This episode explores the American suburbs as a unique horror setting and considers how to bring that horror to TTRPGs and other creative works. I'll discuss the origins, failings, and fallout of suburban expansion and consider the shadows that lurk amidst a landscape of cul-de-sacs, perfectly manicured lawns, and two-car garages. I'll show you how suburbia gave birth to a new wave of gothic storytelling and provide some accessible academic resources you can use to plan your stories set in the American suburbs.

So keep up with the Joneses, don't tread on the neighbors' grass, and avoid the baleful gaze of the HOA president as we consider the nightmare of the American Wasteland.

Content Warning: This is a politically charged episode with frequent references to systemic racism and poverty. Also, this episode features readings from the works of Matthew M. Bartlett, a man who's prose would give any would-be censor an apoplectic fit. You have been warned.

Thank you to Matthew M. Bartlett for permission to read from his works. Mr. Bartlett's unique catalogue of surreal and grotesque horror tales and other merchandise is available online at Gare Occult.

Works Referenced:

Eco Gecko, Urban Planning Commentary on YouTube. Particularly the video essay series Suburban Wasteland.

M.A. Kleen, Author and Blogger. Specifically his articles on the Suburban Gothic.

Stephen Graham Jones, Mongrels, 2016.

Matthew M. Bartlett, The Devil's Radio and WXXT Program Guide chapbook series.

Music Credits

Themes by Cyber Angel, Ausku Studio, Pinetreesstudio, STAGEWORKMUSIC, CapCut Music

Additional Music by Brighid Wall

Resources and Products from Delapore Media

Visit Delapore Media for more TTRPG Resources

Get a Discounted Code of Delapore Media's Call of Cthulhu RPG scenario here:

SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN at DriveThruRPG. 60% Off. Only $2 USD!

Or get the code at http://www.delapore.media under the post "Anniversary Sale!"

A vampire horror scenario set in retro 90s Middle America where church moms and goth kids take on the Cthulhu Mythos. A great one-night scenario with a unique setting.

This episode focuses on ghosts and ghost stories in TTRPGs. I'll look at some narrative tools that let your players' imaginations do the heavy lifting, talk about some talented ghost story authors and how they use these tools, critique a beloved retelling of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and page through one of my favorite TTRPG resources for building better ghosts. All this, plus my own chilling account of a supernatural visitation.

Content Warning: Casual Discussion of Suicide.

Follow Along in Van Richten's Guide to Ghosts

Works Referenced:

The Theory of the Weird Tale, ed. S.T. Joshi, Sarnath Press (2024).

The Weird and the Eerie, Mark Fisher, Repeater (2017).

Collected Ghost Stories, M.R. James, Benedict Classics (2011).

Celtic Weird: Tales of Wicked Folklore and Dark Mythology, ed. Johnny Mains, British Library Publishing (2023).

Illusions of Presence: Lost Christmas Ghost Stories, ed. Johnny Mains, British Library Publishing (2025).

Tell Me I'm Worthless, Alison Rumfitt, Tor Nightfire (2023).

Van Richten's Guide to Ghosts, Bill Connors et al., TSR (1992).

The Muppet Christmas Carol, Brian Henson, Walt Disney Pictures (1992).

Music Themes by Cyber Angel, Kourenaidouke, and Cowaii (via CapCut)

Visit Delapore Media for more TTRPG Resources

Get a Discounted Code of Delapore Media's Call of Cthulhu RPG scenario here:

SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN at DriveThruRPG. 60% Off. Only $2 USD!

Or get the code at http://www.delapore.media under the post "Anniversary Sale!"

A vampire horror scenario set in retro 90s Middle America where church moms and goth kids take on the Cthulhu Mythos. A great one-night scenario with a unique setting.

This episode explores Folk Horror as a genre, its origins in rural folkways, and how to utilize it as a theme in TTRPG horror scenarios in ways that avoid feeling stale and formulaic. I supply a bit of personal biography about rural agricultural life in my childhood, I talk through some personal theories on why I think folk horror holds the interest of an urbanized audience, and I look at whether Lovecraft's body of work contains folk horror.

Moon Signs and the Body woodcut image

Works Referenced:

Out of the Ordinary: Folklore and the Supernatural, Edited by Barbara Walker (1995)

Pagan Celtic Britain, by Anne Ross (1967)

Folk Horror Revival and the Urban Wyrd Project

Music Themes: Gothic by Cyber Angel, Gothic Music with a Classical Atmosphere by Kourenaidouke; both available through CapCut.

Visit Delapore Media for more TTRPG Resources

Get a Discounted Code of Delapore Media's Call of Cthulhu RPG scenario here:

SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN at DriveThruRPG. 60% Off. Only $2 USD!

Or get the code at http://www.delapore.media under the post "Anniversary Sale!"

A vampire horror scenario set in retro 90s Middle America where church moms and goth kids take on the Cthulhu Mythos. A great one-night scenario with a unique setting.