I'm new to The Forge and am looking for systems for GM-less rpg's. I was wondering if anyone who is more familiar with the many indie games available have a good list or link or starting point for me to search through. I'm also interested if there are rpg's that incorporate cards instead of the standard character sheet/dice model. Thanks much for your time.
I hear Universalis http://www.indie-rpgs.com/ramshead/ (http://www.indie-rpgs.com/ramshead/) is GM-less. You might want to check out how they use players' competition in place of GM-Player competition.
Nowadays there is quite many games like that. Here's some:
Under the Bed and Shab Al-Hiri Roach should both probably interest you, as they have both cards and no GM. The same holds true of the somewhat more marginal City of Brass.
If by "cards" you mean normal playing cards as well, there are plenty of games that do those tricks. Some that spring to mind instantly are Dust Devils, Nine Worlds, Primetime Adventures and With Great Power.
Games that do not have a GM are likewise numerous. Some fine examples include 1001 Nights, Breaking the Ice, Shooting the Moon, It Was a Mutual Decision (folks at home can see my association chain here), Capes, Death's Door, Mexican Standoff, Polaris and Shock:.
Finally, there's my own, fine, Zombies at the Door! (http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forum/index.php?topic=23596.0), which will be out in Finnish within two weeks ;) No GM, no character sheet, but very much a board and cards alongside the dice.
Thanks for the quick replies! That gives me quite a lot to start with. I'll look at these games to see if they satisfy what I'm looking for. This was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!
I wrote a game that uses cards in interesting ways: Trapped! (http://www.1km1kt.net/rpg/Trapped.php) the game of whacky suspense-horror. I add it only because I think it showcases some things you can do with cards beyond random number generation. And it's free.
For what its worth I have a rotating GM game at www.fractayle.com (http://www.fractayle.com)
Regards,
Keith