In Call of Cthulhu, your investigator's occupation is a crucial aspect that shapes their skills, income, and social connections. This guide provides a detailed list of occupations to enhance your gaming experience, allowing for a more immersive and realistic character development.
When creating your investigator, remember that the possibilities are virtually limitless, constrained only by your imagination and the Keeper's approval. Don't feel restricted to typical roles like a cop or private eye; instead, consider how your character earns a living and tailor their skills accordingly.
How to Make a Call of Cthulhu Investigator | Call of Cthulhu Character Creation
Understanding Occupation Skills
Once you've chosen an occupation, examine the list of skills on the investigator sheet. Consider what skills are essential for the chosen occupation. For instance, what skills would a journalist or a soldier require?
Allocate values to your investigator’s occupation skills, writing these numbers into the "Regular" box next to each skill on the investigator sheet. Also, consider skills your character has acquired outside of work.
Examples of Skill Allocation
Example: Susan has chosen to play a Journalist and allocates the following values: Art/Craft (Photography) 50%, History 40%, Library Use 50%, Own Language (English) 60%, Psychology 40%. She chooses Persuade as an interpersonal skill, giving it 70% (very persuasive!). She then looks down the skill list on the investigator sheet and picks two other skills that she thinks might be useful for a journalist: Spot Hidden 50% and Stealth 60%. She has one value, 40%, left to allocate to Credit Rating. Susan writes these numbers into the Regular (large) box next to each of the skills.
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Another Example: Brian chooses Soldier as an occupation. As this occupation is not in the list in this book, he chooses eight skills that seem most appropriate: Climb, Dodge, Fighting (Brawl), Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun), First Aid, Other Language, Stealth, and Survival. Brian sets these occupation skill values as follows: Climb 60%, Credit Rating 40%, Dodge 60%, Fighting (Brawl) 70%, Firearms (Rifle/Shotgun) 50%, First Aid 40%, Other Language 50% (picking Spanish as a second language), Stealth 50%, Survival 40%. Brian then picks four personal interest skills, raising each one by 20% (adding 20 to the skill’s base value written on the sheet); Drive Auto 40%, Jump 40%, Mechanical Repair 30%, and Spot Hidden 45%.
Don't forget to account for skills your character has acquired outside of their profession. These are often represented by base values listed next to the skills on the investigator sheet.
Classic and Modern Occupations
While the original Call of Cthulhu setting was in the 1920s, later versions introduced modern occupations. Originally called Cthulhu Now, it was published in 1987. In the original version occupations were primarily modern versions of the already printed 1920’s occupations. The only additions were minor ones. Updating entertainer to include The Pharmacy skill (it was the 80’s after all.) adding computer use for professors, electronics for soldiers as well as adding computer programmer and truck driver to the occupation lists. New supplements have added more morden occupations.
Examples of Modern Occupations
- Urban Explorer: Investigates man-made structures, often abandoned, in populated areas.
- Blogger/Vlogger/Podcaster: Shares opinions and experiences online, covering various topics from local news to occultism.
- Crime Scene Investigator: Examines physical evidence at crime scenes, focusing on facts rather than conclusions.
- Extreme Sportsman: Adrenaline junkies who risk life and limb for the ultimate thrill.
- Survivalist/Prepper: Believes in the imminent collapse of civilization and prepares for survival in rural environments.
- SWAT Team Member: Specially trained police officers who handle high-risk situations with specialized weapons and tactics.
SWAT teams were developed originally after a serries of bank robberies in Philadelphia and the Watts riots in Los Angeles. They became popularized by the 1970’s TV show of the same name. Their special training and weapons allow them to engage in hostage and standoff situations, that might be difficult for regular law enforcement. Some large cities like LA have a full-time dedicated SWAT team, other cities have regular police officers who fulfill their SWAT duties on an as needed bases. SWAT teams are no longer found just in municipal police forces and can be seen in the FBI, ATF and even a Hostage Rescue team for the US State Department. Other sittings: Can be in any campaign that have police investigators in it after the 1970’s.
Detailed Occupation List
Below is a list of occupations with their skills, credit ratings, and suggested contacts to help you create a well-rounded investigator.
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Actor and Entertainer
Include professions such as film and stage actors, stunt men, musicians, singers, comedians, announcers, vaudeville acts, and so forth. Contacts: Fellow entertainers, agents, directors, producers, socialites, night club owners, bouncers and admirers. Professional Skills: Art, Credit Rating, Disguise, Fast Talk, Persuade, Psychology, plus 2 of the following as personal specialties: Brawl, Jump, Handguns, Language, Melee Weapon, or Ride. Special: Points from EDU are half normal, but bonus to Credit Rating, Fast Talk, Persuade and one Art skill of twice APP, and a bonus of twice DEX to your choice of Jump, Ride, or one Art skill.
Psychologist
You are a rare practitioner in the field that will come to be known as psychiatry and specializing in the study of mental illness and deviance. Contacts: Practicing psychologists and mental health practitioners, asylum wardens, orderlies, and the mentally ill.
Collector
The investigator is a collector and sometimes seller of rare and old curios and artifacts, and may publishes scholarly works on the subject of collecting or on the historical significance of objects. The investigator is an artist of some skill. Professional Skills: Art, Craft, Bargain, Credit Rating, History, Library Use, Persuade, Psychology. Special: EDU bonus is half normal, but add a bonus to one Art or Craft skill, Bargain, Credit Rating, and Persuade equal to twice APP, INT, or DEX (whichever is higher) before allocating points.
Athlete
The investigator is either a professional athlete noted for their skill in a sport, or else their physical talents have come to the attention of either the famous or infamous, who employ him as a bodyguard or heavy to enforce their wishes. Special: EDU bonus is half normal, but gain a bonus to Brawl, Climb, Jump, Swim, and Throw of twice STR before allocating points.
Writer
The investigator is a writer, in either fiction, non-fiction, or perhaps both. The investigator may earn money from the royalties of book sells, or by selling small pieces to magazines. Contacts: Fellow authors, book publishers, book sellers, librarians, and admirers.
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Aviator
Aviation is a new profession still tinged with romanticism, even as the profession becomes more and more like an ordinary trade. Clergy of major sects are often quite serious scholars, while missionaries are often in the fore front of anthropological exploration in remote areas with no prior contact with the outside world. Contacts: Fellow clergy, laity, parishioners, celebrants, philanthropists, the miserable and lost.
Clergy
You are a member of a professional clergy, or else a pious individual who has devoted themselves to spreading their particular faith. They often have some technical or legal training and are skilled salesmen and otherwise socially adept. Professional Skills: Accounting, Bargain, Credit Rating, Fast Talk, Language, Psychology, plus any two of the following as a personal specialty: Craft, Chemistry, Electrical Repair, Geology, Law, Mechanical Repair, Persuade, or Pharmacy.
Criminal
Bank Robber, Bootlegger, Burglar, Conman, Forger/Counterfeiter, and Assassin are all listed under the Criminal occupation. Professional Skills: Fast Talk, Listen, Psychology, Spot Hidden, plus 4 of the following as personal specialties: Art, Brawl, Climb, Drive Auto, Grapple, Bargain, Conceal, Disguise, Handgun, Hide, Locksmith, Pick Pocket, Sneak, Melee Weapon.
Detective
The investigator is a detective, whether a member of a police force, or a private detective for hire. Bounty hunters, magistrates, and similar profession may also be included in this category. Professional Skills: Brawl, Handgun, Listen, Psychology, Sneak, Spot Hidden, plus 2 of the following as personal specialties: Drive Auto, Grapple, Fast Talk, Hide, Library Use, Forensics, Photography, Law, Track.
Dilettante
The investigator are an heir or scion of a very wealthy family, having inherited sufficient funds to never need practical employment - or having at the least, lived as if this was the case. Professional Skills: Credit Rating, plus take any seven skills as personal specialties. However, no more than one combat skill can be taken. Special: EDU bonus is half normal, but add a bonus to Credit Rating and Fast Talk of twice APP or INT whichever is higher, and bonus to any three other personal specialties of twice INT or DEX (whichever is higher). Bonuses are earned before allocating points.
Doctor
The investigator is a medical professional with a doctorate in medicine. Professional Skills: Library Use, Medicine, Pharmacy, First Aid, Forensics, plus three of the following as personal specialties: Accounting, Biology, Credit Rating, Persuade, or Psychology.
Hobo
The investigator is an itinerant of some sort. He may be aimless, or he may ply a simple trade. Professional Skills: Chemistry, Craft, Credit Rating, Electrical Repair, Geology, Mechanical Repair, Operate Heavy Machinery, Physics.
Laborer
Professional Skills: Accounting, Bargain, Craft, Electrical Repair, Mechanical Repair, Natural History, and two of the following as personal specialties: Drive, Long Guns, Operate Heavy Machinery, Pilot Boat, Ride, or Track.
Hunter
The investigator is a professional hunter or guide, usually placed in the service of the wealthy, to provide them adventurous thrills. Professional Skills: Craft, Climb, Natural History, Navigate, Listen, Long Gun, Spot Hidden, Track.
Journalist
The investigator works for a newspaper, magazine, or radio service and is generally paid by the word or the column length and is paid to describe report or comment on current events and affairs. Contacts: Other journalists, editors, publishers.
Lawyer
The investigator is a practitioner and student of the law, such as a prosecutor, an attorney, or even an elected official or politician.
Nurse
The investigator is a medical assistant or orderly trained in hospice care of the sick or invalid. Contacts: Other aristocrats, gentry, socialites, and persons of leisure.
Nobleman
The investigator is a member of the aristocracy, and received the training expected of a member of his rank, to live the life of a gentlemen or lady.
Occultist
The investigator is a researcher into phenomenon considered mystical, bizarre and occult to ordinary society. The investigator might be motivated by curiosity, skepticism, or sincere belief in such things. Professional Skills: Credit Rating, Library Use, Language, Persuade, plus any four of the following as personal specialties: Archaeology, Anthropology, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Natural History, History, Occult, Photography, or Physics.
Rancher
The investigator is a rancher, herdsman, or veterinarian.
Sailor
The investigator is a sailor or boat captain.
Occupation List from Call of Cthulhu Keeper Rulebook
The following suggested occupations are naturally pulp flavored and some are more closely tied to the 1930s setting. Once you have chosen an occupation, write it down on the pulp hero sheet and then make a note of the occupational skills.
Archaeologist
- Occupation Skill Points: EDU × 4.
- Credit Rating: 10-40.
- Suggested Contacts: patrons, museums, universities.
- Skills: Appraise, Archaeology, History, Other Language (any), Library Use, Spot Hidden, Mechanical Repair, Navigate or Science (e.g.
Investigative Journalist
- Occupation Skill Points: EDU × 4.
- Credit Rating: 9-30.
- Suggested Contacts: news industry, politicians, street-level crime or law enforcement.
- Skills: Art/Craft (Art or Photography), one interpersonal skill (Charm, Fast Talk, Intimidate, or Persuade), History, Library Use, Own Language, Psychology, any two other skills as personal or era specialties.
Nurse
- Occupation Skill Points: EDU × 4.
- Credit Rating: 9-30.
- Suggested Contacts: hospital workers, physicians, community workers.
- Skills: First Aid, Listen, Medicine, one interpersonal skill (Charm, Fast Talk, Intimidate, or Persuade), Psychology, Science (Biology and Chemistry), Spot Hidden.
Private Investigator
- Occupation Skill Points: EDU × 2 + (DEX × 2 or STR × 2).
- Credit Rating: 9-30.
- Suggested Contacts: law enforcement, clients.
- Skills: Art/Craft (Photography), Disguise, Law, Library Use, one interpersonal skill (Charm, Fast Talk, Intimidate, or Persuade), Psychology, Spot Hidden and any one other skill as personal or era specialty (e.g.
Skill Descriptions
Here's a closer look at some of the skills mentioned in the occupation lists:
- Appraise: Assess the quality of an item through observation.
- Art/Craft: Skill in creating artistic or practical items.
- Bargain: Negotiate prices and deals effectively.
- Charm: Influence others through personality.
- Climb: Ascend walls and other structures.
- Credit Rating: Indicates financial status.
- Disguise: Conceal identity through appearance.
- Fast Talk: Deceive others quickly.
- First Aid: Provide immediate medical assistance.
- History: Knowledge of past events.
- Intimidate: Influence through fear.
- Language: Ability to speak and understand different languages.
- Law: Understanding of legal systems.
- Library Use: Efficiently research and find information.
- Listen: Attentive hearing.
- Locksmith: Skill in opening locks.
- Medicine: Medical knowledge and practice.
- Mechanical Repair: Ability to fix mechanical devices.
- Navigate: Determine direction and location.
- Occult: Knowledge of mystical and supernatural phenomena.
- Own Language: Proficiency in one's native language.
- Persuade: Convince others through reasoning.
- Pharmacy: Knowledge of drugs and their effects.
- Photography: Skill in taking photographs.
- Physics: Understanding of the laws of nature.
- Psychology: Understanding of human behavior.
- Science: Knowledge of various scientific disciplines.
- Sneak: Move silently and unnoticed.
- Spot Hidden: Notice concealed objects or details.
- Track: Follow trails and signs.
By using this guide, you can create detailed and engaging investigators that are ready to face the horrors of the Cthulhu Mythos.
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