Being a medical student already makes describing all of the anatomy and gore to my players much more accurate and exciting, but these books are just on the whole other level, they both look amazing, I'll definitely give them a try
If these look good to you then I highly recommend also checking out The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr Spencer Black by E. B. Hudspeth. It'll be right up your alley
I love the dates in the Petersons field guide. it feels like actual research, especially with the "literature" list at the end. And the Hounds of Tindalos are so awesome!!
I wasn't all that interested in these until you floated the idea of using them as hand-outs. That's genius. Found PDFs of both for ten bucks apiece, and pulled the trigger immediately. I suspect I'll like the Anatomical Guide better, if only because the Chaosium art is a little too kewl for how I see Lovecraft. But I'm sure the text in the Petersen's Guide will make for great mythos tome fodder.
As someone who only owns Peterson's Field Guide, your criticism about the art really resonated with me. While I too think that the art is gorgeous, It's "too cool" for my taste. You see these creatures and think "Yeah, that would be cool to beat up one of those, they look cool" instead of the lumbering, bloated atrocities they are supposed to be. I showed one of my players - who doesn't really know much about Lovecraft (I'm trying to introduce him through Call of Cthulhu to the Mythos) - the Field Guide and he only talked about these monsters as if they were setpieces and how cool it would be to use them, because he didn't realize that's not what these beings are supposed to evoke in him (or at least his character) and the art didn't seem to convey that feeling. As I'm not running Pulp Cthulhu, that's not really the reaction I'm looking for. I might get the Anatomical Guide just for the more crude art, though I don't know if and/or when it's available in my country. Edit: And yes, the differences in the art to the actual creatures are also bothering me. Especially regarding the Ghouls.
2:14 I almost feel that you get a tiny advantage of you use an Earth setting before modern day as well. Imagine if you found this handbook about Eldritch breasts and Lovecraftean horrors, and then you see that one of the citations is from 2130. It could be a set up to a lot of cool adventures, and the idea of a handbook from the future would be a great way to drag the PC's into the campaign, because it's not like anyone else knows that David Meyers goes insane getting a vision of The Yellow King's true form in 1934, so you might as well check it out.
My favorite monster book is Hideous Creatures: A Bestiary of the Cthulhu Mythos, it is Trail of Cthulhu book but it got so much information, story hooks and handouts about monsters that you can use it in any Cthulhu game. I highly recommend.
That’s a great idea, mate! I love seeing people’s personal libraries, especially when I know that their interests are similar to my own. Hopefully, he’ll go for it-
It bears mentioning when trying to decide that both PDFs are less than either book. This can grant some additional utility if you plan to use them as handouts since you can select the paper for the text, capture and print only a certain image, or even dog/crumple/scorch/put coffee mugs on/smear ichor on the materials to be setting appropriate or add verisimilitude.
>Archaeologists in 3021 (After the Unification Wars) dig up the Chaosium storage unit on Earth to find a stock of 1.500 pristine Petersen's guides the to Cthulhu Mythos (Final Print before the orbital bombardments of 2904). >They proceed to mistake them for actual biology and history books. >They go crazy and panic, spreading knowledge of these horrific creatures and dark gods among the populace. >Humanity, once again, devolves into chaos. >Great job, Chaosium XD .
Nice review. I have both versions of Petersens Field Guides. I noticed a very important omission though: If I was making these books every single creature listed would have animal tracks reference guide.
Lost track of your channel for a while, only to come back to higher video and audio quality and the same wondeful confidence I always loved. Good to be back!
The moment I saw Lovecraftian Horror on the title, clicked as fast as I could on the video. I'm a big fan of the Cthulhu Tabletop games (in overall and of your video breakdowns) as well as the Mythos itself (Fully read: The Mountains of Madness, The King in Yellow as well as Call of Cthulhu).
I don't think I'd actually ever actually use a monster from such a book directly. The thing I enjoy most about lovecraft is this constant fear of the unknown. If the players can know this stuff in advance, that takes away from that feeling. But, both of these sound very useful in providing ideas. I really like your idea of just handing out the sketches. I probably wouldn't show a picture of a creature in its entirety.
Fantastic and extremely fair review. Definitely highlighted the points that are most important to me as a DM like the accuracy of the books to the mythos and the possible uses as an in-game prop. Thank you for your time and dedication to the craft, sir. You are a King among (Game) Masters.
Excellent review and I loved how you showed how you would use them with your players. I have ordered the Anatomical Guide now (since I already own the Field Guide). Thanks for the great review.
So incredibly impressed and pleased with all your vids Seth. I purchased the newly revised Petersen Guide last year and it was the dominant incentive for me to track down your vids. I'm just hearing about the Anatomical Guide now, so will be picking it up pronto. Thanks again buddy and please keep 'em coming! Oh, have a beer with Jack for me will ya? Wish he was part of my investigative team!
Just thought I'd quickly mention, I've yet to receive the Anatomical Guide but in the interim, I've picked up the gorgeous Malleus Monstorum 2 vol HC set box set (2020 ed) and I'm pleased beyond words with the contents! Sure a tad pricey (~$90Usd) but so gorgeous and so worth it. Two huge books with every critter I can think of from the Mythos, with lovely pics and literally 'volumes' of info to digest. Also contains great analogues on fighting, damage, stats, normal critters, etc. Highly recommended. I have a great deal of wonderful reading in store.
Great video! Another option for Mythos fans is Hideous Creatures published by Pelgrane Press. It’s written for Gumshoe games like Trail of Cthulhu and Fall of Delta Green, but it can be used to inspire Keepers for Call of Cthulhu as well.
I have the Peterson Guide, and I've found it really useful to send players the pictures of what they encounter them for the first time, and give them the book details if they make their rolls, found it really useful
System-neutral. I didn't know that is how they are called. Love that kind of books. Working on finishing one myself about the French Revolution, so hopefully they turn popular soon. Thanks for the video Seth, great as always.
They're especially helpful for portraying games set in different time periods. One big hurdle to GM'ing those is being able to portray everyday life, customs, and spoken phrases enough to give it a somewhat authentic flavor. Without a single written work focused on covering what life was like in the period, it can suck up a lot of time digging around and researching bit by bit. Fortunately the latest CoC edition books do a fine job of summarizing such things, but many RPGs with historical settings don't quite include enough.
Sometimes it's called system-agnostic instead, or crunch-free (crunch being anything related to game mechanics). Getting to be quite a popular format for "monster manual" type books, especially in the OSR community.
With no rules or stats then are the really RPG books at all? I'm sure that is where there is the most interest and it takes considerable imagination to think of what other purpose they have. Maybe just reading for the love of the craft or for writing fiction.
One criticism I have is: The S. Peterson field guide is $25 on Amazon The anatomical guide is going to cost you $52 to have shipped to you, if you're in the continental US. More abroad. For less pages and creatures. So, twice as much, for less monsters and pages.
Malleus Monstrorum: Cthulhu Mythos Bestiary For those interested this was something I believe just came out this year. Bought this two volume on amazon for roughly 80 bucks. Packed with info and creature stats at 250 entities to choose from. Great addition to you hunters out there my only gripe is I feel little effort was made to include pictures and art for a large portion of the monsters given. Would like to see what some of these look like but you'll have to google what you can to see what was not included to see what these beings look like. Still a definite buy.
Ty. My main character complaint with the new Peterson book is that some of the drawings stray too far from the descriptions given by Lovecraft and his circle of friends.
Cant wait till I get my hand on the Anatomical Guide, looks amazing, the true story Sandy gave about how he came about getting the manuscript in person is a must-see here on YT!!
Another amazing video. If you have the time can you do more kult divinity lost videos to eventually going in-depth on the system like you did with call of Cthulhu and traveler please.
Thanks for this comparison. From the look of the lists @4:15, the majority of the creatures missing from the Anatomical Guide are gods, unique creatures or from the Dreamlands. Are there any unexpected omissions from either book?
The Book of Nod and Revelations of the Dark Mother did not have game stats either and they were absolutely amazing works for the OWoD. Also, love the review. :)
00:14. Tbh, I like the older versions better. I know they're supposed to be strange and unearthly, but some of the illustrations either partially or don't match up with the descriptions in the original stories at all. Edit: 4:59. Ty! This was my main complaint with the book!
I got both books and I don't regret it and even if I haven't dipped my toes in CoC7E yet I love this channel and Into the Darkness and How We Roll Podcast
This all reminds me of the anatomical journals of one of the Maximilian Royce in Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem. You get detailed drawings of each and every creature in the game, with notes and everything. The best part, though, are the made ravings of Maximilian the first time you look at each one, which range from being more crazed commentary of the creature to ravings about how everyone thinks him a lunatic and how will have to do something to prove them all wrong.
I could definitely see using one or both of these in a Traveller campaign. It wouldn’t matter as much if the images didn’t quite match up with Lovecraft’s descriptions as they could be ascribed to genetic variation from having developed on a different world.
Thanks Seth I picked up the anatomical guide as a result of watching this, I feel I could really use them as you suggest a player handout but of course with the sanity cost.
Seth, are you ever planning on filming some "live games"? I'm sure I'm not alone in the desire of wanting to view you running some games;) You've got SO much insight and experience...plus you're incredibly creative (I really enjoyed "Damoren") and dynamic.
I would love one of these for Dungeons and Dragons just for the handout applications. I’ve been toying with making a home brew version, but there are so many monsters.
I've loved the field guide since I had the original in the eighties. Love the update it's definitely the nicest book Chaosium has made. I look forward to picking up the anatomical guide though - it looks good in a different way.
I'm getting ready to start a new D&D campaign using Ghosts of Saltmarsh, the only problems are that myself and another player are currently playing through it in another campaign. Which means that I will need to significantly alter the contents. This has inspired me to replace Shaughin with Deep ones, and throw some Cthulhu mythos onto the ground. Definitely going to pick up at least one of these resources. Thanks Seth 👍
"They worshiped, so they said, the Great Old Ones who lived ages before there were any men ... and ... formed a cult which had never died ... hidden in distant wastes and dark places all over the world until the time when the great priest Cthulhu, from his dark house in the mighty city of R'lyeh under the waters, should rise and bring the earth again beneath his sway. Some day he would call, when the stars were ready, and the secret cult would always be waiting to liberate him."
Art books that feature what you're setting looks like without mechanics are a great visual aid for in person games. The big coffee table "Art of Innistrad" book is at my side for every game I run set in Ravenloft, or even just any setting with classic horror themes.
@SSkorkowsky Is there a resource that gives psychological or philosophical details on how Cthulhu mythos creatures actually think, beyond the vague "alien mind that wants to conquer the world"?
Man, I've been considering buying the field guide for some time. Now I definitely will. I'm curious if you have any experience with chaosiums Malleus Monstrorum? Looks like a monsters manual for cthulhu.
Haven't watched the video yet but I can't wait to hear your comments regarding the 'telling them apart from other monsters' section of the Field Guides Edit: Sadly, this was a pretty straightforward review without a single cameo from Jack the NPC
It really says something about the reputation I've gained when I can wear a bad wig and the fakest looking moustache in the world and have that be considered "pretty straightforward."
I have the original Cthulhu Monsters and Creatures of the Dreamlands... I think I like the art better in the older editions. The Lamp Eft and the Gugg were great illustrations.. among my favorite of all time.
Stunning as the artwork in the current Peterson's Guide is, I think I actually prefer the illustrations from the originals. More colorful, and overall a bit closer matches to the descriptions Lovecraft gave us.
I have the Field Guide of Lovecraftian Horrors, and it's really great. Love the artwork. Only problem I have is the seam seems kind of wonky, feels off, and makes cracking noises as I turn the pages.
Unknown to me as I watch this, safe in my house upon the island, the forbidden folio I had ordered rattles in a dark crate at the back of the planes hold. The cargomaster glances at her assistant, as she flicks the switch on the electric torch gripped in her right hand. Cautiously they approach the wooden crate with the dragon-like logo burned onto the side. As the torch beam sweeps the hold, the shadows of 100 boxes rapidly shift places, & there, exposed now by the splintered & wrenched planking of the crate, wrestling their unwilling gaze upon it, that taboo tome penned by the Mad Mason himself: Malleus Monstrorum!
Please review "Stealing Cthulhu" (unless you did it already. You have so many reviews, it's hard to remember/track them all). It's a VERY good book for giving tips on how to mix things up in Lovecraftian Campaigns and with Lovecraftian Monsters...using the original source material that people have often strayed from, parodied, and pastiched over the past nearly 100 years since the original printings.
The funny thing is Peterson field guides are a thing in the real world. The third addition Peterson guide to the insects of North America is actually a required book for some introductory entomology courses in the US.
I wonder if showing players the monsters detracts from the horror atmosphere CoC is going for as whatever you can imagine is often more horrifying than whatever you're shown. Regardless, excellent review of both. I think I'm going to have to get both since I'm indecisive.
I think it might be cool in either DnD or in CoC (Gaslight or 1920s, maybe even Invictus), to present the books as-is, with dates and Earth references and all. They came, they say, from a creature summoned from outside time and space. Have an NPCs trying to decipher the UPC barcode as a powerful glyph (maybe it is and someone in 2053 is chuckling).
Seth, what about the flavour text and quality of the writing and the stories the writing tells? Compelling and interesting enough to read on their own outside the context of CoC or DG?
Another great review Seth! In keeping with this theme, have you checked out the Malleus Monstrorum set from Chaosium? A two book bestiary, one for Monsters, the other for Gods, and they're all statted for 7th ed CoC. Certainly a larger investment than either of the two you've showcased here but I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
I don't know if you respond to comments but I absolutely love your videos man and I was wondering if you were ever going to review the full corebook of Cyberpunk Red or just any more Cyberpunk related stuff. I love your Cyberpunk videos and would love to see more. (Coming from someone who absolutely loves Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0. and your channel)
Eventually maybe. System reviews first require a lot of first-hand playtime. Right now we're still deep in campaign for another game. We'll get to Red later this year, but don't expect a system review for a long long time.
@@SSkorkowsky cool :)) and keep up the awesome work :)) thanks for the response means a lot :)) you helped me get the hang of a lot of games and your cheatsheets are the best!! Truly appreciate the work you do :)) You also helped me to fall deeply in love with Call of Cthulhu more than I ever thought I could.
Would love to buy a copy of the Anatomical guide, but these prices with shipping are insane. I thought they had an EU warehouse? This book is $40 but after shipping and tax it’s $66. That’s a bit to much of a good thing...
I think 'system neutral' supplements could be _any_ book that happens to be of use to the gamer. These two books could easily just be coffee table books for Lovecraft fans. But the topic of non-gamer books used by gamers could be interesting. For instance I find a baby names book comes in handy...
Interesting vid. I hadn't heard of these. Might fit in with my Demon Hunters games (although my players wouldn't react like your when they recognise mi-go as they've lost a lot of their scary in those games thanks to players knowing how long they tend to last against werewolves and golems).
The greatest mythos creature video since 2021... Opps that is a typo, it's supposed to say since 1921.
Being a medical student already makes describing all of the anatomy and gore to my players much more accurate and exciting, but these books are just on the whole other level, they both look amazing, I'll definitely give them a try
If these look good to you then I highly recommend also checking out The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr Spencer Black by E. B. Hudspeth. It'll be right up your alley
Looking at the author information for the Anatomical Guide the author went to medical school, and is currently faculty there.
No one will ever know just how much hearing "hello internet, Seth Skorkowsky" makes my day.
I love the dates in the Petersons field guide. it feels like actual research, especially with the "literature" list at the end. And the Hounds of Tindalos are so awesome!!
I might purchase one of these now. I look forward to when you go over “Down Darker Trails”!
Oh hell yeah, I ran the module for it “shadows over Stillwater” and had an absolute blast playing it
Yes! DDT is such a sweet setting.
I wasn't all that interested in these until you floated the idea of using them as hand-outs. That's genius. Found PDFs of both for ten bucks apiece, and pulled the trigger immediately. I suspect I'll like the Anatomical Guide better, if only because the Chaosium art is a little too kewl for how I see Lovecraft. But I'm sure the text in the Petersen's Guide will make for great mythos tome fodder.
Actually had the Peterson Field guide as a kid, we got it from a charity shop. Had no idea it was made for the game. That's really neat
i find it funny how call of cthulhu's mass of books makes the game feel as arcane as the subject matter it depicts..
At least they are better designed than Sandy Petersen's Doom levels.
@@Urist_Mythrilforged oof. I should be offended but you speak the truth
As someone who only owns Peterson's Field Guide, your criticism about the art really resonated with me.
While I too think that the art is gorgeous, It's "too cool" for my taste. You see these creatures and think "Yeah, that would be cool to beat up one of those, they look cool" instead of the lumbering, bloated atrocities they are supposed to be.
I showed one of my players - who doesn't really know much about Lovecraft (I'm trying to introduce him through Call of Cthulhu to the Mythos) - the Field Guide and he only talked about these monsters as if they were setpieces and how cool it would be to use them, because he didn't realize that's not what these beings are supposed to evoke in him (or at least his character) and the art didn't seem to convey that feeling. As I'm not running Pulp Cthulhu, that's not really the reaction I'm looking for.
I might get the Anatomical Guide just for the more crude art, though I don't know if and/or when it's available in my country.
Edit: And yes, the differences in the art to the actual creatures are also bothering me. Especially regarding the Ghouls.
2:14
I almost feel that you get a tiny advantage of you use an Earth setting before modern day as well. Imagine if you found this handbook about Eldritch breasts and Lovecraftean horrors, and then you see that one of the citations is from 2130. It could be a set up to a lot of cool adventures, and the idea of a handbook from the future would be a great way to drag the PC's into the campaign, because it's not like anyone else knows that David Meyers goes insane getting a vision of The Yellow King's true form in 1934, so you might as well check it out.
My man said "Eldritch breasts" and no one noticed for a year.b
@@joshwagner5992 I don't think anyone noticed I commented until now, bro. Nice job finding me.
My favorite monster book is Hideous Creatures: A Bestiary of the Cthulhu Mythos, it is Trail of Cthulhu book but it got so much
information, story hooks and handouts about monsters that you can use it in any Cthulhu game. I highly recommend.
I am but a simple man. I hear "Hello internet, Seth Skorkowsky..." I press like.
Seth any chance of a bookshelf tour someday?
That’s a great idea, mate! I love seeing people’s personal libraries, especially when I know that their interests are similar to my own. Hopefully, he’ll go for it-
I second this idea. A bookshelf can reveal a lot about a person.
It bears mentioning when trying to decide that both PDFs are less than either book.
This can grant some additional utility if you plan to use them as handouts since you can select the paper for the text, capture and print only a certain image, or even dog/crumple/scorch/put coffee mugs on/smear ichor on the materials to be setting appropriate or add verisimilitude.
Also useful for Conan settings, thank you Seth!
I... I feel shame that I didn't think of the Conan connection.
I shall contemplate my failing on the Tree of Woe.
@@SSkorkowsky LOL, tree of Woe, good one! Love your channel.
It’s a small Universe ( ......... time line).
Even the Elder Gods ponder the riddle of steel!
>Archaeologists in 3021 (After the Unification Wars) dig up the Chaosium storage unit on Earth to find a stock of 1.500 pristine Petersen's guides the to Cthulhu Mythos (Final Print before the orbital bombardments of 2904).
>They proceed to mistake them for actual biology and history books.
>They go crazy and panic, spreading knowledge of these horrific creatures and dark gods among the populace.
>Humanity, once again, devolves into chaos.
>Great job, Chaosium XD .
Nice review. I have both versions of Petersens Field Guides. I noticed a very important omission though: If I was making these books every single creature listed would have animal tracks reference guide.
Lost track of your channel for a while, only to come back to higher video and audio quality and the same wondeful confidence I always loved. Good to be back!
The moment I saw Lovecraftian Horror on the title, clicked as fast as I could on the video. I'm a big fan of the Cthulhu Tabletop games (in overall and of your video breakdowns) as well as the Mythos itself (Fully read: The Mountains of Madness, The King in Yellow as well as Call of Cthulhu).
I don't think I'd actually ever actually use a monster from such a book directly. The thing I enjoy most about lovecraft is this constant fear of the unknown. If the players can know this stuff in advance, that takes away from that feeling.
But, both of these sound very useful in providing ideas. I really like your idea of just handing out the sketches. I probably wouldn't show a picture of a creature in its entirety.
Fantastic and extremely fair review. Definitely highlighted the points that are most important to me as a DM like the accuracy of the books to the mythos and the possible uses as an in-game prop. Thank you for your time and dedication to the craft, sir. You are a King among (Game) Masters.
From what I have seen, I am 100% picking up the anatomical guide to lovecraftian horrors! That looks spectacular!
And now another book to buy.
Excellent review and I loved how you showed how you would use them with your players. I have ordered the Anatomical Guide now (since I already own the Field Guide). Thanks for the great review.
So incredibly impressed and pleased with all your vids Seth.
I purchased the newly revised Petersen Guide last year and it was the dominant incentive for me to track down your vids.
I'm just hearing about the Anatomical Guide now, so will be picking it up pronto.
Thanks again buddy and please keep 'em coming!
Oh, have a beer with Jack for me will ya?
Wish he was part of my investigative team!
Just thought I'd quickly mention, I've yet to receive the Anatomical Guide but in the interim, I've picked up the gorgeous Malleus Monstorum 2 vol HC set box set (2020 ed) and I'm pleased beyond words with the contents! Sure a tad pricey (~$90Usd) but so gorgeous and so worth it. Two huge books with every critter I can think of from the Mythos, with lovely pics and literally 'volumes' of info to digest. Also contains great analogues on fighting, damage, stats, normal critters, etc. Highly recommended.
I have a great deal of wonderful reading in store.
Great video! Another option for Mythos fans is Hideous Creatures published by Pelgrane Press. It’s written for Gumshoe games like Trail of Cthulhu and Fall of Delta Green, but it can be used to inspire Keepers for Call of Cthulhu as well.
I have the Peterson Guide, and I've found it really useful to send players the pictures of what they encounter them for the first time, and give them the book details if they make their rolls, found it really useful
Commenting for the eldritch horror know as Algorithm
Roll san....... ( darn)..... “Jibber”
Agreed, I sent the field guide to a friend with no warning and he loved it. The immersion is wonderful. Great review bud
Didn't care much for Petersen's Field Guide. The anatomical one seems more suited to my taste. Thanks for the tip.
System-neutral. I didn't know that is how they are called. Love that kind of books. Working on finishing one myself about the French Revolution, so hopefully they turn popular soon. Thanks for the video Seth, great as always.
They're especially helpful for portraying games set in different time periods. One big hurdle to GM'ing those is being able to portray everyday life, customs, and spoken phrases enough to give it a somewhat authentic flavor. Without a single written work focused on covering what life was like in the period, it can suck up a lot of time digging around and researching bit by bit. Fortunately the latest CoC edition books do a fine job of summarizing such things, but many RPGs with historical settings don't quite include enough.
Sometimes it's called system-agnostic instead, or crunch-free (crunch being anything related to game mechanics). Getting to be quite a popular format for "monster manual" type books, especially in the OSR community.
With no rules or stats then are the really RPG books at all? I'm sure that is where there is the most interest and it takes considerable imagination to think of what other purpose they have. Maybe just reading for the love of the craft or for writing fiction.
Dang I wish I had gotten the Anatomical guide instead of the Field guide!
Oh well the field guide is still really nice! Thanks for the review!
Good analysis- thanks for assisting keepers with a cool way to use reference books without meta gaming
One criticism I have is:
The S. Peterson field guide is $25 on Amazon
The anatomical guide is going to cost you $52 to have shipped to you, if you're in the continental US. More abroad. For less pages and creatures. So, twice as much, for less monsters and pages.
Interesting, and what about the malleus monstrorum ? I don't think you've made any video on it ... yet ^^
I LOVED the AD&D 3 ring binder Monster's Compendium! Great Video!
Malleus Monstrorum: Cthulhu Mythos Bestiary
For those interested this was something I believe just came out this year. Bought this two volume on amazon for roughly 80 bucks. Packed with info and creature stats at 250 entities to choose from. Great addition to you hunters out there my only gripe is I feel little effort was made to include pictures and art for a large portion of the monsters given. Would like to see what some of these look like but you'll have to google what you can to see what was not included to see what these beings look like. Still a definite buy.
My GURPS game needs these. Thanks.
There could also be variations -- maybe the investigator was drawing an unusually jacked and buffed Deep One.
Ty. My main character complaint with the new Peterson book is that some of the drawings stray too far from the descriptions given by Lovecraft and his circle of friends.
This deep one swims in a water that a cargo truck of protein powder crashed into months back. All these deep ones are jacked.
Cant wait till I get my hand on the Anatomical Guide, looks amazing, the true story Sandy gave about how he came about getting the manuscript in person is a must-see here on YT!!
Another amazing video. If you have the time can you do more kult divinity lost videos to eventually going in-depth on the system like you did with call of Cthulhu and traveler please.
Thanks for this comparison. From the look of the lists @4:15, the majority of the creatures missing from the Anatomical Guide are gods, unique creatures or from the Dreamlands. Are there any unexpected omissions from either book?
The Book of Nod and Revelations of the Dark Mother did not have game stats either and they were absolutely amazing works for the OWoD.
Also, love the review. :)
00:14. Tbh, I like the older versions better. I know they're supposed to be strange and unearthly, but some of the illustrations either partially or don't match up with the descriptions in the original stories at all.
Edit: 4:59. Ty! This was my main complaint with the book!
Your reviews of Cthulhu RPGs and books are a nightmare for my wallet. I want them all!
I got both books and I don't regret it and even if I haven't dipped my toes in CoC7E yet I love this channel and Into the Darkness and How We Roll Podcast
I personally own the feild guide but never knew about the other one. Might have to pick it up because ya know, gotta get my mythos fix.
Well the Anatomical Guide doesn't come out in physical format for another few days (preorder is open), so don't worry that you'd missed it.
@@SSkorkowsky huh, that's pretty cool. Didn't know it was new from what you showed it seemed to have that style that older books have.
Such sweet Lovecraft flavour. I don't play any of these games and I think I want a copy.
Added these to my wish list! Thanks for the review!
Definitely will be looking to pick these up
This all reminds me of the anatomical journals of one of the Maximilian Royce in Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem. You get detailed drawings of each and every creature in the game, with notes and everything.
The best part, though, are the made ravings of Maximilian the first time you look at each one, which range from being more crazed commentary of the creature to ravings about how everyone thinks him a lunatic and how will have to do something to prove them all wrong.
I could definitely see using one or both of these in a Traveller campaign. It wouldn’t matter as much if the images didn’t quite match up with Lovecraft’s descriptions as they could be ascribed to genetic variation from having developed on a different world.
Thanks Seth I picked up the anatomical guide as a result of watching this, I feel I could really use them as you suggest a player handout but of course with the sanity cost.
Thanks for the suggestion, these books are awesome.
Seth, are you ever planning on filming some "live games"? I'm sure I'm not alone in the desire of wanting to view you running some games;) You've got SO much insight and experience...plus you're incredibly creative (I really enjoyed "Damoren") and dynamic.
I would love one of these for Dungeons and Dragons just for the handout applications. I’ve been toying with making a home brew version, but there are so many monsters.
I've loved the field guide since I had the original in the eighties. Love the update it's definitely the nicest book Chaosium has made.
I look forward to picking up the anatomical guide though - it looks good in a different way.
I'm getting ready to start a new D&D campaign using Ghosts of Saltmarsh, the only problems are that myself and another player are currently playing through it in another campaign. Which means that I will need to significantly alter the contents. This has inspired me to replace Shaughin with Deep ones, and throw some Cthulhu mythos onto the ground. Definitely going to pick up at least one of these resources. Thanks Seth 👍
"They worshiped, so they said, the Great Old Ones who lived ages before there were any men ... and ... formed a cult which had never died ... hidden in distant wastes and dark places all over the world until the time when the great priest Cthulhu, from his dark house in the mighty city of R'lyeh under the waters, should rise and bring the earth again beneath his sway. Some day he would call, when the stars were ready, and the secret cult would always be waiting to liberate him."
Art books that feature what you're setting looks like without mechanics are a great visual aid for in person games. The big coffee table "Art of Innistrad" book is at my side for every game I run set in Ravenloft, or even just any setting with classic horror themes.
I ordered a copy of the Anatomical Guide! Order status hasn't changed though. I wonder how flooded they got with orders after Seth posts a video....
That’s a great idea you have at the end. In fact, I’ve already done that!
@SSkorkowsky Is there a resource that gives psychological or philosophical details on how Cthulhu mythos creatures actually think, beyond the vague "alien mind that wants to conquer the world"?
The Anatomical Guide to Lovecraftian Horrors is difficult to find right now. A shame!
Man, I've been considering buying the field guide for some time. Now I definitely will.
I'm curious if you have any experience with chaosiums Malleus Monstrorum?
Looks like a monsters manual for cthulhu.
Haven't watched the video yet but I can't wait to hear your comments regarding the 'telling them apart from other monsters' section of the Field Guides
Edit: Sadly, this was a pretty straightforward review without a single cameo from Jack the NPC
It really says something about the reputation I've gained when I can wear a bad wig and the fakest looking moustache in the world and have that be considered "pretty straightforward."
Oh we love your npc and coplayers ;)
But where was Dweebles?
I have the original Cthulhu Monsters and Creatures of the Dreamlands... I think I like the art better in the older editions. The Lamp Eft and the Gugg were great illustrations.. among my favorite of all time.
THESE are the resources I need!
Stunning as the artwork in the current Peterson's Guide is, I think I actually prefer the illustrations from the originals. More colorful, and overall a bit closer matches to the descriptions Lovecraft gave us.
I have the Field Guide of Lovecraftian Horrors, and it's really great. Love the artwork. Only problem I have is the seam seems kind of wonky, feels off, and makes cracking noises as I turn the pages.
Hey Seth, sorry for an off-topic question, did you ever played setting neutral RPGs and Fate in particular? What are your thoughts on them?
Never played Fate. A buddy swears by it, but I haven't looked into it myself.
@@SSkorkowsky Pity. Thank you for answering!
Unknown to me as I watch this, safe in my house upon the island, the forbidden folio I had ordered rattles in a dark crate at the back of the planes hold. The cargomaster glances at her assistant, as she flicks the switch on the electric torch gripped in her right hand. Cautiously they approach the wooden crate with the dragon-like logo burned onto the side. As the torch beam sweeps the hold, the shadows of 100 boxes rapidly shift places, & there, exposed now by the splintered & wrenched planking of the crate, wrestling their unwilling gaze upon it, that taboo tome penned by the Mad Mason himself: Malleus Monstrorum!
This seems like a couple books that a writer might find inspiration from. I'm definitely getting them! At least Peterson's Field Guide.
Crafting your own Mythos tome? Nice.
@@oz_jones Something like that. Really just a writer looking for inspiration for his own stories.
Please review "Stealing Cthulhu" (unless you did it already. You have so many reviews, it's hard to remember/track them all). It's a VERY good book for giving tips on how to mix things up in Lovecraftian Campaigns and with Lovecraftian Monsters...using the original source material that people have often strayed from, parodied, and pastiched over the past nearly 100 years since the original printings.
The funny thing is Peterson field guides are a thing in the real world. The third addition Peterson guide to the insects of North America is actually a required book for some introductory entomology courses in the US.
I wonder if showing players the monsters detracts from the horror atmosphere CoC is going for as whatever you can imagine is often more horrifying than whatever you're shown. Regardless, excellent review of both. I think I'm going to have to get both since I'm indecisive.
How do these two compare to the Malleus Monstrorum?
Thank you, Seth. Great insights!
I think it might be cool in either DnD or in CoC (Gaslight or 1920s, maybe even Invictus), to present the books as-is, with dates and Earth references and all. They came, they say, from a creature summoned from outside time and space. Have an NPCs trying to decipher the UPC barcode as a powerful glyph (maybe it is and someone in 2053 is chuckling).
I was hoping to see Jack the NPC dressed as a Doctor, and talk (and say wrong things) about the anatomy of different creatures.
Seth, what about the flavour text and quality of the writing and the stories the writing tells? Compelling and interesting enough to read on their own outside the context of CoC or DG?
The anatomical guide may serve as interesting handouts when poking around the Meadhan building. 🤔
Are there any books like this for regular monsters or creatures? Vampires, werewolves, Dragons, Unicorns, etc
Another great review Seth!
In keeping with this theme, have you checked out the Malleus Monstrorum set from Chaosium? A two book bestiary, one for Monsters, the other for Gods, and they're all statted for 7th ed CoC.
Certainly a larger investment than either of the two you've showcased here but I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Is anyone eles still waiting for their book from Petersen Games? I ordered one right after this video was posted and I still have not received it.
Hi Seth. Do you know The Cthulhu Alphabet (by Goodman games)?
Great video btw
I don't know if you respond to comments but I absolutely love your videos man and I was wondering if you were ever going to review the full corebook of Cyberpunk Red or just any more Cyberpunk related stuff. I love your Cyberpunk videos and would love to see more. (Coming from someone who absolutely loves Cyberpunk 2.0.2.0. and your channel)
Eventually maybe. System reviews first require a lot of first-hand playtime. Right now we're still deep in campaign for another game. We'll get to Red later this year, but don't expect a system review for a long long time.
@@SSkorkowsky cool :)) and keep up the awesome work :)) thanks for the response means a lot :)) you helped me get the hang of a lot of games and your cheatsheets are the best!! Truly appreciate the work you do :)) You also helped me to fall deeply in love with Call of Cthulhu more than I ever thought I could.
I opted for Malleus Monstrorum. I want that art though!
What about "Malleus Monstrorum"?
That's a monster manual. It's a huge one, but still a Monster Manual. What makes these different is that they're not.
Hounds of Tindlados. ^_^
Very nice review btw, I blame you for wanting to buy the anatomical one too. :D
Okay... but what're their stats as mythos tomes?
Would love to buy a copy of the Anatomical guide, but these prices with shipping are insane. I thought they had an EU warehouse? This book is $40 but after shipping and tax it’s $66. That’s a bit to much of a good thing...
Ordered the Petersens Field Guide before I even finished the video. lol
How would you know as a keeper that you have too much enemies in your "encounter"
Seth I hope you do a review of adventures Doors to Darkness and gateways to terror.
I think 'system neutral' supplements could be _any_ book that happens to be of use to the gamer. These two books could easily just be coffee table books for Lovecraft fans. But the topic of non-gamer books used by gamers could be interesting. For instance I find a baby names book comes in handy...
Interesting vid. I hadn't heard of these. Might fit in with my Demon Hunters games (although my players wouldn't react like your when they recognise mi-go as they've lost a lot of their scary in those games thanks to players knowing how long they tend to last against werewolves and golems).
I dunno how but the Anatomical Guide to Lovecraftian Horrors passed me by...I’ll definitely be picking up a copy now 🦑
Go man go... this was great.
Surprised you haven't reviewed Malleus Monstronum