Stars Without Number
by Sine Nomine Publishing
What is it?
Stars Without Number, published by Sine Nomine Publishing, Inc., is a tabletop role-playing game set in a sprawling, sandbox-style science fiction universe. The game combines elements of space exploration, political intrigue, and tactical combat, allowing players to create and explore their own interstellar adventures. Drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi and old-school RPGs, Stars Without Number offers a rich setting where players can become starship captains, mercenaries, diplomats, or anything else they can imagine in a galaxy filled with ancient ruins, alien civilizations, and mysterious phenomena.
How is it different?
Stars Without Number distinguishes itself with its robust sandbox design and versatile system. Unlike many RPGs that confine players to pre-written campaigns, Stars Without Number provides extensive tools and resources for game masters to generate their own worlds, factions, and adventures. This emphasis on sandbox gameplay encourages creativity and player agency, making each campaign a unique experience. The game also seamlessly blends elements of hard science fiction with the fantastical, offering a wide range of possibilities for storytelling and exploration.
How do you play it?
Stars Without Number uses a blend of old-school mechanics and a streamlined skill system. Skill checks are resolved using a 2d6 roll, where players add relevant skill and attribute modifiers to beat a target number set by the game master. Saving throws, on the other hand, are made using a d20 roll against a target number based on the character's class and level. For example, when a character attempts to repair a starship's damaged engine, the player rolls 2d6, adds their Tech skill and Intelligence modifier, and compares the result to the difficulty set by the game master. This system is easy to grasp and keeps the game moving smoothly, while still allowing for deep character customization and tactical decision-making.
Player reception (and why you should play it).
Despite its old-school mechanics, Stars Without Number is highly regarded for its flexibility and depth. Newer gamers are drawn to the game's narrative freedom and the extensive resources for world-building, while old-school gamers appreciate the familiar mechanics and the opportunity for strategic play. The game's focus on sandbox-style adventures makes it ideal for players who enjoy open-ended gameplay and exploration. Stars Without Number is a must-play for anyone looking for a versatile and richly detailed science fiction RPG that offers both structure and creative freedom.