Call of cthulhu D20 or not so D20?

[jdrakeh]

Consider, for example, that there is no real way to do an opposed check involving two characters.

This is what the BRP Resistance Table is for. Said table specifically compares opposing attribute values to produce a % rating that reflects opposed action. Seriously, while BRP does have its faults (much as d20 does), the inability to make opposed checks is not one of them. Rules for making opposed checks exist in all editions of Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu game.

 

[Garnfellow]

One thing about d20 CoC -- it's very easy to increase (or for that matter, decrease) the lethality just by playing with the Massive Damage Threshold mechanic. So, if you're determined to have BRP type danger, just change the massive damage roll from a Fortitude save to a Constitution check, and POOF! -- high level d20 investigators become nearly as vulnerable to instant death as low level characters. It's that simple.

 

[Desdichado]

Uh...? The character classes don't map at all, and D20M classes're significantly pulpier and more powerful than CoC d20's.

I don't see how either of those makes much difference to running a module, or using a monster or other sourcebook.

 

[billd91]

My recommendation would be to go with BRP CoC. You'll have a lot more fun with the magic system than you will in d20 CoC.

 

[HeapThaumaturgist]

How's it work in BRP, again?

I've honestly ripped the CoC d20 magic system out whole cloth and used it for other games before. Games without San, I just take the SAN damage and replace it with x2 Nonlethal damage. My players went nuts for it.

--fje

 

[billd91]

Spells in BRP cost magic points (which are based on the caster's POW score) rather than cause temporary stat damage. There are also a number of ways for powerful cultist priests to have magic point batteries, particularly altars and scepters.
Aside from being a lot easier on the bookkeeping since you don't need to recalculate any stat bonuses (which is, admittedly, easy in d20), I also find people casting spells tend to have more stamina and flexibility. And thus it also means that the really powerful cultist priests, and there are a number in published adventures, can be quite formidable. I've found in d20, they have less stamina.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I'd say go with CoC d20 for a simple reason: If the players don't have to learn new mechanics, then the mechanics slip to the backs of their minds, which means that you can move the emphasis away from them.

I agree with your principle, but I think that the BRP mechanics are so mind-blowingly simple (roll %age dice and compare with your skill) that it is easier to pick up - and there is none of the min-maxing which d20 tends to breed IMX.

Cheers

 

[amethal]

I don't have much experience of later editions of Call of Cthulhu - I have the 5th (?) edition, but never played it. I think it was 3rd edition I used to play regularly, but in those days I didn't even know there were different editions of the game (or of any other game, come to think of it).

I suggest seeing if you can pick up a cheap second hand version of an out of date edition somewhere and giving it a try.

If not, I think the key points to consider are :-

The BRP system as used in CoC is one of the easiest systems to pick up that I have ever seen; I don't think it will require much more effort on the part of your players than learning the differences between d20 CoC and other d20 games would.

The BRP system has lots of products, but on the other hand there is masses of support for d20 Modern which can be easily ported into d20 CoC

It will probably be easier to run your first game using d20 CoC as you will be more familar with it BUT everyone should have the chance to play BRP Call of Cthulhu, as its a great game

 

[Committed Hero]

This is what the BRP Resistance Table is for. Said table specifically compares opposing attribute values to produce a % rating that reflects opposed action. Seriously, while BRP does have its faults (much as d20 does), the inability to make opposed checks is not one of them. Rules for making opposed checks exist in all editions of Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu game.

I read the resistance table as designed to compare two characters' ability scores. The d20 system automatically allows a Keeper to compare both ability scores and skills, and include more detail when describing the result. Plus it has a better system for when the skills being used aren't identical, such as Bluff/Sense Motive or Rope Use/Escape Artist.

Plus the chance of automatic success/failure are more likely in BRP - only a ten point difference in characteristics. One could go into a long discussion as to how severe such a system might be, especially given the importance of research and knowledge rolls to an investigatory game, but it's not too important here.

Again, I bring this up only for players who want a smooth system. If questions like these are irrelevant to the group, use whatever.

 

[Jim Hague]

I don't see how either of those makes much difference to running a module, or using a monster or other sourcebook.

Because if it's a balanced module, monster or sourcebook, it'll be scaled to those classes and power levels? Converting is work the GM doesn't need. I'd think this is pretty obvious.