Across a Thousand Dead Worlds⁚ A Horror Space Exploration RPG
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds is a new horror space exploration tabletop roleplaying game that can be enjoyed as a single player experience, or in a group of up to five players, with or without a Game Master ー by Blackoath Entertainment! You’ll create your Deep Diver, using a free-form character creation system, and begin your journey across the galaxy where you’ll discover abandoned research stations, ancient alien technology, and terrifying horrors.
A Glimpse into a Dystopian Future
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds plunges players into a bleak and unforgiving future, where Earth’s ecological collapse has driven humanity to the brink of extinction. The once-vibrant planet is now a wasteland, ravaged by environmental catastrophe and plagued by the specter of war and famine. The only flicker of hope lies beyond the ravaged Earth, in the vast expanse of space. A select few, those with unimaginable wealth, have secured a precarious existence in a nascent Mars colony, a haven of luxury amidst the cosmic void. But for the vast majority of humanity, survival is a daily struggle, a desperate fight against the encroaching darkness.
This dystopian setting provides the backdrop for the game’s central theme⁚ the desperate search for a new beginning, a sanctuary from the dying Earth. Players take on the role of Deep Divers, intrepid explorers who venture into the uncharted corners of the galaxy, seeking the remnants of a long-lost civilization known as the Àrsaidh. These ancient beings left behind a trail of enigmatic ruins and advanced technology, offering a tantalizing glimpse into a forgotten past. But the pursuit of these relics comes at a terrible cost. The galaxy is a dangerous place, teeming with unknown threats and terrifying creatures that lurk in the shadows. The search for a better future is fraught with peril, and players must be prepared to face the ultimate horror, the realization that the answers they seek may lie in the darkest corners of their own souls.
The Players⁚ Deep Divers
In Across a Thousand Dead Worlds, players embody the enigmatic Deep Divers, a group of intrepid explorers driven by a desperate need to escape the dying Earth and find a new home among the stars. These individuals are not your typical spacefaring heroes; they are hardened survivors, scarred by the hardships of a broken world, and fueled by a desperate desire to find meaning in the face of overwhelming despair. The game encourages players to craft characters who are flawed, complex, and driven by a unique blend of ambition, desperation, and a deep-seated longing for redemption.
Deep Divers are defined by their resilience, their ability to endure the harsh realities of space exploration, and their unwavering determination to uncover the secrets of the Àrsaidh. They are a diverse group, drawn from various walks of life, each with their own motivations and skills. There are former soldiers hardened by the horrors of war, scientists seeking answers to the mysteries of the universe, and even those seeking to escape the crushing weight of their past. These individuals are bound together by their common goal⁚ to find a way to rebuild humanity’s future, even if it means venturing into the darkest corners of the galaxy.
Exploring the Ruins of the Àrsaidh
The heart of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds lies in the exploration of the Àrsaidh, a vast and ancient alien civilization that vanished long ago, leaving behind a trail of enigmatic ruins scattered across the galaxy. These ruins, often referred to as “dead worlds,” are filled with forgotten technology, cryptic messages, and unsettling secrets that whisper of a civilization that succumbed to an unknown fate. The Deep Divers venture into these desolate landscapes, seeking to uncover the truth behind the Àrsaidh’s disappearance and to harness the power of their advanced technology to rebuild humanity’s future.
Each dead world presents a unique challenge, demanding the Deep Divers to adapt their strategies and utilize their skills to navigate treacherous environments, solve intricate puzzles, and decipher the cryptic languages of the Àrsaidh. The ruins are not just remnants of a lost civilization, but are also haunted by the echoes of their past, and the Deep Divers must contend with the remnants of the Àrsaidh’s technology, which often manifests as hostile and unpredictable forces. These encounters are not simply battles against alien weapons, but tests of the Deep Divers’ mental fortitude and their ability to resist the insidious influence of the Àrsaidh’s legacy.
The Karum Station⁚ A Haven Amidst the Void
In the vast expanse of the galaxy, the Karum Station stands as a beacon of hope for the Deep Divers, a haven from the dangers of the dead worlds. This orbiting station serves as a central hub for the intrepid explorers, a place where they can regroup, share their findings, and prepare for their next perilous mission. The Karum Station is a testament to humanity’s enduring spirit, a testament to the unwavering will to survive in the face of oblivion. It is a place where the Deep Divers can find camaraderie, support, and a sense of community amidst the cold and unforgiving vastness of space.
Within the confines of the Karum Station, the Deep Divers can access vital resources, including advanced technology, scientific equipment, and medical facilities, all essential for their survival. The station also acts as a marketplace, where they can trade their recovered artifacts and knowledge for vital supplies, ensuring their ability to continue their exploration. The Karum Station is a sanctuary, a place to recharge both physically and mentally, and to prepare for the challenges that await them in the perilous depths of the dead worlds.
Gameplay Mechanics⁚ A Single D20 Roll
At the heart of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds lies a streamlined and engaging gameplay system, built around a single D20 roll for resolving actions. This simple yet effective mechanic allows for quick and dynamic gameplay, minimizing the need for extensive tables and complex calculations. Each character’s skills and abilities are represented by a numerical rating, which is compared to a target number determined by the difficulty of the task at hand. A successful roll is achieved by rolling a D20 and adding the character’s relevant skill rating, aiming to meet or exceed the target number; The system ensures that every action, from navigating treacherous corridors to engaging in brutal combat, is resolved with a single roll, keeping the game flowing smoothly and maintaining a consistent level of engagement.
This core mechanic is further enhanced by the inclusion of a variety of modifiers, which can be applied to the roll based on the context of the action, the character’s current state, and the environment they are in. These modifiers add a layer of complexity and nuance, allowing for more dynamic and unpredictable outcomes. The streamlined gameplay system, built upon a single D20 roll and a variety of modifiers, ensures that Across a Thousand Dead Worlds offers a thrilling and engaging experience for players of all skill levels, providing a fast-paced and immersive journey through the depths of the dead worlds.
The Brutal Reality of Combat
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds embraces a gritty and unforgiving approach to combat, reflecting the harsh realities of survival in a decaying galaxy. The game’s combat system is designed to be both tactical and deadly, emphasizing the fragility of life in the face of relentless horrors. Each encounter becomes a tense and calculated dance, where every decision holds weight and every misstep can have dire consequences. The rules are designed to emphasize the limitations of human endurance and the chilling presence of the unknown.
Players must carefully consider their actions, taking into account their limited resources, the environment, and the unpredictable nature of their enemies. The game’s combat system encourages players to use their environment to their advantage, utilizing cover, flanking maneuvers, and strategic deployment of limited ammunition. The constant threat of injury, death, and the lingering effects of trauma add a layer of realism and urgency to every confrontation, making each battle a desperate struggle for survival in the face of unimaginable odds.
Resources for Players and GMs
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds provides a comprehensive suite of resources for both players and Game Masters, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience. The core rulebook offers detailed information on character creation, skill systems, combat mechanics, exploration rules, and a vast array of lore and world-building elements. Players are provided with character sheets, pre-generated characters, and a variety of tools to help them customize their Deep Divers and immerse themselves in the game’s universe. Game Masters, on the other hand, are equipped with detailed campaign guidelines, pre-designed scenarios, encounter tables, and a comprehensive bestiary filled with terrifying creatures and alien adversaries.
Beyond the core rulebook, a collection of additional resources is available to expand the game’s content and provide players with even more options for customization. These include supplemental rulebooks, adventure modules, character backgrounds, and even tools for creating custom content. Blackoath Entertainment, the game’s developer, actively engages with the community, providing updates, expansions, and support to ensure a vibrant and ever-evolving gameplay experience. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or a newcomer to the genre, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds offers an abundance of resources to guide you through its terrifying and captivating universe.
Third-Party Resources and SRD
Across a Thousand Dead Worlds embraces a collaborative approach to game development, offering a System Reference Document (SRD) that enables third-party creators to build upon its foundation. This open-source approach fosters a vibrant community of creators who contribute to the game’s ecosystem by developing new content, adventures, and even entire settings that expand upon the game’s core themes and mechanics. This includes everything from custom character classes and races to detailed campaign settings, all built using the game’s SRD, allowing players to experience a constantly evolving and enriched gameplay experience.
The SRD empowers creators to build upon the game’s existing framework, adding their own unique flair and perspectives to the universe of Across a Thousand Dead Worlds. This fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration, as players and creators alike contribute to a shared vision, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the game’s framework. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a budding creative, the SRD provides a platform for your imagination to run wild, contributing to the ever-expanding universe of this captivating horror space exploration RPG.
A Sci-Fi Toolbox for Other Games
Beyond its standalone RPG experience, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds provides a valuable toolbox of resources for enriching other science fiction RPGs. The game’s comprehensive system, including its character creation mechanics, detailed world-building elements, and captivating narrative framework, can be adapted and integrated into existing campaigns, adding a unique dimension of horror and exploration to your sci-fi adventures. The game’s rich tapestry of alien races, mysterious artifacts, and perilous environments can be seamlessly incorporated into other games, offering a plethora of inspiration for your own creative endeavors.
Imagine incorporating the game’s gritty survival mechanics into a futuristic cyberpunk setting, or weaving its chilling encounters with ancient alien technology into a classic space opera. Across a Thousand Dead Worlds’ unique perspective on space exploration and its emphasis on survival and resource management can breathe new life into any sci-fi campaign. Whether you’re looking to inject a dose of cosmic horror into your existing game or simply seeking fresh ideas for your next adventure, Across a Thousand Dead Worlds stands as a valuable resource for any science fiction roleplaying enthusiast.