Ep.25: Cypher Systems
In Episode 25 of Modern Mythology, we take on the Cypher System, a well-known universal tabletop RPG system with a strong reputation for flexible, narrative-driven play. Because Cypher isn’t tied to a single core setting, it gives us a good way to look at how a system’s mechanics shape story across genre—and in this case, through a fantasy lens.
We’re joined by SJ McKean—author, fellow pro GM, professional voice actor, and streamer—who brings both GMing experience and firsthand familiarity with Cypher to the discussion. Together, we look at what the system does well, how it supports narrative play, and what it offers groups who want a framework that can adapt to different kinds of stories rather than one fixed world.
As usual with most of our actual-play episodes, we wrap up with a discussion of what the session surfaced for us about system, story, and play more broadly.
For more on the discussion of System and Style check out our written articles and Scott’s additional thoughts on specific systems on our YouTube channel.
Topics discussed:
00:00:35 Introducing the Cypher System
00:01:20 Special Guest SJ
00:03:35 Broad strokes of setting?
00:06:35 Meet our characters
00:11:20 Monster Hunting
00:12:40 Mountainside Temple
00:44:00 The Gateway
00:53:00 Miasmic Hallway
01:05:45 The Prison
01:10:45 The Inner Sanctum
01:27:30 Charge!
01:54:00 LTB!
01:58:45 Denouncement
02:02:00 Break it down
02:04:10 Combat Downward Spiral
02:12:00 Madness in RPGs
02:21:40 Arcs and XP
02:33:00 Learning Curves
02:37:20 Read Character
02:41:20 Functional Character Sheets
02:48:00 What's SJ Up To?
