The backers received a 51-page document, which basically represents the playtest rules, which may or may not evolve from here, based on feedback or whatnot, as far as I understand.

I started reading it, and to someone fluent in the Call of Cthulhu game, this will come as a refresher for the most part, at least as far as I am in the doc, which admittedly is just about 10+ pages in. But what I can already tell to great delight is that there are tweaks here and there that actually make a great deal of sense to me and which I can see using regularly at a game table, like for instance the Polyglot skill, which goes along with a classification of languages as being commonly known, uncommon (covered by the Polyglot skill), or rare and specialized, requiring their own skills to master.

This is just an example. Another example would be for me the difficulty of tasks influencing skill rolls with actual modifiers that make sense, up to +60% and the like, which means that the overall difficulty, normalcy of the task undertaken does factor in task resolutions by the rules, as opposed to table habits (something I've done for ages, personally), which is really nice to see.

Another great detail: the rules system will be OGL! Under a tentative name of "Cthulhu Unleashed" maybe. What I'm seeing certainly makes we consider this to publish some Cthulhu/Basic stuff I've always wanted to share with gamers.

Love the concept of Patrons and networks of Contacts, and the way this is described putting the onus on the Keeper and world consistency.

The Archetypes (aka Occupations) are great and make sense in the context of the game.

Oh. And for those who could ever think that there isn't a world of difference (literally, as in . . . a World War of difference) between 1910 (the default year for the game) and the late 1920s and early 30s of CoC. . . man, you guys need a refresher in modern history.

VERY happy so far. Still reading . . . Check this game out! That is all.

Yes, I have been enjoying the book as well.  I have never read Call of Cthuluu, but the system reminded me of Avalon Hill Runequest.  But it is quite flavorful and I have really liked the class archetypes. Academic Adventurer is just begging to be tried out.

Given who's consulting on this, I got a kick out of the sidebar on page 41.

It's very nicely produced with just a few typos and format inconsistencies so far. I like the rules modifications except the critical/fumble rule which relies on doubles appearing. By that system, if I have 10% in a skill I have no chance of getting a critical and an 8% chance of getting a fumble. That seems a bit harsh compared to CoC. Similarly, if I have 100%, I have only 9% chance of a critical and no chance of a fumble.

Quote from: That Guy;697000Given who's consulting on this, I got a kick out of the sidebar on page 41.

As did I!