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Cthulhu Mythos (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)

Skills

Definition

Cthulhu Mythos represents forbidden knowledge of the true nature of reality—the Great Old Ones, the Outer Gods, and the cosmic insignificance of humanity. Unlike other skills, you cannot put points into Cthulhu Mythos at character creation. This skill is gained only through exposure to Mythos texts, entities, and experiences. Each point of Cthulhu Mythos permanently reduces your maximum Sanity by the same amount, representing the irreversible damage of knowing too much.

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How it works

**Base Value**: 0% (cannot be increased at creation) **Gaining Cthulhu Mythos**: - Reading Mythos tomes - Encountering Mythos entities - Learning spells - Certain traumatic experiences **Sanity Cost**: Maximum Sanity = 99 minus Cthulhu Mythos. High Mythos knowledge permanently reduces your potential Sanity. **Uses**: Identifying Mythos entities, understanding Mythos phenomena, researching Mythos topics

Tips

**A Double-Edged Sword**: Cthulhu Mythos knowledge helps you understand what you face but permanently damages your mind. **Accept the Cost**: Sometimes knowing what you face is worth the Sanity loss. Sometimes it isn't. **High Mythos = Experienced**: Investigators with high Cthulhu Mythos have seen things. They're knowledgeable but mentally scarred.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I take Cthulhu Mythos at creation?

Cthulhu Mythos represents forbidden knowledge gained through exposure. New investigators haven't encountered the Mythos yet. You'll gain points during play.

Is high Cthulhu Mythos good or bad?

Both. High Cthulhu Mythos makes you knowledgeable about cosmic threats, but permanently reduces your maximum Sanity. It's a trade-off between knowledge and mental stability.

Further Reading

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