Rules reference
Skills in Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition
Skills overview and how checks typically work. Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition is a horror investigation roleplaying game based on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the roles of Investigators, ordinary people who uncover cosmic horrors beyond human comprehension. As you investigate mysteries, your character's Sanity slowly erodes, skills improve through use, and the line between reality and madness blurs.
Key points
Skills describe trained competence. Use this page to quickly understand what the skill list covers and how to pick priorities.
Copyable facts
- Percentile skill system: Roll d100, succeed if equal to or below skill rating
- 9 Characteristics: STR, CON, POW, DEX, APP, SIZ, INT, EDU, Luck
- Occupation system: Each occupation grants skill bonuses and Credit Rating range
- Sanity mechanics: Starts at POW, maximum reduced by Cthulhu Mythos exposure
- Skill improvement: Mark skills during play, improve after sessions
- Luck: Spend to push rolls or absorb damage; refreshes between scenarios
What’s in this system
Skills
Showing 43 of 43
AccountingAnthropologyAppraiseArchaeologyArt/CraftCharmClimbCredit RatingCthulhu MythosDisguiseDodgeDrive AutoFast TalkFightingFirearmsFirst AidHistoryIntimidateJumpLanguageLawLibrary UseListenLocksmithMechanical RepairMedicineNatural WorldNavigateOccultOperate Heavy MachineryPersuadePilotPsychologyPsychoanalysisRideScienceSleight Of HandSpot HiddenStealthSurvivalSwimThrowTrack
Full Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition skills list (46)
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Reading financial records and following the money trail |
| Anthropology | Understanding cultures and human behavior patterns |
| Appraise | Estimating the value, authenticity, and significance of objects |
| Archaeology | Interpreting ruins, artifacts, and dig sites |
| Art/Craft | Making or analyzing art and crafts |
| Charm | Winning people over with friendliness and social grace |
| Climb | Climbing safely and quickly |
| Credit Rating | Your social and financial standing |
| Cthulhu Mythos | Knowledge of the Mythos - dangerous to learn |
| Disguise | Changing your appearance to pass as someone else |
| Dodge | Avoiding harm through quick movement (base value is half DEX) |
| Drive Auto | Driving cars and similar vehicles under stress |
| Electrical Repair | Fixing and understanding electrical systems |
| Fast Talk | Talking quickly and convincingly to confuse or stall |
| Fighting (Brawl) | Close combat using fists and grappling |
| Firearms (Handgun) | Using pistols and revolvers |
| Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) | Using rifles and shotguns |
| First Aid | Emergency treatment and stabilizing injuries |
| History | Knowing historical facts and timelines |
| Intimidate | Applying pressure through fear or threat |
| Jump | Clearing gaps and obstacles safely |
| Language (Other) | Understanding and communicating in another language |
| Language (Own) | Your native language fluency (base value equals EDU) |
| Law | Knowing legal procedures and rights |
| Library Use | Finding information in archives and libraries |
| Listen | Hearing small details and changes in sound |
| Locksmith | Opening locks and bypassing mechanisms |
| Mechanical Repair | Fixing and understanding machinery |
| Medicine | Medical knowledge for diagnosis and treatment |
| Natural World | Knowledge of nature, animals, and environment |
| Navigate | Finding your way using maps and landmarks |
| Occult | Knowledge of occult lore and traditions |
| Operate Heavy Machinery | Using heavy equipment safely |
| Persuade | Convincing someone with reasoning and credibility |
| Pilot | Operating aircraft or boats |
| Psychology | Reading people to spot lies and motives |
| Psychoanalysis | Therapeutic analysis to help with trauma |
| Ride | Riding and controlling mounts |
| Science | Applying scientific method and knowledge |
| Sleight of Hand | Manual trickery like palming objects |
| Spot Hidden | Noticing hidden objects and subtle details |
| Stealth | Moving quietly and staying unnoticed |
| Survival | Staying alive in harsh conditions |
| Swim | Swimming safely and strongly |
| Throw | Throwing accurately with force |
| Track | Following trails and signs of passage |
Examples
Example: Pushing an investigation roll
If the clue matters, the Keeper can make failure cost time or safety instead of blocking progress. Use Regular/Hard/Extreme to express stakes.
Example: Choosing specialties
Pick a few skills that match your investigator concept, then rely on teamwork and preparation for the rest.
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Rolling without stakes. Fix: Say what success changes and what failure costs before rolling.
- Mistake: Treating failure as ‘nothing happens’. Fix: Fail forward: you still learn something, but pay a cost (time, exposure, resources, harm).
Build guides for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition
Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition FAQ
How does the percentile system work in Call of Cthulhu?
How does the skill improvement system work?
What are the Characteristics in Call of Cthulhu 7e?
How does Sanity work in Call of Cthulhu?
What are Occupations in Call of Cthulhu?