How to Start a Lovecraftian Adventure in Call or Trail of Cthulhu

The stories of the Myths of Cthulhu start differently from other games. Some beginning Keepers find it challenging to put players' characters together, as they may come from different occupations or places. But this can happen by trying to use the wrong motivations to guide Investigators. The book Stealing Cthulhu, written by Graham Walmsley — a renowned author that creates Cthulhu Dark and several incredible adventures for Trail of Cthulhu — provides valuable tips for those who are wrapped up in starting their Lovecraftian adventures. Taking Lovecraft's narratives as a basis, he shows us that the beginning of a classic Cthulhu Myth story is:

• A friend, family member, relative or neighbor of one of the Investigators is behaving strangely (and he decides to investigate, calling on others to help);
• Investigators hear stories about strange events (and set out to investigate);
• Something strange happens to one of the Investigators;
• Investigators travel to, or arrive at, a strange place (they may not even know each other, but were strangely guided there);
• Investigators hear tales and stories about strange places;
• Investigators receive a letter, postcard, request for help, or find a strange item or artifact.

The characters already start inserted into the mystery, motivated to take the first step, or something bad will happen. It is important for the players to understand that their Investigator needs to have the motivation to continue researching the supernatural and walking further into a mystery.

Horror role-playing games often tell the opposite. The Storyteller or GM poses a dangerous situation, and the player needs to get out of it, and then the next situation comes, and another one after that. In Cthulhu Myths, the protagonists are proactive; they seek answers to the mysteries and go-ahead to the danger. Therefore, it is important to work on the backstory and motivation of the characters, briefly, to highlight these points, at the beginning of a new scenario or adveture.

If you have ever played Trail of Cthulhu, you will notice that this is strengthened through Investigators' Motivations, which is a rule for character creation. In Call of Cthulhu, there is no motivation as a rule, but that does not mean that it is worthless for the immersion of the participants in the game.

When we think of an adventure — or use a pre-made one — it may be interesting to create a prelude that throws investigators into the eye of the hurricane. Important people, places, and events can be used as a first step, but there must be something within the character that propels him forward; that makes him want to continue, even in the face of strangeness and danger.

The beginning of the scenario must have a fascinating mystery, but it must not contain raw revelations. Strange equations, lights in the sky, and disturbing dreams are exciting elements. There are lots of other ones. This is not the time to talk about claw marks, dissected bodies, alien devices, or blasphemous tomes. We don't always need a smart or stylish beginning. We just need to begin.