Download Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf for free: A fan's guide to the best and most epic Call of Cthulhu adventure ever
Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf download: A guide for Call of Cthulhu fans
If you are a fan of Call of Cthulhu, the classic role-playing game of horror and investigation, you have probably heard of Masks of Nyarlathotep, one of the most acclaimed and beloved campaigns ever created for the game. But did you know that there is also a fan-made supplement called Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion that can make your gaming experience even more immersive and enjoyable? In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing resource and how to download it as a pdf file.
Masks Of Nyarlathotep Companion Pdf Download
What is Masks of Nyarlathotep?
Masks of Nyarlathotep is a campaign for Call of Cthulhu that was first published in 1984 by Chaosium, the company that created the game. It has been revised and updated several times over the years, with the latest edition being released in 2018. It is widely considered to be one of the best and most epic campaigns ever written for any role-playing game, and has won numerous awards and accolades from critics and fans alike.
A classic Call of Cthulhu campaign
Call of Cthulhu is a game based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, the master of cosmic horror. In this game, you play as investigators who explore the dark secrets and mysteries of a world where ancient and evil forces lurk behind the veil of reality. You face unspeakable horrors, madness, and death as you try to stop the plans of cultists, monsters, and alien gods.
Masks of Nyarlathotep is a campaign that consists of several interconnected scenarios that can be played in any order. The campaign can last for months or even years, depending on how you play it. It can accommodate any number of players and characters, from solo adventurers to large groups.
A globe-trotting adventure of horror and mystery
The campaign begins in 1925, when a friend and colleague of the investigators, a writer named Jackson Elias, is brutally murdered in New York. His death leads the investigators to discover a sinister plot by a cult called the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh to awaken an ancient and powerful god named Nyarlathotep.
The investigators must follow clues and leads across five continents, visiting exotic and dangerous locations such as London, Cairo, Nairobi, Shanghai, and Australia. Along the way, they will encounter cultists, cults, creatures, and conspiracies, as well as allies and enemies. They will also learn about the history and mythology of Nyarlathotep, the Crawling Chaos, the Messenger of the Outer Gods.
A cult plot to awaken the dark god Nyarlathotep
Nyarlathotep is one of the most prominent and terrifying entities in the Cthulhu Mythos, the fictional universe created by Lovecraft and his followers. He is a shape-shifting and deceptive being who serves as the emissary and messenger of the Outer Gods, a group of incomprehensible and malevolent cosmic entities that dwell beyond time and space.
The Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh is a cult that worships Nyarlathotep and seeks to bring about his return to Earth. They believe that by performing a series of rituals and sacrifices at various locations around the world, they can open a gate for Nyarlathotep to enter and usher in a new age of darkness and chaos.
The investigators must stop the cult from completing their plan, or face the consequences of a world ruled by Nyarlathotep. However, they will soon realize that they are not the only ones who are interested in the cult's activities, and that there are other forces at play that may help or hinder them.
What is Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion?
Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion is a fan-made supplement for the campaign that was created by a team of volunteers and enthusiasts over several years. It was originally released as a free pdf file in 2014 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of yog-sothoth.com, a website dedicated to Call of Cthulhu and Lovecraftian gaming. It was later updated and revised in 2017, and made available for purchase from Chaosium's website.
A fan-made supplement for the campaign
The Companion is not an official product by Chaosium, nor is it a replacement or a rewrite of the original campaign. Rather, it is a collection of additional material that can be used to enhance and expand the campaign, as well as to provide guidance and inspiration for Keepers (the game masters) and players.
The Companion is not intended to be read cover to cover, but rather to be consulted as needed. It is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the campaign. Some of the sections include:
An introduction that explains the purpose and scope of the Companion, as well as some tips on how to use it.
A timeline that summarizes the events and dates of the campaign, as well as some historical and fictional background information.
A chapter on running the campaign, with advice on how to prepare, organize, pace, and adapt the campaign to your preferences and style.
A chapter on playing the campaign, with suggestions on how to create, develop, and role-play your characters, as well as how to deal with sanity, combat, magic, and other game mechanics.
A chapter on each of the main locations of the campaign (New York, London, Cairo, Nairobi, Shanghai, Australia), with detailed descriptions of places, people, events, clues, encounters, scenarios, handouts, maps, and more.
A chapter on each of the main antagonists of the campaign (the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh, Nyarlathotep's avatars, other cults and factions), with profiles, motivations, goals, strategies, resources, allies, enemies, and more.
A chapter on each of the main themes and elements of the campaign (Nyarlathotep's mythology, cult rituals, ancient artifacts, supernatural phenomena), with explanations, interpretations, variations, connections, implications, and more.
An appendix with additional resources such as pre-generated characters, character sheets, NPC portraits, Keeper reference booklet, and more.
A collection of advice, add-ons, and handouts
The Companion is not only a source of information, but also a source of inspiration. It offers many ideas, tips, and suggestions on how to make your campaign more engaging, immersive, and memorable. Some of the features that you can find in the Companion are:
Advice on how to run each scenario, with possible outcomes, complications, twists, and alternatives.
Add-ons for each scenario, with new scenes, locations, characters, clues, encounters, and challenges.
Handouts for each scenario, with replicas of documents, letters, notes, newspapers, maps, and more.
Advice on how to handle common issues and questions that may arise during the campaign, such as continuity errors, player choices, historical accuracy, # Article with HTML formatting (continued) ... and more.
A massive 775-page pdf file
The Companion is a huge and comprehensive document that contains a wealth of information and material for the campaign. It is a 775-page pdf file that can be downloaded from various sources. The pdf file is formatted in a clear and readable way, with a table of contents, bookmarks, hyperlinks, footnotes, references, and illustrations. The pdf file also allows you to search for keywords, zoom in and out, and print pages as needed.
Why download Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf?
If you are planning to play or run Masks of Nyarlathotep, you may wonder if you need to download the Companion pdf or not. The answer is: it depends. The Companion is not essential to enjoy the campaign, as the original campaign book already provides everything you need to play. However, the Companion can offer many benefits and advantages that can make your campaign more satisfying and fun. Here are some reasons why you may want to download the Companion pdf:
To enhance your gaming experience
The Companion can help you to immerse yourself more deeply in the campaign, by providing more details, background, atmosphere, and flavor for each scenario. It can also help you to understand better the plot, the characters, the themes, and the mechanics of the campaign, by explaining and clarifying various aspects that may be confusing or unclear in the original campaign book. It can also help you to avoid or solve potential problems or issues that may arise during the campaign, by offering advice and guidance on how to handle them.
To explore new scenarios and locations
The Companion can help you to expand your campaign, by offering new scenarios and locations that can be added or inserted into the original campaign. These new scenarios and locations can provide more variety, challenge, and interest for your game, as well as more opportunities for role-playing, investigation, and action. Some of the new scenarios and locations that you can find in the Companion are:
A prequel scenario set in Mexico City, where the investigators can learn about an ancient Mayan cult and its connection to Nyarlathotep.
A new scenario set in New York, where the investigators can visit a speakeasy called Fat Maybelle's and encounter some unexpected guests.
A new scenario set in London, where the investigators can investigate a mysterious fire at a mental asylum and discover a dark secret.
A new scene set in Shanghai, where the investigators can visit a guest house owned by Jackson Elias and find some clues about his activities.
A new scenario set in Shanghai, where the investigators can explore a botanical garden and face a deadly threat.
A new scenario set in Australia, where the investigators can visit a remote farm and uncover a horrifying truth.
A new in-transit scenario set on a ship, where the investigators can solve a murder mystery involving a strange artifact.
To access high-quality props and resources
The Companion can help you to enhance your game visually and aesthetically, by offering high-quality props and resources that can be used during the campaign. These props and resources can add more realism, immersion, and excitement to your game, as well as more convenience and ease for your preparation. Some of the props and resources that you can find in the Companion are:
Replicas of documents, letters, notes, newspapers, maps, and more that can be printed and handed out to the players as clues or evidence.
Portraits of NPCs that can be shown to the players to help them visualize and remember them.
A Keeper reference booklet that summarizes all the important information and statistics for each scenario, such as NPCs, clues, encounters, and more.
Pre-generated characters that can be used by the players or as backup characters in case of death or insanity.
Character sheets that are customized for each location of the campaign, with appropriate skills, backgrounds, and equipment.
How to download Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf?
If you are interested in downloading Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf, you have several options to choose from. The Companion is available from different sources, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the sources where you can download the Companion pdf:
From Chaosium's website
One of the sources where you can download the Companion pdf is Chaosium's website, the official website of the company that created Call of Cthulhu and Masks of Nyarlathotep. You can find the Companion pdf in the digital downloads section of the website, under the category of Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition.
The advantage of downloading the Companion pdf from Chaosium's website is that you can support the company and the creators of the game and the campaign, as well as the fan community that made the Companion. You can also get updates and notifications if there are any changes or revisions to the Companion pdf.
The disadvantage of downloading the Companion pdf from Chaosium's website is that you have to pay a price for it. The Companion pdf costs $39.99 USD, which is not a small amount for a fan-made supplement. However, you may consider it a fair price for the quality and quantity of content that you get.
From Cthulhu Reborn's website
Another source where you can download the Companion pdf is Cthulhu Reborn's website, a website dedicated to creating and sharing free resources and props for Call of Cthulhu and Lovecraftian gaming. You can find the Companion pdf in the portfolio section of the website, under the category of Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion.
The advantage of downloading the Companion pdf from Cthulhu Reborn's website is that you can get it for free, as well as some additional props and resources that are not included in the official version of the Companion. You can also access other free resources and props for Call of Cthulhu and Lovecraftian gaming that are available on the website.
The disadvantage of downloading the Companion pdf from Cthulhu Reborn's website is that you may not get the latest or most complete version of the Companion, as it may not be updated or revised as frequently or thoroughly as the official version. You may also miss some features or content that are only available in the official version.
From itch.io's website
A third source where you can download the Companion pdf is itch.io's website, a website that hosts and sells indie games and game-related content. You can find the Companion pdf in Chaosium's page on the website, under the category of Call of Cthulhu.
The advantage of downloading the Companion pdf from itch.io's website is that you can get some extra content that is not available in other sources, such as a free handouts pack that contains all the handouts from the original campaign book and some new ones from the Companion. You can also explore other indie games and game-related content that are hosted on the website.
The disadvantage of downloading the Companion pdf from itch.io's website is that you have to pay a price for it, the same as on Chaosium's website ($39.99 USD). You may also have to create an account and log in to access and download the Companion pdf.
Conclusion
Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf download is a great option for Call of Cthulhu fans who want to play or run Masks of Nyarlathotep, one of the best and most epic campaigns ever created for any role-playing game. The Companion is a fan-made supplement that provides a wealth of information, material, advice, add-ons, and handouts for the campaign, as well as guidance and inspiration for Keepers and players. The Companion is a massive 775-page pdf file that can be downloaded from various sources, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you want to enhance your gaming experience, explore new scenarios and locations, or access high-quality props and resources, Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion pdf download is a resource that you should not miss.
Summary of the main points
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What edition of Call of Cthulhu do I need to play the campaign?
You can play the campaign with any edition of Call of Cthulhu, as the game mechanics are relatively simple and easy to adapt. However, the latest edition (7th edition) is recommended, as it is more streamlined and modernized, and also more compatible and consistent with the Companion.
How long does it take to play the campaign?
It depends on how you play it, but the campaign is very long and complex, and can last for months or even years. The campaign consists of several scenarios that can be played in any order, and each scenario can take several sessions to complete. The campaign also involves a lot of travel, research, investigation, and role-playing, which can add to the duration. The Companion provides some tips on how to pace and organize the campaign, as well as some optional scenarios that can be skipped or shortened if desired.
How many players do I need to play the campaign?
You can play the campaign with any number of players and characters, from solo adventurers to large groups. However, the ideal number is between four and six players, as this allows for a good balance of skills, personalities, and interactions. The Companion provides some advice on how to create and develop your characters, as well as some pre-generated characters that you can use or modify.
Is the campaign suitable for beginners?
The campaign is not recommended for beginners, as it is very challenging and demanding, both for Keepers and players. The campaign requires a lot of preparation, organization, improvisation, and creativity from the Keeper, as well as a lot of attention, involvement, cooperation, and courage from the players. The campaign also involves a lot of horror, violence, madness, and death, which may not be suitable for everyone. The Companion provides some guidance and inspiration for Keepers and players who want to tackle the campaign, but it is still advisable to have some experience and familiarity with Call of Cthulhu and Lovecraftian gaming before attempting it.
Where can I find more information and resources about the campaign?
There are many sources where you can find more information and resources about the campaign, such as:
The official website of Chaosium, where you can find the original campaign book, the Companion pdf, and other related products and materials.
The official website of yog-sothoth.com, where you can find a forum dedicated to the campaign, as well as other articles, podcasts, videos, and more.
The official website of Cthulhu Reborn, where you can find free props and resources for the campaign, as well as other projects and creations.
The official page of Chaosium on itch.io, where you can find a free handouts pack for the campaign, as well as other digital downloads.
The official page of Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion on RPGGeek, where you can find reviews, ratings, comments, and more.
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