Rules reference

Character creation in Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition

Creation steps and common decision points. 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

Use this as a checklist, then build your character in RPG Stack.

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
Creation order (from system.json)
  1. Choose name, concept, nationality, residence, background.
  2. Generate Characteristics (random or point allocation).
  3. Compute Derived stats (HP, Sanity, MP, Build, Damage Bonus, Move).
  4. Select Occupation, note Credit Rating range.
  5. Calculate Skill Points: Occupation Points = EDU×4; Personal Interest Points = INT×2.
  6. Spend Skill Points (respect base chances and caps).
  7. Pick backstory details (Traits, Ideology/Beliefs, Significant People, Meaningful Locations, Treasured Possessions, Injuries/Scars, Phobias/Manias, Arcane Tomes/Spells/Artifacts).
  8. Buy equipment/cash within Credit Rating and starting cash rules.
  9. Keeper reviews; adjust for Age effects if used.
Examples
Example: Concept first

Start with a simple concept (role + vibe), then choose attributes/skills that support it. You can fill details later.

Example: One signature move

Make sure your sheet supports a signature action you want to do often (investigate, intimidate, hack, heal, etc.).

Common mistakes (smallest fix)
  • Mistake: Skipping concept and getting lost in options. Fix: Pick a role, pick 2 strengths, pick 1 weakness, then fill details.
  • Mistake: Not aligning your sheet with the campaign. Fix: Ask what kind of scenes you’ll play (combat, investigation, politics) and build for that.
Character creation
Step-by-step checklist.
Cheat sheets
Quick lookup while you play.

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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