POW (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)
Characteristics
Definition
Power represents your investigator's force of will, mental resilience, and innate magical potential. It's crucial for resisting spells, maintaining sanity, and casting magic. POW determines your starting Sanity (POW×1) and Magic Points (POW÷5). It's the key characteristic for confronting the supernatural, making it one of the most important stats for long-term survival.
How it works
**Generation**: Roll 3d6×5 (range 15-90)
**Derived Stats**:
- **Sanity**: Starting Sanity equals POW
- **Magic Points**: POW÷5 (rounded down)
- **Luck**: Roll 3d6×5 separately, but POW influences magical contests
**Uses**: Resisting spells, POW vs POW contests, casting magic
Tips
**When POW Matters**: High POW helps you resist Mythos spells and maintain sanity longer. Essential for investigators who expect supernatural encounters.
**Magic Use**: If you learn spells, POW determines your Magic Points pool.
Frequently asked questions
How does POW affect Sanity?
Your starting Sanity equals your POW. While Sanity can go above or below POW during play, POW represents your baseline mental resilience.
Can POW be increased?
POW can increase through successful POW rolls during gameplay, but this is rare. It can also be sacrificed for permanent magical effects.