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Index Card RPG

Master Edition
Fast d20 action stripped to the bone — one Target, effort dice, and index cards
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universal
Fast-PacedDungeon CrawlLow-PrepRules-LightOne-Shot FriendlyCombat-HeavyPulp ActionAscending ACTag-Based
Languages: English
Diced20 + d4–d12
System FamilyOSR
Cost$$
License3rd Party License
PublisherRunehammer Games
Year2019
Complexity Low
Accessibility Medium
Community High

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.

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.

Highlights

Very fast play, extensive GM tools, five genre settings included, highly hackable, timer dice create real tension

Considerations

DIY philosophy can overwhelm new GMs, loot-as-progression feels punishing if gear is lost