How to: Cthulhu in the 20's.

[2WS-Steve]

There's also Timeline: Roaring 20's. It's nicely done, gives some history, and has a good little equipment list. I'd like to see more of that really (since I'd like to do TotK too).

For pulp-flavored Cthulhu, Adamant's got a bunch of small books that look good.

And Adventure! d20 has a fun approach.

 

[Stormborn]

EDIT: Looks like someone beat me to it, but I will leave my recommendations up anyway.

GURPS Cliffhangers is focused on the late 20s early 30s but I am using it now in 1920s campaign for d20 M. Also check out RPGObjects Timeline: Roaring 20s. They also have a Modern Dispatch (83 I think) that has some prominent figures from the 20s w/ d20 M stats if you would be interested. There is also one on the Lindenburgh baby kidnapping. d20 CoC has some info in it too. As others have said there is pleanty of info out there specifically for 1920s CoC. Adventure! is a pretty good source for a more pulpy campaing as well.

Also, check out www.yog-sothoth.com for a CoC forum and more info.

 

[Yellow Sign]

I like to use the Silent Ladies & Gents website for Call of Cthulhu character and NPC portraits. It has a ton of silent film star pictures.

 

[Henry]

A few more pointers:

--Research Timelines of the 1920's.

--Don't forget about Prohibition (if running a Campaign in America, Mexico, or Canada - if you're in the U.S, it was all-consuming, if in Canada or Mexico there was a good bit of money to be made and adventure to be had rum-running.

--Watch movies and TV series like the Untouchables, or (believe it or not) the Waltons for period clothing, mannerisms, and atmosphere.

--make sure the PC's get hold of a car with a running-board (like a Duesenberg or Packard or similar) - no 1920's set-piece is complete without PCs either running for their lives or chasing someone while perched on a running-board at high-speed.

 

[Rafael Ceurdepyr]

I LOVE 1920s Call of Cthulhu, and have collected a lot of sites and props over the years for the two campaigns I've played in. An excellent resource for props is the fabulous CD available at Cthulhu Lives for a mere $20. The site also has some free props online. The kinds of props I mean are things like Arkham and Innsmouth matchbook covers, Arkham bank checkbook, train tickets, driver's license, Miskatonic student ID, even a passport.

Jazz age slang: http://home.earthlink.net/~dlarkins/slang-pg.htm

Only Yesterday, by Frederick Lewis Allen, is a great sourcebook on the 1920s and is available, full text, online: http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/ALLEN/cover.html

Library of Congress American Memory site is wonderful for all kinds of references, photos and music, especially: http://memory.loc.gov

Okay, I could go on and on, but that's a few sources. Enjoy!

 

[Byrons_Ghost]

Doesn't Tatters of the King start in London? How much of it takes place in England or Europe?

Most of the information given is going to be American oriented, so it might make a difference to your game.

Chaosium did a London 1920s guidebook a while back, but it's been out of print for ages, and I don't think it's in PDF.

 

[WayneLigon]

Historical City Maps, many of them from the period you're looking for, or close enough for the game to work. Many, many American cities

Other 1920's sites --- especially American Cultural History 1920-1929 - tons of links to the sorts of everyday facts that the Investigators will have to be aware of.

Cultural fads of the 1920's

Some good movies to watch, for the feel of the period. Watch them once, then again and just pay attention to backgrounds, fashions, etc.

Miller's Crossing
Last Man Standing
The Untouchables

The Jazz Age - a horror/mystery webcomic

 

[Agent Oracle]

Also: whatever you do: Don't forget, it's not World War One, it's "The Great War". Most men were veterans of The Great War.

 

[KaosDevice]

I like to use the Silent Ladies & Gents website for Call of Cthulhu character and NPC portraits. It has a ton of silent film star pictures.

Suh-weeet!


*yoinks the link to his bookmarks*

 

[Yellow Sign]

Doesn't Tatters of the King start in London? How much of it takes place in England or Europe?

Starts London, but also goes to Scotland, Italy, India, and Nepal.