Modern Mythos with Jon and Seth

Welcome to the next episode of Modern Mythos. In this episode, we interviewed James Lowder, the Executive Editor at Chaosium. Chaosium recently reanimated their fiction line, and Jim is their Dr. Herbert West! Jim is a super interesting guy. He's a TSR alum with a long career in writing and publishing in and around the gaming industry. It was an absolute honor to talk with Jim, and we had an amazing time. So settle in and give it a listen. As always, we want to thank our amazing editors Max Mahaffa and Edwin Nagy for their hard work and keen skills at making us sound awesome! We also want to thank John Sumrow, for our badass logo. He's a very talented artist, so please follow him on Facebook, check out his official website, and please consider joining his Patreon account. And finally, we want to thank The Darkest of the Hillside Thicket for generously allowing us to use their song, Gluttony, as our intro and outro music. If you are a fan of Lovecraft's writing and the Call of Cthulhu RPG, then you need to check out The Darkest of the Hillside Thicket. Please check out their BandCamp site and their official band site. Sumrow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnsumrow Sumrow Site: http://www.johnsumrow.com Sumrow Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JohnSumrow Darkest of Hillside Thickets Bandcamp: https://thedarkestofthehillsidethickets.bandcamp.com/ Darkest of the HIllside Thickets Site: http://thickets.net/

They compare mechanics from many RPGs and imagine how those rules could spice up Call of Cthulhu play. They talk shared backstories, shock and injury cards, flashbacks for clever plans, and clue-versus-extra mechanics. They explore inspiration systems like bonus dice, skip-roll safety rules, and buddy/rival ties. They finish with practical tips and media to evoke historical settings.

A deep dive into two Call of Cthulhu scenarios with practical tips for running and adapting them on the fly. Discussion of sandbox design, handout pacing, maps, and tonal tweaks for creeping corruption. A wide look at using modern tech in horror games: phones, social media, smart homes, device-based hallucinations, and how tech can both aid and betray investigators.

They trade nostalgia for standout published RPG modules across genres. Topics include sci‑fi/fantasy mashups, sandbox campaign structure, and horror scenarios that evoke filmic tension. They cover investigative mysteries, modular campaign stitching, and practical tips for reworking adventures to fit a table. Expect talk of art, organization, and why some modules get shelved.

Two writers talk about getting published for TTRPG platforms and practical paths like DriveThruRPG and DM's Guild. They share advice on module structure, front-loading backstory, and making investigations flexible. There is emphasis on playtesting, peer review, and the importance of cover art, maps, and clear GM notes. They also discuss content warnings and when a module might not fit a group.