Masks of Nyarlathotep

“Masks of Nyarlathotep” is a legendary campaign for the Call of Cthulhu tabletop role-playing game. Known for its depth and complexity, it offers a rich story with plenty of challenges and mysteries to unravel. However, it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re new to the world of tabletop RPGs.

Verdict: Play Masks of Nyarlathotep if you’re an experienced group craving deep cosmic horror and investigative gameplay — skip it if you prefer short campaigns or are new to TTRPGs.

At a Glance

System	Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Best for	Experienced players who enjoy investigative horror
GM required	Yes
Player count	3–6
Session count	30–60
Tone	Cosmic horror / psychological dread

The One-Sentence Verdict

“Masks of Nyarlathotep” is an epic, globe-trotting adventure ideal for experienced players who enjoy intricate plots and are ready for a long-term commitment.

Who This Adventure Is For

“Masks of Nyarlathotep” is perfect for groups who thrive on complex storytelling and enjoy the investigative aspect of role-playing games. If your group loves solving mysteries, piecing together clues, and exploring a richly detailed world, this campaign will be a rewarding experience.

The campaign is set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos, so it’s particularly appealing to fans of Lovecraftian horror. Expect an atmosphere filled with cosmic dread, ancient secrets, and the constant threat of madness. If your group enjoys horror and suspense, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Experienced players who have played other Call of Cthulhu adventures or similar games will find “Masks of Nyarlathotep” a thrilling challenge. The campaign is complex, with multiple storylines that intertwine over many sessions. Groups that can handle a long-term campaign with multiple threads will appreciate the depth and detail this adventure offers.

Finally, this campaign is for groups with a dedicated Keeper (the Call of Cthulhu equivalent of a Dungeon Master) who is ready to take on the challenge of running a detailed and involved storyline. The Keeper will need to be comfortable managing a large amount of information and guiding players through a non-linear narrative.

Who Should Skip It

If you’re new to tabletop RPGs or the Call of Cthulhu system, “Masks of Nyarlathotep” might be overwhelming. The campaign requires a strong grasp of the rules and mechanics, as well as an understanding of how to navigate complex narratives. Beginners might find it challenging to keep track of the many plots and characters.

Groups looking for a quick or light-hearted adventure should look elsewhere. “Masks of Nyarlathotep” is a long and intense campaign that requires a significant time commitment. It’s not the best choice for groups seeking a casual or one-shot game night.

If your group prefers combat-heavy adventures, this campaign may not be the best fit. While there are certainly moments of action and danger, the focus is primarily on investigation, problem-solving, and role-playing. Groups that thrive on strategic combat might find the pace slower than they’re used to.

Finally, if your group is uncomfortable with horror themes or the darker elements of storytelling, you might want to skip this campaign. “Masks of Nyarlathotep” delves into themes of madness, cosmic horror, and existential dread, which can be unsettling for some players.

How Long Does Masks of Nyarlathotep Take?

Be prepared for a significant time investment. “Masks of Nyarlathotep” is a campaign that can take months or even years to complete, depending on the frequency of your sessions and the pace at which your group plays.

On average, it can take anywhere from 30 to 60 sessions to finish the campaign. Each session might last three to four hours, depending on your group’s preferences and schedule. This means you’re looking at a commitment of about 90 to 240 hours of gameplay.

The campaign is divided into several distinct chapters, each set in a different part of the world. Your group will travel from New York to London, Egypt, Kenya, Australia, and China, each location offering its own set of challenges and mysteries. This globetrotting aspect adds to the length of the campaign, as each chapter is like a mini-campaign in itself.

The pace at which you progress will also depend on how deeply your group engages with the story. Players who enjoy thorough investigation and exploration may spend more time uncovering every detail, while others might move through the campaign more quickly.

What to Buy

To play “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” you’ll need the campaign book itself, which contains all the information you need to run the adventure. You can purchase it here: Masks of Nyarlathotep.

In addition to the campaign book, you’ll need the Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition rulebook. This book provides the core rules for the game, including character creation, skill checks, and combat mechanics. It’s essential for both the Keeper and the players to have access to this book to understand how the game works.

Consider purchasing a set of polyhedral dice, as Call of Cthulhu uses a variety of dice, including the standard 20-sided die (d20) and the percentile dice (d100). Each player will need their own set of dice to play the game.

Finally, while not necessary, you might find the “Masks of Nyarlathotep” Keeper Screen helpful. It includes quick-reference charts and information that can make running the game smoother for the Keeper. Some groups also enjoy using maps, handouts, and props to enhance the experience, all of which can be found in the “Masks of Nyarlathotep” PDF Handouts and Maps Pack.

Play This Next

After completing “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” your group might be eager for another epic adventure. Here are a few recommendations that can provide a similar level of challenge and depth:

1. Horror on the Orient Express: Another classic Call of Cthulhu campaign, “Horror on the Orient Express” takes players on a thrilling journey across Europe. Like “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” it offers a complex narrative and a deep dive into the world of Lovecraftian horror.

2. The Two-Headed Serpent: This campaign is a pulpy, action-packed adventure that spans the globe. It’s a bit more combat-focused than “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” but still offers plenty of mystery and intrigue for fans of the investigative genre.

3. Beyond the Mountains of Madness: Inspired by Lovecraft’s novella “At the Mountains of Madness,” this campaign takes players on a chilling expedition to Antarctica. It’s a challenging and atmospheric adventure that will test your group’s resolve and resourcefulness.

4. Tatters of the King: For those who enjoyed the horror and psychological elements of “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” “Tatters of the King” offers a more intimate but equally disturbing experience. It focuses on the King in Yellow, another entity from the Cthulhu Mythos.

5. Delta Green: If your group enjoyed the investigative aspects of “Masks of Nyarlathotep,” you might want to try “Delta Green.” This modern-day RPG blends Lovecraftian horror with government conspiracy, offering a different but equally engaging experience.

No matter what you choose next, remember that the best campaigns are the ones that fit your group’s interests and play style. Happy gaming!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can this campaign be played with new Call of Cthulhu players?

While possible, we recommend against it - the complexity and length make it better suited for groups with some system experience.

Q: How much preparation does the Keeper need?

Significant preparation is required - expect to spend several hours between sessions reviewing notes and planning upcoming chapters.

Q: Is there a way to shorten the campaign?

Some groups focus on key chapters or use pre-made investigator organizations to streamline play, but this reduces the epic scope.