"Bad Tidings" Review

Isto seria mais giro em Português, né? ;)

A Máquina do RPG loves premieres! This time, it's Orlando Moreira's debut in the realm of TTRPG scenario publication, specifically with Bad Tidings for Call of Cthulhu (CoC), the ultimate cosmic horror game! The setting takes place in the outskirts of Aveiro in 1937 and is digitally published under The Miskatonic Repository license.

Comme d'habitude with A Máquina do RPG, let's start with the cover!

The effective cover of Bad Tidings has all the right vibes worthy of a Call of Cthulhu cover!

Both the cover and the layout of Bad Tidings were handled by veteran Alex Guillotte. The cover is dark, mysterious, and effectively captures the theme of the scenario, albeit not very original. Not to diminish its excellent execution, but it's the typical cover that could appear in practically any other CoC scenario. As for the layout, it is perfectly consistent with the graphic design style that the 7th edition of CoC has accustomed us to, making us believe that if it were a physical product, it would almost pass for an official release. Almost. Considering that it is an indie release, it is commendable the effort invested in this small supplement to bring it as close as possible to the (high) standards of the current CoC line.

Without revealing the plot of the scenario, I can say that Vilar do Lameiro is the location. It is described in such detail and carries so many emotional memories that I even thought it was a familiar childhood place for the author (although the document itself mentions it as a fictional location). There is obviously a reuse of local knowledge under a different name to allow for a creation unrestricted by historical limits and without offending sensibilities. In that sense, for the Keeper who doesn't rush through the scenario and allows immersion in its environment, Bad Tidings can be genuinely rewarding in its exoticism of the Portuguese coast of old.

The best

The organization of Bad Tidings is one of the best examples I have ever come across in published scenarios, even considering official Chaosium releases. My favorite page is one that contains a column with a summary of the entire scenario!

The right column summarizes the whole adventure.
The blur prevents spoilers but still allows understanding the author's intention.

There is also a careful provision of cross-referenced and useful information to the Keeper to find details and clues at the opportune moments to present to their players. It is an easy scenario for any beginner group (and its respective Keeper) to embark on their first CoC adventure.

The photographs are a combination of the author's originals with some Creative Commons, others from old archives, and have been properly processed to visually blend with each other. There is, therefore, an intentional reduction of chroma in some. A nice touch.

There is an addendum that comes in a separate file that complements a possible "treasure" of the scenario. However, I won't reveal what it is here, but it's worth mentioning the author's attention to detail.

The Worst

Ironically, this good cover ends up being a problem when contrasted with the interior art. The author himself courageously illustrated the faces of all the characters in his unique style (though a but reminiscent of Blake & Mortimer, which A Máquina appreciates so much!), but it constantly reminds us that we are seeing a publication from The Miskatonic Repository and not from Chaosium itself. Which in itself is not a problem, but amidst such well-written execution, this stylistic contrast between the art and the cover ends up being its (only) weak point. We must not forget that we are dealing with an indie product that does not enjoy the same resources as a full-time official project. Obviously, the criticism is not directed at the art itself, and it does not affect the experience of the scenario in any way. Still, that contrast is there, whether we understand it or not.

Hopefully, one day Chaosium can compile Bad Tidings into an official supplement and give it the treatment it deserves.

The Verdict

Pros

• A setting full of character, originality, and a beautiful homage to an increasingly rare coastal Portugal;
• Interior photographs give it an appealing documentary aura;
• The addendum that accompanies the scenario document (but I won't reveal what it is, hehe);
• Makes you want to gather 4 friends to play, as it seems so easy to run.

Cons

• The stylistic contrast between the cover art and the interior.