Quick Start

Get started with RougeChain in 5 minutes.

Step 1: Access the Web App

Visit rougechain.io or run locally:

git clone https://github.com/cyberdreadx/rougechain-node
cd rougechain-node
npm install
npm run dev

Open http://localhost:5173 in your browser.

Step 2: Create Your Wallet

Create (or import) a wallet and set a password when asked (required, min 8 characters — the wallet is saved only once it's encrypted). It includes:

• Address (rouge1...) — Your compact Bech32m address, share freely
• Private Key (ML-DSA-65) — Never share this!
• Encryption Key (ML-KEM-768) — For secure messaging

On the web, your keys are encrypted at rest with AES-256-GCM (PBKDF2, 600k iterations): the password is required, and until you set it during create / import the wallet exists only in the tab's sessionStorage (it is never written to localStorage unencrypted). While unlocked, the decrypted wallet is kept in sessionStorage (cleared when the tab closes). In the browser extension, the decrypted key lives in chrome.storage.session and only the encrypted vault is persisted (legacy plaintext extension wallets are force-migrated to encrypted storage on next unlock). Your 24-word phrase restores your messaging/mail key only for wallets created or imported from the phrase on the website (since 2026-10-01) or in Qwalla; for older website wallets and extension wallets, export a .pqcbackup too (details).

Step 3: Get Test Tokens

1. Click Wallet in the sidebar
2. Click Request from Faucet
3. Receive 10,000 XRGE instantly (24-hour cooldown per address)

Step 4: Send Your First Transaction

1. Click Send
2. Enter recipient address
3. Enter amount
4. Click Send XRGE

Transaction is signed with your ML-DSA-65 key and broadcast to the network.

Step 5: View on Blockchain

1. Click Blockchain in sidebar
2. See your transaction in the latest block
3. Verify the PQC signature

What's Next?

• Run your own node
• Stake and become a validator
• Create custom tokens
• Use encrypted messenger
• Send encrypted mail
• Install the browser extension
• Use the SDK

Troubleshooting

"Failed to fetch" Error

• Check if you're connected to the right network (Testnet vs Devnet)
• Ensure the node is running if using local devnet

"Insufficient balance"

• Transaction requires amount + 1 XRGE fee
• Use faucet to get more tokens

Wallet not loading

• Clear browser cache (do not clear site data / localStorage unless you have your seed phrase and .pqcbackup — it deletes a wallet stored in the browser)
• Check browser console for errors