Rules reference

Attributes in Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition

What attributes mean and how to use them at the table. 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

Attributes describe your broad capability. In play, they usually combine with skills (or directly with a roll mechanic) to resolve actions.

Copyable facts
  • Percentile skill system: Roll d100, succeed if equal to or below skill rating
  • 8 Characteristics: STR, CON, POW, DEX, APP, SIZ, INT, EDU
  • Occupation system: Each occupation grants skill bonuses and Credit Rating range
  • Sanity mechanics: Starts at 99-POW, decreases with Mythos encounters
  • Skill improvement: Mark skills during play, improve after sessions
  • Derived stats: HP, Sanity, MP, Build, Damage Bonus calculated from Characteristics
What’s in this system
Examples
Example: Attributes set your default approach

If you want to solve problems physically, invest in physical attributes; if you want social leverage, invest socially. Your skills make that approach reliable.

Example: Don’t spread too thin

Pick 1–2 ‘core’ attribute areas for your concept and accept a weakness to keep choices meaningful.

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Spreading points evenly. Fix: Pick 1–2 strengths that match your concept and accept a weakness.
  • Mistake: Ignoring how attributes connect to rolls. Fix: Check what combines with skills (or what the system uses most) and build around that.

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?

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