Cairn
Cairn is a game system by Yochai Gal first released in 2020[1]. Using Into the Odd and Knave as a base, the goal was to make a new version of the former more compatible with popular classic fantasy modules such as Dolmenwood. Like Into the Odd, Cairn has its own series of hacks such as Liminal Horror or Block, Parry, Dodge that expends on its mechanics. A new version of the game is in the works as of early 2024[2].
Mechanics
Like its influences, Cairn emphasizes speed and ease of use with simple mechanics. It does not features any rules for linear progression, instead encouraging player to advance through in-world means. The game is "fiction first", meaning that success and failure are mainly arbitrated through dialogue between the players and the referee.
Cairn features instances of the following patterns :
- Classless : Characters differ only in their attributes and starting equipment, which is random.
- Slot-based encumbrance : Characters have 10 equipment slots. Most items take up 1 slot, while Bulky items take up 2.
- Scars : The only rule in regards to character advancements is that player characters may randomly increase their ability scores when reaching exactly 0 HP.
- No roll-to-hit : Players directly roll for damage, just like in Into the Odd