Death in Space RPG is a sci-fi tabletop roleplaying game set in a gritty, blue-collar future. Players navigate risky jobs, uncertain survival, and the harsh vastness of space, relying on their crew as their only sanctuary. The game emphasizes resourcefulness, teamwork, and the unpredictability of life among the stars. Available as a PDF and in print, it includes core rules, character creation, and an introductory scenario to kickstart your interstellar adventures.
1.1 Overview of the Game
Death in Space RPG is a gritty sci-fi tabletop roleplaying game that immerses players in a harsh, blue-collar future where survival is a daily struggle. Set in a universe where technology is unreliable and risks lurk around every corner, the game focuses on teamwork, resourcefulness, and the uncertain journeys into the unknown; Players create unique characters, each shaped by cosmic mutations, and navigate the dangers of space, from salvaging derelict ships to engaging in high-stakes power struggles. The core rules provide a framework for creating stories filled with tension, moral dilemmas, and the constant threat of death. The game is available as a PDF and includes tools for both players and game masters to craft compelling adventures.
1.2 Key Features and Themes
Death in Space RPG offers a unique blend of gritty sci-fi and survival mechanics, emphasizing teamwork and resourcefulness. Key features include character creation with cosmic mutations, a focus on risky jobs, and a narrative driven by moral dilemmas. The game’s themes explore a lawless, wartorn universe where technology is unreliable, and survival is uncertain. Players must navigate power struggles, build their crew’s reputation, and confront the void’s unforgiving nature. With tools for crafting unique stories and a mix of exploration and danger, Death in Space provides a compelling experience for fans of sci-fi and tabletop RPGs. Available in PDF and print, it includes everything needed to start your interstellar journey.
Core Rules and Mechanics
Death in Space RPG uses a d100 system, emphasizing storytelling and survival. Mechanics focus on resource management, cosmic mutations, and salvage operations, creating a tense, unpredictable experience in space.
2.1 Character Creation and Origins
Character creation in Death in Space RPG allows players to craft unique individuals with distinct backgrounds and skills. The game provides various origins, each offering unique benefits that shape your character’s journey. Players can choose from a range of options, such as space-faring veterans or resourceful scavengers, ensuring diverse playstyles. The system emphasizes storytelling and survival, with character sheets available in multiple formats (color, black & white, A4, A5, and letter sizes) for convenience. Optional cosmic mutations add an extra layer of depth, making each character truly one-of-a-kind. The game also supports community-created content, including supplements like 6 Additional Origins, further expanding your character customization options with new backgrounds.
2.2 Game System and Core Mechanics
Death in Space RPG uses a streamlined system focused on storytelling and survival. The core mechanics revolve around a simple dice system, where players roll dice to resolve actions, with outcomes determined by skill levels and circumstances. The game emphasizes resource management, such as fuel, oxygen, and equipment, adding a layer of strategic planning to exploration and combat. Crew dynamics and relationships are also central, influencing mission outcomes and player interactions. The system includes tools for creating unique characters, managing ship operations, and navigating the dangers of space. Optional rules, like cosmic mutations, introduce unpredictable twists, enhancing the game’s gritty, unpredictable feel.
Setting and Universe
Death in Space RPG unfolds in a gritty, lawless universe where technology is unreliable and survival is a daily struggle. The Iron Ring sector, a decaying industrial region, serves as the primary setting, filled with risky opportunities and desperate factions. Players navigate a dangerous cosmos where their crew and ship are their only sanctuary. The game’s universe is marked by political instability, resource scarcity, and the ever-present threat of the void, creating a tense and immersive environment for exploration and adventure.
3.1 The Iron Ring Sector
The Iron Ring sector is a central setting in Death in Space RPG, a decaying industrial region where resource scarcity and political instability reign. This sector is characterized by its grimy, blue-collar atmosphere, with numerous factions vying for power. It serves as a hub for risky opportunities, offering players a chance to engage in dangerous jobs and build their crew’s reputation. The sector’s lawless environment makes it a hotbed for conflict and adventure, providing a rich backdrop for storytelling. Players must navigate its dangers carefully, as the Iron Ring is unforgiving, and survival depends on skill and resourcefulness in this harsh, wartorn space.
3.2 Notable Locations and Factions
Within the Death in Space RPG, the universe is filled with distinct locations and factions that shape the narrative. The Transit Precinct 45 stands out as a lawless hub, while the wreck of the CC571 serves as a haunted relic. Factions like Subterranean Acquisitions and the Rodion Decayers add depth to the setting, offering opportunities for trade, betrayal, and conflict. These locations and factions provide players with diverse environments to explore, from derelict ships to bustling space stations, each with its own risks and rewards. They are integral to the game’s gritty, immersive atmosphere, allowing players to navigate power struggles, scavenging missions, and smuggling operations in a lawless galaxy.
Scenarios and Adventures
Death in Space RPG offers thrilling scenarios like “Search and Salvage” and “Echoes in the Void,” where players explore derelict ships, uncover mysteries, and face cosmic dangers.
4.1 “Search and Salvage” Adventure
“Search and Salvage” is an official scenario for Death in Space RPG, where players explore the derelict ship Grasshopper. This adventure challenges crews to navigate hazardous environments, scavenge for supplies, and face unexpected threats. It emphasizes resourcefulness, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure; Designed to integrate seamlessly with the core rules, this mission provides a gripping narrative and opportunities for character development. The scenario includes detailed maps and handouts, making it a complete package for Game Masters to immerse their players in the gritty, unforgiving universe of Death in Space.
4.2 “Echoes in the Void” Adventure
“Echoes in the Void” is a revised adventure for the Death in Space RPG, focusing on the mysterious wreck of the CC571. Players are drawn into a haunting narrative where the remnants of the past hold secrets and dangers. The scenario emphasizes exploration, puzzles, and tense encounters, immersing crews in the eerie atmosphere of a derelict spacecraft. With its rich backstory and intricate setting, this adventure challenges players to uncover the truth behind the CC571’s fate while navigating the risks of scavenging in the void. It provides a unique blend of mystery and survival, perfect for deepening the lore of your Death in Space campaign.
4.3 Additional Scenarios and Missions
Beyond the core adventures, Death in Space RPG offers a variety of additional scenarios and missions to expand your campaign. These include “Cesium 66”, a sector guide for the Iron Ring, and “Transit Precinct 45”, a reverse prison-break scenario. Players can explore derelict ships, negotiate with factions, or uncover hidden secrets in the void. Third-party content, such as zines and community-created missions, further enriches the game world. These scenarios provide diverse playstyles, whether you prefer high-stakes heists, political intrigue, or survival horror. Each mission adds depth to the universe, offering new challenges and opportunities for your crew to thrive—or perish—in the harshness of space.
Game Supplements and Expansions
Death in Space RPG offers various supplements, including additional character origins, maps, and handouts. Third-party content and bonus adventures like “Cesium 66” and “Transit Precinct 45” are available, enhancing gameplay and immersion in the universe. These expansions provide new scenarios, sectors, and tools, ensuring endless adventures for players. Available via platforms like DriveThruRPG and itch.io, these supplements allow players to further customize and expand their interstellar journeys.
5.1 Additional Character Origins
Death in Space RPG expands character customization with additional origins, each offering unique benefits. A single-page PDF includes six new origins, enhancing player options. These origins, such as those featured in the Thoughts & Prayers zine, provide diverse backgrounds and skills, enriching character creation. Players can explore new roles, from scavengers to engineers, adding depth to their crew. These supplements integrate seamlessly with the core rules, offering fresh perspectives for adventures in the Iron Ring sector. Available on platforms like DriveThruRPG and itch.io, these additions ensure limitless customization and immersion in the game’s gritty universe.
5.2 Maps and Handouts
Death in Space RPG provides a variety of maps and handouts to enhance gameplay. These resources include detailed starship layouts, sector maps, and mission briefings, such as those for the “Search and Salvage” scenario. Players and GMs can access character sheets in multiple formats (color, black & white, A4, A5, and letter sizes) for convenience. Additional handouts like cargo manifests and faction insignias immerse players in the game’s gritty universe. These materials are available as downloadable PDFs from platforms like DriveThruRPG and itch.io, ensuring easy access for both physical and digital play. They complement the core rules and scenarios, enriching the overall experience.
5.3 Third-Party Content
Death in Space RPG has inspired a thriving third-party content ecosystem. Creators offer additional character origins, scenarios, and sector expansions, such as “Cesium 66” and “Transit Precinct 45.” These works, often published under the Death in Space Third Party License, expand the game’s universe with new adventures and mechanics. Fans and independent designers contribute through zines, PDFs, and community platforms like itch.io, ensuring a steady stream of fresh material. This vibrant third-party support enriches the game, providing players and GMs with endless options to explore the gritty cosmos of Death in Space.
Availability and Community Support
Death in Space RPG is available as a PDF through platforms like Free League’s webstore and DriveThruRPG. Community support thrives via itch.io, offering scenarios, character sheets, and expansions.
6.1 Where to Purchase the PDF
The Death in Space RPG PDF is available for purchase through various platforms. Fans can acquire it directly from the Free League webstore or via DriveThruRPG. Additionally, the game’s official itch.io page offers a range of scenarios, character sheets, and supplementary materials. Upon purchase, players receive immediate access to the digital version, ensuring they can start their interstellar adventures without delay. The PDF is compatible with multiple devices, making it easy to access rules, character creation tools, and adventures on the go. This convenient availability allows players worldwide to immerse themselves in the gritty, blue-collar future of Death in Space.
6.2 Community-Created Content
The Death in Space RPG community is vibrant and creative, with fans contributing a wealth of additional content. Players can find third-party scenarios, character origins, and handouts created by enthusiasts. For example, the 6 Additional Origins PDF offers new character options, while Search and Salvage provides engaging ship-crawl adventures. Maps and handouts for specific scenarios are also available, enhancing gameplay. These creations, often shared on platforms like itch.io and community forums, showcase the dedication of fans and expand the game’s universe. This thriving community support ensures that players can always find fresh content to enrich their interstellar journeys.
