Appraise

Key facts

Base Value

5

Overview

Appraise represents your ability to evaluate the worth, age, and authenticity of objects. From antique furniture to rare Mythos artifacts, this skill lets you determine what something is worth and whether it's genuine. In the world of Call of Cthulhu, investigators frequently encounter unusual objects, strange idols, ancient manuscripts, peculiar jewelry, and artifacts of unknown origin. Appraise helps you determine whether that dusty statuette is a worthless curio or a priceless relic with sinister significance. In the 1920s antiques market, knowing what something is worth can also help you finance your investigations or recognize when someone is trying to cheat you.

How it works

Base Value: 5% Key Uses:

• Estimating monetary value of items
• Determining age and origin of objects
• Detecting forgeries and fakes
• Evaluating quality and craftsmanship Special Rules: Appraise gives value and authenticity, not identification of magical properties. A successful roll might tell you a statue is genuine pre-Columbian and very valuable, but not that it's a conduit for Nyarlathotep.

Tips and playstyle

Build Advice: Useful for investigators who deal with antiques, art, or unusual objects. Not essential for every character but invaluable when relevant. Occupation Synergies: Pairs well with Art/Craft for understanding artistic merit, Archaeology for dating artifacts, and Accounting for understanding estate values. Character Concepts: Antiques dealer, art collector, auctioneer, museum curator.

Frequently asked questions