# IronFrame tags: #game/rpg/ironframe ![[IronFrame (cover).jpg]] _IronFrame_ is yet another invitation to climb into a multi-ton death machine and serve the interests of "The Big Four" corporations because, apparently, being an unpaid intern for a faceless entity is slightly less appealing than being a pilot whose life expectancy is measured in minutes. It is a rules-light mecha tabletop RPG where you assemble a chassis, paint a phoenix on the side, and pray your components don’t fall off the moment a "Bloodwing" looks at you funny. It is essentially _[[Lancer]]_’s minimalist cousin who spent too much time playing _Armored Core_ and realized that spreadsheets are for people who want to live long enough to retire. ## Core Die Resolution Success in _IronFrame_ is as fickle as a corporate loyalty bonus. Both pilots and their mechanical coffins use an array of polyhedral dice—ranging from a pathetic $d4$ to a respectable $d12$—assigned to specific components (Tech, Chassis, Speed, Arms, Size) or pilot skills. When the Game Master demands a check, you roll the associated die and check the results against a rigid ladder of disappointment: - **5+:** Best Result (you actually did the thing). - **3-4:** Good Result with Trade-Off (you succeeded, but now your rifle is jammed or you’re on fire). - **2:** Bad Result with Trade-Off (you failed, but there's a silver lining). - **1:** Worst Result (catastrophic failure). The game also features "Lucky" and "Unlucky" mechanics, requiring you to roll twice and take the highest or lowest result, respectively. Because the universe is occasionally kind but usually spiteful, most "Trade-Offs" involve the GM putting you in a "bad position" or sabotaging your weapon systems just when you need them most. ## Editions _IronFrame_ has primarily existed as a developing prototype under the working title _Project MECH_. Earlier iterations focused on the raw "Success/Failure" ladder, while the more recent versions have refined the "CORE" stat. This value acts as a hard cap on energy distribution, preventing you from strapping $d12$ components to every limb like a deranged god of scrap metal. The transition from the "Project MECH" prototype to the current _IronFrame_ build has seen an expansion of "Pilot Stunts" and a more formalized "Adversary File" to ensure the GM has sufficient tools to dismantle your investment. ## References - [IronFrame - Andrew Christman - DriveThruRPG Storefront](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/547150/ironframe) - [IronFrame - Andrew Christman - Itch.io Storefront](https://ajxman02.itch.io/ironframe)