Mechanics
Like most RPGs, Ironclaw makes use of polyhedral dice. Five types of dice are needed: four (the "smallest"), six, eight, ten, and twelve-sided ("largest"). The dice are linked to a set of stats which describe the character. Higher stats typically mean larger dice to roll when determining the outcome of dramatic contests.
When a player takes an action that has a chance to fail in some meaningful way, they use the dice determined by all applicable abilities and skills. The Host (or game master) uses dice to represent opposition to the character, such as the ability of an NPC or an arbitrary difficulty. The highest number rolled by the player is compared to the highest number rolled by the Host. If the player scores higher, he succeeds in his attempted action. If the host's dice are higher, the character fails.
Interestingly, characters, being anthropomorphic animals, often have racial abilities which may assist them in certain activities. For instance, a squirrel character may have an easier time climbing, while a rhinoceros has the racial ability to resist pain.
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