DEX (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)

Characteristics

Definition

Dexterity represents your investigator's agility, reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and speed of movement. It determines how quickly you react, how nimbly you move, and your base ability to avoid attacks. In Call of Cthulhu, DEX is rolled on 3d6×5 and serves multiple critical functions. It determines your Dodge skill's base value (DEX÷2), affects initiative in combat, and influences any action requiring physical finesse. When horrors emerge from the darkness, DEX determines whether you react quickly enough to survive the first moments of an encounter.

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How it works

**Generation**: Roll 3d6×5 (range 15-90) **Derived Stats**: - **Dodge**: Base Dodge skill = DEX ÷ 2 - **Initiative**: DEX determines action order in combat rounds **Hard/Extreme**: DEX÷2 and DEX÷5 for difficulty levels **Uses**: Initiative, Dodge base value, actions requiring finesse and coordination, opposed DEX rolls for speed contests

Tips

**When DEX Matters**: DEX is critical for survival. High DEX means you act first in combat and start with a better Dodge. Any investigator who might face danger benefits from good DEX. **Flight Over Fight**: In Call of Cthulhu, running away is often the best strategy. High DEX helps you react first and flee effectively.

Frequently asked questions

How does DEX affect combat?

DEX determines initiative (who acts first) and provides the base for your Dodge skill. Acting first can mean escaping before a creature attacks. A good Dodge lets you avoid attacks you can't outrun.

Is DEX or STR more important?

For most investigators, DEX is more important. It helps you avoid danger (Dodge, initiative) rather than deal with it through force. Since avoidance is the best survival strategy in CoC, DEX is typically more valuable.

DEX (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)

Definition

How it works

Tips

Frequently asked questions

Further Reading