d20 Cthulhu for "Low Magic" Fantasy

[hong]

I'm pointing out that, while CoC magic might not work in a standard D&D game, "standard PHB magic" doesn't work in all games, either. So "standard PHB magic" is "Scooby Doo-ed" into certain campaigns, just like CoC magic would be in certain others.

"Standard PHB magic" is the type of magic presented in the PHB. The Wizard class, Sorcerer, Cleric, Druid, Ranger, Paladin, and the magic that is associated with them. It doesn't fit all worlds (my own, for one).

So are you saying you're Scooby-Dooing standard PHB magic into your game? Or what?

There's a difference between inserting a foreign mechanic into a campaign, without regard for its impact on the game, and _removing_ a mechanic for the sake of flavour.

 

[hong]

This sample spell struck me as perfect for Conan-esque pulp fantasy:

Clutch of Nyogtha

(snip)

See "heart ripper" in OA, and a similar spell (can't remember the name) in Relics & Rituals.

 

[LostSoul]

So are you saying you're Scooby-Dooing standard PHB magic into your game? Or what?

Yep. Blame my brother. He likes to play with strict PHB rules. Obviously, I don't feel the same way.

There's a difference between inserting a foreign mechanic into a campaign, without regard for its impact on the game, and _removing_ a mechanic for the sake of flavour.

That's true. If I were to start my campaign over, I'd remove the standard magic and insert some other kind. (This campaign has been running for way too long, and my tastes have changed - or become more defined - over time.) But as it stands, I'm going to use what I've already got.

 

[Qlippoth]

Can't resist...

Originally posted by hong
So are you saying you're Scooby-Dooing standard PHB magic into your game? Or what?

"Curses! Great Cthulhu would have woken if it weren't for you meddling kids."

 

[Aaron L]

Scooby Doo?

 

[Pielorinho]

Re: Can't resist...

"Curses! Great Cthulhu would have woken if it weren't for you meddling kids."

"Now let's find out who Shub Niggurath REALLY is," says Daphne, and pulls off the Elder One's rubber mask.

"Zoinks!" cries Shaggy. "It's the groundskeeper!"

 

[Galfridus]

I'll tell you about my mother.

 

[Aaron L]

Ahh...Scooby Doo, as in tacking on a crappy explanation at the end. I get it.

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

If you wanted to have spellcasters with some ability to cast a couple of spells before it got too awful (as with some of the sorcerers in the Conan stories), I would advise coming up with a system to grant spellcasters "phantom" Ability points that can be used to pay the cost for the debilitating parts of the spell.

Weird Wars spells have a cost - 3 x spell level as subdual damage. That's one way to cut down on spell-casting in a modern setting.

 

[mmadsen]

Now that some people out there seem to have copies of d20 Call of Cthulhu, do we know any more about how the system works?