First playtest complete!

Just a quick update I'd meant to post a few weeks ago...

On July 15, I ran the first test for character creation and skill checks! I also had a chance to teach players about a new XP system that I'm really excited about. It was a small group of four regular Saturday Night Space Opera players--each one a game master in their own right. All of them have at least toyed with game design--one is a published game designer--so it was a great group to solicit feedback from.

We tested three player classes: Starbuckler, Starbarian, and Astrosassin. Turns out I'd really underestimated player agency in level advancement so I'll continue to make adjustments in that regard.

Next steps:
I'm revising some combat mechanics and then (hopefully) finishing some rules for space magic. If I can get the basics squared away by Labor Day, I think I can move on to space-based encounters (starships, etc.).

Stay tuned for more!

Playtest begins in earnest this July!

While I wait for the concept art to take shape, I have the opportunity to get some feedback on rules and setting material. I'm planning on running some Rad Astra sessions beginning in late July. I'll post updates once that gets underway. I'm a little concerned that the player classes are too powerful, so I'm hope to fine tune mechanics.

I'm testing Starbuckler, Astrossassin, and Starbarian first. Space magic and the Astrocaster/Starlocke classes to follow.

And then it's time to work on some alien/robot character creation! (That might be the most asked question I get these days.)

And speaking of concept art, I've been refining source material files (images and text descriptions) for the artist as well as creating a playlist of songs that I think might serve as inspiration. We'll see if it's actually helpful or not. It helps with writing, so I'm hopeful it might do the same with illustration.

Keep your interocitor tuned to this frequency for more updates!

Seeking Artists for Concepting

Rad Astra is heavily influenced by the science fiction and fantasy of the 1970s and 80s. I'm currently looking for illustrators to help flesh out visual concepts (e.g., character classes, technology, spacecraft, aliens/monsters, scenes) for the setting.

My immediate need is for 3-5 black and white concept illustrations for the following four core character classes:

• Starbuckler - Luke, Han, Leia & Lando, Starbuck & Apollo
• Starbarian - Thundarr, Beastmaster, She-ra, St. Examin
• Astrocaster - Dr. Strange, Sorceress (MotU), Adam Warlock, Evil Lynn
• Astrosassin - Barbarella, Stella Star, Black Widow, Gamora

*Astrocaster's description is pending completion, but there is enough to give you some general direction.

Interested?
If interested, please send me a message via my Google Plus profile (private message or email listed there). Please include your rate sheet for commission work.  I can't consider hiring anyone without this basic information (sorry).

Setting Influences and Inspiration
Check out the Player Character classes and Rad Appendix for inspiration. The Rad Astra and Space Opera Pinterest boards below should also be useful.

Follow Rad Astra on Pinterest.

Follow Space Opera on Pinterest.


*Updated 3/18

Planetary Classifications: Civilization Grades

The Hexuba galaxy is constantly yielding new worlds to explore,--including many that have been long lost and rediscovered. To facilitate classification among stellar cartographers , seven categories of planetary bodies have been established, according to the level of civilized settlements found there. They include:

1. ALPHA - Civilizations with advanced technology, interstellar travel

2. BETA - Industrialized societies but no space travel beyond the home system

3. GAMMA - Primitive (stone age to medieval)

4. DELTA -  This category is left purposefully undefined, for newly discovered worlds until they're classified

5. EPSILON -  Cybernetic/computerized worlds or completely non-biological

6. ZETA - Dead worlds, once habitable but life has been extinguished

7. OMEGA - Ruined worlds, where previous ruling civilization has given way to barbarism

None of these categories are meant to convey economic, political, religious, or other such societal aspects. They're merely standards selected to help space travelers assess whether they could end up marooned planetside (taking into account the possibility of hostile encounters) or find adequate technology to sustain their operations (i.e., "Get us off this blasted rock!").