Cthulhu Confidential Cosmic Horror; Mystery; Psychological; Narrative-Driven; Solo Play

Cthulhu Confidential is a tabletop roleplaying game designed for one player and one game master, utilizing a modified version of the GUMSHOE system. It blends cosmic horror with noir detective fiction, placing investigators in the 1930s and 40s to uncover mysteries intertwined with the Cthulhu Mythos. Its unique mechanics, emphasis on narrative, and focus on solo play distinguish it from traditional RPGs, offering an intense and personalized gaming experience.

Theme and Setting

Cthulhu Confidential plunges players into the dark and gritty world of the 1930s and 40s, a time of sharp suits, smoky backrooms, and simmering secrets. The game master and player choose to play as Langston Wright in WW2 era Washington, D.C., Vivian Sinclair in 1930s NYC, or Dex Raymond in 1930s Los Angeles, where they navigate a landscape of human corruption and cosmic horror. The setting is meticulously detailed, featuring power brokers, politicians, Hollywood figures, and dangerous crime lords, all while an ancient, inhuman evil lurks beneath the surface. The game master's role is to create a story that evokes the classic solo protagonist mystery format, exploring themes of prejudice and the nature of true monsters.

Core Mechanics and Rules

The game employs a modified GUMSHOE system tailored for one-on-one play. Investigative skills automatically provide clues without the need for dice rolls, ensuring the story progresses. Players can also use a "Push" to extract more information from non-player characters. General skills, used for challenges, involve rolling one or two d6s. A roll can result in an Advance (success with a bonus), Hold (success), or Setback (failure with a problem). The system incorporates Edge and Problem cards, which introduce special benefits or complications, adding depth and flexibility to the gameplay.

Unique Aspects of Cthulhu Confidential

Cthulhu Confidential's most distinctive feature is its design for solo play, offering an intense, head-to-head gaming experience. This format eliminates table talk and out-of-character conversations, streamlining the narrative flow. The game's structure supports both pre-written scenarios and original mysteries, allowing the game master to tailor the experience to the player's preferences. The use of Edge and Problem cards, customized for specific scenarios and generic options, ensures flexibility when the player deviates from the established plot. The source material serves as a sandbox for the player to explore, combining the best of investigative and narrative-driven gameplay.

Target Audience and Player Experience

This RPG is ideal for fans of the Cthulhu Mythos, noir fiction, and mystery genres. It appeals to players who enjoy investigative gameplay and character-driven narratives. The solo format caters to those who struggle to find a full gaming group or prefer a more intimate and focused experience. While the game can be prep-heavy for the game master, requiring detailed knowledge of the setting, characters, and plot twists, the resulting gameplay is highly engaging and rewarding. Players may experience moments of confusion as they piece together clues, but this is a natural part of the investigative process. The game offers a blend of horror and intrigue, challenging players to confront both cosmic entities and the darkness within humanity.