Call of Cthulhu

CoC · Call of Cthulhu TTRPG · Cthulhu

Call of Cthulhu

Call of Cthulhu is investigative horror set in the Cthulhu Mythos. You play as librarians, detectives, and scholars who pursue strange clues and confront things that humanity was never meant to know. The stories centre on creeping dread, clever choices, and the cost of curiosity. Death is a possibility, as is losing your grip on reality. It’s ideal if you seek mystery with substance, grounded characters, and a slow build-up. It firmly resides in cosmic horror, where knowledge is perilous and victory often means merely surviving the night.

A session resembles a sharp detective story that becomes increasingly unsettling. Your group interviews NPCs, sifts through records, explores eerie locations, and tests their resolve when the unknown emerges. Tension builds through atmosphere and roleplay, rather than endless combat. It caters to newcomers and veterans alike, small birthday gatherings, and corporate teams who enjoy solving problems collaboratively. A professional Game Master sets the desired tone, from pulp-inspired action to bleak dread, while ensuring respect for adult themes. Expect a cinematic, collaborative thriller that you’ll discuss long after.

How to play Call of Cthulhu

The core mechanic uses percentile dice. Each skill has a percentage. You roll two ten-sided dice to generate a number from 1 to 100, succeeding by rolling equal to or under your skill. More challenging tasks require better results. The Game Master calls for Sanity rolls when the unnatural intrudes. Success keeps you steady, while failure costs composure, making choices riskier. Combat is quick and dangerous, so investigation, planning, and escape are crucial. You can push some failed rolls for another attempt at greater risk, and the GM may add bonus or penalty dice when the situation helps or hinders you.

Players bring curiosity, a character concept, and a willingness to take notes and follow leads. A professional Game Master prepares locations, suspects, timelines, and handouts, and runs NPCs with nuance. In a one-shot lasting about 3 to 4 hours, expect a tightly woven mystery with clear stakes and a decisive conclusion, often with high danger. Campaigns develop slow-burn conspiracies, recurring allies and foes, and long-term consequences for body and mind. Your GM can tailor pacing, clue density, and scare level to suit your group. Learn about different GM playstyles to find what fits your taste.

Close-up of Dungeons & Dragons game board with miniatures, dice, and fantasy props
Close-up of Dungeons & Dragons game board with miniatures, dice, and fantasy props
A red, marble-textured ten-sided dice showing the numbers 5 and 9 in gold, used for tabletop RPG adventure games.
A red, marble-textured ten-sided dice showing the numbers 5 and 9 in gold, used for tabletop RPG adventure games.

Common questions

Do I need to know the rules to play Call of Cthulhu?

No. A professional Game Master will teach you the essentials in a few minutes and keep the game flowing. You roll percentile dice, compare them to your skills, and follow the clues. We can provide pre-generated investigators or assist you in creating one quickly. If you have played D&D or other RPGs, transitioning to investigation-focused play is straightforward. You bring curiosity and a willingness to take notes. The GM manages rules calls so you can concentrate on your choices and the atmosphere.

Which edition will we use, and can you run 6th edition or d20?

Most of our Game Masters run 7th Edition because it is clear, flexible, and supported by current scenarios. If you prefer 6th Edition or the d20 version, please mention it in your request. Several GMs can run older editions or convert classic modules to maintain the original feel. You can browse available Game Masters and check which editions they list on their profiles here: find a Game Master.

How deadly is it, and how does Sanity function?

Call of Cthulhu is inherently dangerous. Conflicts are quick and can be deadly, and the Sanity system monitors how exposure to the unnatural impacts your mind. Losing Sanity alters how your investigator manages, potentially resulting in short-term or lasting effects. It’s not a bloodbath unless you request it. Your GM adjusts the level of danger, provides options for retreat, and assists you in introducing a new character if necessary, ensuring that tension remains high without spoiling the enjoyment.

What distinguishes Call of Cthulhu from D&D?

In D&D, you often solve problems through combat, gaining levels, and collecting gear. In Call of Cthulhu, you investigate, interview, research, and avoid direct confrontations when possible. Skills are represented as percentages rather than classes, and improvement is gradual. Magic is uncommon, risky, and often comes at the cost of Sanity. Many scenarios conclude without a boss fight. Success might involve stopping a ritual, saving a bystander, or simply making it out alive. The tone tends to favour realism and dread over heroic fantasy.

What group size and session length are most effective?

It works well with 3 to 5 players. With two, it has a tight, careful feel. Six is manageable if everyone takes on clear roles like face, researcher, and scout. A one-shot typically runs for 3 to 4 hours, which is sufficient for a complete mystery with a conclusive ending. Campaign sessions are of a similar length, featuring threads that carry over between episodes. Our Game Masters adjust clue density, difficulty, and time pressure to ensure the story fits your time slot and level of engagement.

Is it suitable for teens, and how frightening can you make it?

Content may include violence, distress, and occult themes, so it is not suitable for children. Mature teens can participate if the group agrees and a guardian gives approval. Before the game, your GM will assess comfort levels and establish lines and veils. We can focus on suspense rather than gore, or maintain a pulpier style with fewer grim outcomes. To align the intensity and tone with your preferences, explore GM playstyles and share your preferences when booking.

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Genres you can play in Call of Cthulhu

  • Mystery

    Follow the clues, build timelines, and catch the culprit. Think Knives Out, but you are the detective, piecing together alibis and secrets…

    View genre: Mystery
  • Gritty

    Difficult decisions, limited resources, and lasting consequences. Picture Game of Thrones, where trust is tenuous, debts must be repaid…

    View genre: Gritty
  • by Elliot

    Gothic

    Candlelit corridors, storm-battered manors, secret letters, and forbidden desire. Gothic play intertwines romance, dread, and family…

    View genre: Gothic
  • Occult

    Candlelit rituals, cryptic symbols, and whispered conspiracies. Imagine The X-Files as you pursue clues through secret lodges and concealed…

    View genre: Occult
  • Conspiracy

    Unravel layers of deception as you pursue leads through dimly lit rooms, encrypted files, and betrayals. Paranoia escalates with each clue…

    View genre: Conspiracy

What players are saying

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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