Iron Core
A downloadable game
Iron Core Version 1.2 is here!
- The sequence of the sessions in the text was reviewed to make the reading experience more fluid.
- Minor grammar corrections were made.
- Added a plain text file with adaptations for blind users.
Iron Core is a rich dice mechanic loosely inspired by the Iron Triangle of Project Management, which is better known through the common saying:
"Good, fast, cheap. Choose two."
Iron Core translates that to a roll of 3D6, then the player picks one result for Quality, one for Efficiency and one for Speed.
The way the numbers are attributed to each 'constraint' guide the narrative!
Iron Core is meant to provide a solid base for your implementations, which means that you are invited to build upon this core mechanic to make a game that feels yours!
Highlights from launch day:
It’s freaking GOOD
— Titanomachy RPG (@titanomachyRPG)
I'm bookmarking this because it's RICH and there's so much simplicity you don't even need much more of a system to run it if you don't want to bother.
— Gabriel Caetano (@TheGiftOfGabes)
This is honestly so good! I hope to see it in a game of yours soon! :)
— Cezar Capacle (@capacle)
Wow - mind is officially blown - thats such an elegant mechanic
— Trinity Knot Studio (@trinitykstudio)
I'm going to have to noodle this idea. I just love the concept and want to think about applications for #DnD. Maybe this is the new skill challenge?
— Optional Rule (@optionalrule)
If you like Iron Core, check out Ex Imp!
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Download
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Development log
- Refining the Iron Core!Feb 22, 2022
Comments
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I really like the idea of choosing deliberately between Quality, Speed, and Efficiency, instead of those three things being encompassed in one dice roll.
It gives a lot of interesting choice to even simple activities or rolls.
I'm glad you like it!
An excellent variation of the Otherkind Dice mechanic that I'll be adding to my toolkit. Cuts down on having to improvise goals and dangers (if you have problems coming up with that kind of thing on the fly), the qualities are easy to remember instead of inferred and keeps things down to three dice. Things like Schema or even the updated Otherkind Dice can get... messy. And while I love Force Blade Punks trifecta of 'I get what I want', 'I don't get hurt' and 'I don't feel ashamed', it isn't universally applicable.
If I were to make a suggestion, I would recommend changing 'Efficiency' to 'Cost'. Maybe add a page or two of advice about rolling an extra die and discarding the highest/lowest when running with an advantage/disadvantage. A karma mechanic for failures. The usual kind of TTRPG tricks that get written off as common knowledge.
Thank you for your kind words and feedback! People suggested me a couple of times to exchange efficiency for cost, but I always refrained from it because it would be the only constraint where a high value is a bad thing. It could be confusing to some players. But it's definitely something I still consider to this day.
I'm back! Did you see I used the Iron Core concept for the crafting rules in my entry to this year's LATAM JAM?
https://tragos-games.itch.io/destroy-all-dungeons-death-to-all-dragons
omg I totally missed that! I'm gonna check it out ASAP!
Buddy, you have some SICK public domain images there! I literally gave up on finding good dwarf images and changed the design of my game because of it. Also, your dragon images rock! Any tips to finding them?
I just had time to look at the art so far, I'm totally providing feedback on the rules and general design soon!
Oh, had not seen that comment until now, sorry!
Not sure I can give any tips on how to find PD art. I just look for them in many different places. But Gontijo made a good selection that you may find somewhere in his social networks.
The basic mechanic is pretty simple, but with the addition of the "Penrose Triangle", it becomes much more complex.
I have a quick idea I may use in a game based on the Iron Core, but here it goes: sometimes you have a short deadline, bad materials, few resources, no inspiration, etc., or the opposite. So, maybe there could be a rule about these conditions and how they would change the rolls, like granting advantage or disadvantage, allowing to roll a d4 or d8, etc.; and the first result allocated (using the "Penrose Triangle" rule) could somehow change the next ones (for instance, you get a very good result in speed, and that gives you more time to make it good, etc.).
I'm so glad it sparkled so many ideas! Looks like you have some Implementations in the oven! I look forward to see the designs you come up with!
This is an amazing core mechanic! Love it!
About the license (from https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
So this means I could theoretically make a game using this mechanic and put it up for sale, or does it also have to be free?
I chose the most flexible license available, so knock yourself out! I can't sell games myself, but it's rewarding to see the idea thriving!
Just please use the Iron Core Within logo and follow the other instructions provided in the pdf. I'd much appreciate if you let me know of your games so I can check them out and promote!
Thanks for answering. It’s nothing at the moment, just brainstorming some ideas.
I never thought that something like that project management triangle could be turned into a game system. Now, I am wondering what else can be! Thanks for making such a creative and interesting system!
I'm so glad you liked it! :)
This mechanic needs a jam!
Ooohhh that would be exciting!
This is a masterpiece of a mechanic and I already have plans for at least one game based on it.
Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to check out your game!