Call of Cthulhu

CoC · Call of Cthulhu TTRPG · Cthulhu

Call of Cthulhu

Call of Cthulhu is investigative horror set in the Cthulhu Mythos. You take on the roles of librarians, detectives, and scholars who pursue strange clues and confront truths that humanity was never meant to uncover. The stories centre around creeping dread, clever decision-making, and the consequences of curiosity. Death is a possibility, as is losing your grip on reality. It is ideal for those seeking mystery with substance, grounded characters, and a slow build-up. It firmly belongs to cosmic horror, where knowledge can be perilous and success 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 faced with the unknown. Tension builds through atmosphere and roleplay rather than endless combat. It is suitable for newcomers and seasoned players alike, as well as small birthday gatherings and corporate teams who enjoy solving problems together. A professional Game Master establishes the tone you desire, ranging from pulp-inspired action to profound dread, while ensuring that adult themes are handled with respect. Prepare for a cinematic, collaborative thriller that you will 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 below 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 you composure, making choices riskier. Combat is quick and perilous, 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 depending on whether 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 portrays 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 adjust pacing, clue density, and scare level to suit your group. Learn about different GM playstyles to find what suits you best.

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.

Frequently Asked 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, the transition to investigation-focused gameplay is straightforward. You bring curiosity and a willingness to take notes. The GM manages rules calls so you can concentrate on choices and atmosphere.

Which edition shall we use, and can you run 6e 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 perilous. Conflicts are swift and can be lethal, 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 enduring conditions. It is 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 elevated without compromising 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 rare, 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 leans more towards realism and dread than heroic fantasy.

What group size and session length are most effective?

It works well with 3 to 5 players. With two, you get a tight, careful feel. Six is manageable if everyone takes clear roles such as face, researcher, and scout. A one-shot typically lasts 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 on across 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 teenagers, 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 approves. 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 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

What players think

  • 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 really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and 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. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from 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 wonderful 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. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly 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

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no 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 enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly brilliant as a DM! Cheerful, adaptable, and exceptionally experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in an enjoyable manner and engaged every player in the story, regardless of whether they were vocal or reserved. If you embark on an adventure with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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