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GM resource

Pacing for Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition

Keep scenes moving and spotlight balanced. Call of Cthulhu pacing lives and dies on clue flow and pressure. Keep investigation moving, then punctuate with consequences.

Checklist

  • Write 10 clues; expect players to find 5.
  • Always offer at least 2 next leads (person/place/object).
  • Use time pressure: the cult moves, evidence disappears, allies panic.
  • Track Sanity stress and give breathing room between shocks.
Common pitfalls
  • Single-point-of-failure clues
  • Combat as default solution
  • Over-explaining the Mythos early
Combat cheat sheet
Quick lookup during play.
Common mistakes
Avoid repeated slowdowns.

Keep sessions moving

Use quick pages, then get back to the scene.