STRIKE ME DOWN! a micro-ttrpg for 2 players
Grab a deck of cards (just the J, Q, K, and A's) , some paper, and something to write with.
You face each other, each knowing this is the end. The final standoff. Only one leaves. You both hold a secret you don't dare admit. You'd rather die than strike down the one you love most!
Decide on the setting together. Are you piloting two giant mechas in the ruins of a metropolis? Are you wizards on a icy mountain top? No matter the setting, you had a strong relationship that waned over time. Eventually, you found yourself on opposite sides of some larger conflict. You can't escape your feelings, though, and cannot bring yourself to kill the other.
You each should get the J, Q, K, and A of two suits (8 cards total each). Shuffle them facedown into a small deck. Draw 5 cards into your hand and do not rearrange them. You each start the game with 10 HP.
Take turns. On your turn:
1. You MUST choose either the leftmost or rightmost card in your hand and use its ability.
2. Place this card at the bottom of your deck.
3. Draw 1 card and place it in the middle space of your hand.
4. Then, roleplay your actions and feelings on your turn. The other player may only respond during their turn.
5. Last, the other player starts their turn.
The game ends immediately when one player's HP reaches 0. That player has died and the other player loses the game.
J - Unwilling Recovery: You take a brief rest and gain 1 HP.
Q - All Out Assault: Your strongest attack. You aren't holding back. The other player loses 4 HP and you lose 2 HP.
K - Strategic Targeting: A weak attack that causes the other player to lose 2 HP.
A - Flashy Taunt: The other player must play BOTH cards on their next turn, instead of choosing between two.
I may develop this more at some point. I'd also love any feedback.