Cthulhu d20 -- Is it worth it?

[SurfMonkey01]

I've been looking at this book since it came out, and part of me really wants it, but part of me feels that d20 isn't right for CoC. So here's your chance, folks -- convince me. Tell me why you like it, love it... above all else, tell me why I should shell out my hard-earned cash and get it.

 

[EricNoah]

(you may want to take a look at the D20 System Games forum, where d20 CoC is discussed)

 

[Wicht]

Having purchased it and read it it looks to me as if it will work just as well as the old system. Sanity and Cthulhu Mythos work exactly the same meaning the only difference is the skill resolution system and if anything, under the D20 system the investigators actually seem IMO to be weaker in combat (especially at the lower levels) which makes the monsters even scarier.

My only complaint is a lack of discussion on the Dream Cycle of Lovecraft and the absence of a few creatures.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

One comment, since weapon skills are tied to feats in D20 all characters are a lot weaker in CoC D20 since most of the time you are using weapons without skill in them.

 

[saduff]

I own both the d20 and the Chaosium book.

I would say if you like a little action in your games go with the d20 book. I like action but Im going to use the Chaosium book.

 

[Bagpuss]

If you own the Chaosium edition then I can't see how the D20 edition can be worth purchasing for the price it is.

Since it doesn't really add anything to the game and the Chaosium edition is fine as it is.

The only reason I could see for buying it is if you fancy playing CoC and you and your group are already familiar with D20 and like the system, a lot.

Since Chaosium's system is pretty simple there really isn't a problem if you want to switch to it from D20.

 

[Thorin Stoutfoot]

yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

I've own the 4th edition CoC. Couldn't get anyone to play. With d20 CoC, with only a little prodding on my part, half the group has gone out and bought the book! One of the other players (who has never GM'd before) is running a 2-night adventure!

It's so worth it. The production quality of a WoTC book is also much better than the black and white stuff that Chaosium puts out.

I'm now finally finding a use for all those 4th edition CoC campaigns I bought, now that I have people who are willing to play, and know the rules.

 

[Wicht]

If you own the Chaosium edition then I can't see how the D20 edition can be worth purchasing for the price it is.

Since it doesn't really add anything to the game and the Chaosium edition is fine as it is.

Well to each their own. I have both Chaosium's Limited Edition CoC version 5.1.1 and the new D20 book and am perfectly happy having both.

The tips on creating adventures in the D20 book are excellent while the Chaosium book goes into a lot of detail about various other mythos details not mentioned in the D20 book. One nice thing about the D20 book is the information on doing a DnD CoC crossover game.

Having read both, I could run either system personally and don't think it would affect the style of play overly much.

 

[Quickbeam]

SurfMonkey:

Thanks for posting this thread. I've sorta had the same question myself, but put off asking for commentary. On three separate occasions I've darn near bought the d20 CoC book, but ultimatley passed it over. Perhaps now I'll make the investment.

 

[Flying Monkey Style]

Depends on how you run horror.

We,ve played a couple of sessions in Rune,s Cthulu game, and while I'm not familiar with the Chaosium game, it probably would have proved moot. Well over half of the game has been descriptory and atmospherically tense. I don't think we haven't even fought anything yet, but we're not in any real hurry to. The odds definately are not stacked in our favor.

We make lots of sanity checks, though. Lots.

From what I understand, the rules for sanity checks have not changed for the new edition, so if this is more to your style of playing and you already have the old version, you can probably have just as much fun with it.