There I was, getting ready to type a review on what is probably the best, most-used supplement (outside of GURPS' Compendium I) in my library of gaming - I certainly use it more than any other Call of Cthulhu supplement (which is what the book is), and, come to think of it, more than I play CoC - when I realized that the author was none other than the Coordinator for the best RPG page out there, RPGnet! Yes, Miskatonic University, written by Sandy Antunes, with the help of some people who only have one name - like fantasy characters! - Hansen, Geier, Butler, and Willis. That is, of course, unless there's some other Sandy Antunes in the world that's a gamer, in which case, my appolgies! Funny though, that all this time that I used it I never noticed who wrote it. Maybe I'm not smart enough to play some of those characters as I thought... (That of course is a plug for my monthly column here, Foaming at the Mouth)
Anyways, on with the review.
Miskatonic University is a guidebook for H.P.Lovecraft's Call of Cthulhu university in Arkham. I'll be honest, I'm not a big CoC player, I think it's the best convention game out there, but beyond that it's a rarity that I even pick up the main rule-book. MU, however is more than just a CoC supplement for how to run a Lovecraftian college. This is the ultimate supplement for anyone planning to run any college setting within any genre from western to space! Sorry, Sandy, it just didn't work well in fantasy... I tried!
The book goes into detail on every facet of Miskatonic, from the time-line of the buildings to campus life to listing major personalities of the University. Also included are some "Handouts" like a library card, Alumnus card, and student ID - although they didn't take my MU student ID when I tried to get a discount at the movies. It's well written, well thought out, and well organized. It even has some great scenario seeds which can be used in just about any college game, CoC or otherwise.
Which brings me to why this is one of my favorite supplements. This book can be used in just about *any* game that features a place of greater education. It is the template I used when designing my ficional St. Chadwick's College for an In Nomine game. The point is, if you are even thinking about the remote possibility of there being a university in your game pick this book up! Trust me, you'll be glad you did.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)
