Cthulhu Confidential

Cthulhu Confidential blends the cosmic horror of the Cthulhu Mythos with the atmosphere of 1930s-40s American hardboiled noir fiction.

The game runs on the GUMSHOE One-2-One system, a version of the GUMSHOE rules (already used in Trail of Cthulhu) fully redesigned for a head-to-head experience:

• No dead ends: if the character has the right investigative ability and is in the right place, they always find the core clue needed to move the story forward — no dice roll required.
• Two types of abilities: Investigative Abilities (Forensics, Research, Law...) require no rolls, while General Abilities (Fighting, Fleeing, Sense Trouble...) are resolved with a simple d6.
• Edge and Problem cards: dice outcomes translate into physical cards representing one-time bonuses (Edges) or lasting complications such as injuries and trauma (Problems).

The core book includes three pre-generated protagonists, each with their own setting and original investigation:

• Dex Raymond, a private eye in 1930s Los Angeles.
• Vivian Sinclair, an investigative reporter in 1930s New York City.
• Langston Wright, an African-American war veteran investigating in 1940s Washington, D.C.

Thanks to its duo format, Cthulhu Confidential delivers an intense, tightly focused experience built around a single character — perfect for fast-paced sessions (3 to 4 hours), easy to schedule, and rich in narrative tension. A perfect choice for players looking for an immersive Lovecraftian investigation without needing to gather a full group.