Shub-Niggurath Always Rings Twice Review

 Alright, let's update the "Niche Appeal" section of the Shub-Niggurath Always Rings Twice review to include the information about Ken St. Andre's Humans Humans.

Unraveling Rural Horror: A First Look at The Dwindled Men by Thomas Pugh for The Lovecraft Variant

Bolt Thrower Press continues its exploration of Lovecraftian horror, this time venturing into the seemingly tranquil English countryside with The Dwindled Men by the acclaimed writer Thomas Pugh. This adventure, explicitly written for The Lovecraft Variant, the original Lovecraftian RPG, promises an "old school mythos" experience centered around a missing reporter and a creeping ancient terror in rural Shropshire.

A Classic Setup with a Rural Twist:

The adventure, penned by Thomas Pugh, hooks players with a classic mystery trope: the disappearance of an intrepid reporter, Margot Plush, who ventured into the depths of rural Shropshire three weeks prior and has since gone silent. This immediately establishes a sense of unease and hints at something sinister lurking beneath the surface of the seemingly peaceful countryside.

The contrast between the bustling "place to be" of 1920s London and the small market town of Ludlow sets the stage for a descent into the unknown. The description of a "darkness a-foot" and something "rotten" at the heart of the bucolic landscape effectively builds suspense. The awakening of an "ancient terror" firmly plants this adventure within the realm of Lovecraftian horror, promising encounters with forces beyond human comprehension, all crafted by the narrative skills of Thomas Pugh, a writer known for his work with Kobold Press and Evil Genius Productions.

Designed for the Original, Adaptable for All:

A key aspect of The Dwindled Men is its explicit design for The Lovecraft Variant. This suggests that the adventure, as envisioned by Thomas Pugh, will likely incorporate elements and mechanics specific to that system, potentially including its approach to sanity, investigation, and monster encounters. However, the inclusion of "tips for using it with any system" significantly broadens its appeal, indicating that the core narrative and encounters can be adapted for players using other Lovecraftian or horror RPGs, testament to Pugh's understanding of the genre.

The adventure, suitable for 4-6 "newish" characters, suggests a scenario that might be challenging but not overwhelmingly so for those relatively new to Lovecraftian investigations, providing a welcoming entry point into Pugh's take on the Mythos.

A Welcome Focus on Accessibility:

Bolt Thrower Press deserves commendation for their explicit note on accessibility. Their efforts to choose readable fonts, layouts, and background colors demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity. While the current limitations of Affinity Publisher regarding alt text for images are acknowledged, their active work on this issue is a positive sign, reflecting a thoughtful approach to presenting Pugh's work. This thoughtful approach enhances the product and makes it more enjoyable for a wider range of players.

Potential Elements to Expect (as envisioned by Thomas Pugh):

Based on the description, players can likely anticipate:

Investigation: A significant portion of the adventure will likely involve investigating Margot Plush's disappearance, interviewing locals, and uncovering the secrets of Ludlow and its surrounding countryside, guided by the clues and narrative threads woven by Thomas Pugh.

Rural Setting: The unique atmosphere of a small market town and the surrounding rural areas will likely play a key role, potentially featuring isolated farms, ancient woodlands, and close-knit communities with their own hidden histories, brought to life through Pugh's descriptive prose.

Ancient Terror: The awakening of something ancient suggests a threat that predates human understanding, potentially involving cults, forgotten rituals, or the direct influence of Mythos entities, crafted by Pugh to inspire dread and unease.

Old School Feel: Given its design for The Lovecraft Variant, the adventure might embrace a more classic, straightforward approach to scenario design, focusing on atmosphere, investigation, and the slow reveal of terrifying truths, reflecting a style that resonates with the original Lovecraftian RPG.

Sanity Challenges: As a Lovecraftian adventure, encounters with the ancient terror and its influence, as depicted by Pugh, will likely test the investigators' mental fortitude.

Initial Thoughts and Potential:

The Dwindled Men by Thomas Pugh presents a promising scenario for fans of Lovecraftian horror who enjoy a rural setting and a classic mystery to unravel. Its explicit tie-in to The Lovecraft Variant offers a unique experience for those familiar with the original Lovecraftian RPG, while the adaptability for other systems ensures a wider audience can explore Pugh's unsettling narrative. The focus on accessibility is a welcome and important feature.