The Spider Knight | Cypher System One-Shots
Learn to Cypher system while exploring the stars!
About the adventure
Try out Cypher system with a set of one-shots in the Numenera/sci-fi/fantasy settings! Using pre-gen characters to get you comfortable with the system, my goal is to allow new players to dip their toes into Cypher and get the basics down before joining a full campaign. Cypher system is a d20 system where the GM doesn't roll. You do! Players use XP to affect not only their levels but also the story, die rolls, and more. Cypher system favors roleplay over combat, with combat encounters intended to be story moments rather than the main gimic (Pathfinder and DnD are great examples of combat-centric RPGs). Many skills and abilities are geared towards roleplay and crafting which I've found has given players more agency on what they can and cannot do. Cypher system is named after its most prominent feature: the cyphers. Cyphers act as consumable single use items. These items are everywhere within the worlds you explore. Don't worry about using one, cause you'll find another one within a few minutes. Artifacts follow the more traditional magic items we're used to from 5e and other RPGs.
Game themes
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Thursday – 12:00 AM UTC
Mar 6
3–4 Hour Duration
0 / 5 Seats Filled
GAME MASTER
GMSyd
she/her
5.0
(15)
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(15)
1 year on StartPlaying
155 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Teacher
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 83%
About me
I started running games in 2016 cause I thought Adventure League was too loud and crowded at my local game shop. My main games are DnD 5e and Cypher, though I have experience with Alien RPG, Call of Cthulhu, Star Wars D6, and more! I love comedy and fantasy games but thoroughly enjoy horror and sci-fi. My goal as a GM is to make sure you're having fun and encourage character building/growth. I'm not a RAW kind of GM. While I do defer to the rules on certain things, my overall goal is to keep balance and fun integral to the game. I also give inspiration if you make me laugh out loud while you're in character.
View Profile →Reviews (15)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Teacher
Angstrom
Played 18 sessions
Syd is an awesome storyteller! Lots of options to get involved with the quests, great voice acting, and lots of prep went into her campaign! 10/10 would recommend!
Nick
Played 16 sessions
She works with the players to make them a part of the story. Couple this with the way she tells the story with music, voices, and engaging content and you have a very immersive experience.
Jason
Played 15 sessions
Thank you for being so beginner-friendly while patiently teaching me the game mechanics. I also really appreciate the time you took to collaborate on my character's backstory and providing feedback, as well as the effort you put into detailing our last session.
Chip Trautman
Played 13 sessions
Gymsyd is friendly, kind, fair, and works hard to ensure her players have a good time. She knows the rules and technology very well, is quite responsive to questions in and out of game, and shows patience with her players. She is prepared for her sessions and does fun voices. I recommend her for experienced or new players!
george roberts
Played 12 sessions
Very smooth VTT on Roll20 with audio on Discord. No tech glitches. Game play was wonderful. GM knows the resources and rules and does a great job of breathing life into the NPC's and monsters. Although I am not usually a fan of background music while playing, Syd's added to, rather than detracted from, the overall experience. I was playing with two friends and two players I had never met or played with before. I was a nice group that integrated into a party smoothly. Well done Syd, and thanks for a very enjoyable 3 hours. I and at least one of my compatriots have signed up for the next One Shot in the sequence. I am looking forward to the new module!
Ciorstag
Played 8 sessions
A perfect GM, so nice and so helpful in every way. I was new to both online rpg and Call of Cthulu. She made it so easy for me, I can't thank her enough! The game was so fun, if I hadn't had schedule issues, I would see it till the end. But I'm hoping join her for another game in the future, and maybe another campaign! I definitely recommend her as a GM if you're a beginner or an advanced player. And she does great voices!
Character creation
Creating your character
For Campaigns: Characters will start at Teir 1, and players are not expected to have them created before Session 0. Players should at least have an idea of what they would like to play, and if they know Cypher, they can create them according to the recommended descriptors, types, and foci listed in the Cypher System Rulebook for Sci-Fi (page 270). Characters should be willing to work with others. For One-Shots: Pre-gen characters are provided for the sessions and are varied to ensure no overlap between players.
The job was clear. Find the missing recorder and return it. Easy! Except the little bit about getting yourselves involved with some heiress's estate and her refusing to relinquish it wasn't mentioned when you agreed. Who is this Spider Knight and why are the stewards refusing her birthright?
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players will need a Roll20 and Discord accounts and have a basic understanding of how to play Cypher (ie, rolling dice, basic arithmetic, etc). Players will only need a microphone, and we'll be using Discord for voice chat.
What GMSyd brings to the table
Roll20 assets. I love using fun voices for characters. Not all of my voices are great, but I have a couple here and there that are really good. I also love helping people learn to play RPGs. Not just 5e, but Cypher, Alien RPG, and more.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How GMSyd creates a safe table
General Rules 1) Respect and listen to your fellow players. 2) Respect and listen to the GM. 3) Please do not distract other players. 4) Making the GM laugh so hard they can’t breathe while you’re in character gives you XP. 5) Take notes. 6) Please save meta-gaming, rule debates, memes, etc. until designated break times. 7) Random Events can occur at the GMs discretion. 8) Remember actions have consequences. 9) Keep noise at a reasonable level. Respect our neighbors and all of our ears. 10) No explicit actions will be detailed in-game. This includes sex, torture, etc. In accordance with StartPlaying.games rules and rightly so, no non-consensual sexual actions and no pedophilia will be allowed in this game. 11) No politics. 12) The Rule of Cool applies to the GM as well as players. I have an Open Door policy. You can step away for any reason, and the only thing we'll ask is if you're ok.
