Swim (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)
Definition
Swim represents your ability to move through water, stay afloat, and hold your breath underwater. In Call of Cthulhu, water is a frequent element—coastal investigations, flooded basements, underground rivers, ocean voyages, and encounters with aquatic Mythos entities all make Swim relevant. This skill covers swimming in various conditions, treading water, diving to depth, and rescuing drowning people. In the 1920s, not everyone knows how to swim well, and drowning is a real danger. Many Lovecraftian horrors lurk in or near water—from the fish-folk of Innsmouth to the deep-sea terrors beneath the waves—making water encounters thematically common.
How it works
Tips
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I fail a Swim roll?
In shallow water, you might just flounder embarrassingly. In deep or rough water, you start drowning—CON rolls determine how many rounds you can survive. Other characters can attempt rescue with their own Swim rolls.
Can I swim in armor or heavy gear?
Heavy equipment severely penalizes or prevents swimming. The Keeper may allow you to shed equipment as an action. Drowning while wearing a heavy pack is a real danger.