Looking to learn and play CoC!!!!!

[AScaryKobold]

Hello everyone, my name is Nick and CoC is a game that I have been entertaining trying out for a while but was barely capable of finding people who knew the game at all, let alone someone who had the time to play it really. I've always wanted to play a roleplaying game with more focus on actual roleplaying as opposed to combat like Pathfinder and Dungeons and Dragons (both of which I know pretty well [3.5e in the case of D&D]). I also like horror of course.

I know some of the basic ideas of how CoC works but I'm lacking in many details in areas like how the Sanity system works. If someone could send me a link to a place to find info on the game that would be great. I'd like to refrain from having to buy anything simply to learn the game.

[Mr. Handy]

Welcome, Nick! I've validated you, so now you can post on the game boards.

Yes, there is a good place to learn how to play Call of Cthulhu for free. You should read the Quick Start rules, which will teach you the basics of the game. Some of the rules are different than in the rulebook, particularly for character creation. You may want to avoid reading the included scenario The Haunting if you ever want to play it, to avoid spoilers.

[AScaryKobold]

I will definitely check out those Quick Start rules when I get home from work later.
On a side note, I have a little bit of Play By Post experience from a bit of Pathfinder game on unlimitedrpgs.com. I'll probably start off a bit rusty, but I think I can do it just fine. Is there any supplements you might suggest I check out, or anything that you figure I should know to assist me with learning the system and all?

[Mr. Handy]

I'm sure you'll be fine too. You might want to check out the Rules and Guidelines thread I posted in Zombie Apocalypse, one of the games I run. Some of the information and rules in there are specific to that game, but there are things of general use. Another good idea is to read up on a completed game or two in the Hall of Fame to get a feel for how it works. A good one would be The Haunting, which I played in. It was excellent and isn't terribly long, but be warned that it will spoil that scenario for you.