call of cthulhu occupations pdf

Call of Cthulhu Occupations PDF: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide compiles essential Call of Cthulhu occupation details, skill lists, and character backstory ideas, often found within downloadable PDF resources for investigators.

Occupations are foundational to character creation in Call of Cthulhu, shaping skills, backgrounds, and investigative approaches. These aren’t merely job titles; they represent a character’s life experiences and inherent capabilities. PDFs dedicated to occupations expand beyond the core rulebook, offering detailed skill suggestions and unique character concepts.

Investigators might be academics like professors or journalists, or those in practical roles like firemen or federal agents. The variety is vast, extending to more unusual professions like antiquarians and even cat burglars. A well-chosen occupation provides a solid base for roleplaying and influences how a character interacts with the game’s terrifying mysteries. These PDFs often include tables for skills and firearms.

The Importance of Occupation Choice

Selecting an occupation in Call of Cthulhu profoundly impacts gameplay, dictating starting skills and influencing a character’s investigative style. PDFs detailing occupations highlight how a character’s profession shapes their worldview and reactions to the Mythos. A clergyman, for example, will approach horrors differently than a journalist.

Occupation determines initial skill point allocation, providing advantages in relevant areas. It also fuels backstory development, offering narrative hooks and motivations. PDFs often present occupation-specific advantages and disadvantages, adding depth. Choosing wisely ensures a character feels authentic and integrated into the game world, enhancing the immersive experience and investigative potential.

Core Occupations in Call of Cthulhu

Classic Call of Cthulhu PDFs frequently detail core occupations like the Architect, possessing skills in drafting and observation. The Author utilizes research and language skills, while the Bodyguard/Henchman excels in combat and intimidation. A Bon Vivant leverages social graces and wealth, and the Chemist applies scientific knowledge.

The Clergyman offers theological understanding, the Federal Agent boasts investigative authority, and the Fireman demonstrates bravery and practical skills. These foundational roles provide a solid base for investigators, offering a blend of abilities useful in unraveling Mythos mysteries. PDFs outline skill bonuses and typical backgrounds for each, aiding character creation.

Architect

Call of Cthulhu Architect PDFs highlight a profession blending artistic vision with technical precision. Investigators in this role often possess high scores in skills like Drafting, allowing detailed mapmaking and structural analysis; Observation is crucial for noticing subtle details in buildings and environments. They may have access to blueprints and construction knowledge, useful when investigating strange structures or hidden passages.

An Architect’s background might involve designing historical buildings, exposing them to forgotten lore. PDFs detail potential connections to wealthy patrons or secretive societies commissioning unusual projects. Their social standing provides access to influential circles, while their analytical skills aid in deciphering cryptic clues.

Author

Call of Cthulhu Author PDFs showcase a character skilled in Language (various), Psychology, and Spot Hidden. These investigators excel at crafting narratives, potentially researching forbidden knowledge for their work. Their profession grants access to libraries, archives, and literary circles, offering opportunities to uncover clues and encounter eccentric individuals.

An Author’s backstory might involve writing sensationalist fiction, unknowingly tapping into Mythos lore, or being commissioned to ghostwrite memoirs for individuals involved in occult practices. PDFs often detail bonuses to skills related to research and persuasion. They may suffer from bouts of writer’s block, mirroring the sanity loss inherent in confronting cosmic horrors.

Bodyguard/Henchman

Call of Cthulhu Bodyguard/Henchman PDFs highlight characters proficient in Brawl, Dodge, and potentially Firearms. These individuals are skilled in physical protection, intimidation, and enforcing the will of others – often shadowy figures with questionable morals. Their occupation provides access to criminal underworlds and powerful, potentially dangerous employers.

A Bodyguard’s backstory might involve a military past, a history of street fighting, or owing a debt to a criminal organization. PDFs detail bonuses to skills related to combat and intimidation. They may struggle with loyalty, facing moral dilemmas when their employer’s actions clash with their own sense of right and wrong, or sanity loss from witnessing horrific events.

Bon Vivant

Call of Cthulhu Bon Vivant PDFs detail characters dedicated to the finer things in life – luxury, pleasure, and social connections. They excel in skills like Charm, Fast Talk, and potentially Psychology, navigating high society with ease. These investigators often possess wealth, inherited or earned, granting access to exclusive circles and information unavailable to others.

A Bon Vivant’s backstory might involve a privileged upbringing, a successful career in the arts, or a talent for gambling. PDFs emphasize bonuses to social skills and knowledge of etiquette. However, their lifestyle can breed decadence and detachment, potentially leading to recklessness or a disregard for the suffering of others, and a susceptibility to corruption.

Chemist

Call of Cthulhu Chemist PDFs highlight investigators skilled in the science of matter and its properties. They boast strong scores in Chemistry, potentially Medicine, and often possess a keen eye for detail. These characters frequently work in laboratories, universities, or even independently, concocting compounds and analyzing substances.

A Chemist’s backstory might involve academic pursuits, pharmaceutical research, or even illicit experimentation. PDFs detail bonuses to identifying poisons, creating antidotes, and understanding chemical reactions. However, their knowledge can attract unwanted attention from those seeking dangerous substances, or lead them down a path of forbidden research into unsettling alchemical secrets.

Clergyman

Call of Cthulhu Clergyman PDFs detail investigators devoted to faith, representing various denominations and theological perspectives. They typically excel in Theology, History, and potentially Psychology, offering a unique lens through which to view Mythos horrors. A Clergyman’s occupation provides access to communities, ancient texts, and potentially, divine guidance – or terrifying revelations.

These PDFs often outline skill bonuses related to comforting the distressed, interpreting religious symbolism, and recognizing occult practices disguised as faith. However, their beliefs may be challenged by the existence of the Mythos, leading to crises of faith or desperate attempts to combat the encroaching darkness. Their knowledge can be both a shield and a vulnerability.

Federal Agent

Call of Cthulhu Federal Agent PDFs present investigators as representatives of governmental authority, often operating with a degree of legal power and access to resources. These characters typically possess strong skills in Law, Psychology, and potentially Firearms, reflecting their training and responsibilities. They might investigate strange occurrences dismissed by local authorities, uncovering Mythos connections within seemingly mundane cases.

PDF resources detail skill bonuses related to interrogation, surveillance, and navigating bureaucratic systems. However, a Federal Agent’s investigation may be hampered by secrecy, political interference, or the sheer scale of the Mythos threat. They face the dilemma of upholding the law while confronting realities beyond human comprehension, potentially risking their careers – and sanity.

Fireman

Call of Cthulhu Fireman character PDFs depict brave individuals accustomed to facing danger and chaos, though usually of a more conventional sort. These investigators possess practical skills like First Aid, Athletics, and potentially Mechanics, reflecting their profession’s demands. They are often familiar with the layout of their city and possess a network of contacts within the community.

PDF resources highlight bonuses to skills useful in emergency situations and navigating hazardous environments. A Fireman’s experience may prove invaluable when confronting Mythos-related disasters – strange fires, inexplicable collapses, or otherworldly phenomena. However, their training may not prepare them for the psychological horrors they encounter, testing their courage and sanity in unimaginable ways.

Expanding the Occupational Landscape

Call of Cthulhu PDFs often encourage players to move beyond core professions, enriching investigations with unique backgrounds. Expanding the occupational landscape introduces roles like Antiquarians, skilled in History and Appraisal, and Archaeologists, adept at Lore and Languages. Cat Burglars offer Stealth and Locksmithing expertise, while Dilettantes bring a broad, if shallow, skillset.

Doctor of Medicine PDFs detail medical knowledge and potential exposure to unsettling cases; Explorers possess Survival and Navigation skills, vital for remote investigations. Investigative Journalists leverage Interview and Psychology, uncovering hidden truths. These expanded options, detailed in supplemental PDFs, allow for diverse character concepts and compelling narratives, adding depth to the game.

Antiquarian

Antiquarians, detailed in Call of Cthulhu occupation PDFs, are connoisseurs of the past, possessing deep knowledge of history, art, and artifacts. Their skills typically include History, Appraisal, and potentially Library Use. They often frequent auctions, estate sales, and dusty libraries, seeking forgotten relics.

A successful Antiquarian might uncover clues hidden within ancient objects, decipher cryptic inscriptions, or identify forgeries. However, their pursuit of the past can lead them into dangerous territory, attracting the attention of cults or awakening slumbering horrors. PDFs often suggest connections to occult lore, making them vulnerable to Mythos influences.

Archaeologist

Archaeologists, as detailed in Call of Cthulhu occupation resources, are explorers of lost civilizations, meticulously excavating sites for remnants of the past. Core skills include Anthropology, History, and potentially Geology or Languages. PDFs highlight their tendency to unearth more than just pottery shards – often disturbing ancient secrets best left buried.

An Archaeologist’s investigations can lead to encounters with forgotten cults, cyclopean ruins, and artifacts radiating unsettling energies. They are prone to attracting unwanted attention from those who wish to suppress their discoveries. Their profession inherently involves risk, making them prime targets for Mythos-related dangers.

Cat Burglar

Cat Burglar profiles within Call of Cthulhu PDFs detail a character skilled in stealth, lockpicking, and navigating treacherous environments. Core skills encompass Stealth, Locksmith, and potentially Disguise or Fast Talk. They operate in the shadows, acquiring valuable objects – sometimes unwittingly stealing Mythos artifacts from unsuspecting collectors.

A Cat Burglar’s profession often places them in contact with criminal underworld figures, potentially exposing them to occult dealings or dangerous clients. Their expertise in infiltration can be invaluable for investigating restricted areas, but also attracts unwanted attention from law enforcement and rival thieves. PDFs emphasize the moral ambiguity inherent in this occupation.

Dilettante

Dilettante character profiles, found in Call of Cthulhu PDFs, represent individuals with a broad, but superficial, knowledge across many fields. They possess a network of contacts and access to social circles unavailable to others. Key skills include Psychology, Anthropology, and potentially Art/Craft (depending on their interests). They aren’t masters of any single discipline, but can often piece together clues others miss.

A Dilettante’s wealth and social standing provide resources for investigation, but also create vulnerabilities. They might be easily manipulated or dismissed as frivolous. PDFs highlight their tendency towards curiosity and a willingness to dabble in dangerous knowledge, potentially leading them down dark paths.

Doctor of Medicine

Call of Cthulhu PDFs detail the Doctor of Medicine as a crucial investigator archetype. Possessing high skills in Medicine, First Aid, and often Psychology, they can treat injuries, analyze strange ailments, and potentially understand the physiological effects of Mythos encounters. Access to medical facilities and patient records provides investigative avenues, though discretion is vital.

However, a medical background doesn’t equate to immunity from horror. Doctors may encounter patients exhibiting bizarre symptoms linked to the Mythos, forcing them to confront realities beyond scientific understanding. PDFs emphasize the ethical dilemmas faced when dealing with otherworldly diseases and the potential for sanity loss.

Explorer

Call of Cthulhu PDFs portray the Explorer as a seasoned traveler, skilled in Survival, Geography, and often Languages. They’ve ventured into remote regions, encountering diverse cultures and potentially uncovering forgotten lore. This occupation grants access to unique resources – maps, artifacts, and contacts – valuable for investigating Mythos-related mysteries.

However, exploration isn’t without peril. PDFs highlight the dangers of uncharted territories, hostile environments, and encounters with strange creatures or cults. Explorers often possess a degree of physical fitness and resilience, but may also carry psychological scars from their experiences. Their knowledge of the world can be both a blessing and a curse when facing cosmic horrors.

Investigative Journalist

Call of Cthulhu PDFs define the Investigative Journalist as a master of Research, Psychology, and potentially Law. They excel at uncovering hidden truths, interviewing sources, and navigating complex social networks. This occupation provides access to a network of informants and a knack for finding clues others miss, crucial when unraveling Mythos conspiracies.

However, pursuing dangerous stories attracts unwanted attention. PDFs emphasize the risks of powerful enemies, censorship, and even physical harm. Journalists often possess a strong moral compass and a dedication to exposing wrongdoing, but may struggle with objectivity when confronted with the unimaginable. Their relentless pursuit of truth can lead them down a dark path.

Niche and Uncommon Occupations

Call of Cthulhu PDFs expand beyond typical roles, offering unique character concepts. Bookbinders possess Lore (Books) and Craft (Bookbinding) skills, potentially uncovering hidden texts. Blacksmiths and Coopers offer Craft skills useful for creating specialized tools or deciphering ancient mechanisms. Clothing Makers and Shoemakers might encounter strange materials or symbols woven into garments.

Weavers and Spinners, often overlooked, could create tapestries depicting Mythos entities or possess knowledge of ancient patterns. These occupations, detailed in supplemental PDFs, provide flavorful backstories and unexpected skill sets. They emphasize resourcefulness and observation, offering investigators alternative paths to unraveling cosmic mysteries.

Bookbinder

A Bookbinder’s life revolves around the preservation and creation of written works, offering unique advantages within Call of Cthulhu investigations. PDFs detail skill bonuses in Lore (Books), Craft (Bookbinding), and potentially Spot Hidden. They often handle rare and ancient tomes, granting access to restricted knowledge or uncovering concealed messages within bindings.

This occupation provides opportunities to encounter occult texts, decipher cryptic symbols on covers, or even restore damaged pages revealing crucial clues. A keen eye for detail and familiarity with paper types can expose forgeries or hidden compartments. Bookbinders are often quiet observers, privy to the secrets held within literary collections.

Blacksmith

Blacksmiths, as detailed in Call of Cthulhu occupation PDFs, possess strength, resilience, and a practical understanding of metalwork. Skill bonuses typically include Craft (Blacksmithing), Strength, and potentially Spot Hidden – noticing subtle flaws or alterations in metal objects. Their trade provides access to tools and materials useful for creating makeshift weapons or disabling traps.

A blacksmith might be tasked with repairing antique weaponry, forging custom tools for an investigation, or identifying the origin of a mysterious metal artifact. They often operate within a community, gathering rumors and observing unusual requests for metalwork. This occupation lends itself to gritty, hands-on investigations and encounters with potentially dangerous individuals.

Cooper

Coopers, as outlined in Call of Cthulhu occupation resources, are skilled craftspeople specializing in making wooden, staved vessels – barrels, casks, and buckets. PDFs highlight skills like Craft (Cooperage), Repair, and potentially Lore (Local History), given their connection to trade routes and local industries. A cooper’s workshop provides access to tools and materials, offering opportunities for concealing objects or creating improvised defenses.

Investigators with this background might be involved in smuggling investigations, identifying the origin of unusual containers, or uncovering hidden compartments within barrels. Their knowledge of wood and construction could prove vital in deciphering clues related to ancient structures or forgotten rituals. They are often grounded in practical skills and community ties.

Clothing Maker

Call of Cthulhu PDFs detail Clothing Makers as possessing skills in Craft (Sewing), Spot Hidden, and potentially Disguise. They understand fabrics, tailoring, and the social implications of attire – crucial for blending in or identifying individuals. A clothing shop offers access to materials, patterns, and a network of suppliers and customers, providing potential leads or cover for investigations.

Investigators with this occupation might notice subtle clues in clothing – unusual stains, hidden pockets, or alterations indicating concealed items. They could create disguises, repair damaged garments found at crime scenes, or trace the origins of rare fabrics linked to cult activities. Their keen eye for detail and understanding of social customs are invaluable assets.

Shoemaker

Call of Cthulhu PDFs portray Shoemakers as skilled in Craft (Leatherworking), Repair, and potentially Stealth – crafting silent footwear. They possess intimate knowledge of foot anatomy, wear patterns, and the quality of leather, offering unique observational skills. A shoemaking shop provides access to tools, materials, and a steady stream of clientele, creating opportunities for gathering information or establishing a discreet base of operations.

Investigators utilizing this occupation might analyze footprints, identify the origin of leather goods, or create specialized footwear for specific environments. They could subtly modify shoes to conceal objects or track targets. Their understanding of construction and materials allows them to assess the durability and authenticity of items, potentially uncovering forgeries or hidden compartments.

Weaver/Spinner

Call of Cthulhu PDFs depict Weavers/Spinners as possessing Craft (Textiles) and potentially Lore (Folklore) skills, deeply connected to local traditions and materials. They understand fiber origins, dyeing processes, and intricate patterns, offering unique insights into textiles encountered during investigations. A workshop provides access to looms, spinning wheels, and a network of suppliers and customers, fostering information gathering.

Investigators might analyze fabric samples for clues, identify the source of rare materials, or decipher hidden messages woven into tapestries. Their knowledge of dyes could reveal age or origin, while pattern analysis might uncover symbolic meanings or coded communications. They could create disguises, repair damaged clothing, or even weave protective charms based on local beliefs.

Modern Era Occupations (Updated Skills)

Call of Cthulhu PDFs increasingly feature modern occupations requiring updated skillsets. Computer Programmers gain skills in Computer Use, Electrical Repair, and potentially Cryptography, vital for navigating digital mysteries and uncovering hidden data. Truck Drivers benefit from skills like Drive Auto, Mechanical Repair, and potentially Fast Talk for dealing with authorities or suspicious individuals.

Electronics Technicians (especially with a Soldier specialization) gain proficiency in Electrical Repair, Operate Heavy Machinery, and potentially Firearms, reflecting their technical expertise and potential combat training. These PDFs often include notes on adapting existing skills to modern contexts, emphasizing the evolving nature of investigations in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers, a modern addition to Call of Cthulhu, represent a crucial skillset in unraveling contemporary mysteries. PDFs detailing this occupation emphasize skills like Computer Use (primary), Mathematics, and potentially Electrical Repair for hardware troubleshooting. Investigators in this role might decipher encrypted files, hack into secure systems, or trace digital footprints left by cultists.

A programmer’s background often provides access to restricted networks and information. They may possess a high level of education, granting bonuses to academic skills. However, their reliance on technology can be a weakness, leaving them vulnerable in situations where technology fails or is compromised. PDFs often suggest connections to government agencies or private corporations.

Truck Driver

Truck Drivers, a seemingly mundane occupation, offer unique advantages in Call of Cthulhu investigations, as detailed in various PDFs. Their profession grants extensive knowledge of roadways, remote locations, and the underbelly of society. Key skills include Drive Auto, Spot Hidden, and potentially Mechanic for vehicle maintenance. A driver’s logbook can serve as a valuable record of travels and observations.

PDF resources highlight the potential for encountering strange occurrences during long-haul routes – isolated towns, unusual cargo, or unsettling encounters with other travelers. They often possess a practical, no-nonsense attitude and a network of contacts along their routes. However, they may lack formal education, impacting academic skill checks.

Electronics Technician (Soldier Specialization)

Electronics Technicians with a military background, as detailed in Call of Cthulhu PDFs, represent a blend of technical expertise and combat readiness. This specialization grants proficiency in Repair (Electrical), Science (Electronics), and potentially Operate Heavy Weapons. Their military service provides skills like First Aid, Spot Hidden, and potentially Handgun or Rifle.

PDF resources emphasize their familiarity with secure communications, surveillance equipment, and potentially classified technology. They may have witnessed unsettling events during their service, providing a built-in backstory hook. However, they might struggle with civilian life, exhibiting a rigid mindset or distrust of authority. This occupation is particularly relevant in modern-era campaigns.

Occupation-Specific Skill Bonuses

Call of Cthulhu PDFs detail how occupations grant crucial skill bonuses, shaping investigator capabilities. An Architect might receive bonuses to Spot Hidden (structural weaknesses) and Library Use (historical building plans). An Author gains advantages in Language (various), Psychology, and potentially Persuade. Federal Agents benefit from skills like Law, Interrogation, and Firearms.

These bonuses, often listed in character creation sections of PDFs, aren’t merely numerical advantages; they represent ingrained expertise. A Chemist excels at Science (Chemistry) and potentially Spot Hidden (identifying substances). PDFs clarify how these bonuses interact with character background and chosen skills, enhancing roleplaying depth and investigative prowess.

Utilizing Occupations for Character Backstory

Call of Cthulhu PDFs emphasize that occupations aren’t just skill sets; they’re foundations for rich backstories. A Doctor’s past might involve wartime trauma or unsettling medical discoveries. An Archaeologist could harbor guilt over disturbing ancient sites, attracting unwanted attention. A Journalist’s career may have exposed them to dangerous secrets, creating powerful enemies.

PDF resources often suggest backstory prompts tied to specific professions, encouraging players to define motivations and connections; Was the Clergyman’s faith shaken by a disturbing encounter? Did the Fireman witness something inexplicable during a blaze? These details, inspired by PDF content, breathe life into investigators, making them more than just stat blocks.

Finding and Using Occupation PDFs

Call of Cthulhu occupation PDFs are readily available online through various sources. Chaosium’s official website and DriveThruRPG are excellent starting points, offering both free and paid resources. Fan-created PDFs, often found on forums and RPG communities, expand the occupational landscape beyond core rulebooks.

When utilizing these PDFs, prioritize compatibility with your Call of Cthulhu edition. PDFs typically detail skill bonuses, suggested backgrounds, and potential plot hooks. Adapt the information to fit your campaign’s setting and tone. Remember to cross-reference with core rules to ensure balance and consistency, enhancing your investigative experience.

Resources for Call of Cthulhu Occupations

Numerous online resources bolster Call of Cthulhu occupation creation. The Chaosium website provides official supplements and character sheets. DriveThruRPG hosts a vast library of community-created content, including detailed occupation packages. RPGGeek and Reddit’s r/callofcthulhu are active forums for sharing ideas and PDFs.

Websites dedicated to Lovecraftian horror often feature articles on crafting compelling investigator backgrounds tied to specific professions. Don’t overlook utilizing historical research to enrich occupation details. These resources collectively offer inspiration and tools for developing unique and immersive characters, deepening your Call of Cthulhu gameplay.