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The Highway of Blood: A Call of Cthulhu Scenario for the 1970sClick to magnify

The Highway of Blood: A Call of Cthulhu Scenario for the 1970s

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The Highway of Blood

You find yourselves in West Texas during one of the worst heatwaves the region has ever seen. You're driving along a stretch of lonely highway with the gas gauge edging slowly towards empty when you suddenly spot a sign that promises gas and maybe a cold drink!

Over the radio you hear Coyote Mike (a local DJ) say: “Welcome to another day in the seventh circle of Hell, with the mercury expected to top 110 degrees here on the Devil’s Backbone, and tomorrow ain’t lookin’ any better. As my ol’ grandpa used to say: You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can always adjust your sails to reach your destination. I don’t know where you’re headed, my friends, but here’s a little somethin’ to keep you rollin’ down the highway!”


As "Roll On Down the Highway" begins to play, you get the strange feeling that you're being watched, but that's crazy. After all, who'd be out here in the middle of nowhere?

The Highway of Blood is a scenario for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition. It is set in 1975 and pays homage to the grindhouse movies of the time. For that reason, it is extremely deadly and gritty and is intended for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.

This is an extremely sandboxy scenario, and so the number of sessions will vary greatly depending on the players. This will work with almost any sort of characters from the time period from regular folks to law enforcement to mythos investigators. The replay value of the scenario is therefore very high, with a very different story and outcome each time.

The scenario includes multiple plot ideas, pre-generated characters, numerous handouts, cinematic car chase rules, as well as rules for dealing with the extreme desert environment that the characters find themselves in.

NOTE that having access to the book Call of Cthulhu: The Grand Grimoire of Cthulhu Mythos Magic is recommended, but not required.

We have created a Spotify playlist for the soundtrack suggestions in the book. You can find it here:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0hTzvnqPKMrPiwEYEGG0N4

UPDATE
Highway Of Blood - Audio HandoutsHighway Of Blood - Audio Handouts

These special Audio Handouts are now available at no additioinal cost. These include ten radio spots featuring a local DJ named Captain Jack and two dream/vision clips. These can all be included whenever the Keeper thinks they might enhance the game. A very special thanks to "Krafty" Matt Kraft who made these for someone running the scenario, and I am sharing them with his kind permission.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vMK5TDTA41oqDCU577WtqDr9606q1ncM?usp=sharing


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Reviews (7)
Discussions (14)
Customer avatar
Bill B October 31, 2023 5:37 pm UTC
PURCHASER
For those who use Tidal instead of Spotify, the music playlist:

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/d0c03ed5-f8d1-4ff2-b094-85e3c83fb0c3
Reply
Customer avatar
Alex G October 31, 2023 10:04 pm UTC
CREATOR
Thanks for sharing this!
Customer avatar
Curtis J September 22, 2023 10:24 am UTC
PURCHASER
Hi folks - just purchased HOB and looking forward to running it.

Quick Q - the link to Matt Kraft's audio handouts appears to be dead. I'm getting nothing. Is that a glitch? Where can I download these materials to use alongside the game??
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Customer avatar
Alex G September 22, 2023 1:37 pm UTC
CREATOR
I sent the link through Twitter, but here it is again just in case.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vMK5TDTA41oqDCU577WtqDr9606q1ncM?usp=sharing
Customer avatar
Matthew G August 21, 2023 2:35 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hey Alex - love the scenario. Quick note, page 8, you mention a ‘69 Dodge Challenger (there is no such car) but the picture is of a '69 Dodge Charger. Thanks
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Customer avatar
Alex G August 21, 2023 7:35 pm UTC
CREATOR
Thanks! Though that image on that page wasn't intended to reflect that specific text. On page 79 however, there is an accurate '69 Dodge Challenger, introduced in the autumn of 1969. ;)

https://www.auto-data.net/en/dodge-challenger-7.0-v8-hemi-425hp-3005
Customer avatar
Dale E May 08, 2023 10:25 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I checked out the revised version, and I've still noticed some oddities.
1. Multiple typos with "Wayland" and "Weyland", often being used interchangeably, and sometimes even appearing in the same sentence or section.
2. No stats given for most of the town's NPCs, even the ones said to be able to help the group out in combat. This might be intentional, but it'd be nice to have some numbers to go off of.
3. Under the Dustbilly stats it reads -
"In certain cases, Osteen has granted specific boons to disciples who have shown particularly zealous devotion. While these boons are limited, they nevertheless make these dustbillies particularly dangerous."
No such boons are listed or mentioned, and no other statblocks are given besides the standard one. This might also be intentional, but it'd be useful to have some examples of boons to give them.
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Customer avatar
Alex G May 09, 2023 3:29 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi there!

1. The newest revised version fixed the Weyland issue. Do you have the newest version? If it's the print version, I haven't changed that since it wasn't scenario critical, but at some point we'll be releasing an updated 2.0 version.
2. Yeah, it didn't make sense to stat out most of the NPCs, though we may add a supplement when we release the 2.0 in the future.
3. That was more to give Keepers a little flexibility when running the Dustbillies, in case they wanted to make them a bit tougher.

I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you enjoy the scenario!

Alex
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Customer avatar
Dale E May 12, 2023 5:35 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks for the response! So far I've noticed the Weyland issue is still present on the town map. "Weyland Community Public School" vs "Wayland" in other places.
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Customer avatar
Alex G May 12, 2023 6:28 pm UTC
CREATOR
Ah, I see. Updated PDF on the way. Keep an eye out for that.
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Dale E May 13, 2023 3:57 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks!
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Kevin M May 31, 2023 3:20 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Hi, Alex. Is there any kind of time frame for the release of the 2.0 version you mentioned? I was just about to pull the trigger on this and order a print copy, but will hold off if there's gonna be an updated release sooner rather than later. If we're talking, like, years or some undefined period of time in the future, then maybe I'll go ahead and pick it up now. I'd be glad for any light you care to shed on the matter. Thank you!
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Customer avatar
Alex G May 31, 2023 8:48 pm UTC
CREATOR
I have a number of scenarios in the works, so it will be some time. I wouldn't wait for it. :)
Customer avatar
Greger N April 12, 2023 5:42 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I see I got an updated version of this in my library now, newer than when I purchased the print. Is there any content difference? Or is it just some color adjustments and alignment changes of the text?
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Customer avatar
Alex G April 12, 2023 8:41 pm UTC
CREATOR
A few minor tweaks, but nothing that will affect the scenario.
Customer avatar
Rylan K August 17, 2021 5:00 pm UTC
Does this have a custom character sheet?
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Customer avatar
Alex G August 17, 2021 8:34 pm UTC
CREATOR
It doesn't, but that could be a cool bonus addition later on.
Customer avatar
Paul O July 26, 2020 9:47 am UTC
PURCHASER
Order 24602222
Hi, this shipped over two months ago and I still haven't received it. I left it a while as it is coming to Australia, but I'm still waiting.
Reply
Customer avatar
Alex G July 26, 2020 2:58 pm UTC
CREATOR
Hi Paul!
Unfortunately, I don't have any control over the print-on-demand materials as they're handled by DriveThruRPG. I will say that a short time ago I bought something on Etsy from Australia, and for some reason it took over two months to reach me in the US, so I suspect that there is an issue with customs.

If you haven't checked the tracking number, I'd try that next. I hope you get your book soon.

Alex
Customer avatar
David J L March 31, 2020 2:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I just spent my coronavirus lock down game book budget on this! I am super excited to see it!
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Customer avatar
Alex G March 31, 2020 4:01 pm UTC
CREATOR
We definitely appreciate it! Let us know how it goes when you run it.

Alex
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Customer avatar
Ian C March 31, 2020 4:08 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Awesome, and thank you! Let us know what happens when you run it!
Customer avatar
Dale E March 22, 2020 10:32 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Two things I've noticed that may need correcting:
1. There are some inconsistent typos with "Wayland" and "Weyland", sometimes even appearing in the same sentence or section.
2. In the NPC section for the Dustbillies, the text mentions that certain stronger variants of them are listed below, but their section only has the "Typical" statblock and nothing else.
Reply
Customer avatar
Alex G March 23, 2020 12:00 am UTC
CREATOR
Thanks for the feedback!
Customer avatar
Scott L February 24, 2020 1:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
I purchased the PDF and would like to purchase the hard copy also, is there a way I can get credit off the purchase of the hard copy for what I paid for the PDF?
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Customer avatar
Alex G February 24, 2020 3:29 am UTC
CREATOR
I can do that, Brian. I just need an email where I can send it.

Thanks!
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Customer avatar
Scott L February 24, 2020 3:26 pm UTC
PURCHASER
slambert1972@outlook.com

thanks.
Customer avatar
Andrew B January 31, 2020 9:53 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Darn it... can this be obtained or will this be obtainable in print?
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Customer avatar
Alex G February 01, 2020 1:25 am UTC
CREATOR
I'm waiting for approval so that I can order the sample copies, but yes, it will be available in softcover and hardcover.
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Customer avatar
Ian C February 15, 2020 4:28 am UTC
PURCHASER
Softcover and Hardcover are now available as Print on Demand!
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Customer avatar
Andrew B February 22, 2020 9:51 am UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks!
Customer avatar
Morgan H January 27, 2020 11:57 pm UTC
I got copy of the Playtester Edition for play testing this. The GM for our sessions was Alex G, one of the authors. We played as college kids stumbling into The Highway of Blood. It was a fun game and very evocative of Grindhouse horror. I'm impressed that this scenario is 130 pages, full of useful Sandbox goodness, much deeper than I had expected when I played in it. For a longer and more rich game, I'd suggest going with Investigators. For a one-shot, the college kids works great. An amazing amount of content. I definitely recommend this.
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Customer avatar
Ian C January 28, 2020 6:51 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks Morgan! If you ever run it let us know how it went!
Customer avatar
Dale E January 24, 2020 11:52 pm UTC
PURCHASER
I like the Scott Brown reference.
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Customer avatar
Ian C January 25, 2020 12:59 am UTC
PURCHASER
We were hoping someone would notice!
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Customer avatar
Raymond C June 04, 2020 6:48 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Is this just a trick to get Seth to do a review? If so I hope it works.
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Customer avatar
Ian C June 05, 2020 4:34 am UTC
PURCHASER
I actually don't think this scenario is something Seth would enjoy very much, but who knows?
Reply
Customer avatar
Alex G June 05, 2020 3:50 pm UTC
CREATOR
"Is this just a trick to get Seth to do a review?"

I can neither confirm nor deny this.
Customer avatar
Luc L January 21, 2020 1:14 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Will there be a POD option soon ?
Reply
Customer avatar
Ian C January 21, 2020 1:37 pm UTC
PURCHASER
We have to wait for approval from Chaosium, but we have put that forward. Hopefully it will be available before too long!
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Customer avatar
Luc L January 21, 2020 1:42 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Thanks a lot !
Hardcover please if possible
Reply
Customer avatar
Alex G January 21, 2020 3:09 pm UTC
CREATOR
That's the plan.
Reply
Customer avatar
Luc L January 21, 2020 3:31 pm UTC
PURCHASER
Nothing beats a hardcover full color :)
thanks a lot.
Reply
Customer avatar
jeffrey W January 29, 2020 5:27 am UTC
PURCHASER
I second this. I really need this in print. Softcover monochrome is fine with me. I already purchased it in pdf but I don't have a way to print it out. I rather just buy black and white on demand.
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Customer avatar
Alex G January 29, 2020 5:20 pm UTC
CREATOR
I will approve as soon as I get the samples. I'm impatient to see them too. :)
Reply
Customer avatar
Ian C February 15, 2020 4:29 am UTC
PURCHASER
They are now available!
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File Last Updated:
May 12, 2023
This title was added to our catalog on January 20, 2020.