Cthulhu Hack Horror;Cosmic Horror;Old-School Renaissance (OSR);Streamlined;Quick-Play;Rules Lite;Low Prep

At-a-glance: OSR-inspired investigative horror • d20 saves & resource dice • 3–5 + GM • Low prep • Rules‑lite • 2–3h sessions

Theme and Setting

Cthulhu Hack distills Lovecraftian cosmic horror into fast investigations across any era—1920s pulp, modern conspiracy, or bleak historical settings. The tone is bleak revelation over monster brawls: the unknown corrodes certainty, and victories feel provisional, bought with frayed nerves and compromised lives.

Core Mechanics and Rules

Two engines drive play. Saves are classic d20 checks to avoid harm, flee danger, or resist control. Resources are depleting dice you roll to push for facts—each probe can step a die down, abstracting dwindling composure and expertise. Together they make clue‑finding quick while keeping consequences sharp. Character creation is fast with archetypes or light build options; combat is dangerous and brief by design.

What Makes It Unique

Investigation is fiction‑first: players describe how they learn more, then roll to see what it costs, not whether a clue exists. This keeps momentum without clue bottlenecks while preserving pressure via attrition. Conditions and compact Mythos writeups emphasize tone and table rulings over exhaustive subsystems—ideal for one‑shots and short campaigns that still deliver mounting dread.

Target Audience and Player Experience

Great for groups who want Call‑of‑Cthulhu‑style stories without heavy rule loadouts. New Keepers get on‑ramps, tables, and an expanded starter (“Save Innsmouth”), while veterans can slot in classic scenarios with minimal conversion. Expect quick prep, consistent rulings, and sessions that spotlight discovery, hard choices, and the personal cost of knowing too much.