# Index Card RPG (Master Edition)

Index Card RPG: Master Edition is a rules‑lite fantasy toolkit built around scene targets, timers, hearts, and effort dice. Classless at its core, it emphasizes quick rulings, fast turns, and low prep. Ideal for one‑shots, convention play, and lean campaigns where improvisation and table tools shine.

## At a Glance

Fantasy • Needs GM • 2/5 complexity • One-shot friendly • Low prep

## Why It Fits

A strong fit for groups that want fantasy adventure with a clear play identity, with classless helping define the experience.

## Fit Facts

- Players: 2-5 players + GM
- Session length: 120-180 minutes
- Prep: Low

## Facets

- Genres: Fantasy
- Mechanics: Classless, Rules Lite, Streamlined
- Decision tags: Low Prep

## Scores

- Complexity: 2/5
- New GM Fit: 5/5
- Roleplay Focus: 3/5
- Combat Focus: 2/5
- Tactical Depth: 1/5
- Campaign Depth: 3/5

## Best For

- Groups that want fantasy adventure with a clear play identity
- Tables that want quick onboarding and low mechanical drag
- Groups that want a game that can land well in a single sitting

## Avoid If

- You want denser mechanical crunch or build complexity
- You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table
- You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support

## Directory Notes

Tone ranges from pulpy heroics to scrappy OSR peril depending on how hard you turn the dials. Everything orbits a few elegant dials: Target Number: Each room/scene has a single TN, so all checks point at one difficulty—speeding adjudication.

## Theme and Setting

Effort Dice: After a successful check, roll Effort (d4/d6/d8/d10) to make progress on obstacles, enemies, or tasks. This turns locks, monsters, and projects into comparable clocks.

## How Play Feels

Hearts: Problems have Hearts (10 HP chunks) that track how much work remains—combat and challenges share the same cadence. Timers & Threats: Countdowns, room effects, and turn structure keep scenes moving and raise stakes without rules bloat.

## What Makes It Distinct

You want denser mechanical crunch or build complexity You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table. You want denser mechanical crunch or build complexity You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table.

## Where It May Not Fit

You want denser mechanical crunch or build complexity You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table.

## Links

- Directory page: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/item/indexcardrpg-2
- Agent JSON: https://www.ttrpg-games.com/api/games/indexcardrpg-2.json
- Publisher or official site: https://modiphius.net/products/index-card-rpg-master-edition
- Reviews or retailer page: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/383058/index-card-rpg-master-edition?affiliate_id=1659151