Not A Hero
Not A Hero is Fully Funded!
We can't express how much we appreciate the support we've seen for Not A Hero. We are working diligently to put the finishing touches on the game and get it out to our Kickstarter backers as soon as possible.
Did you miss the Kickstarter?
That's ok! There are still plenty of ways to get your hands on Not A Hero.
We will begin taking pre-orders for the base game once we get all of the production details finalized.
Some of the local stores backed the Kickstarter and will be receiving the Kickstarter exclusive edition, so ask your local game store if they will be getting copies.
Once the production run has started, we will have a limited number of copies for sale at each of our live events.
Expected Release: Summer 2024!
Be part of the story
at a Live Demo
Come be part of the action, and get your hands on the cards at a live demo. We currently have no demos scheduled while we work on the initial production run of Not A Hero. Keep checking back, as we plan to host more demos and a launch party when the finished product is printed.
Unleash Your Potential, Hidden in Plain Sight!
In a world where epic quests and heroic adventures are the norm, Not A Hero offers a refreshing twist on the classic RPG. In this game, you step into the shoes of the everyday people of the realm—the townsfolk.
A Unique Perspective: Instead of wielding swords or casting spells, you'll find yourself in the shoes of ordinary folk like innkeepers, blacksmiths, and tailors. You may not have the grandeur of a hero, but your influence on the fate of the world is far from ordinary.
Collaborative Storytelling: Not A Hero invites you to collaborate, strategize, and unite as a community of townsfolk. Your goal? To motivate and guide the valiant heroes who undertake epic quests to save your town.
Heartfelt Connections: Dive into the rich gameplay of a town in peril, where every decision you make can shape the course of events. Forge deep bonds with your fellow townsfolk and heroes, as you work together to keep your beloved town safe from an impending catastrophe.
A Tale of Empowerment: Not A Hero is a game of empowerment, showing that ordinary citizens can rise to the occasion when they come together. It's a narrative that celebrates the strength of community, teamwork, and the belief that everyone has a vital role to play in the grand tapestry of adventure.
Join Us on This Extraordinary Journey: If you're looking for a game that offers a unique storytelling experience, a fresh perspective on RPGs, and a heartfelt narrative that celebrates the common folk of the world, Not A Hero is your destination. Become a part of this extraordinary journey and unleash your potential, hidden in plain sight.
Play Co-Operatively To Achieve Victory!
Not A Hero is a co-operative deck building game where you take on the roles of the NPCs in a fantasy world. Bequeath equipment as the Blacksmith, sell potions as the Merchant, or care for patrons as the Innkeeper.
Contents: The starting set includes all the necessary pieces to play a game: Fortune and Misfortune decks, Heroes, Townsfolk, BBEG, Dice, Tokens, and Coins.
Previewed Cards
The Merchant
Meet the Merchant. Specializing in Consumable interactions, You'll have a blast slinging potions of all kinds. Outfit your heroes with the latest wares and send them adventuring!
The Blacksmith
Here we have the Smithy. If weapons and armor are your forte, this is the character for you. Equip heroes with the latest gear so that no monster stands a chance against them!
The Fighter
You've seen some of the Non-Heroes. Allow me to introduce the Figher, one of our Heroes. They may be lacking in Charm, but give them a weapon and stand back. Heads are going to roll.
Setup Video
Playing Through a Turn
Gameplay
In "Not A Hero," players harness the power of their decks each turn, strategically collecting valuable information and gold. These precious resources empower their townsfolk to wield influence over the heroes, guiding them to embark on quests and enhancing their abilities and skills. But beware! As heroes conquer monsters, unearth treasures, and accomplish quests, a larger threat intensifies. Mismanagement of the heroes can trigger devastating strikes, leading to the town's destruction and ultimate defeat. The townspeople's path to victory lies in nurturing their heroes to the point where they become mighty enough to vanquish the threat.
Taking a Turn
Players simultaneously go through the following phases of a turn in order.
Flip – Flip Misfortune Cards equal to the specified number on the BBEG and place them in Field Zones or resolve them, then flip a Hero and place it in a Hero Zone.
Return – Any Hero in the Field returns to Town with Loot.
Draw – Each Player Draws up to their maximum hand size (usually 5).
Play – Players play cards, acquire items, or use abilities.
Adventure – Any Recruited Hero that is not currently in the Field may be sent on an Adventure.
End of Turn – Heroes in the same Zone as a Minion resolve Combat, then Played cards are placed in Discard Piles.
Starting a Game
To start a game, Flip cards from the Fortune Deck and place them in each of the Field Zones. If a Field Zone is ever empty, immediately Flip a card from the Fortune Deck and place it in the empty Zone. With the 6 Field Zones all occupied, Players go through the turn order until they decide to send a Party to take on the BBEG.
Resources and Character Traits
Gold - Indicated by a coin icon. Physically represented by metal coins. The game begins with a Reservoir of Gold. When Non-heroes generate Gold, like from the card Work, it comes from the Reservoir. Heroes do not interact with the Reservoir.
Information (Info) - Indicated by a scroll icon. It has no physical representation. Info clears at End of Turn.
Token - Non-heroes start with 4 tokens that can be banished as a cost for special abilities. Tokens do not replenish under normal circumstances.
Reputation (Rep) - Indicated by a star Icon. Reputation abilities check that you have at least that much Reputation. Reputation is lost when a Recruited Hero dies. Reputation only appears on Non-heroes.
Level - Indicated by an upward arrow icon. Gain 1 Level for each Minion slain in addition to any Level gains listed as part of Rewards. Levels only appear on Heroes.
FAQ
How many people can play? The game is designed for 4, but there is no mechanical reason that you can't play with more or less. We've tested with up to 8 players.
You use the word "co-operative". Does that make it a party game? We went straight to Wikipedia to answer this one, and we'll let you decide.
Not A Hero has the following characteristics listed on the Wiki:
Can support a large number of players, but is often limited by physical equipment.
Role-based play
Cooperation and interaction between players is encouraged.
Multiple ways to play and contribute.
Players participate in gameplay frequently, sometimes on an impromptu basis. Players do not have individual turns.
Has entertainment value for spectators. Contains humor.
Player elimination is rare.
The game does not involve spending real money to play (outside of the initial purchase).
Not A Hero does not have the following characteristics listed on the Wiki:
Team-based play
The amount of equipment needed is not dependent on the number of players.
How long does a game take? Set up is usually less than 5 minutes and a game can run anywhere from a half hour to an hour.
Have more questions? Reach out to us by clicking here: Contact Us