The Index Card RPG is a 190 page RPG with two worlds, five adventures, and stand up mini art pages. Prop and location index sized cards are sold separately. The current rules cover fantasy and science fiction and one horror adventure. Created by Hankerin Ferinale of Drunkens & Dragons on YouTube, The Index Card RPG (or ICRPG) started as an experiment in using index card sized illustrations in place of square by square combats. I interviewed Hankerin at Gen Con to discuss how he became a full-time creator and his future plans. Included below are two not-yet-announced products he revealed to me.
ICRPG builds on a stripped down d20 fantasy chassis. Character creation happens in four simple steps. There are no derived characteristics; stats are a bonus to add to a d20 roll. Classes provide recommended gear and milestone awards. Unique bioforms include hill folk (bear men) and xills (creatures that use a bio-generated micro gravity field to realign their chitinous body components).
To overcome a challenge, an Attempt (a d20 roll plus bonuses versus a Target number) is made to accumulate enough Effort to overcome the hit points of the challenge. For example, a chest may have 1 Heart (10 hit points) and a Target of 13. PCs can try to pry it open using Basic Work, smash it using Weapons Damage, or cast a spell using a Magic Effect. A natural 20 adds 1d12 to the Effort. When 1 Heart or more of Effort are expended on opening the chest it pops open.
All advancement is handled by finding special gear or magic items like the War Horn which gives an ally +3 on their next Attempt. Improving a character uses bonuses from gear, loot, and milestones.
ICRPG includes GM advice that can be used in other systems. Timers, threats, and treats include the concepts of having a countdown to more danger using a d4, a looming immediate danger, and one thing to reward the PCs’ efforts. D.E.W. is the principle of including danger (not simply death but the consequences of failing), energy (a boisterous, enthusiastic, and engaged group), and wonder (colossal objects in space, dizzying pits in Hell, or scenes of abject terror writ large). 3D’s are dials turned up or down to control damage output, the disruptive effect of the environment, and how long an encounter lasts (shortening the length of time to accomplish a goal to make it more challenging to succeed).
Upcoming supplements will include Worlds which expands on Alfheim and Warpshell and adds the new Ghost Mountain setting of western horror. Good will include hero stories, new equipment, high levels, and how to make good interesting. Evil will cover new monsters, anti-heroes, traps, and how to not let evil take over the world.
Read ICRPG if you want tips and techniques to add to any traditional RPG. Play ICRPG if you
want to quickly and easily create exciting memorable adventures.
This article was contributed by Charles Dunwoody as part of EN World's Columnist (ENWC) program. Please note that Charles is a participant in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to DriveThruRPG. We are always on the lookout for freelance columnists! If you have a pitch, please contact us!
ICRPG builds on a stripped down d20 fantasy chassis. Character creation happens in four simple steps. There are no derived characteristics; stats are a bonus to add to a d20 roll. Classes provide recommended gear and milestone awards. Unique bioforms include hill folk (bear men) and xills (creatures that use a bio-generated micro gravity field to realign their chitinous body components).
To overcome a challenge, an Attempt (a d20 roll plus bonuses versus a Target number) is made to accumulate enough Effort to overcome the hit points of the challenge. For example, a chest may have 1 Heart (10 hit points) and a Target of 13. PCs can try to pry it open using Basic Work, smash it using Weapons Damage, or cast a spell using a Magic Effect. A natural 20 adds 1d12 to the Effort. When 1 Heart or more of Effort are expended on opening the chest it pops open.
All advancement is handled by finding special gear or magic items like the War Horn which gives an ally +3 on their next Attempt. Improving a character uses bonuses from gear, loot, and milestones.
ICRPG includes GM advice that can be used in other systems. Timers, threats, and treats include the concepts of having a countdown to more danger using a d4, a looming immediate danger, and one thing to reward the PCs’ efforts. D.E.W. is the principle of including danger (not simply death but the consequences of failing), energy (a boisterous, enthusiastic, and engaged group), and wonder (colossal objects in space, dizzying pits in Hell, or scenes of abject terror writ large). 3D’s are dials turned up or down to control damage output, the disruptive effect of the environment, and how long an encounter lasts (shortening the length of time to accomplish a goal to make it more challenging to succeed).
Upcoming supplements will include Worlds which expands on Alfheim and Warpshell and adds the new Ghost Mountain setting of western horror. Good will include hero stories, new equipment, high levels, and how to make good interesting. Evil will cover new monsters, anti-heroes, traps, and how to not let evil take over the world.
Read ICRPG if you want tips and techniques to add to any traditional RPG. Play ICRPG if you
want to quickly and easily create exciting memorable adventures.
This article was contributed by Charles Dunwoody as part of EN World's Columnist (ENWC) program. Please note that Charles is a participant in the OneBookShelf Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to DriveThruRPG. We are always on the lookout for freelance columnists! If you have a pitch, please contact us!
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