Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Common Sense Games (CSG) Core Rules. My journey into the world of Table Top Role-Playing Games (TTRPG or RPG) began in the late '70s when, at the tender age of nine, I was captivated by the basic Dungeons and Dragons™ box set. The thrill of embodying a heroic character, saving villages, and rolling dice has never lost its charm. Over the years, I have explored countless RPG systems, from the mainstream to the obscure, and one constant joy has been the satisfaction of rolling a substantial handful of dice.
While D20™ systems dominate the scene, relying on a single die roll for success or failure always felt too restrictive for my taste—even with the introduction of "advantage" rerolls.
CSG adopts a dice pool system using ten-sided dice (d10s), where a success is counted if the roll is 8 or higher. This system is enhanced with extensive Perks, and you compete against a target number set by the game master or your opponent's skill or successes.
"May the odds be ever in your favor," as they say in the Hunger Games films.
To keep dice rolling manageable, we cap dice pools at ten. Any dice that would go beyond this cap counts as an automatic success, rewarding skill over sheer luck. This forms the core mechanic of CSG: determine your dice pool, roll up to ten dice, and enjoy the automatic successes for pools exceeding ten.
Another aspect I have always found limiting in RPGs is the class system. Real life seldom confines us to one role; we are a blend of skills, hobbies, and passions. In CSG, your character's background sets the stage, but from there, you're free to evolve your character based on your interests, not just your initial vocation.
What sets the CSG system apart is its innovative Perk system. This system not only mirrors your character's development and specialization but also empowers you with unparalleled control over their evolution. At the conclusion of each game session, your character reaches a milestone, earning them a new Perk. These Perks come with prerequisites, promoting a progression that is both balanced and deeply intertwined with the narrative. Envision the rich stories you'll weave with a character shaped by these distinctive abilities!
Regarding settings, CSG is starting with two distinctive worlds, Modern Mythical will be available at launch, with Resistance 2045 coming soon.
Modern Mythical: Set in a quasi-present time where players can embody mythical beings like the ferocious Werewolf, the cunning Vampire, the powerful Frankenstein, or the mystical Witch.
Resistance 2045: Set in a future where Earth has capitulated to the Aenali, an alien race that has reshaped society into mega-cities under a facade of peaceful socialism. Here, you'll fight back against the regime, uncovering the dark truths behind the disappearance of loved ones and the oppressive rule of Civilian Support Representatives.
Eventually the vision is to unveil a Fantasy High Magic Setting, where the clashing of steel echoes through the ages, sorcerers weave spells of immense power, mighty trolls roam the rugged landscapes, and eternal dragons soar across the boundless skies. This world will be one of enchantment, where magic is not just a tool but a way of life, defining civilizations, shaping destinies, and challenging heroes to rise above the ordinary."
I want to sincerely thank you for picking up the CSG Core Rules. We aim for you and your gaming groups to enjoy endless hours of adventure and storytelling with these materials.
Sincerely,
Darrell Wallen
@DadosaPrime on X, YouTube, and Rumble
Also check out my novels:
Awoken: A Modern Mythical Story (available on Amazon)
Fratres: A Modern Mythical Story (available soon on Amazon)
More Modern Mythical Stories to come!
