#Playtest Protocol

Contents

#§ Situation

A safe trial procedure when introducing custom rules·house rules. Decide after a 1-session trial.

#§ 5-Step Protocol

#1. Preparation

• A clear 1-line variant declaration (e.g.: "Replace core rule X with Y")
• Agreement on the trial timing (next session, 1 time only)
• Preserve the existing rule (revert immediately when the trial ends)
• Compensate the PC burden (if there is loss from the trial, compensate with Energy·Fate points·assets)

#2. Running the Trial Session

• Limited to 1 time: trial for 1 session only. Any extension beyond that requires PC re-agreement.
• Clear scope of application: specify which part the variant applies to.
• Welcome PC questions: immediately resolve confusion caused by the variant.
• GM notes: record cases of the variant's application.

#3. Post-Trial Evaluation

After the session ends, PC + GM discussion:

4 evaluation axes:

1. Fun: was the variant enjoyable?
2. Clarity: was the variant easy to understand?
3. Time: how was the time efficiency with the variant?
4. Balance: did the variant break PC balance?

Score each axis 1~5. Adopt at an average of 3.5+, hold·revert below that.

#4. Recording on Adoption

When adoption is decided:

• Record the variant in 1 line in the campaign notes
• Mark the variant on all PC sheets
• Apply permanently from the next session (however, re-evaluation is possible at season's end)

#5. Procedure on Reverting

When reverting is decided:

• Immediately revert to the core (from the next session)
• Compensate the PC loss caused by the variant (Energy·Fate points·assets)
• Record the reason for abolishing the variant (to prevent a retry)

#§ Trial PC Checklist

Items for the PC to check during the trial session:

• [ ] The variant's application timing·scope is clear
• [ ] The PC understands the impact on their own character
• [ ] The PC's questions are resolved with the GM in advance
• [ ] Post-trial evaluation time is secured
• [ ] Agreement on the adopt·revert decision

#§ Anti-Patterns

• The GM unilaterally introduces a variant: absence of PC opinion. Damages trust.
• Permanent adoption without a trial: hard to recover after side effects are found.
• Refusing to revert after the trial: forcing an unsuitable rule through the GM's pride.

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"The table is not a laboratory. But a single experiment adds depth to the table."