Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

I can promise terror, glory, and riches...or a quick and brutal death.
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Marullus
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Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#1 Post by Marullus »

The Pitch
This will be a Stars Without Number campaign set in the immediate aftermath of the Scream and the societal collapse that followed. It will be grittier, with a more post-apocolyptic feel, as you strive to maintain what is most important to you while everything else around you collapses. We are centuries before societies eventually rebuild.

Your grandparents lived in a better world. The Scream that broke the universe is fresh, the wounds still new. The collapse on this planet was incredibly swift - the instant death of the psychic-dependent government, the succession wars, the bombs - the first 15 years killed 80% of the people. It is the New Earth we dwell in now, we ragged children of a fallen world. The leavings of our ancestors sustain us; with each generation, it grows harder. Each year we have less. But this world is ours. Our ancestors ruled here, our fathers and mothers lived and dreamed and died upon its earth. Our children will never know anyone with any memory of the Before. What will we leave them? What legends endure?

Who am I?
You can read my style here.I was the DM for the largest-ever game on this site, The North Marches, which lasted almost four years, served 37 players, and built a sprawling sandbox world with over 28,000 posts and over 40 distinct adventures together. I've mostly taken a reprieve to play in the games of others for the last year, but with COVID Quarantine continuing into year two, I'm feeling out the start of a new game. I don't have the personal energy for another sprawling sandbox, but I am inspired for a gritty Space Western with small cast.

Expectations
If we can all post twice a week, that's great. Let's do what we can. I value this community, as it provides most of my virtual socialization and creative outlet, especially for the last year of lockdown. Let's tell a good story together.

I want players to embellish and create Lore as they make their characters. I will work this into the setting unless it contradicts something explicitly (in which case I will let you know and weave it together with you).

I want all characters to establish Values and Goals. Playing to your value statement or achieving your goals will impact XP awards.

Setting Details
I am aiming for a Space Western, beginning with a gritty, post-apocolyptic feel and broad options for players to innovate with their character and stories. Psychic Power is unstable, being both more available and more dangerous. Dark Powers whisper in the ear in a porous multiverse for anyone who will listen. Knowledge of the technology that used to make life easy is still fresh enough to sting as technologists try to to stave off its inevitable end.

Game play will begin on a Post-Scream apocolyptic world which collapsed from TL4+ to TL3 (cities)/TL2 (rural/wilderness). PCs can be from that world or have arrived from off-world. Play will proceed in a very player-directed fashion. The option of a ship will be available to give the option of expanding beyond the start-world if desired, but not at game-start.

I will use the core Stars Without Number Revised - Deluxe Edition book and also allow all classes from the Codex of the Black Sun suppliment. I want to explicitly open a wide array of options to encourage creativity and be open to exploring parts of the SWN setting that don't get used enough.

Attributes should be rolled in the die roller with these strings:
STR [3d6] DEX [3d6] CON [3d6]
INT [3d6] WIS [3d6] CHA [3d6]

I will allow all PCs three points, adapted from the rules in the Other Dust suppliment. These can be used in the following ways:
  • add a +1 modifier to an attribute (to a max of +2) for superior genetics
  • be used to roll on the Mutation tables in the Other Dust book
  • Purchase 15,000 in installed cyberware (installed off-world, or installed during the Succession Wars if your character is 50+) [Page 83 of SWN Revised]
Psychics: The Scream was recent and raw and the universe is not yet stable.
  • Societal fear of psychics is the norm, largely due to the reasons below. Any display of psychic powers in the chaotic Post-Scream world risks stigma.
  • All instititutions of psychic training were destroyed in the Scream, even as training is more needed than ever. If training is acquired, it is from an individual mentor who somehow survived or you are old enough to be a survivor yourself.
  • Stable use of psychic powers requires either a miniscule, non-threatening talent (investment in the Wild Psychic Talent focus) or real, dedicated discipline to overcome the unstable state of the universe (investment in the Psychic Training focus). A Psychic with the Psychic Training focus uses their Effort score normally.
  • Someone with a Psychic or Partial Psychic class but not the Psychic Traning focus rolls on the Torching table for every use of their abilities, but uses a 1d10 and considers the final number to be 6+. (This risk does mean they don't concern themselves with tracking effort, per normal Torching.)
  • Unstable MES potential niggles at the minds of many people, tempting them to accept it. Any PC that wants to purchase a single psychic skill with skill points may do so, powering it under the normal Torching rules.
Technology: The collapse of the complex Mandate economic systems is truly fresh.
  • Most worlds are TL3 with some TL2. The ability to manufacture new TL4 goods (include starships) is essentially lost.
  • TL4 technology is almost universally pre-existing, fighting the forces of entropy and time as skilled technicians try to keep it running. TL5 technology is regarded with wonder and awe if it is ever witnessed. "TL4 Spare Parts" are a true commodity and scavenging is legitimate business. All TL4 gear is regarded 10x the book value on fallen worlds.
  • There is no interstellar banking and no such thing as credits. "Credits" should be tracked in "trade goods" and "trade metals" listing the value appropriately.
  • Level 2 of the Ironhide focus will not be allowed.
Space Magic With the keenly-felt loss of technology, the whispering of Dark Powers offering alternative options for power are real.
  • The setting will be closest to the Street Magic feel: "more of a gritty noir flavor." It might be mistrusted like Psychics or more trustworthy, depending on personal experience of the NPC.
  • The use of Shadows will have seen a definite upsurge after the scream - those with time to still philosophise might worry about the reason otherworldly intelligences find access to our world so porous.
  • Arcanist and Magister classes can be justified to an arcane tradition from Pre-Scream, or new knowledge shared from an otherworldly Shadow patron, depending on desired idiom.
  • Godhunters and Sunblades (particularly gunslinging ones) are very in-theme.
  • I will incorporate Sanctums and mystical finds along with TL4 parts and Pre-Scream ruins based on what class-options are used.
  • Magic, Psychics, and Technology all exist equally as different "sciences" and reasons the Pre-Scream universe was a utopia.
Please post if interested. If I get enough players, I'll open a campaign. Campaign has been requested. :)
Last edited by Marullus on Mon Jan 25, 2021 3:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Stirling
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#2 Post by Stirling »

Hello Andrew

Thank you for the invitation. Actually gaming has had to take a back seat as due to Covid & my work.

Wishing you success in the campaign.

Stirling
Last edited by Stirling on Thu Jan 28, 2021 10:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#3 Post by redwarrior »

So, I've just been scanning the rule system for the last 30 minutes, and I've got to say this looks like fun... I'm assuming that when I get into the Codex is where I'll find the space magic....
This looks like a really rules-lean approach that can be a lot of fun. I've already got ideas for five or six characters. So I'm in! Online gaming is also where I'm doing most of my Covid-Era socialization. I've had several PbPs fade away the last several months, so this is exciting.

I hope that there are enough others to allow this to take off!
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#4 Post by Marullus »

Excellent!!

Yes, for those that need it, here are the free core rules: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/230009
The deluxe edition has optional rules, like battlemechs.:)

The magic systems are all in Codex of the Black Sun.
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/m/product/259700

Other Dust is an older supplement from the previous edition and isn't needed. If you want to try random mutations and don't have it, I will tell you what to roll and the results.

Kevin Crawford is pretty brilliant at simplifying the OSR rules.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#5 Post by Enoch »

I think I could probably handle a game right now. Count me in; I shouldn't have a problem coming up with a character idea.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#6 Post by Marullus »

Also Excellent! :) That's two.

I was asked to summarize Stars Without Number, so here's the synopsis for those that need it.
Sure! It is a beautifully-distilled OSR game. Imo, Kevin Crawford has really done an excellent job.

It has D&D attributes, but for the most part they result in providing an overall "modifier" like 5E. An 18 and a 3 give +2 and -2 respectively. 14-17 is a +1, 4-7 are a -1 and 8-13 are a 0.

It has three main systems.
  • Combat is the familiar d20 attack roll with modifiers - base-attack, attribute, and skill. Armor class is the familiar 3E/5E system of 10 to 18 as a normal target number. All very comfortable.
  • There are three savings throws - Physical, Evasion, and Mental. They are each modified by the better of two attributes. Saves are also familiar and comfortable.
  • Everything else is a skill roll with a finite and clear set of skills. A skill roll is a 2d6, modified by an attribute and a skill level. Target difficulty is 6 for normal things, 9-10 for hard things, 12 for heroic things.
You pick a Background, which determines what set of starting skills you pick from.

There are three classes.
  • Warrior, who gets better base attack bonus, extra hit points, and an ability to modify success each scene on a Combat Roll.
  • Expert, who gets extra non-combat skills and an ability to modify success each scene on a Skill Roll.
  • Then a third class for whatever wierd stuff - Psychics in the main book, Arcanists and Magisters in the magic suppliment, which translate as Wizards and Sorcerers from D&D 5E, respectively, as far as how they handle spells. These guys get the ability to do their special third thing and miss out on the bonuses of Warriors and Experts. In the magic book there's additional Adept classes that focus on a wierd shtick (A Jedi-like guy who specializes in a themed weapon, a Familiar who gives bonuses to other characters, a mage-hunter, a lawyer-like "balancer," etc.) and thus get special abilities instead of normal systems as well.
  • ... then there's an Adventurer class that lets you pick two other other classes as "partial" to get a combined flavor. (It adds some capability of each, generally skipping the "modify a roll" major bonus of each.)
That keeps everything really simple and basic. But then there's a list of non-classed Foci which add-on to give a deep burst of flavor and an ability to modify a roll within that flavor. Star Pilot, Doctor, Martial Artist, Gunslinger, Diplomat, etc, etc, etc. It is with these that the options really come together and shine. The classes keep everything super simple but the combination of background, class, and 1-3 Foci creates really unique and special characters even at 1st level.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#7 Post by cybersavant »

i'm learning the system in the game - once i get the magic book i might come up with a idea - so color me a Maybe
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#8 Post by Mister-Kent »

Verrry interesting!
DMing DUNGEONESQUE, LL AEC Gothic-weird fantasy
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#9 Post by greyarea »

Space magic sounds like fun. I'm in.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#10 Post by Paladin »

That sounds so fantastic. I would rEally like to do this.

If there is still an open spot after 2-3 weeks, I'll take a shot at it. Got some work-related things that'll have me busier than normal theough mid-February, but after that yes.

Thanks for the kind invitation.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#11 Post by Mister-Kent »

Sounds great! I'd love to join!
DMing DUNGEONESQUE, LL AEC Gothic-weird fantasy
DMing CAT'S CRADLE, Stars Without Number/Other Dust
Playing
Constance Wyrdweather and Ruwyn Hollowheart in Labyrinth Lord: West Marches Sandbox (LL AEC)
Formerly Numen, Thisby Queller (RIP) and Radiant Olympia (RIP)!
Frekken Ribbitowicz in Mutant Future: Tales from Gam'A Zone (Gamma World)
Anne Summerisle and Gustav the Grasping in Caves of Chaos (LL)
Elden Vodarte in The Horror at Briarsgate (AD&D 1E)
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#12 Post by Marullus »

Thanks for the interest! I'm okay running up to two groups in parallel, so if anyone is still interested go ahead and speak up.

So far I have the following interested:
Enoch
Faanku
shroomofinsanity
Mister-Kent
redwarrior
jemmus
greyarea

...and the following as maybe or "later":
cybersavant
Paladin
Urson
Bluehorse

I will add you all to the permissions group as soon as the forum is created and send a message with the link so you can subscribe. I will usually send a PM to the group when new episodes are going to begin, so anyone who is a maybe/later can choose at that time.

Several of you are new to Stars Without Number, so I'll post some introduction / primer info to help and we'll make sure you have the opportunity to ask questions. We have some skilled veterans, too, so I invite them to help answer.

Looking forward to getting this up and started soon!
Last edited by Marullus on Tue Jan 26, 2021 2:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#13 Post by Enoch »

Awesome! Can't wait to get the forums up and start talking about character ideas!
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Re: Post-Apoc Gritty Space Western (Stars Without Number)

#14 Post by Marullus »

Our forums are up. :)
viewforum.php?f=1074

Anyone additional interest, just let me know. We'll be heading into character creation and kick-off over there, now.
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