Call of Cthulhu Occupations⁚ A Guide for Players

The Investigator Handbook provides a wealth of information for players, including over 100 occupations and skill descriptions. These occupations shape your investigator and provide mechanical benefits and drawbacks.

Introduction

In the shadowy world of Call of Cthulhu, where sanity teeters on the edge of cosmic horror, the choice of your investigator’s occupation plays a crucial role in shaping your character’s journey. It’s more than just a profession; it’s the foundation upon which your investigator’s skills, knowledge, and even their vulnerabilities are built.

The investigator’s handbook, a valuable resource for players, delves into the intricacies of character creation, offering a diverse array of occupations to choose from, each with its own set of unique advantages and drawbacks. From the enigmatic Professor to the intrepid Journalist, the possibilities are vast and cater to a wide range of playstyles.

This guide delves into the world of Call of Cthulhu occupations, exploring their significance, how to choose the right one for your character, and how to utilize the resources available to create a truly memorable investigator.

The Importance of Occupations in Call of Cthulhu

Occupations in Call of Cthulhu are more than just labels; they are the cornerstones of your investigator’s identity and capabilities. They determine the skills your character possesses, the knowledge they bring to the table, and the types of situations they are likely to encounter.

A Professor of Ancient History, for instance, might have a deep understanding of arcane lore but lack practical skills in combat or investigation. On the other hand, a Police Detective might possess sharp observational skills and a keen eye for detail but be unfamiliar with the intricacies of the occult.

The choice of occupation influences your character’s starting skills, which in turn impact their ability to navigate the perilous world of Call of Cthulhu. A well-chosen occupation can provide your character with a crucial advantage in specific situations, while a poorly chosen one might leave them ill-equipped to face the horrors that lie ahead.

Occupations in the Investigator Handbook

The Investigator Handbook is a treasure trove for players looking to create unique and compelling characters in Call of Cthulhu. It features an extensive list of over 100 occupations, providing a rich tapestry of possibilities for players to explore. These occupations span a wide range of professions, from the traditional, like journalists and doctors, to the more unusual, like occultists and explorers.

Each occupation is meticulously detailed, outlining the skills it grants, the knowledge it imparts, and the potential benefits and drawbacks it brings to the table. For instance, a journalist might excel in investigation and persuasion, while an occultist might possess a deep understanding of arcane lore but be prone to madness. The Investigator Handbook also includes optional rules for experienced investigators, allowing players to take on the roles of war veterans, organized crime affiliates, and grizzled police officers, adding even greater depth to the character creation process.

Popular Call of Cthulhu Occupations

Within the vast array of occupations presented in the Investigator Handbook, certain choices stand out as particularly popular among Call of Cthulhu players. These occupations resonate with the themes of cosmic horror and investigation that define the game, offering a blend of intrigue, danger, and a touch of the macabre.

The Professor, with their academic knowledge and thirst for unraveling mysteries, is a classic choice, often drawn into the world of the unknown through their research. The Journalist, driven by a relentless pursuit of the truth, is another popular option, uncovering hidden agendas and sinister conspiracies. The Occultist, steeped in the arcane and the occult, brings a unique perspective to investigations, often delving into forbidden knowledge and facing the consequences. And the Archeologist, venturing into ancient ruins and uncovering artifacts of unspeakable power, embodies the thrill of discovery and the perils of encountering the ancient and the unknown.

These occupations, among others, provide a strong foundation for engaging with the world of Call of Cthulhu, offering players a compelling starting point for their investigative journeys.

Creating Your Own Occupation

While the Investigator Handbook offers a diverse range of occupations, the game encourages players to think outside the box and create their own unique roles. This allows for greater personalization and a deeper immersion in the game’s world. Creating a custom occupation involves a thoughtful process of defining your character’s background, skills, and motivations.

Start by considering the setting and the era of your campaign. Are you playing in the 1920s, or a modern-day setting? What kind of role would your character play in that society? Think about their profession, their social standing, and any unique skills or knowledge they might possess. Next, determine the skills that best reflect your character’s abilities. The Investigator Handbook provides a comprehensive list of skills, allowing you to select those that align with your character’s background and interests.

Finally, consider the motivations that drive your character. What compels them to investigate the mysteries of the Cthulhu Mythos? Are they driven by a personal vendetta, a thirst for knowledge, or a sense of duty? By crafting a compelling backstory and motivations, you can create a unique and memorable character that will enhance your Call of Cthulhu experience.

Occupation Skills

Occupation skills are the core abilities that define your character’s proficiency in their chosen profession. These skills provide a framework for how your character interacts with the game world and determines their success in various situations. The Investigator Handbook provides a comprehensive list of over 100 occupations, each with a set of associated skills that reflect the demands of that particular profession. For example, a journalist might possess skills in “Spot Hidden”, “Listen”, and “Persuade”, while a doctor might excel in “Treat Injury”, “First Aid”, and “Biology”.

These skills are not merely passive attributes; they are active tools that you can use to navigate the game’s challenges. During character creation, you allocate points to these skills, reflecting your character’s level of expertise. As you progress through the game, you can improve your skills by gaining experience, allowing your character to become more adept at their chosen profession.

Occupation skills play a crucial role in determining your character’s effectiveness in various scenarios. From investigating crime scenes to deciphering ancient texts, your skills will influence your character’s success and ultimately determine their fate in the face of the Cthulhu Mythos.

Finding Occupation Information

The Investigator Handbook is your primary resource for finding detailed information about occupations in Call of Cthulhu. This essential player’s aid provides expanded rules for character creation, a wealth of over 100 occupations, and skill descriptions. Within its pages, you’ll discover a diverse range of professions, each with its own unique set of skills and attributes. From the classic investigator roles like journalist and professor to more specialized occupations like archaeologist and occultist, the Handbook offers a wide array of choices for players to explore.

Each occupation entry in the Handbook includes a brief description that provides context and inspiration for your character. You’ll learn about the typical duties and responsibilities of the profession, its social standing, and the skills that are most relevant to the role. The Handbook also offers optional rules for experienced investigators, allowing you to take on the role of a war veteran, organized crime affiliate, or a grizzled police officer.

The Investigator Handbook is an invaluable tool for players seeking to create compelling and unique characters. It provides a comprehensive guide to the world of Call of Cthulhu occupations, empowering you to build investigators who are both engaging and effective in the face of cosmic horror.

Using the Character Library

The Character Library, powered by the Dholes House Character Generators, offers a valuable resource for Call of Cthulhu players. It’s a repository of character sheets created by site members, allowing you to explore diverse examples of investigators and their backgrounds. The library is a great place to find inspiration for your own character or to see how others have approached character creation within the game.

One of the key features of the Character Library is its “Occupations” section. This section provides an alphabetical list of the occupations represented in the character sheets stored in the library. By browsing through this list, you can gain insights into the variety of professions that players have chosen for their investigators. You can also see how different skills and attributes are assigned to various occupations, providing valuable reference points for your own character creation.

To access specific character sheets, simply click or select the corresponding row in the grid. This will download the character sheet in PDF format, allowing you to examine it in detail. The Character Library is a valuable tool for players seeking to explore a wider range of Call of Cthulhu occupations and character builds. It’s a great way to learn from others and to discover new possibilities for your own investigator.

Occupation Resources Online

The internet offers a wealth of resources for Call of Cthulhu players seeking to delve deeper into occupations and character creation. Several online platforms provide valuable information, discussions, and tools to enhance your understanding of the game’s world. For instance, the subreddit r/callofcthulhu is a vibrant community dedicated to all things Call of Cthulhu. Here, you can find discussions on various aspects of the game, including occupations, skills, and character development. Experienced players and newcomers alike contribute to the conversation, offering insights, advice, and sharing their own creations.

Another valuable resource is the Obsidian Portal website, which hosts a dedicated section for Call of Cthulhu. This section contains a collection of articles, guides, and resources related to the game. You can find detailed descriptions of various occupations, along with their associated skills and abilities. These resources can help you flesh out your investigator’s background, motivations, and potential strengths and weaknesses.

Beyond these specific platforms, a simple online search for “Call of Cthulhu occupations” can yield a treasure trove of information. You might discover articles, forums, and websites dedicated to exploring the various professions that investigators can take on in the game. These online resources can provide inspiration, guidance, and a deeper understanding of the many facets of Call of Cthulhu character creation.

The Significance of Occupations in the Game

Occupations play a pivotal role in shaping the Call of Cthulhu experience. They provide a framework for character creation, influencing not only your investigator’s skills and abilities but also their motivations, backstory, and overall approach to the game. Choosing an occupation is more than just selecting a profession; it’s about defining your character’s place in the world and how they interact with the horrors that await. A journalist might be drawn to investigate strange occurrences, a professor might uncover ancient secrets, and a detective might be tasked with solving a series of bizarre crimes.

Each occupation comes with its own set of skills, representing the knowledge, abilities, and experiences that your investigator has gained through their chosen path. These skills are essential for navigating the game’s challenges, from deciphering ancient texts to persuading reluctant informants. Occupations also provide a context for roleplaying, allowing you to immerse yourself in the character’s background and motivations.

Beyond their mechanical impact, occupations add depth and realism to the game. They help players understand the social and cultural context of the 1920s, a time when the world was changing rapidly and the threat of the unknown loomed large. Occupations provide a unique perspective on the unfolding horrors, allowing players to experience the game through the eyes of a specific character with their own set of skills, experiences, and biases.

In the world of Call of Cthulhu, your occupation is more than just a job; it’s a defining aspect of your character and a key element in shaping your experience. From the classic investigator archetypes like professors and journalists to more unconventional roles like flappers and occultists, the game offers a diverse range of occupations that cater to different playstyles and preferences. Whether you prefer to delve into ancient lore, unravel cryptic clues, or confront the horrors head-on, your occupation provides a foundation for building a unique and engaging character.

The Investigator Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to creating and playing investigators, offering a wealth of information on occupations, skills, and background details. By carefully considering your chosen occupation, you can craft a character that feels authentic, relatable, and deeply invested in the world of Call of Cthulhu. Remember, your occupation is not just a starting point; it’s a living, breathing aspect of your character that will continue to shape your journey as you face the unspeakable horrors that lie in wait.