Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26: A Complete Guide to the Classic Call of Cthulhu Campaign
Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26: A Review of the Classic Horror Role-Playing Game
If you are a fan of horror role-playing games, you have probably heard of Horror on the Orient Express, one of the most acclaimed and ambitious campaigns ever created for Call of Cthulhu. Originally published in 1991 by Chaosium, this epic adventure takes players on a perilous journey across Europe in 1923, aboard the legendary Orient Express train, in pursuit of a dark and ancient mystery that threatens to unleash unspeakable horrors upon the world.
horror on the orient express pdf 26
But what if you don't have access to the original box set, which is now out of print and very expensive to buy? Or what if you want to experience the game in a more modern and convenient way, with digital tools and enhancements? Well, you're in luck, because Chaosium has released a PDF version of Horror on the Orient Express, which is available for download from their website. This version, known as PDF 26, is based on the revised and updated edition of the game that was released in 2014, after a successful Kickstarter campaign.
In this article, we will review Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26, and see how it compares to the original version of the game. We will also look at the pros and cons of playing with this version, and give you some tips and tricks on how to make the most of it. Whether you are a newcomer or a veteran of Horror on the Orient Express, this article will help you decide if PDF 26 is worth your time and money.
What is Horror on the Orient Express and why is it a classic?
Before we dive into PDF 26, let's take a moment to appreciate what makes Horror on the Orient Express such a classic horror role-playing game. To do that, we need to look at four aspects of the game: its history, its plot, its setting, and its features.
When and how was it created and published?
What is the premise and the goal of the game?
The premise of Horror on the Orient Express is that the players are a group of investigators who are hired by a wealthy and eccentric art collector named Henry Stanley to recover a set of ancient and mysterious artifacts known as the Sedefkar Simulacrum. This is a statue of a human figure that was carved from a strange black stone by a cult of evil sorcerers in the 13th century. The statue was later broken into six pieces and scattered across Europe, each piece containing a part of the cult's dark secrets and powers.
The goal of the game is to find and destroy all six pieces of the Sedefkar Simulacrum before they fall into the wrong hands or unleash a terrible curse upon the world. To do that, the players will have to follow a trail of clues and confront a variety of enemies and dangers, both human and inhuman, that are connected to the statue and its history. The game is divided into four main chapters and 19 scenarios, each one taking place in a different location along the route of the Orient Express, from London to Constantinople.
Where and when does the game take place and what are the main locations?
The game takes place in 1923, a year that is full of historical and cultural events and details that enrich the game's setting and atmosphere. For example, 1923 is the year of the Turkish War of Independence, which resulted in the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of modern Turkey. It is also the year of the Beer Hall Putsch, an attempted coup by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party in Germany. It is also the year of the Great Kantō earthquake, which devastated Tokyo and killed over 100,000 people.
The game's setting is also influenced by the literary and cinematic works of the time, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, H.P. Lovecraft's The Rats in the Walls, Fritz Lang's Metropolis, and Lon Chaney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. These works reflect some of the themes and motifs that are present in Horror on the Orient Express, such as decadence, corruption, madness, technology, and horror.
The game's main locations are some of the most iconic and fascinating cities and landmarks in Europe, such as London, Paris, Milan, Venice, Lausanne, Belgrade, Sofia, Constantinople (now Istanbul), and more. Each location has its own history, culture, architecture, and secrets that are relevant to the game's plot and mood. For example, London is where the players will meet Henry Stanley and learn about his quest for the Sedefkar Simulacrum. Paris is where they will encounter a cult of ghouls that live beneath the catacombs. Venice is where they will discover a hidden library that contains ancient manuscripts about the statue. Constantinople is where they will face their final challenge and confront the ultimate evil behind the Sedefkar Simulacrum.
What are the unique aspects and mechanics of the game?
Horror on the Orient Express is not just a typical Call of Cthulhu campaign. It has some unique aspects and mechanics that make it stand out from other horror role-playing games. Some of these are:
The Sedefkar Simulacrum: This is the central artifact and macguffin of the game. It is not only a source of clues, conflicts, and dangers, but also a character in itself. The statue has a personality, a will, and a voice, that can influence, tempt, or torment the players. The statue also has a special mechanic called Corruption, which measures how much the players are affected by its dark power. The more they handle or carry the statue, the more they risk losing their sanity, health, or even their souls.
The Orient Express: This is the main mode of transportation and setting for most of the game. The train is not only a convenient way to travel across Europe, but also a symbol of luxury, romance, and adventure. The train also has its own personality, history, and secrets, that can enhance or complicate the game. The train also has its own mechanic called Travel Time, which measures how much time passes between each scenario and how it affects the players. The more they travel on the train, the more they risk encountering delays, accidents, or enemies.
The Dreamlands: This is an optional but recommended feature of the game. The Dreamlands are a parallel dimension of fantasy, wonder, and horror, that can be accessed by sleeping or using magic. The Dreamlands are not only a source of fun, variety, and surprises, but also a tool for storytelling, exploration, and resolution. The Dreamlands also have their own mechanic called Dreaming, which measures how much the players are immersed in their dreams and how it affects their gameplay. The more they dream in the Dreamlands, the more they risk losing their grip on reality, their memories, or their identities.
What does PDF 26 contain and how does it differ from the original?
Now that we have a clear idea of what Horror on the Orient Express is and why it is a classic, let's see what PDF 26 has to offer and how it differs from the original version of the game. To do that, we need to compare PDF 26 and the original box set in terms of content, format, quality, and price. We will also review PDF 26's enhancements and additions, as well as its limitations and errors.
A comparison of PDF 26 and the original box set
The original box set of Horror on the Orient Express was released in 1991 by Chaosium. It contained four books, a map, a poster, a passport, a luggage sticker, and six sheets of handouts. The four books were: Book I: Campaign Book (192 pages), Book II: Through the Alps (96 pages), Book III: Italy & Beyond (96 pages), and Book IV: Constantinople & Consequences (96 pages). The total page count was 480 pages.
PDF 26 is based on the revised and updated edition of Horror on the Orient Express that was released in 2014 by Chaosium, after a successful Kickstarter campaign. It contains six PDF files, which are: PDF 1: Campaign Book (224 pages), PDF 2: Through the Alps (128 pages), PDF 3: Italy & Beyond (128 pages), PDF 4: Constantinople & Consequences (128 pages), PDF 5: Strangers on the Train (64 pages), and PDF 6: Handouts (64 pages). The total page count is 736 pages.
As you can see, PDF 26 has more content than the original box set, both in terms of quantity and quality. Some of the main differences are:
PDF 26 has more scenarios than the original box set. It includes four new scenarios that were not part of the original campaign, such as The Blood Red Fez, The Devil Eats Flies, Dead Men's Tales, and The Smoking Heart. It also includes two bonus scenarios that were originally published separately, such as The Dreaming Train and Return to the Orient Express.
PDF 26 has more details than the original box set. It expands and updates some of the existing scenarios, adding more information, options, and variations. It also adds more background and context to some of the locations, characters, and events, making them more realistic and immersive.
PDF 26 has more illustrations than the original box set. It features more than 300 new artworks by various artists, such as maps, handouts, portraits, landscapes, and scenes. It also improves some of the old artworks, making them clearer and more consistent.
PDF 26 has more resources than the original box set. It provides more tools and aids for players and keepers, such as character sheets, pre-generated characters, NPC cards, timelines, indexes, glossaries, bibliographies, and appendices. It also includes some digital extras, such as audio files, wallpapers, screensavers, and fonts.
However, PDF 26 also has some drawbacks compared to the original box set. Some of them are:
PDF 26 lacks some of the physical components that the original box set had. It does not include a map, a poster, a passport, or a luggage sticker. These items added to the charm and authenticity of the game experience. They can be printed out from PDF 6 or bought separately from Chaosium's website.
PDF 26 is less portable than the original box set. It requires a computer or a tablet to access and read. It also takes up more storage space than a physical book. It can be inconvenient or impractical to use in some situations or environments.
on the availability and reliability of electronic devices and software. It can be lost, corrupted, or deleted by accident or maliciously. It can also become obsolete or incompatible with future technologies.
A review of PDF 26's enhancements and additions
As we have seen, PDF 26 has more content than the original box set, both in terms of quantity and quality. But what are some of the new or improved features that PDF 26 offers to players and keepers? Let's take a closer look at some of them.
PDF 26 has more maps than the original box set. It includes detailed and colorful maps of each location and scenario, as well as a large and interactive map of Europe that shows the route of the Orient Express and its stops. The maps are also available as separate files that can be zoomed in and out, printed out, or used with virtual tabletop software.
PDF 26 has more handouts than the original box set. It includes over 100 handouts that players can find and use in their investigation, such as letters, newspapers, journals, tickets, photographs, diagrams, and more. The handouts are also available as separate files that can be viewed, printed out, or shared electronically.
PDF 26 has more illustrations than the original box set. It features more than 300 new artworks by various artists, such as maps, handouts, portraits, landscapes, and scenes. The illustrations are also available as separate files that can be viewed, printed out, or used as wallpapers or screensavers.
PDF 26 has more audio files than the original box set. It includes over 30 audio files that players can listen to in their gameplay, such as music, sound effects, speeches, and interviews. The audio files are also available as separate files that can be played on any device or software.
PDF 26 has more scenarios than the original box set. It includes four new scenarios that were not part of the original campaign, such as The Blood Red Fez, The Devil Eats Flies, Dead Men's Tales, and The Smoking Heart. It also includes two bonus scenarios that were originally published separately, such as The Dreaming Train and Return to the Orient Express.
PDF 26 has more options than the original box set. It provides more choices and variations for players and keepers to customize their game experience, such as alternative endings, side quests, optional rules, difficulty levels, and more.
A critique of PDF 26's limitations and errors
However, PDF 26 is not perfect. It has some limitations and errors that can affect its usability and quality. Some of them are:
PDF 26 has some typos and inconsistencies. It contains some spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes, as well as some contradictions and discrepancies between different parts of the game. For example, some of the dates, names, or numbers do not match or make sense. Some of these errors are minor and easy to overlook or fix, but some of them are major and can cause confusion or frustration.
PDF 26 has some missing information. It omits some details or explanations that are important or useful for the game. For example, some of the handouts, maps, or illustrations are not referenced or described in the text. Some of the rules, skills, or spells are not defined or clarified in the game. Some of the NPCs, items, or events are not given enough background or context. Some of these omissions are intentional and leave room for interpretation or improvisation, but some of them are accidental and leave gaps or questions.
PDF 26 has some compatibility issues. It is not fully compatible with some devices or software that players or keepers may use to access or read it. For example, some of the PDF files are too large or complex to open or load quickly. Some of the fonts, images, or links are not displayed correctly or at all. Some of the interactive features, such as bookmarks, search functions, or hyperlinks are not working properly or consistently. Some of these issues can be solved by updating or changing the device or software, but some of them may require technical support or assistance.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of playing with this version?
Now that we have seen what PDF 26 contains and how it differs from the original version of the game, let's see what are the benefits and drawbacks of playing with this version. To do that, we need to analyze PDF 26's advantages and disadvantages for players and keepers, as well as its strengths and weaknesses for different types of gamers.
An analysis of PDF 26's advantages and disadvantages for players
Players are the ones who will take on the role of the investigators and experience the game's story, setting, and challenges. For them, PDF 26 has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:
PDF 26 is more convenient and accessible for players. It allows them to download and access the game anytime and anywhere, without having to buy or carry a physical book. It also allows them to view, print, or share the game's content easily and quickly, without having to scan or photocopy a book. It also allows them to use digital tools and enhancements, such as audio files, interactive maps, or virtual tabletop software.
PDF 26 is more customizable and immersive for players. It allows them to modify and adapt the game's content to their preferences and expectations, such as changing the difficulty level, adding or removing scenarios, or creating their own characters. It also allows them to enjoy the game's content more fully and vividly, such as seeing more illustrations, listening to more audio files, or dreaming in the Dreamlands.
PDF 26 is less portable and durable for players. It requires a computer or a tablet to access and read, which can be inconvenient or impractical in some situations or environments. It also takes up more storage space than a physical book, which can be a problem for some devices or software. It also depends on the availability and reliability of electronic devices and software, which can be lost, corrupted, or deleted by accident or maliciously. It can also become obsolete or incompatible with future technologies.
PDF 26 is less authentic and charming for players. It lacks some of the physical components that the original box set had, such as a map, a poster, a passport, or a luggage sticker. These items added to the charm and authenticity of the game experience. They can be printed out from PDF 6 or bought separately from Chaosium's website, but they are not the same as having the original ones.
An evaluation of PDF 26's strengths and weaknesses for keepers
fan videos, and more related to Horror on the Orient Express and its fans.
The official website of the Orient Express: https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/ This is where you can find more information about the Orient Express train, its history, its route, its services, its prices, and its bookings. You can also find photos, videos, stories, articles, and more related to the Orient Express and its passengers.
The Wikipedia page of the Orient Express: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient_Express This is where you can find more information about the Orient Express train, its history, its route, its variations, its incidents, and its legacy. You can also find links to other sources and references related to the Orient Express and its culture.
The Wikipedia page of Horror on the Orient Express: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horror_on_the_Orient_Express This is where you can find more information about Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26 or other versions of the game, its history, its plot, its setting, its features, its reception, and its influence. You can also find links to other sources and references related to Horror on the Orient Express and its genre.
The Goodreads page of Horror on the Orient Express: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2066388.Horror_on_the_Orient_Express This is where you can find more information about Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26 or other versions of the game, its ratings, its reviews, its editions, and its recommendations. You can also find discussions, questions, answers, and more related to Horror on the Orient Express and its readers.
The IMDb page of Murder on the Orient Express: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3402236/ This is where you can find more information about Murder on the Orient Express (2017), a movie adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel of the same name. You can also find information about other movie adaptations of the novel or other movies related to the Orient Express or its genre.
The Spotify playlist of Horror on the Orient Express: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DXcZDD7cfEKhW This is where you can listen to some music that can enhance your game experience. The playlist contains songs from various artists and genres that are related to Horror on the Orient Express or its theme.
Conclusion: A summary of the main points and a recommendation for horror fans
In conclusion, Horror on the Orient Express PDF 26 is a PDF version of Horror on the Orient Express, one of the most acclaimed and ambitious campaigns ever created for Call of Cthulhu. It is based on the revised and updated edition of the game that was released in 2014 by Chaosium. It contains six PDF files that have more content than the original box set in terms of quantity and quality. I