d20 Cthulhu for "Low Magic" Fantasy

[JoeGKushner]

I'm considering getting it. I love Lovecraft but $40 is a bit steep.

Now I'm curious about your definition of steep. Do you mean you can't afford it or that its unfairly priced?

There is a difference between the two. Most fiction hardcovers, with no graphics, go for $30. Now on the other hand, there are often ways to get them at lower prices, or wait for the bargain bins, which rarely happens with RPGs. Then again, Amazon does carry most WoTC stuff at 30% off, and I know other sites, like this one, do so at 10% off.

 

[Kirowan]

I'm seriously considering it. I don't know if I want my spellcasters losing sanity and attribute points everytime they cast a spell however (not in a non-Lovecraftian dark fantasy game at least). Any suggestions? Maybe a spell point system of some sort?

BTW, does anyone know if those attribute losses are permanent? I wouldn't think so.

 

[Darklance]

I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully they are not. It would kinda ruin any long term spell caster chances.

 

[Wolfspider]

Although I'm sure there are spells that cause permanent ability loss, I'm almost certain that this is temporary loss. Otherwise a genius Intelligence character would be reduced to a moron in just a couple spells.

 

[enrious]

Masque of the Red Death, I am so there.

 

[Evil Josef]

I certainly hope there aren't any spells that don't incur a loss. Regular spellcasting is fine for other themes, but Call of Cthulhu, of course, is all about peering into the abyss. Excellent way to keep your folks on their toes. It's not a very kind world. Plus, it affords magic the kind of dark mystery I prefer it to have. A nice change of pace from battle-magery.

I'm also sure that the loss is only temporary - for the most part - for reasons already explained.

And yes, CoC rules might make for a very interesting variant Ravenloft campaign.

 

[BadMojo]

I'm shocked that nobody has mentioned using the Sanity rules in a standard D&D game. IMO, the Sanity rules plus the right setting and feel would be great. Actually...Sanity rules + Freeport would be fun.

Sanity clause? There is no sanity clause!

 

[Evil Josef]

Freeport, Ravenloft, Scarred Lands... Heck, you could even apply the Sanity score to Planescape games and give it sort of a dark carnival type setting! After all, being that close to the gods can't be too good for one's mental health.

Oh yes. You can be sure I'll get my grubby little hands on this book as soon as I can get some scratch.

 

[ColonelHardisson]

Let's get ready for d20 Conan!

I think Vincent Darlage's site is not only ready, but has been doing d20 Conan for more than a year - and doing one hell of a job at it. If you look, he's actually done quite a bit with magic:

Main page:

http://fyrestryke.com/adilbrand/conan.htm

Hyborian d20 Magic:

http://fyrestryke.com/adilbrand/conan/hyborianmagic.htm

http://fyrestryke.com/adilbrand/conan/prestigeblackseers.htm

http://fyrestryke.com/adilbrand/conan/master.htm

 

[gregweller]

Darklance I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully they are not. It would kinda ruin any long term spell caster chances.

Well, Cthulhu (I mean the original game) is not conducive to liong term anything . It's been my experience that if there's one person left standing and sane by the end of a game, the Keeper hasn't been doing his job.