Sandy petersens cthulhu mythos 199

Tcho-Tcho Culture
The Tcho-Tcho are an unusual subset of humans, whose

They have almost no sense of pride: a Tcho-Tcho will

long separation from others of their race has resulted

happily grovel or crawl before a stronger enemy with

in a subtly different evolutionary pathway. They rarely

no hesitation. The Tcho-Tcho almost never engage in

intermarry with outside folk—human or otherwise—

warfare, preferring a longer game. When a stronger

and do not engage in many friendly transactions with

group attacks their tribe, they immediately surrender,

other cultures (a Tcho-Tcho merchant is rare, for

then promptly begin subverting their conquerors, often

example). The Tcho-Tcho as a group tend to share some

by bribing or extorting the enemy leaders. Notably, the

physical traits, but most fall within the human range.

Tcho-Tcho never seek revenge for wrongs committed

They tend to be small in stature and heavily pitted with

against them. They will certainly destroy their enemies,

acne scars. Almost all Tcho-Tcho file their teeth, which

but it is always coldly-calculated, and they are as likely

tend to be slightly larger than the norm. Their hair,

to bring doom to a neighboring tribe who has never

skin tone, and other physical features resemble those of

harmed them as to their most hated foe.

the humans they split off from; the most well-known
group has black hair and light brown skin.

not because of Tcho-Tcho raids or attacks, but due to

Tcho-Tcho Technology

other forms of duress. Quite commonly, the Tcho-

The Tcho-Tcho are not master metalworkers nor
builders. Instead, they are highly knowledgeable about
the ways of the Mythos, as well as biological and

otherworldly science. Their leaders are able to produce
cancerous growths, deadly plagues, parasites with
horrendous abilities, and magical infections. This is
their true power.
Tcho-Tcho devices include the assassin's teapot
and Tcho-Tcho oculus. More innate modifications
generally rely on rituals like the acid blood curse or
the secret mouth. The Tcho-Tcho also know how to
manufacture selenine and can even emulate mi-go
digestive replacement.
The difference between Tcho-Tcho and average
humans exists largely within the brain and the psyche:
fundamentally, Tcho-Tcho do not think like other
humans. It is hard to tell how much of the difference
is cultural, and how much is inherent, but there is
clearly a difference. The Tcho-Tcho are far more
ruthlessly cunning and heartless than most sentient
beings, and almost never make emotional decisions.

192

The neighbors of the Tcho-Tcho hate and fear them

Tcho will send an emissary to a neighbor and demand
tribute—often in the form of nubile youths and
maidens. Failure to obey results in dreadful retribution
in the form of manufactured diseases and other such
scourges.
Tcho-Tcho disease vectors are not restricted to
sentient beings. If the Tcho-Tcho want to destroy an elf

forest, for example, they blight the trees themselves and
leave the region a wasteland. If rival groups take over
Tcho-Tcho grazing lands, their cattle or goats often end
up with hideous growths, start giving poisoned milk,
or suffer from other horrific ailments.
Because the Tcho-Tcho never engage in open
warfare, most of their weapons are designed for
assassination, extortion, and ambushes rather than
open battle. To the Tcho-Tcho, a blowgun that fires
a deadly spider is more useful than a two-handed axe.
Almost all of the Tcho-Tcho weapons are envenomed
in some way. They favor poison, disease, and sleep
drugs, but they also use hallucinogens, mind-control
drugs, and magic potions.