Shadows & Shapes
Shadows & Shapes is an ultra-lightweight fantasy RPG. The rules are only a few pages long¸ and suited for one-shot games.
Diceless
All conflicts in Shadows & Shapes are resolved with playing cards. The combat mechanics are based around a trick-taking card game¸ so if you've ever played Bridge¸ Hearts¸ or Oh Hell¸ you'll have no trouble picking up Shadows & Shapes.
The combat system has an unusual feel¸ since the players' decisions are highly constrained. Although strategy is important¸ there is often a single optimum strategy.
Collaboration is at the heart of Shadows & Shapes. If you set a foot wrong¸ it might be somebody else who pays the price.
Two Sets of Rules
The Basic rules feature just four Classes¸ two spells¸ no race-based abilities¸ and no movement rules. Combat moves are restricted to the acronym SHAPE:
- Special Move (Attack¸ Protect¸ or Enchant¸ depending on Class)
- Hide
- Attack
- Protect
- Enchant
The Advanced rules add a few more layers and options. The Advanced rules are still pretty simple though!
The Vale
The overall tone here is of an old school dungeoncrawl¸ with a few fresh touches.
Shadows & Shapes includes ideas for a setting¸ 'The Vale.' If you like those ideas¸ you might want to check out Dungeons & Drapers or Skycrawl.
After Alpha
Shadows & Shapes is a fully playable late Alpha game. Any further development would depend on interest. So if you're intrigued¸ or you enjoy playing it¸ or have suggestions¸ drop me a line!
Hacks
If you are so done with dungeons¸ the rules shouldn't be hard to adapt to different genres¸ settings¸ and stories.