Index Card RPG vs Scarlet Heroes
Compare Index Card RPG and Scarlet Heroes side by side. See differences in complexity, dice, genre, and more.
| Index Card RPG | Scarlet Heroes | |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | Universal | Fantasy |
| Tags | Fast-Paced, Dungeon Crawl, Low-Prep, Rules-Light, One-Shot Friendly, Combat-Heavy, Pulp Action, Ascending AC, Tag-Based | Solo-Friendly, Sandbox, Dungeon Crawl, Low-Prep, Random Tables, Heroic, Ascending AC |
| Core Mechanic | 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. | Checks: roll 2d8 + attribute modifier + highest relevant trait vs. difficulty number. Attacks: roll d20 + attack bonus vs. AC 20. Unique damage conversion: each damage die reads individually (1 = 0, 2–5 = 1 point, 6–9 = 2 points, 10+ = 4 points), making a single hero viable against hordes. Heroes roll a Fray die each round to auto-damage lesser enemies. |
| Dice | d20 + d4–d12 | 2d8 / d20 |
| Complexity | Low | Low |
| Availability | Free quickstart | Free quickstart |
| Runnability | 3 of 5 book tools | 4 of 5 book tools |
| License | 3rd Party License | OGL 1.0a |
| Third-Party Publishing | Not yet researched | Not yet researched |
| Publisher | Runehammer Games | Sine Nomine Publishing |
| Year | 2019 | 2014 |
| Languages | English | English |
| Best For | 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. | Solo players, duet groups (1 player + 1 GM), or anyone wanting to run classic old-school adventures without a full party: one hero can tackle any module. |
| Highlights | Very fast play, extensive GM tools, five genre settings included, highly hackable, timer dice create real tension | Solo and duet scaling makes any old-school module playable with one hero, Fray die and damage conversion solve the action economy, solo oracle and adventure generators included, compatible with B/X and OSR modules, Red Tide setting included |
| Considerations | DIY philosophy can overwhelm new GMs, loot-as-progression feels punishing if gear is lost | Solo adventure tools require creative self-GMing, Red Tide setting is baked in (though easily reskinned), limited character options compared to full OSR games, older layout |