Chronicles of Darkness

CoD · New World of Darkness · nWoD

Chronicles of Darkness

Chronicles of Darkness places contemporary lives on a collision course with the uncanny. The city resembles yours, but behind every door lies something peculiar. You can play as determined mortals, or step into the night as a vampire, werewolf, or other creature of the dark. The stories intertwine investigation, dread, and difficult choices, with consequences that linger. If you seek grounded urban fantasy with a horror twist, this is an excellent choice.

At the table, sessions feel like a thriller you help to script. You delve into clues, confront unsettling truths, and decide what price you are willing to pay. A professional Game Master sets the tone, keeps scenes sharp, and highlights each character's choices. It caters to both newcomers and veterans. Perfect for moody one-shots, adult birthday groups that enjoy a fright, or team events focused on problem-solving and trust.

How to play Chronicles of Darkness

You create a dice pool using a character's Attribute and Skill, roll that many ten-sided dice, and count 8s, 9s, and 10s as successes. One success is sufficient, while more successes achieve the task more efficiently. Rolling a ten usually allows for an additional roll for extra hits. On your turn, you declare your action, the Game Master sets risks and modifiers, and then you roll. In opposed actions, successes are compared, and failure introduces complications to the story rather than leading to dead ends.

What you need: a character concept with a few motivations, a readiness to make tough decisions, and some d10s, or you can use an online roller. A professional Game Master offers pre-generated characters for one-shots or assists in creating custom sheets, teaches the rules as you play, and provides maps, handouts, and atmosphere. Online play is seamless through voice chat and shared dice rollers; see online play options.

One-shots focus on a contained mystery or monster hunt, quick character setup, and a clear climax centred around a difficult choice. Campaigns delve deeper into personal horror and conspiracies, featuring evolving relationships, long-term consequences, and the opportunity to transition from mortal investigations to life among the monsters if desired. Progression is steady, and recurring NPCs and factions ensure that every victory feels well-earned.

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Two people sitting at a table playing a role-playing game, one examining a 3d-printed dnd ogre miniature figurine closely.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know the setting or the rules before we play?

No. In CofD, the core dice pool is straightforward to grasp in just a few minutes. A professional Game Master will guide you through the process and manage the calculations. For one-shots, you can use pre-made characters. For campaigns, you can develop your characters from a concept together. All you need is a character idea and what frightens or motivates them. Your decisions at the table are more significant than mastering the rules.

Are we playing as mortals or monsters, and can we mix the two?

You select the lens. Mortals or Hunters are ideal for newcomers and one-shots. Playing as a vampire, werewolf, mage, or other creature is better suited for longer story arcs. Mixing types is possible, but it introduces complexity and secrecy costs. Our Game Masters can adjust power levels and threats to ensure everyone has their moment to shine. For a first game, using a single template across the group helps maintain a consistent tone and keeps the drama focused.

Which edition are you running, and which CofD lines can we select?

Most tables use 2nd Edition rules, including modern Conditions and Beats. If you prefer 1st Edition, let us know, and a professional Game Master will accommodate your choice. Popular lines include Vampire: The Requiem, Werewolf: The Forsaken, Mage: The Awakening, Changeling: The Lost, Hunter: The Vigil, Geist, Promethean, Demon, Beast, Deviant, and Mummy. Choose one line for a fresh start, or discuss a crossover if your group is experienced.

How does this differ from D&D?

Chronicles of Darkness is a modern horror and mystery game, rather than a heroic fantasy. Conflicts are swift and perilous, with social or investigative interactions frequently determining outcomes. There is minimal grid-based combat or gear optimisation. Characters develop through Aspirations and difficult decisions, rather than merely accumulating treasure. The rules integrate consequences into the narrative, meaning that failure introduces new challenges rather than halting progress. It encourages strategic thinking, empathy, and moral bravery.

Is this the same as Vampire: The Masquerade?

It is a sibling, not the same game. Vampire: The Masquerade is part of the World of Darkness line. Chronicles of Darkness employs different lore and rules. Vampire: The Requiem is its vampire game, featuring less metaplot and a focus on local stories and personal horror. If your group specifically wants Masquerade, please mention it when you book so the appropriate option is provided.

What level of content should we expect? Is it suitable for teenagers?

CofD explores mature themes such as violence, manipulation, and trauma. It is not appropriate for children. For teenagers, it is important to discuss goals and boundaries beforehand. Our Game Masters employ clear safety tools, establish lines and veils with you, and can focus on mystery and consequence rather than graphic content. You can select tones ranging from bleak to hopeful. Consent and comfort are fundamental in shaping the final narrative.

Does Chronicles of Darkness function well online?

Yes. CofD’s dice pools and handouts work seamlessly on voice chat with a shared roller or VTT, and the pacing of horror suits online play. A professional Game Master will supply tools and teach the necessary technology as required. You only need a microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. See supported options on online play platforms.

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Genres you can play in Chronicles of Darkness

  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, construct timelines, and apprehend the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, assembling alibis and…

    View genre: Mystery
  • Vampire

    Whispers in candlelit halls, forbidden cravings, and the cost of immortality. Navigate gothic politics and predatory desire, hunt and be…

    View genre: Vampire
  • Occult

    Candlelit rituals, cryptic symbols, and whispered conspiracies. Imagine The X-Files as you pursue clues through secret lodges and concealed…

    View genre: Occult
  • Conspiracy

    Unravel layers of deception as you pursue leads through dimly lit rooms, encrypted files, and betrayals. Paranoia escalates with each clue…

    View genre: Conspiracy
  • Werewolf

    Claw-marked terror and heart-wrenching choices as the beast within awakens. Pack bonds, moonlit hunts, and the curse that trails you, like…

    View genre: Werewolf

What players think

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the children and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The kids asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

Similar gaming systems

  • Vampire: The Masquerade

    • Vampire +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Vampire: The Masquerade is a contemporary roleplaying game centred around hunger, power, and secrecy. Imagine Interview with the Vampire, but you are in control. Conspire, charm, and endure as a coterie while a professional Game Master animates a city filled with dark political intrigue.

    View system: Vampire: The Masquerade
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    View system: Monster of the Week
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    View system: Werewolf: The Apocalypse
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    • 2 – 5 players
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    View system: City of Mist
  • Triangle Agency

    • Supernatural +7
    • 2 – 5 players
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    Clock in, hunt the impossible, then argue with compliance. Triangle Agency is a surreal paranormal investigation RPG where corporate policy collides with reality-bending threats. Imagine Control’s bizarre bureaucracy meeting field operations. Ideal for groups who appreciate mystery, dark humour, and an atmosphere of creeping dread.

    View system: Triangle Agency
  • Candela Obscura

    • Occult +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Step into a gaslit city filled with occult investigations and perilous deals. In Candela Obscura, you are part of a sworn circle tasked with hunting down breaches between our world and the uncanny. Imagine Penny Dreadful at the table, complete with tense mysteries, creeping dread, and difficult choices.

    View system: Candela Obscura
  • Call of Cthulhu

    • Cosmic Horror +7
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    View system: Call of Cthulhu
  • Delta Green

    • Cosmic Horror +7
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    • Moderate rules

    Delta Green is a contemporary cosmic horror and conspiracy game. You take on the role of agents confronting insurmountable threats, concealing them, and bearing the personal consequences. Imagine The X-Files with a more sinister edge, where triumphs are tenuous and sanity hangs in the balance.

    View system: Delta Green
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