A role-playing game is structured, interactive, co-operative storytelling. It blends elements of improvisational theatre with traditional storytelling, with a framework of rules to resolve conflict.

Each character is portrayed within the story by a Player. Most Players control only a single character. The Player typically creates this character, makes decisions for the character, and manages their resources. As with improvisational theatre of any sort, the Player is expected to act in character when playing the role—hence the term, “role-playing game”.

Among the players within a troupe, one must be chosen to act as Director. The Director creates the game's setting, including its worlds, stories, and characters; they represent characters not portrayed by Players; they also are responsible for resolving disputes concerning the rules.

The Director has a considerable amount on their plate, and must be very familiar with the rules as written; for this reason, the most experienced Player is usually asked to act as Director. Of course, some people prefer to direct, rather than simply play.

The rules found in this wiki serve not as hard and fast rules, but rather as a framework of suggestions. The term “rules as written” refers specifically to the rules found in this wiki. Should the Players or the Director feel it necessary, they may adjust the rules as they wish. In fact, this will likely be needed when the troupe encounters one of the very many situations not covered in the rules as written.

Specific Rules Trump General Rules: When two rules appear to contradict each other, the rule with the most specific focus is used.

Random chance is always a factor in any story, and most of the rules as written rely on chance in making decisions. The dice fill this role in the rules. Legacy uses the standard multi-sided dice commonly used in other role-playing games. Of these, the ten-sided die is particularly important, and you will need at least three of these.