Mystery of the Cursed Keep
A Cthulhu-Inspired Fantasy Role-Playing Adventure for Kids and Families
Mystery of the Cursed Keep is a Storymaster’s Tales fantasy role-playing gamebook for ages 7+, inspired by the strange world of H. P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu Mythos. Play solo, with friends, or together as a family as you explore an isolated island keep, encounter Deep Ones and a terrifying Shoggoth, uncover a sinister cult, and discover the ancient horror they are trying to awaken. No previous tabletop role-playing experience is required.
Something Ancient Is Waiting Beneath the Keep...
Your adventure begins on Shee Island, home to an isolated and mysterious Keep.
Something is wrong.
Strange creatures have been seen. Sinister cultists move through the shadows. Ancient books hint at things that should have remained forgotten.
And beneath it all lies a name whispered by those who have discovered too much:
Cthulhu.
Your heroes will explore the Keep and uncover its secrets, encountering strange creatures including Deep Ones and a Shoggoth as they discover what the cultists are planning.
Eventually, the party may face something far greater than any ordinary monster.
Because some enemies cannot simply be defeated with a sword or a spell.
Age: 7+
Players: 1–5 players
Genre: Fantasy, mystery and family-friendly cosmic horror
Themes: Cthulhu Mythos, mysterious cults, ancient secrets and sea monsters
Creatures: Deep Ones, Shoggoth and other strange inhabitants of the Keep
Game type: Tabletop RPG / interactive gamebook
Experience required: None
Play styles: Solo, Guided and Role-Play Mode
Available as: Print and digital PDF
Mystery of the Cursed Keep takes inspiration from H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, but reimagines cosmic horror as an accessible Storymaster's Tales fantasy adventure.
Players can encounter some of the most famous ideas and creatures associated with the Mythos, including Cthulhu, Deep Ones, a Shoggoth, sinister cultists and forbidden knowledge, without the adventure becoming an adult horror game.
That makes Mystery of the Cursed Keep particularly interesting for families looking for a Cthulhu-inspired RPG that younger or first-time role-players can actually play.
What Makes Mystery of the Cursed Keep Different?
While the Storymaster's Tales Quest Series contains traditional fantasy adventures filled with magic, monsters and heroic quests, Mystery of the Cursed Keep introduces elements of cosmic horror and the Cthulhu Mythos.
Players aren't simply clearing a dungeon of monsters.
They're investigating.
Who are the cultists?
What happened in the Keep?
What are the strange creatures coming from the sea?
What secrets are hidden in its ancient library?
And what happens if the cultists succeed in awakening their master?
Your choices determine how much of the mystery you uncover and, ultimately, whether your heroes can stop what is coming
You don't need any previous tabletop role-playing experience to play Mystery of the Cursed Keep. Storymaster's Tales is designed to make role-playing games accessible to children, families and first-time players without complicated rules or an experienced Games Master.
Create your heroes, make decisions, test their skills, battle monsters and discover where your choices take the story. The adventure can be played solo, together with friends and family, or with one player taking the role of the Storymaster and guiding the group.
A Beginner-Friendly Tabletop RPG
How Scary is Mystery of the Cursed Keep?
Although Mystery of the Cursed Keep is inspired by the Cthulhu Mythos and features cosmic horror creatures including Deep Ones and a Shoggoth, it is designed as a fantasy adventure for ages 7+ rather than an adult horror game.
The adventure includes creepy locations, monsters, sinister cultists and moments of peril, but presents these themes in the fun, imaginative style of Storymaster's Tales.