--- _tmp/ccsrd.md 2025-07-21 16:37:52.844230384 -0500 +++ _tmp/ccsrd.new.md 2025-07-21 16:39:56.297018217 -0500 @@ -74783,7 +74783,6 @@ GM Preparation - [Campaign Design Checklist](#campaign-design-checklist) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} -- [Session Preparation](#session-preparation) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} Optional Rules @@ -75388,7 +75387,7 @@ ::: {.og-ed .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3} **Editor's Notes ---** GM intrusions are an integral part of Cypher System design. Most [creatures](#choose-creatures) and [traps](#choose-fantasy-traps) include at least one GM intrusion. GM intrusions are a crucial source of [Experience -Points (XP)](#experience-points-gm-intrusion)---so make them a part of your [session preparation](#session-preparation)! +Points (XP)](#experience-points-gm-intrusion)---so make them a part of your session preparation! ::: ###### Bad Luck [#](#gm-intrusion-bad-luck){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#gm-intrusion-bad-luck} @@ -76067,125 +76066,6 @@ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -#### Session Preparation [#](#session-preparation){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} - -[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - -This section is based on *Preparing for the Game Session* [(431)]{.og-ref}. - -In the Cypher System, there aren't too many [rules](#this-is-how-you-play-the-cypher-system) you have to memorize to -run the game. Instead, the Cypher System is designed to allow the GM and players to allow the game to proceed without -the need for a lot pre-planned content. Allowing the game to unfold on its own means anything the GM plans might not get -used, or might get used differently than planned for. The GM should leave themself some room to be flexible, filling in -blanks and details as the game proceeds. Remember that since [the player always rolls](#rules-the-player-always-rolls), -use your time and brainpower to examine the players actions and moods, the unfolding story, and keep track where the -trajectory of the game is headed. - -The [campaign design checklist](#campaign-design-checklist) can help you define certain things about the setting, but -all you really need to be prepared are a list of names, a scenario summary, and a list of ideas. - -##### A List of Names [#](#session-preparation-names){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#session-preparation-names .og-h-small} - -[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - -A list of names appropriate to the game's setting is useful for creating NPCs in the moment. Having a little extra room -on the list to add a level, a modification, and a quick note next to a name is a good way of recording which names have -become NPCs, and who they are. A useful set of notes for an NPC might include their level, important -[modifications](#understanding-the-listings), their motive (what they want), and means (how they intend to get it), or -anything else that will help you remember them later. - -::: table-responsive - Name Details - ---------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Ourmand Armstay --- - Gwendolyn Goodnoodle --- - Sandy Sugarbottom --- - Brampton Underrug *Halfling; nervous disposition; general goods merchant; level 2, haggles as level 5* - Sigourney Otherbeef --- - - : Example Fairy Tale NPC Names and Notes -::: - -If a powerful creature or NPC is central to the scenario, it can be wise to spend a few minutes to [choose creatures and -NPCs](#choose-creatures), and review their characteristics to determine if they need modification, or creating new -creatures or NPCs. - -##### A Scenario Summary [#](#session-preparation-summary){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#session-preparation-summary .og-h-small} - -[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - -A scenario summary sets up the general situation the PCs will be involved in, but doesn't assume anything what the -players will do about it---players will always do unexpected things. - -Knowing just a little bit about how things are connected will allow the players to interact with the scenario -organically (as opposed to in an order and manner of your design). You might want to refer back to that list of names -and come up with something on the fly. The PCs might investigate the situation on their own, or decide that there are -other things they'd rather be doing than looking for missing shoes or people. - -::: {.alert .ps-4 .pb-0} -###### Example Scenario Summary: A Skeleton Stole My Shoes\! [#](#session-preparation-summary-example){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#session-preparation-summary-example} - -[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - -In a fantasy world, the PCs are traveling through a forest of thick, tall, trees, and happen upon Bamwich---a cozy -hamlet inhabited mostly by gentle moss dwarves. There is a chill in the air, but an inviting column of smoke rises from -a nearby tavern with doors fit for a human. - -- **Old Gus** *(the oldest dwarf in town; level 1; local history as level 4)* loudly complains to anyone who will - listen that a skeleton has stolen his favorite pair of shoes. Gus is eager to get the PCs to help him by retrieving - them, and could be convinced to offer a reward for their safe return. - -- **Lil' Mama and Large Marge** *(tavern proprietors; level 2)* are hiding an infestation of rats---including two - [giant rats](#creature-giant-rat)---in the tavern's underground larder. - -- **Renengil** *(a skilled blacksmith; level 3)* hasn't heard from her cousin Herferlun in a week. Herferlun is the - foreman at an iron mine in the nearby woods. In addition to dwindling supplies, she is worried about her cousin. She - would investigate the matter herself, but is busy with her work. - -- **Hamish Wormworthy** *(an incompetent [Necromancer](#npc-necromancer); all tasks hindered)* has sent forth his - [Skeleton](#creature-skeleton) minions to \"collect the souls of the living\", but his incompetence has them seeking - out the *soles* of the living instead---causing the skeletons to steal people's shoes instead of killing them. His - cavernous lair is becoming increasingly littered with footwear. - -- **Dwarven miners** *(level 2)* are captured by Hamish, and are being turned into skeletons by the necromancer. - Renengil's cousin, Herferlun is among the survivors. -::: - -##### A List of Ideas [#](#session-preparation-ideas){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#session-preparation-ideas .og-h-small} - -[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - -A list of ideas provides you with a box of toys you can interject into the game. They might provide useful tonal clues, -a striking sensory description, or possible clues or side plots. It can also be a good idea prepare a few [GM -intrusions](#gm-intrusion) for a session. Coming up with one GM intrusion each for important locations, creatures, NPCs, -situations, or the PCs' character arcs can provide you with the vocabulary you need to be ready when a PC [rolls a -1](#intrusion-through-player-rolls), or to have something ready to propose that would be good for the story or game. -Additionally, Monte Cook Games' [GM Intrusion -Deck](https://www.montecookgames.com/store/product/gm-intrusion-deck/){.og-icon .og-mcg} that includes a wealth of -possible GM intrusions. - -For *A Skeleton Stole My Shoes!*, a list of ideas might include: - -- Someone's food or drink in the tavern is served with a large, wiry hair in it. -- A [ravage bear](#creature-ravage-bear) caught in a hunter's trap is actually a fey being. -- A [skeleton](#creature-skeleton) missing its skull stumbles through the woods. -- A ghostly green torchlight increases skeletons' level by 1. -- An [artifact](#choose-artifacts) of great power is rumored to be held in an ancient shrine to a fallen hero - somewhere deep in the woods. - -Lastly, it can also be a good idea to choose a few [cyphers](#choose-cyphers) appropriate to the setting. -For *A Skeleton Took My Shoes*, -potential cyphers might include: - -- [Anathema Siren](#horror-cypher-anathema-siren) (undead) -- [Curative](#cypher-curative) -- [Friction Reducer](#cypher-friction-reducer) -- [Sleep Inducer](#cypher-sleep-inducer) -- [Trick Embedder](#cypher-trick-embedder) -- [Undead Ward](#fantasy-cypher-undead-ward) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - ##### Calling for Rolls [#](#calling-for-rolls){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#calling-for-rolls .og-h-small} [(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} @@ -77264,8 +77144,6 @@ - **Original Campaign:** The [Campaign Design Checklist](#campaign-design-checklist) is a good guide to selecting character options, cyphers, and optional rules to help shape your setting. - -- **Session Preparation:** Some ideas for [Session Preparation](#session-preparation) are also provided. ::: ##### [Cyphers don't seem to \"work\" for my game---what should I do?](#faq-cyphers){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-cyphers"} {#cyphers-dont-seem-to-work-for-my-gamewhat-should-i-do .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq} @@ -77570,7 +77448,6 @@ - [Foci, Psionic](#psionic-foci) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - [Foci, Science Fiction](#science-fiction-foci) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - [Foci, Superhero](#superhero-foci) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} -- [Session Preparation](#session-preparation) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} - [What's In The Book?](#choose-products) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og} ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ @@ -77838,7 +77715,7 @@ - Crafting Stories [(428)]{.og-ref} - Pacing [(428)]{.og-ref} - Description [(430)]{.og-ref} -- [Preparing for the Game Session](#session-preparation) [(431)]{.og-ref} +- Preparing for the Game Session [(431)]{.og-ref} - Handling the Players [(433)]{.og-ref} - [Mature Themes](#horror-rules-consent) [(434)]{.og-ref} - Designing Encounters [(434)]{.og-ref}