Call of Cthulhu is a tabletop horror fiction role-playing game (RPG) based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft, a 20th-century American horror writer. The game is set in the 1920s and 1930s, a time when humanity is struggling to come to terms with the horrors that lurk in the shadows of the universe.
The game, often abbreviated as CoC, is published by Chaosium; it was first released in 1981 and is in its seventh edition, with licensed foreign language editions available as well. Its game system is based on Chaosium’s Basic Role-Playing (BRP) with additions for the horror genre.
In Call of Cthulhu, players take on the roles of investigators, ordinary people who are drawn into a world of mystery and terror as they try to uncover the truth behind strange occurrences and ancient prophecies. They must use their wits, bravery, and resources to solve puzzles, gather clues, and confront the otherworldly horrors that threaten their very existence.
The game is designed to be immersive and atmospheric, with a focus on story and character development. Players are encouraged to role-play their characters, making decisions and taking actions that are true to their personalities and motivations. The game also relies on a system of dice rolls and skill checks to determine the outcome of various actions and events.
One of the unique features of Call of Cthulhu is its use of the “Sanity” mechanic, which tracks a character’s mental stability as they confront the eldritch horrors of the Cthulhu Mythos. As characters witness terrifying events and come into contact with unfathomable beings, their Sanity may be tested, leading to potentially disastrous consequences.
Call of Cthulhu is known for its complex and richly detailed setting, which includes a vast pantheon of deities, monsters, and ancient civilizations that are all inspired by Lovecraft’s stories. The game also includes a wide range of scenarios and campaigns that allow players to explore different aspects of the Mythos, ranging from investigations of mysterious cults and ancient ruins to confrontations with otherworldly entities.
Overall, Call of Cthulhu is a thrilling and immersive tabletop RPG that is perfect for players who enjoy horror, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the hobby, there’s something for everyone in the world of Call of Cthulhu. So, it is a great game for those who love horror, mystery and character-driven storytelling.
What you need to play Call Of Cthulhu:
- The Call of Cthulhu RPG rulebook – this is the primary source of information for the game and contains all the rules, settings, and creatures you’ll need to play.
- Players – typically 3-6 people, including one Keeper (Games Master) and several players.
- Character sheets – these are used to keep track of the players’ statistics, skills, and equipment.
- Dice – Call of Cthulhu uses two types of dice: percentile dice (two 10-sided dice, one labelled 0-9 and the other labelled 00-90) and regular polyhedral dice (4-sided, 6-sided, 8-sided, 10-sided, 12-sided, and 20-sided).
- Pencils and erasers – for keeping track of changes to the characters’ statistics and equipment.
- A quiet and atmospheric space – to set the mood for the game and help the players immerse themselves in the story.
How to play Call Of Cthulhu:
- Create characters – each player creates their own investigator character, using the rules and guidelines in the rulebook.
- Prepare the scenario – the Keeper prepares a scenario for the players to play through, using the information in the rulebook or their own creative ideas.
- Start the game – the Keeper introduces the scenario and the players begin their investigation.
- Take turns – the players take turns describing their actions and making skill checks, while the GM controls the non-player characters (NPCs), the setting, and the events of the story.
- Roll dice – the players roll dice to determine the outcome of their actions and resolve any conflicts. The Keeper uses the rules in the rulebook to interpret the results.
- Conclude the scenario – the players continue to play until they reach the conclusion of the scenario, at which point they can start a new scenario or end the game.
Overall, Call of Cthulhu RPG is a complex and atmospheric game that requires cooperation, strategy, and a strong sense of imagination. The GM and the players must work together to create a believable and engaging story, while also dealing with the unpredictable and frightening elements of the Mythos. With the right group of players and a good GM, Call of Cthulhu can be a truly memorable and rewarding gaming experience.
