This wiki contains playtest materials for Halcyon Aces (formerly "Deck of Fate"). Rules and content are subject to change based on feedback and testing. Last updated: January 2025
Welcome to the Wiki
This wiki serves as your complete reference guide for playtesting Halcyon Aces, a card-driven tabletop RPG where a standard 52-card deck replaces dice. Every card matters, suit is identity, and your combination of choices defines your class.
Build your hero from modular Trait Trees, signature Techniques, and Talents. Chase Resonance (matching card suit to stat) for powerful results, manage your thinning deck, and feel the mounting tension as encounters stack up and your reserves dwindle.
What's Inside
📖 Introduction
Core fantasy, what you need to play, and core principles
⚙️ Core Rules
The Four Stats, card draws, Resonance, and difficulty classes
👤 Character Creation
Build your hero with backgrounds, star signs, templates, and talents
🌳 Trait Trees
Eight paths to power: Swordcraft, Magecraft, Spiritcraft, and more
⚔️ Equipment
Weapons, armor, gear, and the economy of adventure
📚 Reference
Combat system, techniques, talents, perks, and quick-reference tables
The Four Stats
Every character has four stats, each tied to a card suit. When you draw a card that matches your stat's suit, you achieve Resonance and add your stat value to the card's value.
- Heart ♥ — Conviction, passion, and emotional strength
- Body ♣ — Physical prowess, coordination, and athleticism
- Mind ◆ — Intellect, cunning, and tactical thinking
- Spirit ♠ — Spiritual power, magic, and connection to aether
Core Principles
- Every card matters. Each card you play leaves your deck thinner.
- Suit is identity. Chasing Resonance is one of the game's core tensions.
- No class, all choice. Build what you want from modular options.
- Damage is effort. How hard you hit depends on how cleanly you overcome defense.
Quick Start
New to Halcyon Aces? Start with the Introduction to understand the core fantasy, then move on to Core Rules to learn the resolution system.
Ready to build a character? Check out Character Creation and explore the eight Trait Trees.
Found a bug? Have a suggestion? Your feedback helps make Halcyon Aces better! Reach out via the guestbook or social media.