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 other creature of the dark. The stories blend investigation, dread, and tough decisions, with consequences that linger. If you’re after grounded urban fantasy with a horror edge, this is a solid choice.

At the table, sessions feel like a thriller you help craft. 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. Perfect 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. On your turn, you declare your action, the Game Master sets risks and modifiers, and then you roll. Opposed actions compare successes, and failure adds complications to the story instead of 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 every victory feels 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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Common questions

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

No. In CofD, the core dice pool is easy to grasp in just a few minutes. A professional Game Master will guide you as you play and take care of 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 important 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 ideal 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 do you run, 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 that. 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 is this different 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 scenes frequently determining the outcomes. There is minimal grid-based combat or gear optimisation. Characters develop through Aspirations and difficult decisions, not merely through treasure. The rules integrate consequences into the narrative, meaning that failure introduces new challenges rather than halting progress. It encourages planning, empathy, and moral courage.

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 uses different lore and rules. Vampire: The Requiem is its vampire game, with less metaplot and a focus on local stories and personal horror. If your group wants Masquerade specifically, please mention it when you book so the right option is offered.

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

CofD explores mature themes such as violence, manipulation, and trauma. It is not suitable 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 influence the final narrative.

Does Chronicles of Darkness play well online?

Absolutely. 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 perfectly. A professional Game Master will supply the necessary tools and guide you through the technology as required. All you need is a microphone, a stable internet connection, and a quiet environment. Check out the supported options on online play platforms.

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Genres you can play in Chronicles of Darkness

  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, build timelines, and catch the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, piecing together alibis and secrets…

    View genre: Mystery
  • Vampire

    Whispers in candlelit halls, forbidden hunger, 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 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 are saying

  • 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 fantastic 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 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. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, 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 for 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 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 an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about 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 a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. 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 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 let the players 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 great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable 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.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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    View system: Vampire: The Masquerade
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    View system: Monster of the Week
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    View system: City of Mist
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    View system: Delta Green
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