Monster Countdown Deck
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his thematic deck of 56 playing cards is primarily designed to be used with fantasy roleplaying games and settings¸ but can also be used for horror¸ or even for science fiction. It offers the following special features:
1. Four jokers instead of the usual two¸ each with a suit.
2. Prominent "countdown numbers" at the top of each card. These can be used for initiative: deal each character a card¸ then count down from highest to lowest to determine turn order. Fast characters can draw 2-3 cards and keep the highest¸ while slow characters might draw 2-3 cards and use the lowest.
3. A unique "monster symbol" at the bottom of each card. This symbol can be used as an improvisational prompt-for example a "web" might indicate a literal trap¸ or a sticky situation¸ or a social connection¸ or a network of spies¸ and so on.
The monster symbols can be used to generate adventures¸ to determine random complications¸ or for any number of other purposes. However they are mainly intended for generating monsters: draw 3-6 cards and use the symbols to reveal a monster's characteristics and abilities. You can also use the monster illustrations for further inspiration.
Note: If you want to use the Countdown Deck on a Virtual Tabletop¸ or simply want to check out the cards before you buy them¸ you should download the free VTT cards !