With names like Warhammer 40,000 and Star Wars, it's clear the sci-fi genre has an abundance of intergalactic warfare. While that's understandably a lot of fun, war isn't the only aspect worth exploring in the genre. Stories such as Star Trek and Arrival prove there's beauty and excitement in the art of diplomacy and exploration. If you've always wanted a more peaceful spacefaring TTRPG, then Astracordis may be for you.
Astracordis takes place right after a devastating war that shook the galaxy. Though everyone is licking their wounds, the galaxy remains a volatile vat of fury, just waiting to explode. You can choose from eight races as your main character before joining up with a crew of fellow explorers. Unlike other tabletop RPGs, classes are not predefined, leaving the player free to craft their character how they please.
The setting is simple yet ripe for expansion, a familiar yet exciting vibe of Star Trek exploration. That feeling is further elevated by the TTRPG's other core feature, a digital Access Terminal. This application covers everything you'd need in an Astracordis game, and can be used from a computer or smartphone.
Whereas other tabletop apps are simply for resources or simple dice rolls, the Astracordis app seamlessly blends with the setting thanks to its aesthetic. While optional, the app is honestly what drew me to the game in the first place. Done right, it may be the perfect bridge between pen-and-paper and virtual tabletop.
The gameplay itself is a twist on the traditional d100 system. While it takes some getting used to, the developers promise simplicity in actual play. The bulk of the game focuses on the aforementioned peaceful endeavors, but don't think it's a crew of pacifists. When tensions boil over, the crew have plenty of ways to defend themselves.
As of this writing, Astracordis hasn't reached its funding goal, but it's getting close. If any of the above interests you, consider supporting the Astracordis Kickstarter campaign and help realize this first-time developer's dream.
You can find some new crewmates of your own at the Wargamer Discord. For a return to wars among the stars, the best Star Wars board games should get you situated.