Dice! Tabletop role-playing games! Cthulhu! Diverse story modules! Rich branching narratives! We are prisoners of fate, but sometimes we also roll the dice and create miracles!
The game divides its story into multiple "modules" or self-contained scenarios, each with a unique narrative featuring branching paths and diverse endings. Players' choices, actions, and the attributes of their custom-created investigator characters directly impact the story's direction and outcome. This allows for substantial replayability, as players can explore different scenarios, make alternate decisions, and experience a variety of plot developments and conclusions.
The game's character creation system offers a high degree of customization. Players can design their investigator by allocating points across various stats and selecting from a range of personality traits, both positive and negative. These attributes not only influence the character's capabilities but also shape the story events and outcomes they encounter. As players progress through scenarios, their characters can gain new skills, unlock additional traits, and develop in unique ways, further enhancing the sense of progression and personal investment in the narrative.
The gameplay heavily relies on dice rolls and skill checks, inspired by tabletop roleplaying games. Players must frequently make decisions and take actions that the game resolves through chance-based outcomes, determined by rolling virtual dice. The success or failure of these skill checks can have significant consequences, leading to different narrative paths and altering the course of events. This dice-driven system creates an atmosphere of suspense and unpredictability, requiring players to carefully weigh their options and strategize to achieve their desired outcomes.
The game encourages players to explore the game world, uncover clues, and solve various puzzles. The scenarios often involve investigating strange phenomena, interacting with NPCs, and making deductions to progress the story. This investigative aspect allows players to engage with the Lovecraftian themes on a deeper level, fostering a sense of mystery and discovery as they piece together the underlying mysteries.
While combat is not the primary focus, the game does feature tactical combat encounters. Players must carefully consider their character's strengths, abilities, and the environment to strategize effectively during battles. The use of weapons, magic, and environmental factors can provide different advantages, requiring players to make informed choices to increase their chances of success. The dice-based mechanics also play a significant role in combat, adding an element of unpredictability and tension to each confrontation.