In a Castle
A chilling weekend of Call of Cthulhu horror roleplay.
A Weekend of Cosmic Horror Awaits…
January 23–25, 2026 • Philadelphia, PA
Step into a time of dread, set within a mansion of madness in the shadow of a towering castle. A murder? A cult? A world-ending conspiracy? Over one weekend, shed the mundane and become an investigator in a living Call of Cthulhu scenario that pushes you to the brink of sanity!
Scroll down for more information.
Escape the Ordinary. Embrace the Unreal.
-
A RPG Vacation
Trained Keepers ensure a fully cinematic, emotionally charged journey through an Accelerated Campaign over 3 days of cosmic horror.
-
Authentic Atmosphere
Play RPGs in medieval museums or Gilded Age mansions under real stone arches, low lantern light, and rumbling moans—everything’s designed to warp reality.
-
"All Inclusive"
Tickets include meals, unlimited snacks and beverages, a hotel stay, event prep, and more, so you can open the gates to madness and focus on the gaming!
-
Party Options
We offer private party group tables and mixed parties for new friends, couples, and solo players. When Sanity’s a Luxury, Horror is Home.
An Immersive Setting for Supernatural Adventure
Chaosium partners with The Game Theatre's vacation gaming experts to host immersive tabletop RPG getaways in America’s most iconic locations. This winter, our horror-themed RPG vacation moves from the medieval stone halls of Glencairn Castle to the eerie grandeur of Cairnwood Estate—a Gilded Age mansion rich with history, elegance, and just the right amount of dread for a weekend of Gothic terror.
Join fellow investigators from across the country for an all-inclusive 3-day escape filled with sinister Call of Cthulhu scenarios, catered meals, on-site lodging, and some of the most talented Keepers of Arcane Lore in the field. Whether you’re unraveling a maddening mystery, confronting cosmic horrors, or surviving the legacy of an occult past—your descent begins in style.
The setting was truly inspiring for the gameplay. Our GM was amazing, engaging, and uplifting. It may have been our group, but I can certainly see playing with all our party members in the future!” - Scott
Tickets are Limited!
Tables Capped at Six
-
![Masks of Nyarlathotep]()
🜏 Masks of Nyarlathotep
Call of Cthulhu • Epic Campaign • Global Horror Conspiracy
A chilling investigation unravels across continents as a dark god’s cult tightens its grip on the world. From New York to Cairo to Shanghai, every clue leads deeper into madness. This legendary campaign delivers globe-trotting terror, ancient secrets, and a desperate race against cosmic doom. -
![Horror on the Orient Express]()
🚂 Horror on the Orient Express
Call of Cthulhu • Epic Campaign or Standalone Chapters • Supernatural Mystery
Ride the famed Orient Express into a waking nightmare. As investigators chase whispers of an ancient artifact, death and madness haunt every carriage. Lavish dinners, cursed dreams, and twisted truths await in this iconic, award-winning tale of psychological horror on rails. -
![Mansions of Madness]()
🏚️ Mansions of Madness
Call of Cthulhu • Scenario Anthology • Gothic & Psychological Horror
Step inside crumbling estates where whispered curses linger in every hall. These chilling one-shot mysteries unravel family secrets, forbidden rites, and spectral visitations that blur the line between the living and the dead.
-
![The Two-Headed Serpent]()
🐍 The Two-Headed Serpent
Call of Cthulhu • Epic Campaign • Pulp Adventure & Global Conspiracy
Race across the globe to stop a sinister corporate plot tied to ancient reptilian horrors. Lost temples, deadly jungles, and shocking betrayals stand between your team and the truth that could rewrite human history.
-
![A Cold Fire Within]()
🔥 A Cold Fire Within
Call of Cthulhu • Pulp Campaign • Psionics, Cults & Cosmic Terror
Descend into the underworld of forgotten cities and psychic power gone awry. A fanatical cult seeks to awaken a buried alien intelligence, threatening not just your sanity, but the future of humanity itself.
Key Details
Adventure Tables
The maximum number of players at a table is six. If you purchase the same campaign, we will pair up couples, friends, and family. If you are in a group of 3–4, we will potentially add two more people to your table. A table is considered closed at 5-6 players. We limit the number of tables to prevent crowding and noise.
Transportation
No shuttles are provided between the airport, venue, and hotel. However, players arrange friendly ride-shares for arrival and departure. Of course, ride-sharing apps have simplified travel nowadays. Getting to and from the venue is never an issue if you do not have a car.
Character Creation & Prep
Our Discord server opens 2-3 weeks before each event for convenient onboarding. You will meet your GM online, and they will provide character generation guidelines. Parties are assigned private channels to meet, develop a backstory, ask questions, and prepare for the event.
January 2026 Winter Location
Cairnwood Estate at 1005 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009 (Link). A modernized Gilded Age Mansion complete with central heating, electrical outlets, and WiFi.
Hotel Stay Included!
Tickets include a 2-night stay at the award-winning Holiday Inn & Suites at 432 Pennsylvania Avenue, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 19034 (Link). You can add additional nights for the day before arrival (Thursday night) or an extended stay (through Sunday night) after booking.
*Commuter (no hotel) tickets are also available for local players.
Meals are Included!
Tickets include catered lunches and dinners with vegetarian and gluten-free options (seafood/shellfish, peanuts, and other common allergens are avoided). Unlimited snacks and beverages are always available, and adult beverages are served.
Questions? See our FAQ!
What is an Accelerated Scenario?
Finally, experience a complete mystery in one unforgettable weekend.
Many groups struggle to play consistently—but we make it possible to dive deep and resolve a full Call of Cthulhu scenario in just three days. Arrive with a fresh investigator… and leave forever changed by the horrors you uncover.
You’re not heroes—you’re the last line of sanity.
Our curated scenarios cut straight to the tension: rich character moments, mounting dread, and impossible choices. From Friday to Sunday, each session delivers critical revelations and chilling encounters—ensuring you live (or die) through a complete tale of cosmic terror.
⚔️ Our Value:
✅ Complete Your Quest in One Weekend
No cliffhangers—just epic, beginning-to-end campaigns in a single unforgettable experience.
✅ Elite GMs & Story-Driven Players
Join passionate adventurers and masterful storytellers handpicked for immersive, cinematic play.
✅ Legendary Locations
Game in a real medieval estate—where candlelight, stone halls, and lore-filled rooms set the stage.
✅ No Fluff. No Delays. Just Story.
Every moment counts. Every session matters. No filler—just pure narrative immersion.
✅ Top-Tier Tables
Custom maps, minis, props, and prepared materials—nothing but the best for your character’s journey.
✅ One Price. Total Package.
Your ticket covers it all: meals, snacks, drinks, GMs, hotel, and the full adventure weekend.
✅ Come Solo or With Your Party
Whether you're gathering your guild or coming solo, you'll find your next great alliance here.
Sample Schedule
-
Friday
10:30 am Mansion Check-In
11:00 Gaming Begins!
12:30 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Gaming continues
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Gaming continues
11:30 pm—end play Day 1
-
Saturday
10:00 am Mansion opens for Day 2
12:30 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Gaming continues
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Gaming continues
11:30 pm—end play Day 2
-
Sunday
10:00 am Mansion opens for Day 3
12:30 pm Pizza Party
1:30 Final Gaming Rounds!
3:00-4:00 pm End Adventures
See you next time! Plenty of time to catch an evening flight out of Philadelphia.
Travel is Easy!
The majestic historic district of Bryn Athyn hosts many of our events. This world of genuine gothic revival and gilded-age architecture is just 40 minutes north of Philadelphia’s Airport..
Our Hotel
432 Pennsylvania Ave.
Fort Washington, PA 19034
Phone: (215) 591-9000
We offer both hotel stay and commuter (no hotel) ticket options. Want extra nights? You can add them directly through our hotel block. Your itinerary, your way!
What Players Say
If you are a veteran of tabletop RPGs or just starting out, you will be amazed at how much fun you will have. The DM's are all amazing, the staff is incredible, and the thrills are endless! By the time you sit down, you have made new friends and are in for the adventure of a lifetime! - Adam
“This was easily the smoothest and most cohesive game I've ever been in (though that was probably the point of turning it into an event, lol), not to mention the most unique story.” - Spenser
“Amazing job running a table of six people and condensing a campaign packed with material while letting us each try to tell a bit of our story!” - Aethelas “
“Go with like-minded friends ready to spend most of the day on the campaign if you can, but even if you go alone, you'll likely meet new people just as excited about playing as you are!” - Kevin
