A discussion thread.
Are we assumed to have met previously and/or worked together before, or are we newly thrown together for this investigation?
You've probably met, briefly, during training/orientation.
I chose Latin as his foreign language. Seemed a good British schoolboy sort of thing to know.
Question about game mechanics: If my character uses a skill, then does mean that he "spent" a skill point?
For example, I had Edward use Flattery. Does Edward's Flattery value now decrease by one point? If so, how long until he gets that point back?
Thanks,
Keith
Investigative Ability Points refresh between adventures: so you want to use those sparingly, though most of the time you won't have to spend at all, as Investigative Abilities 'automatically' work. Spends are for that extra bit of information, that isn't necessarily a plot driving clue; but still provides some useful insight.
Athletics, Driving, Firearms, Fleeing, Scuffling, Piloting, Riding,and weapons refresh within 24 hours of their use.
Once per session (which we'll say is every three 'scenes'), you can, provided that your character is in a 'safe' place, refresh 3 general ability pools.
A couple of things to keep in mind about the pool dynamic: its represents a kind of narrative momentum, and it lends itself to an 'ensemble' cast, a character can only seize the spot-light for so long before they exhaust their points, and then its another character's chance to shine.
Investigative Ability Points refresh between adventures: so you want to use those sparingly, though most of the time you won't have to spend at all, as Investigative Abilities 'automatically' work. Spends are for that extra bit of information, that isn't necessarily a plot driving clue; but still provides some useful insight.
Athletics, Driving, Firearms, Fleeing, Scuffling, Piloting, Riding,and weapons refresh within 24 hours of their use.
Once per session (which we'll say is every three 'scenes'), you can, provided that your character is in a 'safe' place, refresh 3 general ability pools.
A couple of things to keep in mind about the pool dynamic: its represents a kind of narrative momentum, and it lends itself to an 'ensemble' cast, a character can only seize the spot-light for so long before they exhaust their points, and then its another character's chance to shine.
I did not realize that about the pool dynamic, but that makes a lot of sense, and also seems like it adds to the game's balance.
I've had the core rules for quite a while, but I've never dug down into the crunch. Since I didn't have any players I just read the fun, fluffy stuff (read: creatures). :-)
If I do anything wrong, mechanics-wise, just let me know and I'll make the adjustment.
We appear to have lost Ms. Chase. For the time being we'll assume she's staying close to the boarding house, performing the stereotypical role of secretary; typing up and collating your notes.
Do you want to recruit another player ot two?
It seems like it's early enough that we could bring someone in. Just a thought.
Might not be a bad idea.
Will probably not post again until Monday the 30th. Everyone have a good Holiday.
You, too
Happy Holidays. Will not post again till Monday 12/28.
Happy Holidays. Will not post again till Monday 12/28.
Same to you, and for any of you in the east-central U.S., be really careful... this is a violent storm system that is sweeping the country from the Gulf Coast to as far north as Chicago.
Merry Christmas
Have a safe and happy Holidays!
Hoped everyone had great Holiday!
So, from the study of the maps you started with, and the sketch map drawn for you by the locals in the pub: this how you imagine the local terrain.
Excellent. I love maps, especially in role-playing games.
Happy New Year, everyone!
At some point, there must be a map.
1. Gregor. The hamlet.
2. The MacDougal House. John MacDougal has just recently married into the MacAllan Clan.
3. Brian MacAllan. The son of William MacAllan, deceased.
4. Castle MacLaireag. The ancestral home of the luckless MacLaireags.
5. Liam MacAllan. The feared clan patriarch.
6. Paton Macguffin. Curmudgeonly hermit.
Question: Do the characters have access to the map, or only us players? I didn't want to metagame, but if we have seen the map then I can have Edward tell Emrys that it is about 10 miles from Gregor to Castle MacLaireag.
Thanks,
Keith (my actual real-life name)
I'm assuming that you probably brought some maps, guide-books, or the like with you from London; and then last night (game time), the locals at the pub gave you a good idea as where the prominent members of the MacAllan clan live.
Thanks!
How much does this game differ from the "Call of Cthulhu"?
This is the first Lovecraft game I've played, and I love it... been a lifelong fan of his work, and always wanted to play CoC, but never had a group that was interested.
Is CoC similar to this, and just made by a different company, the way Pathfinder is similar to D&D 3.5E?
COC is much more 'simulationist'; and based on a percentile system that's derived from the old 'Runequest' game.
This scenario is a port from COC; and in hindsight it's a scenario that doesn't really showcase what 'Trail' does best, which is cagey investigator's winkling out clues.
There's sale on the ToC line over at the RPG DrivThru store.
If you would like to check out the 'original' flavor:
Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition Quickstart Rules
There were fairly substantial changes (mainly in how stats are handled) between the 6th and 7th editions. Just as Pathfinder represents D&D 3.5+ there is a COC 'v6.5' variant:
There's sale on the ToC line over at the RPG DrivThru store.
If you would like to check out the 'original' flavor:
Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition Quickstart Rules
There were fairly substantial changes (mainly in how stats are handled) between the 6th and 7th editions. Just as Pathfinder represents D&D 3.5+ there is a COC 'v6.5' variant:
So that's what Delta Green is.
I listen to a couple of D&D podcasts, which occasionally drift over to other games, and they've mentioned Delta Green more than once, but of course I'm in the car when I hear it and cannot write it down.Thanks for the info and link.
DG also adds a fairly ultra-paranoid X-Files vibe to the game. Originally it was just a setting (and a fairly brilliant one at that), but now its got a customized rule-set to go with it.
I'm out of town for the weekend. I won't be able to post
Would any of you be interested in an old school Dungeons & Dragons game, also played on this board?
I am a 0E and 1e guy, and I would be happy to run a classic dungeon crawl in parallel with this game.
If so, cool. If not, that's cool, too.
Keith
I could also take a crack at a 5e game if you'll be patient with me.
And just like my post above, if you're not interested, no worries.
Honestly I've never played any editions save 2nd and 3.x. I could be game.
I've only played 3e and Pathfinder but I'd be down if you'll have me. I'll try to be a little more active.
A map of the shed and the immediate surroundings.
A map of the shed and the immediate surroundings.
Thanks... that helps considerably.
Sorry for not being as quick to respond lately. I'm about a week out from my wedding and things are getting a little stressful.
Been there and know the stress well. All worth it in the end, though.
Congratulations.
Happy Halloween.
Sorry... it's been the week from hell. My son had knee surgery, and while the procedure went well, his recovery here at home has been really rough.
Then I found out yesterday that one of the guys in my college frat died of a heart attack, leaving a wife and three kids. We were kind of a geeky fraternity, and he was one of my D&D players back in the day. I just haven't felt like being online at all over the past few days.
I'll get back into the swing of it again.
That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear about your loss and I hope your son is back to fighting shape soon!
Take your time.
Thanks, guys... this game is actually a really good distraction. I've just found it hard to find the time to sit down at my laptop (working these forums from a cell phone is not worth the effort).
I appreciate the kind thoughts.
Sorry to hear about the troubles sir. Hope things turn up soon.
Sorry for my absence lately, working on buying a home and was in the final throes of another college semester. Stuff should normalize again soon.
We'll put this on hiatus until Mon., the 26th. Enjoy the Holiday!
Since our characters are in Britain I will say, Happy Christmas to all!
Merry Christmas All!
I hope everyone had a great Winter Solstice Festival!
Indeed it was a wonderful feast of winter veil! Hope it was a good one for you cirle.
Sorry for not being as engaged. We've moved to a new office and the transition has been a hardcore headache. By the time I get home I forget to log in and check the game. I'll try to be a bit more consistent.
Due to weather issues I might be offline for a couple of days.