The 3x5" lined index cards are used to record significant characters, tools, vehicles, histories, locations, species, cultures, careers, guidelines and other information that the group playing with accord deems important.
The information on each card should describe the significant details of one concept only. If you've run out of space easily, then you're either trying to fit two or more concepts on the one card, or you're writing insignificant details. Conversely, if there's lots of room to spare, it's possible that you're only recording insignificant details, or this information isn't really a concept by itself, but should be part of another card.
When starting out, it's best to start the writing on a scrap piece of paper, or use a computer word processor or text editor, to create the initital information. Then, once you and your fellow players are in accord, transfer the information to a card.
The writing on every card must be reasonably clear and legible to most members of the group. It's quite reasonable for players to ask that a card be rewritten or split up, or removed from play because the card is illegible, written in too small a size, describes a concept that no longer exists in the game, or similar reasons.
Once you're done writing up the concept on the card, share the details with the other players to keep them in touch with the accord. Note that the other players can object to excessive or minimal description. Work with the other players to reach an accord, either by seeing sense and modifying your concept or show how the concept fits with the intent and limits of the game.
Also other players can also use what you've written up, so be aware that you reap what you sow. If you produce characters, species, cultures, careers, locations and so on that abuse the accord, other players will return the abuse manyfold upon you, and so the group will be in pain. Conversely, if you produce characters, species, cultures, careers, locations and so on, that fit and enhance the accord, other players will return the favour and the group's enjoyment will be boosted significantly.
To record a significant character description, simply write the character's name, a brief description of the characters' sex, species, culture, career, age, physical description, significant skills, powers, abilities, limitations and quirks all on the card.
On a second card, write a brief synopsis of the character's history, along with a “carrot” and “stick” to make life interesting for the character. This card is usually called the character's history card. It records what happened in the past, and what could happen in the future for the character.
On a third card, write the details of the character's significant tools, vehicles, relations, agreements, magic spells and so on. This card is usually called the character's possessions card.
If an area is significantly larger than one line, consider placing that information on a separate card. For example, a player is describing Anazoth's spell book, which has several dozen magic spells in it. This information would be better suited as a separate card, and labeled:
Anzoth's Spell Book
and then just referred to by name from the character's possessions card.
Note that some things can allready be written up in the game accord and can just be referred to by name. For example, a fantasy game's accord might have defined the character's species or career allready, so there's no need to create another card.
Here's some example cards for a heroic medieval fantasy game:
If you've got more examples of Accord cards, email me at: Al.Bri@xtra.co.nz, and I'll add them to this site.
These guidelines are complementary to this: