Delta Green Intro

I'm going to try to give an overview of this setting the best I can without spoiling the setting for players and GMs. This uses the same classic Call of Cthulhu RPG system that we already know and love. It is also D20 compatible if you prefer the D20 version of CoC. Delta Green is a secret government unit that technically doesn't exist. DG is usually referred to X-Files for Cthulhu and on the surface that wouldn't be a bad comparison but this goes deeper and more specific than X-Files. Rather than just investigating cases of paranormal activity, DG is only interested in cases directly related to the mythos. Cults, gods, Necronomicon spells, summonings, the Mi-Go, etc. Not just random UFO, ghost, or Bigfoot sightings (unless you somehow link them to the mythos).

The setting helps give a reason why the characters are together and are obligated to investigate. They aren't just nosey neighbors, they're agents and it's their job. It's more modern so players can relate more to the setting but it may give them a false sense of security. Just because the agents are more readily armed with guns they're still weak compared to the gods and monsters. Also because DG technically doesn't exist they aren't very likely to receive help from other agencies. Still, being agents they're obligated to uphold the law. This could be different for players use to playing carefree thugs. That won't go over so well here. Everyone has to do some in-depth planning before each move.

The beauty is how the setting ties in out modern world with the cases and weaves all the cases together into a complex web. Each story is attached to one huge meta-plot but it's not annoying about it as some setting can be. It's hard to explain but when playing the game you can tell they're bigger powers at work, you just don't know what. It being in our modern world it does hit some controversial subjects. Nazis, 9/11, wars, Project Rainbow, Roswell, and in later supplements Katrina. It handles these subjects maturely and appropriately for the game setting. Cults have also modernized. They aren't screaming cannibals or cloaked serial killers. They blend in more. They're "the man". An evil force trying to control everything through their gods..

I initially wanted to go in-depth like I usually go in my reviews but I really hate to for this. It would ruin the game for so many people and I feel everyone should play it at least once. I think just giving a brief overview of the Delta Green agency and what the setting includes is enough. The secrets should only be revealed as the game is being played. :)

More information about this setting and purchasing books can be found out at the publisher, Pagan Publishing's website here. Though I should mention that the books can be hard to come by. Pagan Publishing is a small publisher and the books are usually in high demand. I think the limited quantities help keep the setting special for die hard fans.