Trail of Cthulhu RPG -- Core Rulebook Review (Pelgrane Press)

The Trail of Cthulhu RPG from Pelgrane Press takes a different approach to Lovecraftian investigation than the venerable Call of Cthulhu, focussing very directly on the investigation mechanics and making some other aspects rather more abstract. The GUMSHOE system itself however has expanded significantly since this game's debut in 2008, and a new 2nd edition of Trail of Cthulhu will be Kickstarted next month, so I expect some of those innovations will make it over to the new edition!
Disregarding the upcoming new edition, I still believe the original has a lot to offer, particularly for player groups who enjoy games with somewhat more of a narrative focus, highly effective investigation rules, and offering multiple interpretations of the Mythos. In addition, the supplements for this game -- Bookhounds of London, Dreamhounds of Paris, etc. -- are fantastic and unique perspectives on the Mythos in themselves, and well worth checking out for inspiration even if you're a diehard Call of Cthulhu player.
Next video we'll look at some key GM supplements for the game, before moving on to another Pelgrane horror RPG next week....
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[@michaelallred1683]

Excellent video! This is the best ToC video I've seen so far.

[@djthorsilver]

Thank you so much! Really glad you enjoyed it, thank you for watching 😀

[@finger3181]

Trail's a great alternative to CoC, if your group is more interested in the investigation than die rolling. The big campaign scenarios, Mythos Expeditions and Eternal Lies, are wonderful too.

[@djthorsilver]

Totally agree, hence why I own most of the ToC game line ;) Unfortunately both the big campaigns are out of print and have been forever, and there's no way on Earth I'm comfortable running campaigns of that scope without a physical copy for reference. I check the Pelgrane site almost daily to see if reprints ever show up, but so far, no luck :'(
Meanwhile CoC's campaigns are also awesome and freely available, so it's Masks of Nyarlathotep for our group for now! I'm desperate to play Eternal Lies someday.