The long awaited Masks of Nyarlathotep Companion has finally been released as a PDF in per publication version 0.9 FOR FREE. Over 500 pages of more juicy details, campaign expansion, and tidbits to help the Keeper run what was already one of the greatest COC campaigns of all time!
I've only managed to peruse it quickly, but for a Keeper who doesn't have players that rush through things, this is a godsend. While the first thirty pages of the book are self induce backslapping and more advice for new Keepers, once it moves into expanding the background and each location.
The one thing that I could immediately give praise for is that they gave Jackson Elias some depth and substance. The man responsible for the deaths of thousands of investigators since Mask's first printing, the Companion offers further descriptions on his writing and research, PLUS an adventure to introduce the character well before the campaign is to start. This very nice, as I've read, heard, and seen enough games where this incredible character is given a 60-second treatment and handout #1 and the characters need to feign affection and loyalty to this person.
One more thing I like is an expansion of NYC to add a second finale to possibly clean up some loose ends. They even advise the possibility of using historical figures to help out. I assume the info on the other locations follow suit, plus even more NPCs (possible future PCs), more lore on the books, and at least one adventure aboard an ocean liner to ensure the group never gets a moments notice.
The full Masks Companion can be found here: http://www.yog-sothoth.com/docs3/utility-monc-0.9.pdf
I...have mixed feelings. On one hand, I think it's one of the best CoC modules ever produced. On the other, I feel you're going to use it to kill my PC in short order.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that most of the additional info is story-friendly (ie. character friendly). There are plenty of new opportunities for death and insanity, but you have to survive the next two weeks to for me to ponder the future.
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