Coyote & Crow

At-a-glance: Original system • d12 mechanics • Indigenous futurism • Hopeful sci-fi • 3-5 players + GM • Campaign play • 3-4h sessions

What is Coyote & Crow?

Coyote & Crow is a tabletop RPG created by Connor Alexander and a team of Native American and First Nations writers, artists, and designers. Funded through a $1.1 million Kickstarter in 2021, it presents a vision of the future where European colonization of the Americas never occurred.

The game is set in 2118 in Cahokia, a massive city built on the site of the historical Mississippian culture's greatest settlement. Here, indigenous peoples have thrived, developing advanced technology while maintaining traditional values and connection to the land.

The Setting: A Future Without Colonization

Coyote & Crow's world diverged from ours centuries ago when a supernatural event—the Awis—transformed North America. In this timeline:

• Indigenous nations developed independently—Creating unique technological and cultural paths
• The Awis changed everything—A mystical event that made technology and spirit work together
• Cahokia is a metropolis—A city of 30 million, center of trade and innovation
• The Old World is mysterious—Europe and Asia are distant, poorly understood places
• Hope prevails—This is a setting of optimism, not post-apocalyptic struggle

The game deliberately avoids colonialist tropes. There are no "savages," no noble primitives, no dying cultures. Instead, players experience indigenous peoples as protagonists in their own stories, thriving and looking toward the future.

Character Creation: Paths and Abilities

Coyote & Crow uses a classless system where characters are defined by their Path—a combination of their role in society and their personal approach to challenges:

• The Advocate—Champions of causes and people
• The Maker—Creators of technology and art
• The Scout—Explorers and pathfinders
• The Speaker—Negotiators and leaders
• The Warrior—Protectors and fighters
• The Seer—Those who perceive the unseen

Characters have four Abilities:

• Body—Physical capability
• Mind—Intellect and knowledge
• Spirit—Connection to the unseen world
• Heart—Empathy and social connection

This four-stat system creates characters who are capable in multiple areas rather than hyper-specialized.

The d12 System: Success with Meaning

Coyote & Crow uses a d12 resolution mechanic:

• Roll 1d12 + Ability + Skill
• 8+: Success
• 12+: Critical success with bonus effect
• 1: Critical failure with complications

The system emphasizes "Success with Meaning"—even successful rolls often generate story complications or costs. This keeps the narrative moving while maintaining tension.

Characters also have Marks—special abilities that let them bend the rules, representing their unique gifts and training.

Technology and the Awis

The Awis event made technology work differently in this world. Devices incorporate both scientific principles and spiritual understanding:

• Sky canoes—Anti-gravity vehicles
• Spirit communicators—Devices that interact with the unseen world
• Living materials—Technology grown rather than manufactured
• The Weave—A network connecting all things

This creates a unique tech aesthetic—neither purely "primitive" nor standard sci-fi, but something rooted in indigenous perspectives.

Why Play Coyote & Crow?

For Representation: This is the first major TTRPG created entirely by indigenous designers. It offers Native players characters who look like them, in stories that respect their cultures.

For Hopeful Sci-Fi: In a genre often dominated by dystopia, Coyote & Crow offers optimism. Problems exist, but they're solvable. The future is bright.

For Unique Mechanics: The d12 system is fresh, and the Success with Meaning approach creates interesting narrative beats.

For Different Perspectives: Even non-Native players will find value in experiencing a world built on fundamentally different assumptions than standard sci-fi.

FAQ

Do I need to be Native American to play?

Not at all. The game welcomes all players. However, non-Native players should approach with respect and openness to learning.

Is this based on a specific tribe?

The setting draws from multiple indigenous traditions, with Cahokia as a pan-tribal metropolis. The design team includes representatives from many nations.

How complex are the rules?

Moderate—more complex than PBtA games, less than D&D. The core mechanic is simple, but character options provide depth.

What's the tone of play?

Hopeful adventure. Characters are competent explorers solving problems. While conflicts exist, the overall arc is optimistic.

What comes in the core book?

Complete rules, setting guide, character creation, equipment, GM guidance, and starting adventure. The full-color hardcover is $60, PDF $25.

The Bottom Line

Coyote & Crow is groundbreaking—not just for its indigenous authorship, but for its hopeful vision of the future. The mechanics are solid, the setting is fresh, and the game offers something genuinely new to the TTRPG landscape. Whether you're seeking representation, unique sci-fi, or just a well-designed game, Coyote & Crow delivers.