Chronicles of Darkness

CoD · New World of Darkness · nWoD

Chronicles of Darkness

Chronicles of Darkness places modern lives on a collision course with the uncanny. The city resembles yours, but behind every door lies something strange. You can play as determined mortals, or step into the night as a vampire, werewolf, or another creature of the dark. The stories blend investigation, dread, and tough decisions, with consequences that linger. If you seek grounded urban fantasy with a horror edge, this is a strong 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 works for newcomers and veterans alike. Ideal for moody one-shots, adult birthday groups that enjoy a scare, 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. Tens typically allow for an additional roll for extra hits. During your turn, you declare your action, the Game Master sets risks and modifiers, and then you roll. Opposed actions compare successes, and failure drives the story forward with complications rather than dead ends.

What you need: a character idea with a few motivations, a readiness to make tough choices, and some d10s, or you can use an online roller. A professional Game Master offers pre-generated heroes 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 every victory feels earned.

Dungeon Master wearing a wizard hat, narrating a dnd adventure, engaging with players in a decorated room.
Dungeon Master wearing a wizard hat, narrating a dnd adventure, engaging with players in a decorated room.
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Common 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 utilise pre-made characters. For campaigns, you can collaboratively develop your characters from the initial concept. 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 choose the lens. Mortals or Hunters are excellent for beginners and one-shots. Playing 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 so everyone gets a chance to shine. For a first game, using one 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, just 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 contemporary horror and mystery game, rather than a heroic fantasy. Conflicts are swift and perilous, with social or investigative interactions frequently determining the outcomes. There is minimal grid-based combat or gear optimisation. Characters develop through Aspirations and difficult decisions, rather than solely through 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's 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 key in shaping the final narrative.

Does Chronicles of Darkness work 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 provide the necessary tools and teach the technology as required. All you need is a microphone, stable internet, and a quiet space. Check the 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 corridors, forbidden cravings, and the cost of immortality. Navigate gothic politics and predatory desire, hunt and…

    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 follow leads through dimly lit rooms, encrypted files, and betrayals. Paranoia escalates with each clue…

    View genre: Conspiracy
  • Werewolf

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

    View genre: Werewolf

What players have to say

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the kids and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children 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 an excellent job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot 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 significant portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't fully understand 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 see it 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 positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his deep knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

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

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided a brilliant experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a present for my boyfriend, who is very keen on it, and he was very 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

  • Baptiste was an excellent GM who adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left the game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another session with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players fully immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A nice and clear first experience with D&D. Amber was able to explain and guide the game effectively, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack routes was an enjoyable activity and provided great insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very 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’re in control. Plot, charm, and endure as a coterie while a skilled Game Master animates a city filled with dark politics.

    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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    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 meets field operations. Ideal for groups who relish mystery, dark humour, and a sense of creeping dread.

    View system: Triangle Agency
  • Candela Obscura

    • Occult +7
    • 2 – 5 players
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    View system: Candela Obscura
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    • Cosmic Horror +7
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    View system: Call of Cthulhu
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    View system: Delta Green
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