Troika! Initiative Card Set
In the science-fantasy tabletop RPG Troika!, the chaos of battle is embraced through a non-linear initiative system. Rather than relying on dice or stats, action order is randomly determined by drawing tokens or chips, which creates unpredictability, tension, and delight at the table.
This game’s ability to spark my creativity led me to design a custom initiative card set that builds on Troika’s weird spirit while enhancing clarity and immersion for players. This passion project became a study in mechanical translation, visual storytelling, and symbolic cohesion, blending utility with theme to elevate the play experience.
Designing Within a Unique Combat System
Troika’s initiative mechanic is already a dramatic departure from traditional RPGs. To address that, I designed each card to bewhile still steeped in Troika’s surreal, science-fantasy aesthetic. I used geometric forms and symbolic cues to help players quickly identify which card belongs to whom or what while leaving room for player interpretation.
A Visual Language Rooted in Myth & Mystery
I wanted the cards to do more than track initiative; I wanted them to evoke the mood of the world. My research led me through,
- moon phases
- alchemical glyphs
- esoteric symbols
I became especially drawn to the Evil Eye, a protective and watchful symbol found in many cultures. The eye became a central visual motif across the set, paired with astronautic imagery to reflect Troika’s genre-blurring setting.
Each card became a narrative glyph. Each visual element is an artifact that reflects both mechanical function and world tone. It was important to me that the cards could be easily remembered and quickly readable.
Outcomes + Reflections
The project was incredibly fulfilling, both creatively and communally. David from Technical Grimoire later contacted me to adapt the designs for use in his online Troika initiative tracker. Expanding the cards’ reach into digital spaces and contributing to the broader Troika community in this way was a significant moment in my design journey. See online tracker here > https://www.technicalgrimoire.com/troikagenerator
This project highlights my ability to:
- Respectfully build on another creator’s vision
- Work within pre-defined systems and constraints
- Self-direct from ideation to production
- Create layered, symbolic visuals grounded in mechanical understanding
This was a pivotal moment where I realized that my job as a designer isn’t just to decorate mechanics; it’s to give them feeling, function, and form. Whether I’m working in tabletop or digital spaces, that’s the mindset I carry into every project.
