Blog Posts

Let's Read “Codex of the Black Sun” - Black Stars Uncounted

Codex of the Black Sun’s first chapter, Black Stars Uncounted, discusses mixing sorcery into sci-fi. The opening paragraph frames the entire conversation of the book: What are the considerations for adding sorcery to your Stars without Number’s campaign?

{{% blockquote cite=““Codex of the Black Sun: Interstellar Sorcery and Magic for Stars without Number” by Kevin Crawford p3” %}} There has always been a strain of sorcery …

Let's Read “Codex of the Black Sun”

Welcome to the inaugural post in a series of posts in which I read Codex of the Black Sun (or CotBS), a sorcery and magic supplement for Stars without Number.

This new series is a follow-on to my “Let’s Read Stars without Number” series.

Introduction

For those looking for magic in their space setting—Hello Spelljammer fans—this may be the supplement for you.

As someone that grew up reading fantasy or science …

Let's Read “Stars without Number” - Game Master Resources

Stars without Number’s Game Master Resources chapter discusses common complications, interstellar trade, converting prior from edition, house rules, name generators, and one-roll generators.

First a discussion about ensuring the game is played and prepared for your table:

{{% blockquote cite=““Stars without Number: Revised Deluxe Edition” by Kevin Crawford p231” %}}The most important thing you can remember as a GM running …

Let's Read “Stars without Number” - Factions

Stars without Number’s Factions chapter provides a system for setting the campaign in motion; With tools for mechanically describing campaign elements and pitting them against each other.

The section on Using Factions in Your Game argues that a formal, yet simple, system to manage factions creates surprises for the GM; A lucky die roll from an underdog faction becomes a major news story in your campaign. Something that the players might be …

Let's Read “Stars without Number” - Xenobestiary

Stars without Number’s Xenobestiary chapter sets the tone by reinforcing a sandbox-style play. The following paragraph opens the discussions about encounters; Give players notice about looming hellbeasts; Street thugs won’t likely fight until the bitter end; And most importantly, reiterating that combat is dangerous!

{{% blockquote cite=““Stars without Number: Revised Deluxe Edition” by Kevin Crawford p193” %}} Before …