Beginner quickstart

How to play Freeform / Custom

A fast, practical overview. Create and manage your freeform characters with our comprehensive character manager.

Quick answer

What you do in play

You describe actions, the table uses the system's core resolution mechanic when the outcome is uncertain, and the GM applies outcomes to keep the story moving.

Beginner checklist

Say what you do and what you want to happen (intent).
Use the system's core roll mechanic to resolve uncertainty.
Apply consequences quickly to keep scenes moving.
Between sessions, record advancement so changes are consistent.

How rolls work (fast)

This system uses a dice pool approach in RPG Stack’s guides: build a pool from your character traits, roll, count successes, and apply consequences.

Build your pool from the relevant traits.
Roll and count successes according to the system’s thresholds.
Apply consequences and record changes on the sheet.

Example: Treat every roll as a decision: success advances, failure changes the situation.

Examples (success, failure, edge cases)

Example: Intent → roll → consequence

State what you want, roll only when the outcome is uncertain, and apply a consequence that changes the situation.

Example: Change approach instead of rerolling

If you fail, don't spam attempts—change position, get help, spend resources, or accept a cost to keep the scene moving.

Common mistakes (and the smallest fix)

Mistake: Rolling too often. Fix: Roll when the outcome matters and uncertainty is real; otherwise just do the thing.
Mistake: Stalling on failure. Fix: On failure, change the situation (cost, complication, new threat) and move forward.

More mistakes for Freeform / Custom