt the ghost station at Crouch End and its mysterious spriggan statue? Saturday 9 April – 7.00PM-11.00PM The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea (Lords of the Middle Sea) with Jason Durall Your crew has done some strange jobs, but this is a new level of crazy: serving as watchout for a bathysphere as it sends a crew into the deeps of the Middle Sea, to pick through a sunken treasure trove: the Texarkana Ordnance Center. It should be easy, but fate had other plans for you. Saturday 9 April – 7.00PM-11.00PM The Rod (Questworlds) with Ian Cooper When the crew of the RV Common God are handed The Tod in a dive bar near Aurora Field, it triggers a series of events that bring them up against their arch-rival Jason Odor, in a race to uncover the mysterious artefact’s secrets. Uses the Rocketpunk setting: Pioneer Space. Join us in person for the first ever Chaosium convention! Come along for a weekend dripping with cosmic horror, essential runes, swashbuckling adventure, and chivalrous quests! Play Games. Make friends. Experience Chaosium like never before. Book your ticket today!

In this latest Chaosium Interview, Call of Cthulhu associate editor Lynne Hardy goes through some of the most common red flags you might notice in your TTRPG games, and how you can address them to improve the game experience for everybody. Lynne is talking with Chaosium's James Coquillat.

In his latest 'Out of the Suitcase' post, Chaosium president Rick Meints notes that the Glorantha-themed jokes included on the back side of the Jan/Feb 1981 Chaosium order form are as corny now as they were 40 years ago... https://www.chaosium.com/blogout-of-the-suitcase-30-a-few-jokes-at-gloranthas-expense

In his latest 'Out of the Suitcase' post Chaosium president Rick Meints talks to 1990s Chaosium staffer Sam Shirley about the layout process back then, which was literally cut and paste, with glue. Kids, that's how layout was done back in those days.. https://www.chaosium.com/blogout-of-the-suitcase-29-kids-thats-how-layout-was-done-back-in-those-days

In his latest 'Out of the Suitcase' post Chaosium president Rick Meints tells the story about how Griffin Mountain came to be. As luck would have it, the actual original layout still exists, and is part of our company archives. https://www.chaosium.com/blogout-of-the-suitcase-28-how-beyond-the-pass-became-griffin-mountain

From our Fan Use and Licensing Q&A: Q: Isn’t H.P. Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos in the public domain? A: Because H.P.Lovecraft died over 70 years ago, his individual writings are now in the public domain. However, the Mythos was/is a shared creation—even in HPL's lifetime ("the Lovecraft Circle"). Many of the writers HPL collaborated with lived on much later into the 20th century, e.g. Clarke Ashton Smith (d.1961), August Derleth (d.1971), Robert Bloch (d.1994), etc. Certain elements of the Mythos are theirs, or have been created by other still-living authors including Brian Lumley, Ramsey Campbell, Sandy Petersen, and others. What these writers created in the Mythos won't enter the public domain until they have been dead for 70 years. Q: So you're not trying to claim you "own" the Mythos? A: We make no claim that we "own" the Mythos, never have. We don't claim to own the Mythos in general, although certain elements of it including storylines, names, creatures, characters, descriptions, and depictions are Chaosium IP. We do own the Call of Cthulhu RPG, and and are obliged to protect it. We also have agreements in place with living authors such as Ramsey Campbell and Brian Lumley, as well as the estates representing Lin Carter, August Derleth, Clark Ashton Smith, and other important Mythos creators. Q: Can you advise me on what is and what isn't considered to be in the public domain for H.P. Lovecraft and the Mythos in general? A: Sorry, for the sake of our SAN we can't assist with general enquiries about which elements of the Cthulhu Mythos reside in the public domain and which remain in copyright. The matter is complicated by a number of factors, including the incomplete or contradictory records connected to the copyrights of the original Mythos stories, the divergent and contradictory copyright laws of the various countries in which Mythos works are or have been published, and the sharing of content that went on between the authors in Lovecraft's original circle and some Mythos authors today. There are a number of sites online that discuss the status of Lovecraft's copyrights. On the other Mythos authors, the works of living writers such as Ramsey Campbell and Brian Lumley clearly remain in copyright, while the status of works by authors who have passed away can vary wildly.

Call of Cthulhu creator Sandy Petersen discusses Terror Paths, a new board game inspired by the Call of Cthulhu RPG, and produced by our friends at Petersen Games under license from Chaosium Inc. The expected release is later this year. For more about Terror Paths visit: https://petersengames.com/terror

This is it: The final session of the New Gamemaster Month program! We’ve come a long way over the past few weeks, and we’re closing in on your first game session. But even if you haven't started, you can still follow the program and try GMing RuneQuest for the first time. Head over to the New Gamemaster Month site, where RuneQuest is one the featured systems in this annual month-long program organised by our friends at Monte Cook Games to guide prospective GMs up to and through their first game. Remember, you’ll need a copy of the RuneQuest Starter Set or RuneQuest core rules. Purchase from Chaosium.com and you get 10% off your total order by using this coupon code at checkout: NewGamemasterMonth2022. What's more, you get the PDF included, and instantly, so there's nothing stopping you getting started! The code can be used once per customer and is valid through to 1 February 2022, so don't delay.

In this Chaosium Interview with James Coquillat, Pendragon line editor David Larkins introduces the Pendragon RPG to new players.

"The one thing I've got to say about the Jonstown Compendium on DriveThruRPG, the supplements top tier – they are practically indistinguishable in terms of layout from fully professional releases." The Jonstown Compendium is Chaosium’s community content store for RuneQuest and Gloranthan gaming by independent creators. Here RPG Imaginings unboxes a "duckload" of Jonstown Compendium print-on-demand titles! Under the Jonstown Compendium community content license, fans of Greg Stafford's world of Glorantha can sell and share their own independent creations on DriveThruRPG. If that appeals, check out the Jonstown Compendium Guidelines and start creating!