[RPG] What are the main differences between Call of Cthulhu and Trail of Cthulhu

call-of-cthulhutrail-of-cthulhu

I know that Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu is essentially the official Cthulhu RPG, but I've also heard a lot of good things about Trail of Cthulhu (using the GUMSHOE system). They both seem to be well-liked but don't appear to be related mechanically, so I would like to know how they compare before deciding on one of them.

What are the main mechanical and stylistic differences between Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium and Trail of Cthulhu by Pelgrane Press?

Best Answer

This interview with Robin D. Laws might clarify some of the differences.

Basically, your investigators won't be denied essential clues throughout the course of the game. GUMSHOE prevents the awkward "Oh, you really missed that investigation roll. Your seasoned detective manages to completely miss any clues in the well-stocked library with a post-it note on one of the books that says 'READ ME'".

I really like the flavor of the Trail of Cthulhu book. Instead of giving you how many hit points Yog-Sothoth might have, it gives you several scenarios for what Yog-Sothoth might be, and what it's intentions may be. So even players intimately familiar with the Mythos may not know what is really going on.

Overall, it's a refreshing take on Call of Cthulhu, and is definitely worth checking out, even if you don't decide to use the mechanics.

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