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community-cypher-system-ref.../patches/de-ogcsrd/068-remove-FAQ.patch
Brian S. Stephan 1d0d489ad2
remove a lot of the OG extra content and similar references 
these are things that are not included in my version because they're
homebrew, because they are a lot of writing/creativity that I don't feel
comfortable stealing/distributing, or so on

this includes ideas that I like, but either plan to write my
own way in the future, or again I just don't feel comfortable copying
verbatim, especially if, for instance, I have my own process and don't
need to advocate for a different one
2025-07-21 21:04:46 -05:00

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--- _tmp/ccsrd.md 2025-07-21 17:24:14.775829267 -0500
+++ _tmp/ccsrd.new.md 2025-07-21 17:27:48.485151559 -0500
@@ -46,7 +46,6 @@
- [Part 5: Back Matter](#part-5-back-matter){.og-csrd-link-white}
- [[Cypher Shorts]{.text-uppercase}](#cypher-shorts)
- [Adventure: [Trapped in Flames]{.text-uppercase}](#trapped-in-flames)
- - [[Frequently Asked Questions]{.text-uppercase}](#faq)
- [[Index]{.text-uppercase}](#index)
- [[What's In the Book?]{.text-uppercase}](#whats-in-the-book)
@@ -116,8 +115,8 @@
- Clarify presentation of key mechanics
- Improve hyperlinking and usability
-A list of subsantial [Editorial Additions](#choose-editorial-additions), [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) about the
-game rules, [Optional Rules](#choose-optional-rules), and [What's In the Book?](#choose-products) (a guide to Cypher
+A list of subsantial [Editorial Additions](#choose-editorial-additions),
+[Optional Rules](#choose-optional-rules), and [What's In the Book?](#choose-products) (a guide to Cypher
System products). Original or modified sections are identified:
- [OG-CSRD](#choose-editorial-additions) [(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}[(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref
@@ -191,7 +190,6 @@
Related Sections
-- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Key Concepts](#key-concepts) [(207)]{.og-ref}
- [Rules of the Game](#choose-rules) [(206)]{.og-ref}
:::
@@ -27374,7 +27372,6 @@
Related Sections
- [Followers and Factions](#chapter-11-a-followers-and-factions) [(233)]{.og-ref}
-- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Optional Rules](#choose-optional-rules) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Running the Cypher System](#choose-running-the-cypher-system) [(402)]{.og-ref}
:::
@@ -74725,7 +74722,6 @@
Related Sections
- [Creatures and NPCs](#choose-creatures) [(312)]{.og-ref}
-- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Optional Rules](#choose-optional-rules) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
:::
@@ -76331,491 +76327,6 @@
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-### [Troubleshooting]{.og-chap} Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}
-
-#### Player Characters [#](#faq-pcs){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#faq-pcs .og-h-small}
-
-[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
-
-##### [My descriptor or type says I have an inability, but an ability says I'm trained or practiced---which is it?](#faq-practiced){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-practiced"} {#my-descriptor-or-type-says-i-have-an-inability-but-an-ability-says-im-trained-or-practicedwhich-is-it .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-practiced .collapse}
-You're practiced.
-
-**Trained:** If you have an [inability](#key-concepts) and become trained in the task, the training and the inability
-cancel each other out and you become practiced. Sometimes inabilities and training come in groups, so it's important to
-account for each kind of task separately. For example, if you choose the [Calm](#descriptor-calm) descriptor, you have
-an inability with climbing, running, jumping, and swimming tasks. If you gain the [Movement
-Skills](#ability-movement-skills){.og-ability} ability, your inabilities in climbing and jumping are canceled out, but
-your inabilities in running and swimming remain. If you become trained in climbing or jumping from another
-source---[character advancement](#character-advancement)---you can continue to improve your [skill](#skills) and go on
-to become trained or specialized.
-
-**Practiced:** Special abilities that make you practiced with a task also cancel out an inability, but they aren't used
-to become trained. It's pretty common for [foci](#choose-focus) themed around use of a [weapon](#equipment-weapons) to
-assign these kinds abilities at tier 1, ensuring a PC won't start the game hindered with their signature
-[attacks](#action-attack). For example, if you are an [Adept](#type-adept) who [Conjures
-Bullets](#focus-conjures-bullets), your [Practiced with Guns](#ability-practiced-with-guns){.og-ability} ability allows
-you to use medium and heavy weapons without being hindered by the inability Adepts have with them---but only if they're
-guns. Abilities like this prepare you to benefit from abilities at higher tiers---like [Trained
-Guncasting](#ability-trained-guncasting){.og-ability}---because your initial inabilities are already cancelled out.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-Inability disclaimers on [types](#choose-type) like these are just reiterating the definition of inability in the [Key
-Concepts](#key-concepts). You're not hindered twice:
-
-**Weapons:** You can use light weapons without penalty. You have an inability with medium weapons and heavy weapons;
-your attacks with medium and heavy weapons are hindered.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [Which focus abilities do I get and when?](#faq-focus){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-focus"} {#which-focus-abilities-do-i-get-and-when .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-focus .collapse}
-::: row
-::: {.col .col-md-6}
-Let's take a look at the [special abilities](#choose-abilities) from an
-example [focus](#choose-focus)---[Helps their Friends](#focus-helps-their-friends).
-
-- **Type Swap Option:** You don't get a [type swap option](#focus-choosing-foci) automatically, but you can choose it
- instead of one ability from your [type](#choose-type). Most foci don't have type swap options. In this example, if
- you are a [first-tier explorer](#first-tier-explorer), you can choose [Advice From a
- Friend](#ability-advice-from-a-friend){.og-ability} as one of your four explorer abilities.
-
-- **Multiple Abilities:** It's common for a focus to assign more than one ability for a tier. In this example, you
- gain both [Friendly Help](#ability-friendly-help){.og-ability} and [Courageous](#ability-courageous){.og-ability} at
- tier 1. Notice how each ability you gain is listed on its own line.
-
-- **Tier Advancement:** Each time you advance to the next tier through [character
- advancement](#character-advancement), your gain new abilities from your focus. In this example, when you reach tier
- 2, you gain [Weather the Vicissitudes](#ability-weather-the-vicissitudes){.og-ability}.
-
-- **Ability Choices:** When two abilities are listed with \"or\", you choose one of those abilities. Almost every
- focus assigns an ability choice at tiers 3 and 6. In this example, when you reach tier 3, you choose to gain either
- [Buddy System](#ability-buddy-system){.og-ability} or [Skill With
- Attacks](#ability-skill-with-attacks){.og-ability}.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-You can gain a focus ability you didn't choose as a [character advancement](#character-advancement).
-:::
-:::
-
-::: {.col .col-md-6}
-::: {.alert .ps-4 .pb-0}
-###### Helps Their Friends [#](#faq-focus-helps-their-friends){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#faq-focus-helps-their-friends}
-
-[(Cypher System Rulebook, page 69)]{.og-ref}
-
-You love your friends and help them out of any difficulty, no matter what.
-
-- Type Swap Option: [Advice From a Friend](#ability-advice-from-a-friend) [(109)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 1: [Friendly Help](#ability-friendly-help) [(143)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 1: [Courageous](#ability-courageous) [(122)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 2: [Weather the Vicissitudes](#ability-weather-the-vicissitudes) [(197)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 3: [Buddy System](#ability-buddy-system) [(116)]{.og-ref} or [Skill With Attacks](#ability-skill-with-attacks)
- [(183)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 4: [In Harm's Way](#ability-in-harms-way) [(152)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 4: [Enhanced Physique](#ability-enhanced-physique) [(135)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 5: [Inspire Action](#ability-inspire-action) [(154)]{.og-ref}
-- Tier 6: [Deep Consideration](#ability-deep-consideration) [(126)]{.og-ref} or [Skill With
- Defense](#ability-skill-with-defense) [(183)]{.og-ref}
-:::
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-A few foci have unique ways of assigning abilities---for example, the [Inks Spells on Skin](#focus-inks-spells-on-skin)
-focus' Readying Spell Tattoos feature, or [Turns Decay to Growth](#focus-turns-decay-to-growth) focus\' tier 4 ability
-being dependent on the ability choice you made at tier 3.
-:::
-:::
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [How does increasing Pools, Edge, and Effort make me more powerful?](#faq-stats){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-stats"} {#how-does-increasing-pools-edge-and-effort-make-me-more-powerful .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-stats .collapse}
-When you spend 4 [XP](#choose-xp) on a [character advancement](#character-advancement), you can be strategic about which
-advancements you choose.
-
-- **Pools:** Your [Might](#might), [Speed](#speed), and [Intellect](#intellect) [Pools](#pool) points measure the
- depth of a \"well of potential\" you can draw from. Pool points are used to pay for [special
- abilities](#choose-abilities) and using [Effort](#effort). Additionally, increasing your Pools allows you to sustain
- more [damage](#rules-damage) before descending on [the damage track](#the-damage-track).
-
-- **Edge:** Your [Edge](#edge) \"cuts the cost\" of an actions that require you to spend [Pool](#pool) points. While
- Edge doesn't directly make tasks easier, it does make you more *efficient* when doing them, \"taking the edge off\"
- of the cost of performing them. For example, if you have 1 Might Edge, that can pay for the cost of using
- [Bash](#ability-bash){.og-ability}. If you have 3 Might Edge, that can pay for 1 level of [Effort](#effort) on any
- [Might](#might) task without paying any points from your Might Pool. Always [total all
- costs](#effort-costs-and-edge-reductions) for the action, then subtract your Edge from that total. For example, if
- you used [Bash](#ability-bash){.og-ability} (1 Might point) *and* used one level of Effort (3 Might points), the
- total cost is 4 Might points, so subtracting your 3 Might Edge reduces the cost you pay to 1 Might point.
-
-- **Effort:** Your [Effort](#effort) score determines how much raw power you can push out in a single action, either
- easing the [difficulty](#rules-task-difficulty) of a task, or increasing the amount of [damage](#rules-damage) you
- inflict with a successful [attack](#action-attack). Using a lot Effort can tire you out quickly. Effort only really
- benefits you on tasks where you use it and succeed. At higher tiers, you might want to choose other options for
- [character advancement](#character-advancement) instead of increasing your Effort score.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-Some abilities grant you a [free level of Effort](#modifying-the-difficulty-effort) on relevant tasks.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [Why don't I have \"hit points\"?](#faq-hit-points){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-hit-points"} {#why-dont-i-have-hit-points .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-hit-points .collapse}
-You do---*kind of*. It's common for new players to think of their [Pools](#pool) as their \"hit points (HP)\", but
-Pools are more like \"stamina\" or \"potential\". The real \"hit points\" in the Cypher System are [the damage
-track](#the-damage-track). You have three: **Hale** (3 HP), **Impaired** (2 HP), **Debilitated** (1 HP)--- after that,
-you're **Dead**.
-
-Powerful effects or creatures that deal [special damage](#special-damage) can move you down the damage track without
-touching your Pools at all, so spend your points while you can!
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-Special abilities like [Ignore the Pain](#ability-ignore-the-pain){.og-ability}, [Fight
-On](#ability-fight-on){.og-ability}, and [Miraculous Health](#ability-miraculous-health){.og-ability} increase
-resilience against the damage track's effects.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [How do armor and shields work?](#faq-armor){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-armor"} {#how-do-armor-and-shields-work .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-armor .collapse}
-The OG-CSRD's section on [armor](#equipment-armor) provides additional clarity on special abilities related to [using
-armor](#equipment-using-armor), [Speed Effort costs](#equipment-armor-speed-effort-cost-per-level-of-effort-used) (also
-referred to as \"encumbrance\"), [special armor](#equipment-armor-special-armor), and
-[shields](#equipment-armor-shields).
-:::
-
-#### Playing the Game [#](#faq-gameplay){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#faq-gameplay .og-h-small}
-
-[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
-
-##### [How do I know if a task is a Might, Speed, or Intellect roll?](#faq-task-stat){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-task-stat"} {#how-do-i-know-if-a-task-is-a-might-speed-or-intellect-roll .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-task-stat .collapse}
-In general, the GM [determines the task stat](#rules-determining-task-stat).
-
-- **Taking Action:** Be proactive---don't just describe what you want to do with your [action](#choose-rules), but
- also how you do it, and the result you're hoping to see. Your description might mention one of your
- [skills](#choose-skills), or something you'd like to use as an [asset](#modifying-the-difficulty-assets)---this
- information can help the GM figure out what you're after.
-
-- **Attacks:** If you're making a melee [attack](#action-attack), you can use [Might](#might) or [Speed](#speed).
- Ranged [attacks](#action-attack) with weapons are almost always Speed tasks.
-
-- **Activating a Special Ability:** If a [special ability](#choose-abilities) costs [Pool](#pool) points to
- [activate](#action-activate-a-special-ability), the task it prompts is usually of the same type. For example, [Hurl
- Flame](#ability-hurl-flame){.og-ability} costs 2 Intellect points, so its attacks are [Intellect](#intellect) based.
- However, if a special ability requires you to touch a target, the [attack](#action-attack) is melee attack instead.
- Even [touching an unwilling PC](#special-situation-combat-between-pcs) with [Healing
- Touch](#ability-healing-touch){.og-ability} requires a successful melee attack.
-
-- **Defending Yourself:** If you're attacked or otherwise have to defend yourelf, your skill with
- [defense](#action-defend) will be tested. Dodging attacks and escaping danger---the most common type of
- defense---are [Speed](#speed) tasks.
-
-- **Using a Cypher:** [Using a cypher](#using-cyphers) is [Intellect](#intellect) based unless described otherwise or
- logic suggests otherwise. For example, throwing an explosive might be [Speed](#speed) tasks, because the device is
- physical and not really technical, but using a [ray emitter](#cypher-ray-emitter) is an Intellect task.
-
-- **Using Effort:** If you use [Effort](#effort), the points are usually spent from the task stat's [Pool](#pool).
- This can be tricky if you're making a touch-based [attack](#action-attack) with a [special
- ability](#choose-abilities) like [Frost Touch](#ability-frost-touch){.og-ability}. In these cases, the GM might
- require you to use [Speed](#speed) points to pay for Effort you use to ease the attack, and [Intellect](#intellect)
- points Effort to increase damage.
-
-- **Enablers and Actions with Multiple Tasks:** Sometimes, you might need to pay additional points from a different
- [Pool](#pool) during the same action---for example, using an [special ability](#choose-abilities) that is an
- enabler. [Total up the points](#actions-with-multiple-tasks) you spent from Pool for your action, and then subtract
- each stat's [Edge](#edge) from the total.
-:::
-
-##### [Why are there two different numbers for difficulty (0--10) and target number (0--30)?](#faq-rolling){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-rolling"} {#why-are-there-two-different-numbers-for-difficulty-010-and-target-number-030 .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-rolling .collapse}
-[Difficulty](#rules-task-difficulty) on a scale of 0--10 is easy to understand. Target numbers are three times the
-difficulty, which means a difficulty of 7 or higher requires [modifying the difficulty](#modifying-the-difficulty) down
-to possible result when [rolling the die](#rules-rolling-the-die).
-
-Additionally, [special rolls](#rules-special-rolls) on the d20 mean that tasks, extra damage, and major and minor
-effects are all resolved with a single die roll. Special abilities like [Increased
-Effects](#ability-increased-effects){.og-ability} can increase frequency of special roll outcomes, and optional rules
-like [Horror Mode](#horror-rules-horror-mode) can alter the [GM intrusion](#gm-intrusion) rate.
-
-When resolving tasks with new players, it's best to tell them the difficulty. Use only the difficulty number until the
-player is finished modifying it with [skills](#modifying-the-difficulty-skills),
-[assets](#modifying-the-difficulty-assets), and [Effort](#modifying-the-difficulty-effort). Once all difficulty
-modifications are completed, multiply the difficulty by 3 to get the target number and [roll the
-die](#rules-rolling-the-die). Avoid going back and forth between the number types, you'll only get yourself---or
-other---confused.
-:::
-
-##### [This ability seems like a task anyone could attempt---what gives?](#faq-abilities-redundant){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-abilities-redundant"} {#this-ability-seems-like-a-task-anyone-could-attemptwhat-gives .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-abilities-redundant .collapse}
-Some abilities seem to function more like \"plays\" than \"spells\", or are something any PC might try to do. For
-example, [Spin Identity](#ability-spin-identity){.og-ability} and [Fast Talk](#ability-fast-talk){.og-ability} are just
-extensions of [interacting with a creature](#action-interacting-with-creatures).
-
-In the Cypher System, the decisions players make through character creation should be
-the foundation of how gameplay itself works. After all, players made those choices to the exclusion of other options,
-and the game recommends no two PCs share the same focus, ensuring each has a niche in the group's dynamic. Any ability
-a PC gains from their [type](#choose-type) or [focus](#choose-focus), and pays [Pool](#pool) points to activate should
-probably be more effective, and work in a greater variety of situations than what a character without that ability can
-do at no cost.
-
-Remember, the GM's job is to set properties of the task, including difficulty---including any external easing or
-hindering---and also possibly an [initial cost](#rules-initial-cost). It's perfectly reasonable to make tasks more
-difficult for PCs who don't have these kinds of abilities, or to ease tasks (or assign assets) for PCs using these
-kinds of abilities. If an ability just isn't working in the game, the GM should work with the player to exchange it for
-one with a similar [power grade](#ability-categories-and-relative-power).
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-It's helpful to know that there are abilities in the game that allow PCs to bypass tasks recommended by [Chapter 11:
-Rules of the Game](#chapter-11-rules-of-the-game). For example, a PC attempting to [move](#action-move) a short distance
-and then take another action must first succeed on a difficulty 4 Speed task. However, if the PC has the [Fleet of
-Foot](#ability-fleet-of-foot){.og-ability} ability, they can pay the ability's 1 Speed point cost to bypass the roll.
-In this way, many abilities serve as an established [initial cost](#rules-initial-cost) for performing a specific kind
-task in the PC's wheelhouse.
-
-It's also a question of the concept and genre of the game. For example, in a game where all the PCs are spies, [Spin
-Identity](#ability-spin-identity){.og-ability} might be a given. In a game where only *one* PC is a useful spy, this
-ability becomes part of a niche worth protecting.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [Does using this ability, cypher, or artifact just succeed---no roll?](#faq-attacks){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-attacks"} {#does-using-this-ability-cypher-or-artifact-just-succeedno-roll .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-attacks .collapse}
-Maybe---it depends.
-
-- **Tasks:** The GM might assign a task with an appropriate [difficulty](#rules-task-difficulty). Using a Cypher is
- usually an [Intellect](#intellect)-based action, but there are exceptions---for example, if the cypher is used in
- the same way as a weapon, like a [monoblade](#cypher-monoblade).
-
-- **Routine Tasks:** The GM might decide whatever you're doing is a [routine action](#routine-actions)---succeeding
- without a roll.
-
-- **Attacks:** If you're targeting an unwilling creature, an object, or effect with a level that would resist your
- attempt, that's an [attack](#action-attack). Attacking usually prompts a task roll with a difficulty based on the
- target's [level and modifications](#understanding-the-listings), but also any [attack modifiers or special
- situations](#attack-modifiers-and-special-situations) the GM determines to be relevant.
-:::
-
-##### [What are cypher, artifact, object, and effect levels for?](#faq-levels){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-levels"} {#what-are-cypher-artifact-object-and-effect-levels-for .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-levels .collapse}
-Everything (except PCs) in the game has a level, which help determine important aspects of them. For example, levels
-affect:
-
-- An [adhesion](#cypher-adhesion) cypher's duration
-- An [attractor](#cypher-attractor) cypher's range
-- The number of Might points restored by a [curative](#cypher-curative) cypher
-- The amount of additional fire damage inflicted by a [flametongue weapon](#fantasy-artifact-dragontongue-weapon)
- artifact
-- The resolution of ongoing effects, as described under [Cypher Levels and Effects](#cypher-levels-and-effects)
-- The difficulty of [damaging an object](#special-situation-attacking-objects)
-- The amount of time required to [craft, build, and repair](#crafting-building-and-repairing) an object
-
-The GM uses levels to compare anything in the game to anything else. For example, a level 8 disease like [radiation
-sickness](#disease-radiation-sickness) can't be alleviated by a level 4 [catholicon](#cypher-catholicon) cypher.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-Even if a cypher can't immediately solve the issue like removing a disease, the GM might allow you to use it as an
-[asset](#modifying-the-difficulty-assets) toward a related task (for example, preparing medicine, or making a [defense
-roll](#action-defend) against the disease's effect).
-:::
-:::
-
-#### Running the Game [#](#faq-running){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#faq-running .og-h-small}
-
-[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
-
-##### [How are NPC interactions with other NPCs or the environment resolved?](#faq-npcs){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-npcs"} {#how-are-npc-interactions-with-other-npcs-or-the-environment-resolved .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-npcs .collapse}
-The basics of NPC interactions are detailed in [A Closer Look at Situations that Don't Involve
-PCs](#a-closer-look-at-situation-that-dont-involve-pcs) and [Special Situation: Combat Between
-NPCs](#special-situation-combat-between-npcs). If an NPC is a [follower](#followers)---and maybe even if they
-aren't---the GM might request a player make a roll for the NPC\'s actions.
-
-When resolving interactions, the GM should take a creature's [modifications](#understanding-the-listings) into account.
-For example, a level 4 [giant snake](#creature-giant-snake) attacking a level 3 [faerie](#creature-faerie) would succeed
-if you were only to consult compare creature level. However, a faerie has a modification for Speed defense as level
-5---so the faerie avoids the snake's deadly bite attack.
-
-Creature modifications can be applied to rolls by adding (or subtracting) 3 for each level of modification (+3 for one
-level higher, −3 for one level lower, +6 for two levels higher, −6 for two levels lower, and so on). For example, the
-[faerie](#creature-faerie) is level 3, and its Speed defense is level 5, so if a player rolls for it, it adds +6 to the
-result.
-
-The most important thing is to do what make sense in the setting and story. For example, a standard
-level 2 hound dog probably can't pick a level 2 lock---unless the setting includes cartoon logic or a certain amount of
-whimsy.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-Offering a [GM intrusion](#gm-intrusion) is a good way to reward the player for putting up with you changing the usual
-rules for how things get resolved.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [Why do creatures have modifications in Might, Speed, or Intellect defense?](#faq-creature-defense){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-creature-defense"} {#why-do-creatures-have-modifications-in-might-speed-or-intellect-defense .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-creature-defense .collapse}
-A creature's defense modifications aren\'t related to [defense rolls](#action-defend), because [the player always
-rolls](#rules-the-player-always-rolls). Instead, creature defenses modify the difficulty of the [attack](#action-attack)
-a PC makes against them.
-
-::: table-responsive
- NPC Task PC Task
- ---------- ----------
- Hindered Eased
- --- ---
- Eased Hindered
-
- : NPC modifications and PC task difficulty
-:::
-
-- **Might:** Creatures with a higher [Might](#might) defense are harder to poison, grapple, restrain, daze, or stun.
- For example, NPCs like the [Paladin](#npc-paladin) have a modification for Might defense.
-
-- **Speed:** [Speed](#speed) defense is the most common, and is used for defending against
- [weapons](#equipment-weapons) and other conventional [attacks](#action-attack) that can be avoided or dodged. Speed
- defense modifications are common for creatures much smaller or larger than a PC, or that are exceptionally fast and
- nimble---or slow and clumsy. For example, a [thundering behemoth](#creature-thundering-behemoth) is a level 7
- creature, but its Speed defense is only level 3---simulating the creature's enormous size. Hitting it isn\'t
- terribly difficult, but getting through its considerable Health and [Armor](#rules-armor) while avoiding it's
- powerful attacks definitely is.
-
-- **Intellect:** [Intellect](#speed) defense is used against anything that would invade or influence a creature's
- mind or deal Intellect damage, including abilities like [Mind Reading](#ability-mind-reading){.og-ability}, [Erase
- Memories](#ability-erase-memories){.og-ability}, [Onslaught](#ability-onslaught){.og-ability} (if using the
- mindslice option), and [Terrifying Presence](#ability-terrifying-presence){.og-ability}.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-It's important a creature\'s modifications allow it to behave naturally in the setting. If you\'re not sure what kind
-of defense applies, ask yourself: If the situation were reversed and the creature was doing this to the PC instead, what
-kind of task roll would be appropriate?
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [How do I resolve a \"PVP\" scenario?](#faq-pvp){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-pvp"} {#how-do-i-resolve-a-pvp-scenario .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-pvp .collapse}
-If a PC does something that would be considered an [attack](#action-attack) on another PC, consult [Special Situation:
-Combat Between PCs](#special-situation-combat-between-pcs). Remember that anything someone does to someone else that the
-target doesn't want to succeed is an attack---even [Healing Touch](#ability-healing-touch){.og-ability}.
-
-PCs make a contested d20 roll, adding +3 to their result for each [modification](#modifying-the-difficulty) in their
-favor that eases the task (including skills, assets, or Effort), and −3 for each modification that hinders it.
-:::
-
-##### [What if there's no rule for the situation the PCs are in?](#faq-rules-none){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-rules-none"} {#what-if-theres-no-rule-for-the-situation-the-pcs-are-in .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-rules-none .collapse}
-Be brave and make rulings---it will be okay! If you aren't sure how to proceed, refer back to the Cypher System\'s
-[core resolution mechanic](#this-is-how-you-play-the-cypher-system). If what happening doesn't directly involve the PCs
-or their actions, use your best judgement. If the PCs are involved---or invested in the outcome---ask yourself:
-
-- Should this just be a [routine action](#routine-actions)?
-- What's reasonable and believable, given what\'s been established in the story, the genre, setting, and general tone
- of the game?
-- What would be interesting?
-- How [involved or invested](#a-closer-look-at-situation-that-dont-involve-pcs) are the PCs in the situation and its
- outcome? Should someone roll?
-- Is there an outcome you would prefer? Maybe a [GM intrusion](#gm-intrusion) is in order.
-- Is there an outcome a player prefers? Maybe a [player intrusion](#choose-player-intrusions) is in order.
-:::
-
-#### Prepping the Game [#](#faq-prepping){.og-h-anchor aria-hidden="true"} {#faq-prepping .og-h-small}
-
-[(OG-CSRD Editorial Addition)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
-
-##### [How do I get started GMing the Cypher System?](#faq-getting-started){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-cyphers"} {#how-do-i-get-started-gming-the-cypher-system .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-getting-started .collapse}
-- **Cypher Shorts:** If you're a first-time GM or have first-time players, try the simplified [Cypher
- Shorts](#cypher-shorts) rules and [Adventure: Trapped in Flames](#trapped-in-flames).
-
-- **Cypher System Rules Primer:** The free [Cypher System Rules
- Primer](https://www.montecookgames.com/store/product/cypher-system-rules-primer/){.og-icon .og-mcg} includes an
- adventure: *A Disturbance at Bridge House*.
-
-- **Purchase Setting Material:** [What's in the Book?](#choose-products) includes a list of campaign setting material
- compatible with the Cypher System and the adventures contained in each book. Additional adventure material is for
- sale from [Cypher System Reference Rules
- Primer](https://www.montecookgames.com/store/product/cypher-system-rules-primer/){.og-icon .og-mcg} and on
- storefronts like [DriveThruRPG](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/browse?ruleSystem=45193-cypher-system).
-:::
-
-##### [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}
-
-::: {#faq-cyphers .collapse}
-It's a good idea to take some time and think about what kind of abilities, events, and other \"moves\" you\'d like to
-see PCs perform in the course of the game---especially things you wouldn't want to see all the time, just occasionally.
-That's what cyphers provide: a valuable way of keeping the game feeling fresh and ensuring PCs frequently have a new
-strategy to apply to their situation.
-
-- **Minimal Cyphers:** If all those [cyphers](#choose-cyphers) feel like *just too much*, you can start with just some
- [subtle cyphers](#subtle-cypher-table) and [power boost cyphers](#power-boost-cypher-table) for a while. You can
- always add [more cyphers](#choose-cyphers) later.
-
-- **Reflective Cyphers:** You can make up appropriate cyphers up as the PCs explore the world. For example, if a PC
- spends time at the library studying, you could provide them with a subtle cypher that eases any knowledge task by
- one or two steps, and can be activated as part of the same action as the task roll, similar to how [power boost
- cyphers](#power-boost-cypher-table) work.
-
-- **Names Have Power:** If you're using manifest cyphers, make sure they have an appropriate
- [form](#manifest-cypher-forms). It can also be a good idea to give your cyphers a name that is appropriate to the
- genre and setting of the game---the more specific the name, the better. For example, a
- [Catholicon](#cypher-catholicon) cypher cures any disease of the cypher level or lower. Depending on the setting or
- level of the cypher, it might be a \"Panacea Herb\" (fantasy), a \"Theriac Potion\" (fairy tale), or a \"KÜR-ALL\"
- pill (science fiction).
-:::
-
-##### [How do I convert creatures from other systems to the Cypher System?](#faq-creatures-use){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-creatures-use"} {#how-do-i-convert-creatures-from-other-systems-to-the-cypher-system .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-creatures-use .collapse}
-There's no wrong way to do things when it comes to [creatures](#choose-creatures), but it\'s worth thinking through
-your approach. Creating creatures and NPCs can be as simple as [assigning it a level and
-a few modifications](#understanding-the-listings). You can even decide on these as you go.
-
-In the Cypher System, the most memorable best NPCs aren't just bags of health that the players whack into nothingness.
-Detailed creatures like the [fire elemental](#creature-elemental-fire), [giant](#creature-giant), and
-[skeleton](#creature-skeleton) provide a good look at how a classic fantasy monster can create memorable story moments,
-and drive the plot of an entire session---not just one encounter or combat.
-
-::: {.og-sidebar .pt-3 .pb-1 .ps-3 .pe-3 .mt-3 .mb-3}
-A creature can do any interesting thing the GM desires through [GM intrusion](#gm-intrusion)---just be reasonable.
-:::
-:::
-
-##### [What if the PCs find challenges and encounters too easy?](#faq-challenge){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-challenge"} {#what-if-the-pcs-find-challenges-and-encounters-too-easy .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-challenge .collapse}
-In addition to the strategies listed in Handling Players and PCs and Creating Challenging
-Encounters, dial up the challenge with [GM intrusions](#gm-intrusion) with [Horror
-Mode](#horror-rules-horror-mode) optional rule.
-
-The optional [Fragility](#horror-rules-fragility) or [Ironman](#horror-rules-ironman)
-rules are also an excellent way of making a game feel a bit more dangerous at the baseline.
-:::
-
-##### [What optional rules or house rules are there?](#faq-rules-optional){.collapsed bs-toggle="collapse" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="faq-rules-optional"} {#what-optional-rules-or-house-rules-are-there .og-tab .pb-2 .pt-2 .og-h-faq}
-
-::: {#faq-rules-optional .collapse}
-The [Cypher System Rulebook](https://www.montecookgames.com/store/product/cypher-system-rulebook-2/){.og-icon .og-mcg}
-and other material that informs the CSRD contains a wealth of optional rules you can use to customize your game for the
-setting and story at hand.
-
-For a complete list of optional rules in the OG-CSRD, see [Optional Rules](#choose-optional-rules). Many more optional
-rules and systems can be found in the products listed in [What's in the Book?](#choose-products).
-:::
-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
### [OG-CSRD]{.og-chap} Index {#index}
::: {.alert .ps-4 .pb-0 .og-alert}
@@ -76833,7 +76344,6 @@
Editorial Additions
-- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Rule Clarifications](#choose-rule-clarifications) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Running the Game](#choose-edrule-running-the-game) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
@@ -77015,7 +76525,6 @@
- [Actions with Multiple Tasks](#actions-with-multiple-tasks) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Area Attacks, Effort, and Damage](#area-attacks-effort-and-damage) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Effort Costs and Edge Reductions](#effort-costs-and-edge-reductions) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
-- [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Followers vs. Temporary Companions](#followers-vs-temporary-companions) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Resolving Cypher Levels and Effects](#resolving-cypher-levels-and-effects) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
- [Skill Training](#skill-training) [(OG-CSRD)]{.og-ref .og-ref-og}
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