Iridium System Core Reference

The Universal RPG System for Any Genre

Welcome to the Iridium System Core Reference page. HinterWelt Enterprises has released this comprehensive reference under the Open Gaming License so that publishers, game masters, and players can access and expand upon our universal game system.

What is the Iridium System?

The Iridium System is a universal rules framework that has been successfully used by HinterWelt Enterprises across multiple genres including Science Fiction, Alternate History, and Fantasy. The system is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing minimal modifications to work seamlessly in any setting.

Key Features

• Universal Mechanics: Works equally well for fantasy magic, sci-fi technology, and alternate history campaigns
• Skill-Based Progression: Simple curved progression system that becomes more challenging as expertise increases
• Flexible Magic Systems: Three distinct magic systems (Spell Point, Free Form, and Dictated) to suit any setting
• Tactical Combat: Realistic yet playable combat system with 10 hit location areas and optional simplified rules
• Modular Design: Add, remove, or modify races, classes, and abilities to fit your campaign
• Open Gaming License: Free to use and expand upon in your own games and publications

Core System Overview

Skills and Classes

Classes are merely groupings of skills that provide initial abilities and skill progression bonuses. Classes are split into four types: Fighter, Thief, Intellectual, and Craftsman. Players are not restricted by their class choice—any skill can be learned by any class, but skills matching a character's class type receive bonus progression.

Magic Systems

The Iridium System offers three distinct magic approaches:

• Spell Point System: Powered by spell points or spirit points, allowing spellcasters to select from defined spell lists
• Free Form Magic: Channeling external power through the body, with no spell lists—only areas of ability
• Dictated System: Specific powers that practitioners call upon, with fixed effects and progressive fatigue

Combat

Combat is designed to be both simple and realistic. Defense is calculated as (STR+AGL+CON)/3. The system features 10 body locations with varying fortitude values, targeting rules, and optional simplified hit point pools. Initiative is rolled on d6 with AGility bonuses, and actions resolve based on character initiative order.

What's Inside the Core Reference

• Classes and their roles, plus guidelines for creating new classes
• Skills and rules for creating custom skills
• Equipment examples for any setting
• Combat systems with optional rules, death mechanics, and bleeding rules
• Magic systems including free-form, monk, psi, and spell point examples
• Race generation and quick references to HinterWelt settings
• Open Gaming License information

This core reference works with any setting and includes references to all of HinterWelt's current setting books: Tales of Gaea, Shades of Earth, Nebuleon SFRPG, and Roma Imperious.

Iridium System Downloads

Iridium Core V2 (Full System)

Iridium Lite (Quick-Start Version)

Open Gaming License

The Iridium System is released under the Open Gaming License (OGL), which means you are free to use, modify, and expand upon these rules for your own games and publications. We encourage you to build upon the system and share your creations with the gaming community.

For more information about the Open Gaming License, visit www.opengamingfoundation.org