Welcome to the playtest rules for the Cool Name Goes Here Roleplaying Game.
Release Version #
This is Version 1.1 of the Cool Name RPG Core Rules Playtest Edition. This version was released on September 30, 2024
Change Log #
• Updates based on Editor’s comments.
• Corrected Attribute Points from 18 to 20 in Character Creation.
• Limit the Effect of an Assist to the governing Primary Attribute.
• Corrected examples in Character Creation.
• Changed header Damage to Effect on Weapon chart.
• Removed Story Points for Cash option.
• Added Critical Failures to answer the “how do you fall off the cliff if you’re just working to overcome CP?” question.
• Removed Wealth Exceptional abilities. (Without lifestyle rules this didn’t have much value.)
• Added Unusual Specialization Exceptional abilities.
• Removed Focuses; Made Specializations a modifier.
• Changed Follower to a way to manage mundane tasks rather than as a second character.
• Spells may be maintained even if the spellcaster leaves line of sight to the Target.
• Magic and Spellcasting chapter renamed Spellcasting since it only covers Spellcasting rules and not other types of magic.
• Spellcasting rules heavily revised for clarity and simplification.
• You can take a Specialization in any of your MO’s listed weapons and Defenses.
• Added 5E conversion tools as an Appendix.
About Cool Name RPG #
Cool Name RPG (also known as Cool Name Goes Here RPG or CNGH) is a project to create a new fantasy roleplaying game system and then release it to the world for free. Once it is complete, anyone can use the system for free to run, play, or build their own games. These permissions include the freedom to create and sell commercial products using the Cool Name RPG ruleset at no cost and without any special attributions. Everyone can use the system in any way they want for free, forever, and with no strings attached.
This project is funded by the generous backers of a Kickstarter that ended in March of 2023 and all the amazing people who joined the movement since by making late pledges on Backerkit. You can still back today and become part of this unique project, plus you will get early access to playtest materials, receive invites for Q & As, and have a chance to play in Cool Name RPG adventures at Gen Con.
Why in the world is It Called Cool Name RPG? #
Cool Name RPG is a placeholder name that comes from the project’s full name: Cool Name Goes Here. When the game is complete, backers like you will help us come up with the final name for the game.
The Consulting Designers #
Building a game system from the ground up is no small feat. To ensure we create the best game possible, we have put together a dream team of consulting designers who are guiding the development with reviews, shared expertise, and critiques.
The consulting designers (in random order) are:
- Crystal Mazur
- Robin D. Laws
- Toiya Kristen Finley
- Matt Forbeck
- Andrew Marlowe
- Steven S. Long
- DBJ
- Monica Marlowe
- Owen K.C. Stephens
- Eloy Lasanta
- Kenneth Hite
What are the Core Rules? #
The rules you hold in your hands are the Cool Name RPG Core Rules. The Core Rules are the base set of rules used to play the game. As per our design goals, the Core Rules have a short learning curve, are self-contained, have a low handling cost, and play fast at the table.
Following the completion of the Core Rules, we are releasing an additional Expanded Rules book. This second book, also being released for free, will be filled with Rules Modules you can plug-in to your game that allow you to customize the system to your group’s gaming preferences.
What is a Playtest? #
The goal of a playtest is to make sure we release the best game possible. By putting the game in front of a bunch of different gamers like you, having you try the game out, and then collecting your thoughts, we can discover problems, gaps, and broken bits before the game goes live. We also hope you will share any cool ideas you have to make the game even better. Finally, you can let us know what parts of the game you like best, so we can make sure we leave those bits in.
How to Playtest #
There are lots of ways you can playtest. In the end, it is up to you and your friends to decide what works best for you. Here are a few ideas.
- Read the Rules: That’s it! Just read the rules. Even if you never throw dice, there is a lot we can learn by hearing your thoughts after you read the rules.
- Solo Play: Play out a few encounters on your own. If the encounter features NPCs, you can easily roll for both sides and still get a good feel for how well the rules work.
- Limited Group Play: Grab some friends, gather around the table, and play through some encounters. Put the rules through their paces and see how it flows.
- Standard Group Play: The Core Rules contain everything you need to start a campaign.
How to Share Feedback #
Your feedback is extremely important to us. Hearing your thoughts is how we will know what to keep, what to change, and what is missing. Here are a few ways you can share your thoughts.
Surveys #
Every now and then, we will post a survey asking for your feedback. These surveys include both specific questions, as well as opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas. If you are gaming as a group, one person can fill out the survey for your group, or each person can fill out their own copy of the survey.
We will share survey links in the Kickstarter updates, on Discord, and on Facebook.
Email #
We are always happy to get email feedback. You can reach us at contact@cnghrpg.com. The only caveat regarding email is that while we try to get back to everyone at some point, depending on how much email we are getting and the depth of the feedback, it might take us a little while to respond.
Discord Discussions #
Our Discord server has playtest channels where you can talk about your experiences. Although the surveys are the best way to share your thoughts, the playtest channel is a good place to share ideas with us and your fellow Cool Name RPG playtesters.
You can join the Discord server here.
Writing Feedback #
Any feedback you give us helps. There are, however, some things you can do that will make sure you are giving the best feedback possible.
When sharing your experiences, be sure to let us know the context and the details. Things you might want to share include:
- How many people were playing.
- Details of the game encounter where the situation came up.
- Which version of the playtest rules you were using.
- Details about why you liked or disliked something.
- Things you DID like. Hearing the good things is not just to make us feel good—it ensures we do not accidentally remove something from the game you really enjoyed!
I want to repeat the most important point: any feedback is valuable. The points above are just suggestions. Even something as simple as saying, “We had a blast.” or “Combat took forever.” is helpful.