Monte Cook's "World of Darkness:" better than RL?

[Dion of the Fraternity]

Monte Cook will finally release his own version of the "World of Darkness" within the year. A writeup for this version has been posted on the White wolf site: rumor flying in the past year around the boards has stated that it would be in d20 format, and thus would make it probably more popular than Ravenloft 3.5e.

It's today. Or maybe tomorrow. The world in Monte Cook's World of Darkness is Earth as we know it, with all its shortcomings, problems, sorrows, joys, blessings and triumphs.

At least, it was the world we know, until a year ago, when everything changed. Yet still, it's similar. The events of one year ago are easy to grasp, though only a few know the truth about them — and no one knows the whole truth.

Supernatural beings now exist in the world, they have not had a long, secret history of interaction with humanity. They showed up a year ago. Thus, to play this game, you don't need to read through lengthy histories. In addition, the technology, the people, and the cities are elements we all know.

Characters have access to information, technology and weapons that you are familiar with in the real world. Characters likely can drive cars, use computers, and have cell phones. They conceivably could fly jet airliners, fire automatic rifles, develop anti-venom serums, or hack into computer networks.

The difference is: They do so while struggling against eldritch horrors beyond their ability to comprehend.

[ScS of the Fraternity]

I'd question that claim.
World of Darkness made most of its fans using a vastly different system. Going over to D20 sounds like a massive shift - something that would probably split the fan community.
As well, a modern setting using D20 rules would compete more with D20 Modern than with Ravenloft.

[Gonzoron of the FoS]

I agree, any world that has computers and cell phones doesn't compete with RL by definition.

[Le Noir Faineant]

I have read the previews given at the WW page, and I think I'll skip.

From what I understand, it won't exactly be Vampire d20, but an entirely new setting. Especially with MotRD, Dark Matter, Grimm and Cthulhu out for d20 (and soon, Delta Green!), I think there are way better ways to spend one's money for d20-based Horror books.

[alhoon]

Wait... will it use D20? That's not WoD then, that's a special campaign within d20 modern where the beasties showed up just last year.

[cpt_machine]

I might have been intrested to see someone elses take on the WOD, however using the D20 system for something like this is a massive turn-off. If its true I will not be buying this game.

[Snake]

Interesting, but I'll stick with RL.

[order99]

Only the name Monte Cook elicits any interest at all.

Otherwise, MEH.

[LordGodefroi]

I have read the previews given at the WW page, and I think I'll skip.

--
Gamer1: "It's just like the real world only supernatural beasties showed up only a year ago."

Gamer2: "Gee, I didn't know they made Wolff & Byrd: Counselors of The Macabre into a role-playing game. Does "Quick ! To The Bat-Fax" mean anything to you ?"
--

Yeah. I'll probably skip it too. The premise sounds dull. I like old secrets, ancient mysteries, and extensive histories.

Supernatural Law; formerly Wolff & Byrd: Counselors of The Macabre

[GoldenGoblin]

I have been reading through it and I must say its a neat twist. Alot has been streamlined and is d20 familiar. Like feats, skills.
They pretty much break all the vampire 'races'
They are all on a generalized path of disciple next level some saves next level discipline.

Seems some got morphed into others. The mage magic system is more d20 like.

All in all so far it looks good. We will have to playtest it against our revised revised WW system and see.