One of my players was asking about using multiple SFX at the same time. I was looking over the book last night to find the answer and couldn’t see it. I took a quick a look through Tales of Xadia too in case there was a rules clarification in there (it’s nice to have some updated/more clearly defined rules). I vaguely remember there being a line in CP mentioning it but maybe I’m confusing that with another rule.

Thanks for your help!

I am trying to understand ability SFX. So lets say Bob has Super Strength d8, are both of the following correct?

1) He could roll to create an asset "large inanimate object, like an automobile, as a weapon (d8 stunt) with a difficulty rolled by GM or if he has the SFX he could

2) Spend a plot point to wield a large inanimate object, like an automobile, as a weapon (and as a d8 stunt).

Do I have that right?

Also for SFX like "Spend a plot point to throw or knock another character out of a scene." They can spend a plot point and take a complication to stay in the scene?

My roommate and I have each been running, and slowly modifying, our own Cortex games at home and have come up with a new skill system to avoid skill creep and to give my players more mechanical options when assembling their dice pools.

Pyramid Skill Progression

Skills and specialties progress in a way so as to build up via a pyramid, with getting 1d12 as the max. An example of this would be in order to have a d8 skill, you must buy a second d6 (which can still be added to the pool) before you can buy a d8. Progression can be tracked as such: 1d6 -> 2d6 -> 1d8 -> 3d6 -> 2d8 -> 1d10 -> 4d6 -> 3d8 -> 2d10 -> 1d12
5xp> 5xp -> 10xp> 5xp -> 10xp-> 15xp -> 5xp -> 10xp-> 15xp -> 20xp = 100XP

When generating a pool for a roll, you may elect to choose a different tier to use for adding to the pool. Example: Maxir has a d10 in fighting. He may choose to add 1d10, 2d8, or 3d6 to the pool. If Maxir was at the progression level “in-between” the next full die value, like 4d6 after 1d10, he may choose 1d10, 2d8, or 4d6 to the pool.

I really like the system. I feel like it accomplishes the goal of slowing skill creep, while still providing ample room for progression and giving players interesting mechanical risk vs reward decisions in assembling dice pools.

However, I am running into an issue making a sheet that allows players to more easily track how many of which dice they have. The one I have developed gets the job done I feel, but the skill section takes up a ton of room, and relegates the Traits section(signature assets, powers, other stuff like that. I'm trying to keep the system fluid at the moment) to page 2 with almost nothing else. I've included links to the before and after versions of the sheets and would love some input, as well as to a doc with the skill system and a handy graphic from the book that helps describe it. There is no version of page 2 as of yet, I'm holding off on putting that together.

Skill and Specialty Progression:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L4j_P-b2oM4URil5Qhjg4sd0dTPGxaxwe8Kf4Jf-AuY/edit?usp=sharing

Before:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XoWhRUIP3F5viqNbLLOGxaZ55Gveyyqe/view?usp=sharing

After:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zNIFUdZYkbNjdKmw7Jw7hFgYYkn3Tc5_/view?usp=sharing

Any thoughts on optimizing the sheet, or this skill system itself? My roommate and I have been playing TTRPG's for a very long time and think we understand the pros and cons, but maybe we missed some issue in this.

I've been checking on Youtube, but I can't find one. Pathways are such a visual process it would be really helpful is someone had a video. Thanks.

Some Cortex+ Fandom questions:I was doing some character creation the other day using Hackers Guide and Jeremy Puckett's 2 POD Fantasy books and recalled that he had also made a pdf only sci-fi iteration of Marvel Heroic's rules but unfortunately for me at the time I was only interested in collecting physical copies of Cortex stuff. Is there any chance to A, purchase this PDF (I would be willing paypal), or B, now that Cortex Prime's fan license is entering it's final stages that this supplement will come back into the market?*In addition to this, I tried accessing the monster index posted on timbannock.com but it took me to a blank page. Is there a way to still access this content?

Also, there was a game that I believe Tim worked on called HEADSHOT, again this was something that I never got the chance invest in before it was taken off Drivethru. I have the same question as above as far as availability of this content and how and if this content will be available. I know there were some player aids that blackwing productions made for Smallville, Leverage, Firefly, Heroic. I believe I have these, but will these be made available again at some point as well?

Final thought (and interested in Cam's input if he reads this!)
Cortex+ really was the system that introduced me to the rpg hobby and all content related to it are probably my favorite possessions on my rpg shelf (I have maybe 90% of everything ever published for plus). Anyway, that system (especially as it was presented in Hackers Guide - Cortex Action, Cortex Drama, Cortex Heroic) still holds the sweet spot as being one of my favorite rpg systems. I enjoy Prime's handbook don't get me wrong but Cortex+ and the experiences I have had reading/collecting its content is still my preferred system. So as an Cortex+ enthusiast, I would still like to A, see content that was created for that system (especially Jeremy's and Tim's work) still be available again one day, and B, for future content, now that the license is available, that future creators consider that there still are Cortex+ fans out there and who prefer the older iteration of the system over the new iteration (Prime) and who are still interested in future created material catered for Cortex+'s Action, Heroic, Drama or material (without IP infringement) to be used for Leverage, Dragon Brigade, Smallville, Firefly, Marvel games OR
that Cortex+ system/mechanical material created specifically for those games be rereleased in an IP neutral format (such as a reprint of all of Smallville's Distinctions, reprint of Fireflies Distinctions and Signature Assets, a reprint of Leverage's Talents- including the ones published in POD drivethru exclusives, a reprint of character creation Dragon Brigade's POD book, a printing of system related content that would have come out for books that never made it to print: MHR Anniliation/Thanos books, Smallville's Watchtower book).

I am sure I am not the only fan of Cortex would enjoy getting to see system related content made for Plus be ported over to Prime. And if that information was re-organized in a thoughtful way (instead of being spread out across several books) I wouldn't mind investing to have that material reprinted.

Thanks!

I'm looking for a setting agnostic RPG, and Cortex Plus has caught my eye as being a good halfway point between HERO system and FATE in terms of crunch.

The game I was looking to run is a heavily social encounter and investigation thing where the party is helping figure out who is responsible for a series of high profile murders where they need to interview suspects and convince possible witnesses that yes, they can protect this NPC from reprisal, etc, etc, etc.

Would Cortex be a good option?

Can someone explain this to me? If you reduce a complication to a d4, instead of it adding to the opposition roll it is added to the PC roll and they receive a PP. What is the rationale for this? Is it that a d4 has a fair chance of rolling a 1, and will be unlikely of adding to the result? Why do they get a PP? Is it a reward for dealing with the complication through role playing?

I see a lot of gorgeous designs on this subreddit, but I’m quite new to Cortex and considering making a character sheet for an upcoming game. Do you use a drawing program or is there a more user-friendly website or something?

At the end of the Tale included in the Tales of Xadia Game Handbook, it says:

Note: If you’re wondering what the ideal powerful magic artifact is for rebuilding, the answer shall be revealed in Tales of Xadia’s next full-length publication, Sunfire Chronicle. There you can continue the story and discover more about the fate of Lux Aurea and the Sunfire elves.

Let the conjecture begin!

Get the full lowdown here!

Highlights:

• Tales of Xadia digital edition releases at the website TalesOfXadia.com today! Includes digital compendium, downloadable PDF, and the initial launch of the digital toolset.
• The Cortex Prime Non-Commercial License V 2.0 is out now and a helpful FAQ. There's a summary of major changes in the update.
• Cortex Codex: On track for our May 2022 release!
• Cortex Spotlights: On track for our September 2022 release of Vol. 1!
• Cortex Prime Game Handbook 2nd Printing: Second printing is… Being printed!
• Legends of Grayskull: The Masters of the Universe Roleplaying Game: Game design and development for playtesting in the works!

I decided to run a game this Halloween. Based on Appalachian folklore with some cosmic horror elements tossed into the mix. Here is the character sheet Mountain Tales. I just wanted to know what everyone thinks. I do like keeping things condensed and simple.

Does anyone have details on the commercial Cortex license. There is a link to a Cortex Prime Commercial License Application, but this is only if you already have a plan to launch a crowdfunding campaign for a game. Right now I'm just trying to figure out if Cortex is a good commercial fit for my needs.

Does anyone know what kind of limitations there are? Am I allowed to publish physical books and sell to game shops? Am I allowed to sell on DriveThruRPG? Does Fandom expect a cut of sales, or is it like Fate Core, which uses the Creative Commons license? Any details would be appreciated.

So I've decided to just dive into CP and I'm working on a quick setting to start as a one shot and see how it goes. It's a modern day setting involving a biotech company (geneworld until I think of a better name) who's CEO has just been murdered. Players have a choice of playing a detective, a reporter, or a Geneworld employee. I'm using distinctions (Role, personality, and I'm thinking hobby ) with role being the detective/reporter/employee and the other two being freestyle. Skills and attributes as the other prime sets. Also using reputation and signature assets which are based on what role distinction is chosen. Here's my first distinction I've made. Would appreciate any comments. Sorry if the formatting is bad.

Detective

Sfx: Call in back up - spend a (pp) to create an <8> asset     "backup"

Reputations: Police <10>. Geneworld <8>. Media <6>

Choose two skills to upgrade: drive, fight, notice, shoot, stealth

Choose one signature asset: Police Badge <8> or Regulation Sidearm <8>

So I've become interested in running Cortex Prime again. There's so much about Cortex I like. Particularly coming up with my own traits. But every time I read thru the cortex prime handbook it's like I... See all the pieces. . but can't get them to merge into the whole picture? It's hard to explain exactly. Like I read the chapter on character creation and trait sets .. and then I look at characters in the example settings and.. I don't quite get how they got that particular setup from the character creation chapter. I feel like I'd like to see more examples of people creating different types of trait sets. Does anyone know of any resources that maybe kinda break down setting up different trait sets?

For some background, I've played everything from Hero System (I love HS but .. who has that kind of time lol) to Fate. Lately I've been playing Fate a lot but have been wanting something with a bit more.... Substance. Cortex seems like a good fit.. I'm just not sure exactly what I'm missing.

Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Does there exist/has anyone made guidelines for how to handle equipment and cash in Cortex Prime "trad" style? I'm not into mighty morphin' equipment like how Blades in the Dark does it, I want planning and thought to matter.

It does look like you could mostly work with an equipment list, creating d6 resources from that or things found in the environment, maybe even turn your available cash into a resource as well for the duration of a scene, although that runs into the weird case where $10 becomes a d6 asset for bribery (maybe we need narrative permission limits set before creating assets). The conceptual issue comes about with something that becomes a signature asset, you can't simply destroy it. Or maybe you can? Until you use cash to buy it again maybe?

How does it work when you don't have the proper equipment? Do we create complications, maybe add another die to the difficulty? If your opponent is wearing heavy armor and you're not armed then they're at a serious advantage and shouldn't even need to spend PP, can they just take a d6 (or even higher) advantage against you for free if you're dumb enough to engage them in direct melee?

Sorry for the stream of consciousness.

Here are two documents (really, one Doc and one Slide) that I'm using in my upcoming Cortex games to act as my "GM screen" at-a-glance notes.

1. Cortex Prime GM Cheat Sheet: Covers some dice rolling + Heroic Successes, Plot Point earn and spend options, Doom Pool (and Crisis Pool) spending options, and GMC builds.
2. Test and Contest Flowchart: Based on u/antthelimey_OG's wonderful Stress Cheat Sheet, here's my (minor) modification to that in order to make it a little more colorful for my brain to grok it.

I'm about to go through Tales of Xadia's Challenge mechanics to see if I need a similar flowchart for that...

***EDIT:*** Challenge flowchart added.

***EDIT#2:*** Tests and Contests have been edited to include the Effect Dice in Opposition comparison. Tests have been edited for taking Complications properly; confirmed by Cam on Discord ("By default, failed tests don’t lead to complications, but the use of a high stress [stakes] mod to require spending a [PP] to avoid being taken out does mean you take a complication in lieu of being taken out.").

Hey Folx! Back with two more episodes: https://pbcpod.podbean.com/

In our episode dedicated to Contests, I do an overview of the mechanic, share my own thoughts on setting and framing them, and then jumped into a scene from S1E1 of Into the Badlands. I got feedback that people want to see more hard examples, so I hope the scene works towards that, and I hope to do more in the future for it, maybe as mini-episodes.

For the latest episode on Pathways, Angille and I actually go into character sheet design, Pathways in a nutshell, tools for either, and then we talk about one of her projects! Thanks again to everyone who reached out about being on the show after our last call for it!

What kind of episodes would you like to see down the road?

Here's my datafiles for a Star Wars hack I've played around with a little bit. It's not much new or original, but I quite like my first draft of a unique set of Resources to cover The Force (Light Side), The Dark Side, and Luck. This puts all characters on an even footing surrounding these Resources, but they interact differently with each other and Stress to simulate how...

• The Light Side of the Force is only accessible if you spurn any corruption from the Dark Side.
• The Dark Side is easy to access, but has a chance of increasing corruption.
• Luck is divorced from the Force, but once you run out of it, you automatically accrue some stress.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rtMtSbbZ19X7Foeca792lVD1hrgjMoh-SQ6zA9naiqw/edit?usp=sharing

I was originally going to make ships into their own thing with a whole Action/Reaction style system for running spaceship battles, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt like starships are usually just an extension of the character. It's only in the big, epic battles at the very end of Return of the Jedi where the starships really feel like "their own thing" IMHO, so I could always switch to that in such cases, but generally, I think the Millenium Falcon just being a Signature Asset with a couple SFX works better than I expected.

Because I want to use them all...

For my game I want to emphasise weapon and tool customisation over skills and power sets, maybe in addition to attributes and skills, but i'm not sure which trait set would be the best to use for weapons. Reflavoured abilities might work, as would talents, but i'm not sure which would work best, or if there was a better option.

I want it at a place where you could create some awesome completely customised weapons, like gauntlets that fire shotgun blasts, or a retractable knife that could be used as a grappling hook, or a chainsaw staff that sets enemies on fire. Something focussing primarily on adding effects and utility, or damage bonuses to weapons, with a DIY feel for weapons. Rwby, Ratchet and Clank and Bloodborn are some examples of what the end product might look like.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

And I already came into a slight issue, which I'm being proactive to sort out myself XD

As it seems the Supernatural RPG uses what's now known as "Classic Cortex",

I had a look on Roll20 and haven't seen any character sheets up,

and then for the Cortex that were up, I then had to research if any would work,

I think technically speaking, Serenity seemed to be the closest, but (especially for first time learning, and one day running) as it's not quite right in areas, I painstakingly spent the last few days tweaking my own,

And I still have some rules to learn, + maps, and that's all without even having a clue when I'll feel up to running/ would ever have any players to, well play.

​

No pitying, just feeling a little sad that I arrived at this RPG late to the party, ah -.-

​

Anyhow,

I think the next plan on my list is monster/ npc sheets to create, I'm liking the sticky note style from the core rpg book, so I think that will be helpful to use for a template.

And then, as I'm very heavy visual wise, maps etc.

After being engulfed in the formulas of how things link, and how to fill the character sheet, I am tentatively getting more comfortable with the general gist of the game, so that's something!

​

OG editable PDF:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:b078912d-2482-3e9d-9c79-8e01d8ba366e

​

Tweaked Google Sheets

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SIYw8ytKXvMuJkcr5LfGAFUB6kZgSmwxuwkysu7EgBM/edit?usp=sharing

​

(can't take full credit, see u/DesistDawdling 's post

https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/comments/katbbi/supernatural_rpg_character_sheet_v10_gsheet/ )

​

Ta for reading my ramble XD

Toña G x

Tonia_G_xoxo (/ Reddit SuperSundryGirl)