Black Star vs Index Card RPG
Compare Black Star and Index Card RPG side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, and more.
| Black Star | Index Card RPG | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Sci-Fi | Universal |
| Tags | Rules-Light, Pulp Action, Space Opera, Beginner-Friendly, Fast-Paced, Mana Points | Fast-Paced, Dungeon Crawl, Low-Prep, Rules-Light, One-Shot Friendly, Combat-Heavy, Pulp Action, Ascending AC, Tag-Based |
| Core Mechanic | Roll 2d6 + ability, 9+ to succeed. Ten abilities rated 0–5. Pick two archetypes from ten options (Commander, Engineer, Mystic, Scoundrel, etc.) to define your character's strengths. Resolve serves as both HP and hero points: spend it to boost rolls or fuel special abilities, but run out and you're down. Advantages and disadvantages modify the roll. | Roll d20 + stat vs. a single Target Number for the whole scene. On a hit, roll an Effort die (d4–d12 by type) to chip away at a task's Hearts (10 HP each). Timer dice count down each round to create urgency. |
| Dice | 2d6 | d20 + d4–d12 |
| Complexity | Low | Low |
| Availability | Paid | Free quickstart |
| Runnability | 2 of 5 book tools | 3 of 5 book tools |
| License | All Rights Reserved | 3rd Party License |
| Third-Party Publishing | Not yet researched | Not yet researched |
| Publisher | Lakeside Games | Runehammer Games |
| Year | 2023 | 2019 |
| Languages | English | English |
| Best For | Groups who want fast, pulpy space opera with simple rules: pick two archetypes, grab some d6s, and blast off into adventure. | Groups who love D&D's d20 feel but want something faster, lighter, and more improvisational. Excellent for high-energy dungeon crawls with minimal prep. |
| Highlights | Simple to learn, dual archetype system creates unique combinations, Resolve as HP-and-hero-points is a clean design, fast character creation, suited for one-shots and pickup games | Very fast play, extensive GM tools, five genre settings included, highly hackable, timer dice create real tension |
| Considerations | Limited advancement options, narrow space opera focus, lacks deep tactical combat | DIY philosophy can overwhelm new GMs, loot-as-progression feels punishing if gear is lost |