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Fighting (Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition)

Skills

Definition

Fighting is a specialization skill covering melee combat with various weapon types. While Fighting (Brawl) handles unarmed combat and improvised weapons, other Fighting specialties cover trained weapon use—swords, knives, axes, spears, whips, chainsaws, and more. In Call of Cthulhu, melee combat is dangerous regardless of your skill level. Weapons do increase your damage output significantly compared to fists, but closing to melee range with Mythos creatures is often suicidal. That said, in tight quarters, when ammunition runs out, or against human opponents, a well-armed investigator with a Fighting specialty can be decisive. In the 1920s, knife fighting, swordplay, and other weapon arts are still practiced.

How it works

**Base Value**: Varies by specialty (typically 10-25%) **Key Uses**: - Attacking with melee weapons - Parrying melee attacks with appropriate weapons - Using specialized combat techniques - Defending against armed opponents **Special Rules**: Each weapon type is a separate specialty. Common specialties include Fighting (Brawl) at 25%, Fighting (Sword) at 20%, and Fighting (Axe) at 15%. Damage bonus from STR+SIZ applies to melee weapons.

Tips

**Build Advice**: Fighting (Brawl) is the most versatile. Weapon specialties are for character-specific builds—a fencer, a knife fighter, or a military veteran. **Occupation Synergies**: Pairs with Dodge for complete combat capability, First Aid for post-combat patching up, and Stealth for ambush attacks. **Character Concepts**: Military veteran, fencing enthusiast, street tough, big game hunter, tribal warrior.

Frequently asked questions

Which Fighting specialty should I take?

Fighting (Brawl) is the most useful as it covers unarmed combat and improvised weapons—you always have your fists. Take a weapon specialty only if your character specifically trains with that weapon.

Can I parry with any weapon?

Most melee weapons can be used to parry, but the Keeper decides based on weapon size and type. A knife is poor for parrying a two-handed axe. Shields are excellent for parrying.