I do kind of love how "play watership down at your table" has basically always been a market for TTRPGs, to the point that this 'detailed iron age setting plus a system plus a bunch of other settings' just randomly throws it in there. I don't think I've done a game without any fantastical elements before, but it's certainly something I'd consider playing if not running.

It sounds a bit like a confusing mix. On one hand, you have the card-driven Drama system; on the other hand, a detailed Iron Age setting, plus several others, that are completely different... I like the artwork, and it reminds me of the art in Runequest, even if the world is completely non-magical.

This is a very stellar review. I picked up a copy of Hillfolk years ago after hearing about the 'DramaSystem". However, it really doesn't do a great job at explaining it, as you mention in the review. I've yet to actually play it. Fiasco Classic is the game I would recommend to anyone that wants to play Hillfolk.

Hillfolk is amazing, brilliant idea and system

I discribe the Drama System as GURPS for storygamers. This is because, much like GURPS attempts for trad games, the Drama System tries to all ow you to apply a broad range of settings to a single framework but ends up making them all feel just a bit so-so. It has it's fans, but I don't reckon most folks into indie/storygames would pick this over a more focused ruleset. Meanwhile, trad gamers wanting a taste of current narrative focused ruelsets will likely walk away dissapointed.

I like that the focus is on primarily interperosnal drama but i honeslt think that the fact that it could apply to so many settings is throwing me off a bit

Looks like a lesser known Fate game.

I'm gonna have to check this game out 👍🏼