Masque of the Red Death is an Alternity campaign setting focusing on elements of Gothic horror. In this campaign, an evil entity from another plane of existence, known as the Red Death, has entered our universe through a gate opened by a misguided sorcerer in ancient Egypt. The presence of this malign entity has given rise to all manner of horrors, including the supernatural terrors of Gothic horror, such as vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. It has corrupted the art of magic, such that spellcasters run the risk of losing their souls to its influence. It has waged war against humanity for centuries, and in a Masque campaign, that war is coming to a head.

A Masque of the Red Death campaign can take place in any of a number of different time periods. The classic era of Gothic Horror is the decade of the 1890s, and the core Masque rules discuss this period. Part One describes new skills, careers, and weapons for heroes of the 1890s. In this period, Masque eschews most of the conventions of science fiction in favor of the supernatural and the horrific. Thus, Part One also sets out the core rules for fear, horror, madness, and Powers checks as well as the magic rules for campaigns set in any era.

The 1890s do not spell the end of the Red Death’s influence on Gothic Earth, however. As humanity voyages into the future–the twentieth century and beyond–the Red Death voyages with them, seeking to thwart the forces of progress at every turn. Part Two: Fruits of Evil includes suggestions for adding the Red Death and its horrific influence to an Alternity campaign set in any era, from contemporary (20th century) to far future.

Part Three: Villains of Gothic Earth describes both individual monsters (such as Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula) and creature types (werewolves, ghouls, etc.) that haunt the world of Gothic Earth. Whether they are found in crumbling Transylvanian castles or rusting futuristic starships, these are the essential horrors of Gothic legend, suitable for use in any campaign era.