Cthulhu by Gaslight (1st Edition)

Cthulhu by Gaslight expands Call of Cthulhu into another time, the 1890s, when London was the financial and cultural center of the English-speaking world. Background information on London includes an extensive map, an article about the London crime of the time and the workings of Scotland Yard, information about London hotels, London markets and bazaars, sources of Cthulhoid information to be found in the city, and club life in London.

Cthulhu by Gaslight also provides background on the rest of England in the 1890s. Articles include price lists, an 1890s time line, biographies of important English individuals, a description of the English social classes of the period and how they affect game-play. Period costume is described and illustrated. New occupations are added to fit the period and place, and changes to the Call of Cthulhu skills to fit the time are provided. An 1890s rail map of England facilitates travel.

The Yorkshire Horror scenario brings the investigators together with the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. The investigators join Holmes and Dr. Watson in an attempt to clear Holmes' brother Sherrinford of insidious charges of murder. While the investigators pursue the mystery. the murderer strikes again and again. Can Sherrinford Holmes be cleared? Can the murderer be stopped?

Rules for time travel are introduced, so that existing Call of Cthulhu investigators from the 1920s can travel to the 1890s to participate in Cthulhu by Gaslight adventures.

A large map of 1890s London is included in the box. Numerous locations important to gameplay or useful in the campaign are marked on the map.

An essay interpolates the works of H. G. Wells into the Cthulhu by Gaslight package and describes how to include his ideas in Call of Cthulhu games. Sherlock Holmes is also well-represented in the package.