Call of Cthulhu 7e Character creation cheat sheet
A checklist you can run during creation. At-the-table reference for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition.
Call of Cthulhu character creation checklist: choose an Occupation, generate Characteristics, assign skill points, and face the unknown.
Creation steps
- 1. Roll or assign Characteristics: STR, CON, POW, DEX, APP (3d6 × 5 each); SIZ, INT, EDU (2d6+6 × 5 each); Luck (3d6 × 5).
- 2. Calculate derived stats: HP = (CON + SIZ) ÷ 10, Sanity = POW, Magic Points = POW ÷ 5, Damage Bonus from STR + SIZ table.
- 3. Choose an Occupation (defines which skills get Occupation Points).
- 4. Assign Occupation Points (EDU × 4 for most occupations) to occupation skills.
- 5. Assign Personal Interest Points (INT × 2) to any skills.
- 6. Set Credit Rating within the occupation's range.
- 7. Create backstory: ideology, significant people, meaningful locations, treasured possessions, traits.
- 8. Calculate remaining derived values: Move Rate from DEX/STR/SIZ and age.
Key limits
- Occupation Points
- Typically EDU × 4 (varies by occupation)
- Personal Interest Points
- INT × 2
- Skill cap at creation
- 99% (but practically limited by points)
- Credit Rating
- Must fall within occupation range
Common mistakes
- Occupation Points can only go to occupation skills; Personal Interest Points go anywhere.
- Credit Rating is a skill AND a social standing indicator; it must be in the occupation's range.
- Age modifiers can reduce STR, CON, DEX, APP, and Movement; older characters trade physical stats for more EDU.
- Sanity starts equal to POW, but maximum Sanity drops as Cthulhu Mythos skill rises.