Rules of the Game

Cypher games are played in the joint imagination of you, the other players, and the GM. The GM sets the scene, you and the other players explain what your characters do, and the GM determines what happens next. The rules and the dice help make the game run smoothly, but it's the people, not the rules or the dice, that direct the action and determine the story—and the fun. If a rule gets in the way or detracts from the game, you, the other players, and the GM should work together to change it.

This chapter is for you, the player. There are more rules and options in the Cypher GM's Guide, but you don't need to worry about that stuff. The info there isn't secret or forbidden to players, but rather material that can enhance the GM's game, including optional rules that only matter if your GM decides to include them.

Sections

• Cypher Core Concepts
• Creating a Story
• Character Stats and Pools
• Taking Action
• Easing Tasks
• Rolling the Die
• Retrying a Task After Failure
• Distance, Range, and Movement
• Timekeeping
• Actions and Initiative
• Attack
• Damage
• Recoveries
• Healing Wounds
• Special Damage
• Modifying Attack and Defense
• Defending
• Area Attacks
• Doing Something Else
• Cooperative Actions
• Crafting, Building, and Repairing
• Guarding
• Interacting With NPCs
• Followers