Bayt al Azif #2: A magazine for Cthulhu Mythos roleplaying games

by Bridgett Jeffries, Jared Smith (Editor), Jensine Eckwall (Artist)

The new magazine dedicated to adventuring against the Cthulhu Mythos continues! Issue #2

Genres: Horror

104 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2019

Reviews

[Matthew J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second volume of this lovingly produced magazine is pretty solid. Intended for either the Call of Cthulhu or Trail of Cthulhu roleplaying games, it's got plenty of material for any gamer interested in generally Lovecraftian business. There are three scenarios, each set in a different era and location (1920s Germany, 1890s England, and 1760s France). There's a lengthy article about adapting and modifying a scenarios that I found fascinating, but also lacking. I'll try to go into that in more depth in my longer review that I'll have on my blog...at some point coming up. There's also the usual reviews and 'state of the hobby' stuff. This is clearly a magazine made with love, and I tip my hat to the folks behind it. It reminds me of the best of The Unspeakable Oath, which is high praise.
As a sort of side note, I'm always interested in the idea of connecting and interweaving various scenarios. I haven't read Berlin: Wicked City yet, but I figure the scenario set in 1920s Germany might be a good tie-in. The 1890s scenario, with some work, might be an interesting prelude or "flashback" for a Masks of Nyarlathotep campaign. And the 1760s scenario might be cool to link with Reign of Terror (and thus possibly with Horror on the Orient Express). Anyway. Something to think about.

[Geoff Gander · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Cthulhu Mythos roleplaying games, this is a great resource with industry news concerning new products from Chaosium and licensees, new scenarios set in various time periods, as well as articles geared towards game masters on technique, world-building, and history. In short, something for everyone. I understand that this magazine is released once per year or so, meaning that anyone wishing to get into it would not have an extensive back-catalogue to explore.

Readers who like this magazine would probably also appreciate Arkham Gazette, which ties in directly to the Call of Cthulhu game and focuses heavily on New England "Lovecraft Country" scenarios, locations and historical events. I find the content of the two magazines complement each other very well.