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Someone once called GURPS "the Encyclopedia Brittanica of roleplaying." This volume is a worthy addition to that concept. It covers horror and the supernatural so well that virtually any GM can find something to use here, no matter what system is actually being used.

This being a GURPS book, there is quite a bit of GURPS rules use in it. Only the first chapter is dedicated to the rules, though. The rest of the book mentions rules as they are appropriate, but is mainly concerned with running horror games. There are also useful tips on inserting supernatural elements into other campaigns.

All types of horror are covered, from mad slashers to classic myths to Things Man Was Not Meant to Know. The latter provides the best joke in the book, as the authors acknowledge they can't talk about the works of H. P. Lovecraft "for fear of vile Ai'Shunzuv Khoppi rites." In a sidebar, the authors suggest Call of Cthulhu as an excellent resource for that.

Three main campaign settings are provided: Victorian England, Roaring 20s and Modern Day. Each has its own chapter filled with historical information, both factual and fictional. For example, the Victorian England chapter includes a map of London, standard jobs and wages, and writeups of Sherlock Holmes and Professor James Moriarty.

There is also a chapter on other times and places, and one on a non-specific campaign idea, the Cabal. The Cabal chapter is the weakest part of the book. It describes a secret society devoted to protecting magic, psionics, monsters, etc., from the world at large. It's designed primarily as a continuing organization for the Modern Day setting, but it's not particularly compelling. The sidebar describing the Cabal in terms of the pre-CCG Illuminati card game is mildly amusing, though.

Special attention should be paid to the appendix. Great and not-so-great horror movies and fiction are recommended. Some of the works listed are well-known classics of the genre. Others are listed as sources of ideas. The list is a bit dated now, since the book was originally published in 1990. And I think they've underrated Kolchak.

Sadly, this book is out of print now. If you can find a copy and have the least interest in scaring your PCs and possibly even the players, grab it. You won't be wasting your time.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

GURPS Horror
Author: J. M. Caparula and Scott Haring Category: game Company/Publisher: Steve Jackson Games Cost: $19.95 Page count: 128 ISBN: 1-55634-179-2 Playtest Review by Patrick Clark on 10/29/98. Genre tags: Modern_day Historical Horror Generic	Someone once called GURPS "the Encyclopedia Brittanica of roleplaying." This volume is a worthy addition to that concept. It covers horror and the supernatural so well that virtually any GM can find something to use here, no matter what system is actually being used. This being a GURPS book, there is quite a bit of GURPS rules use in it. Only the first chapter is dedicated to the rules, though. The rest of the book mentions rules as they are appropriate, but is mainly concerned with running horror games. There are also useful tips on inserting supernatural elements into other campaigns. All types of horror are covered, from mad slashers to classic myths to Things Man Was Not Meant to Know. The latter provides the best joke in the book, as the authors acknowledge they can't talk about the works of H. P. Lovecraft "for fear of vile Ai'Shunzuv Khoppi rites." In a sidebar, the authors suggest Call of Cthulhu as an excellent resource for that. Three main campaign settings are provided: Victorian England, Roaring 20s and Modern Day. Each has its own chapter filled with historical information, both factual and fictional. For example, the Victorian England chapter includes a map of London, standard jobs and wages, and writeups of Sherlock Holmes and Professor James Moriarty. There is also a chapter on other times and places, and one on a non-specific campaign idea, the Cabal. The Cabal chapter is the weakest part of the book. It describes a secret society devoted to protecting magic, psionics, monsters, etc., from the world at large. It's designed primarily as a continuing organization for the Modern Day setting, but it's not particularly compelling. The sidebar describing the Cabal in terms of the pre-CCG Illuminati card game is mildly amusing, though. Special attention should be paid to the appendix. Great and not-so-great horror movies and fiction are recommended. Some of the works listed are well-known classics of the genre. Others are listed as sources of ideas. The list is a bit dated now, since the book was originally published in 1990. And I think they've underrated Kolchak. Sadly, this book is out of print now. If you can find a copy and have the least interest in scaring your PCs and possibly even the players, grab it. You won't be wasting your time. Style: 4 (Classy and well done) Substance: 5 (Excellent!)

GURPS Horror