"The problem isn't finding the clue. It's what to do with what it means."
Trail of Cthulhu is Kenneth Hite's investigative horror on the GUMSHOE engine. Its brilliant idea: core clues are found automatically if a character has the right ability. The investigation never stalls on a failed roll — the tension is in interpreting what you find, and the price your sanity pays. 1930s Lovecraft without the dead ends.
The 1930s: global depression, the shadow of totalitarianism, and the Lovecraftian Mythos behind the facade of real history. Investigators, professors, and journalists trail cults and things from beyond. Two modes: Purist (hopeless cosmic horror) and Pulp (heroic adventure, revolver against Cthulhu).
GUMSHOE: clues are found
Have the right Investigative ability and the core clue is yours automatically. The investigation never bogs down on a die roll. The drama is in what the clues mean and where they lead.
Investigative & General abilities
Investigative abilities give clues without a roll, and you can spend their points for extra detail. General abilities (shooting, fleeing, Stability) roll a d6 with a spendable pool — a resource, not luck.
Stability & Sanity
Two tracks of the mind: short-term Stability and long-term Sanity. Contact with the Mythos erodes both. Knowledge frees and destroys — the signature Lovecraftian pendulum.
Purist or Pulp
One engine, two tones: Purist — helpless cosmic horror where heroes are doomed; Pulp — heroics where a revolver against the beast is on the table. Choose to fit your group's mood.
Open in Session Zero to let every player vote and see the results.