Astracordis TTRPG: Star Trek-Style Diplomacy in Sci-Fi World
In the vast expanse of science fiction tabletop gaming, the cosmos is often synonymous with conflict. From galactic civil wars to eternal battles in a grim, dark future, the genre is rich with tales of interstellar warfare. But what about the other side of the coin? For every epic battle, there are countless stories of discovery, negotiation, and the thrill of first contact. A new TTRPG, Astracordis, aims to bring those very stories to the forefront, offering a universe where diplomacy and scientific curiosity are your greatest assets.
Currently live on Kickstarter, Astracordis is an indie science fiction role-playing game that deliberately shifts the focus from combat to exploration, research, and intricate diplomacy. It’s a refreshing change of pace for players who find inspiration in the thoughtful voyages of *Star Trek* or the complex linguistic puzzles of *Arrival*. This is a game built from the ground up to reward players for their wits, their empathy, and their ability to navigate complex social and political landscapes.
What is Astracordis?
Astracordis places players in the boots of explorers, scientists, diplomats, and pioneers in a galaxy teeming with life. As members of a species relatively new to the galactic stage, humanity must navigate its relationship with ancient civilizations and the powerful "Interstellar Concordate." The game is designed to create campaigns centered on missions of discovery, mediating interstellar disputes, and making contact with previously unknown species.
Unlike many TTRPGs where combat rules occupy a significant portion of the rulebook, Astracordis gives equal, if not greater, mechanical weight to its social and investigative systems. Here, a tense negotiation is as mechanically robust and engaging as a starship skirmish. The goal isn't necessarily to defeat an enemy, but to understand them, find common ground, or outmaneuver them in a debate that could decide the fate of entire star systems.
How the Game Fosters Diplomacy and Discovery
The core of Astracordis runs on a custom d6 dice pool system designed for narrative flexibility. Players assemble a pool of six-sided dice based on their character's relevant attributes and skills. Any roll of a 4, 5, or 6 counts as a success. Crucially, 6s are "exploding dice," allowing the player to roll an additional die and potentially chain together more successes for a truly outstanding outcome. This system is applied to everything from piloting a starship through an asteroid field to deciphering an alien language.
Character creation is a classless, life-path-style system that encourages deep backstories. Players don't pick a pre-made "class" but instead build their character by choosing their origin, education, and career path. This determines their starting skills, attributes, and gear, resulting in unique and highly specialized individuals ready to tackle the universe's challenges. You might create a xeno-linguist who spent their early years on a remote colony or a hotshot pilot trained in the most prestigious academy.
Key features of the system include:
- Robust Social Mechanics: The game provides a structured framework for diplomacy, allowing players and their Game Master (called the "Stellar Navigator") to run complex social encounters with clear goals and consequences.
- Focus on Investigation: Many missions will revolve around gathering clues, conducting research, and solving cosmic mysteries, making scientists and researchers vital members of any crew.
- Classless Customization: Build the exact character you want to play without being locked into a rigid class structure.
- Narrative-Driven Rules: The dice system is designed to create dramatic successes and failures that push the story forward in interesting ways.
A Dedicated VTT: The Access Terminal
One of the most innovative aspects of Astracordis is its integration with modern technology. Every backer of the game will receive access to the "Access Terminal," a dedicated and free virtual tabletop (VTT) designed specifically for the game. This isn't a third-party add-on but a core part of the experience.
The Access Terminal streamlines gameplay significantly. It features digital character sheets that automatically track stats and inventory, a built-in dice roller that handles the d6 pool mechanics, and a suite of tools for the Stellar Navigator to manage their campaign, from tracking non-player characters to revealing secret information. By including a purpose-built VTT, the creators have lowered the barrier to entry for online play and ensured that the game's unique systems are supported right out of the box.
A Universe for Thinkers and Explorers
Astracordis presents a hopeful vision of the future, where problems are more often solved with a well-reasoned argument than a well-aimed laser blast. It taps into the core appeal of classic science fiction, reminding us that the greatest adventure is the journey into the unknown. For gaming groups tired of rolling for initiative and looking for a TTRPG that challenges their minds and their morals, Astracordis is a signal worth answering. It’s a bold declaration that in the vastness of space, the most powerful weapon can be a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Astracordis?
Astracordis is an independent science fiction tabletop role-playing game that prioritizes exploration, scientific discovery, and diplomacy over combat.
What game system does Astracordis use?
It uses a custom d6 dice pool system where 4s, 5s, and 6s count as successes, and 6s can "explode" to allow additional rolls.
Does Astracordis come with a Virtual Tabletop (VTT)?
Yes, the game includes a free, dedicated VTT called the "Access Terminal," which features digital character sheets, a dice roller, and tools for the Game Master.
What is character creation like in Astracordis?
It features a classless system where players build their characters using a life-path method, choosing their origin, education, and career to determine their abilities.