In the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game, a character’s Power (POW) stat represents their willpower, sanity, and psychic resilience. Losing POW often signifies psychological trauma or a weakening of the self in the face of cosmic horror. Recovering this crucial stat is essential for investigators to continue functioning and confronting the terrors of the game. For example, if an investigator witnesses a particularly gruesome Mythos event and loses POW, they will need to take actions to restore their mental fortitude.
Maintaining a sufficient level of POW is vital for an investigator’s survival and effectiveness. Low POW can lead to instability, temporary or permanent insanity, and ultimately, the inability to contribute to the investigation. Historically, POW has been a core element in the game’s design, emphasizing the fragility of the human mind when exposed to the alien realities presented by the Cthulhu Mythos. The mechanics surrounding POW loss and restoration contribute significantly to the game’s themes of dread, helplessness, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.