Exploring Horror TTRPGs in Lovecraft's Legacy

Crafting horror TTRPGs has always been complex. Balancing player safety, consent, a GM-less framework, and inspiration from Lovecraft's problematic legacy is challenging. How can we create respectful, engaging narratives?

In Tableau Games, one goal is to offer flexibility, but do we stay true to the original or carve a new path? How do we balance his famous horror stories (and popular TTRPGs that have used them) with sensitivity without becoming overly politically correct?

I've decided to start in the "deep end" by venturing into the contentious waters of Lovecraft's “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”. I chose this short story as it is one of the most problematic, full of masked racist themes.

So for Zine Month 2024, I'm unveiling the first of a series of Lovecraft Country related Tableau Storysets 📖. 

This is a small supplement to Tableau, leveraging a unique ‘Booklet Storyset’ format to introduce five distinct “Innsmouth Look” related Story Elements .

With the Innsmouth setting element, my goal was to make it adaptable to a broader range of stories, which could be set years before or long after the tragedy associated with those having Innsmouth Look.

And with the Kin of the Deep Faction, my hope is that they can serve not only as adversaries, but also as possible allies, or even help us understand and gain sympathy with an oppressed people holding a unique culture, customs, and traditions.

I've added a new Beat option for pacing the story—the ‘family saga’ of Generations . Combined with the Theme of Family of Origin , it offers the opportunity for an alternative to the classical adventure plot Scene pacing.

These Story Elements lead to my core question: Can we redefine horror TTRPGs to tackle inherent challenges both sensitively while not stifling creativity? Share your thoughts here.

If you are interested in learning what the Tableau Games system is all about, we offer the Tableau Core ꩜ Rules in a ‘name your own price’ ‘Print-N-Fold’ Tableau Booklet format. We also have three inexpensive Storysets in Tableau Booklet format that you can use with the Core ꩜ Rules . They also can be used to supplement many ‘belonging outside belonging’ style story games. 

For those deeply passionate about shaping the future of the Tableau storygame, consider joining us as an Advanced Playtester to get access to all past games and advance look at future games. Always remember: "The best stories are the ones we tell together!"

A heartfelt thank you to our playtesters and patrons for your guidance. To those new to Tableau Games, we eagerly await your insights. 

Stay connected for teasers, discussions, and more as we journey towards our 2024 Kickstarter for “Lovecraft Country: ‘A Study in Madness’” card-based Playset. You can learn more about Tableau Games, and sign up for our announcements list at: https://DyversHands.com/games/Tableau