The Big Empty
In this game, we have been exploring the universe of James SA Corey's The Expanse.
TYPE
SYSTEM
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$5.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Sunday - 10:30 PM UTC
Mar 8 / Session 68
Session Duration / 3–3.5 hours
5 / 15 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
5/15
About the adventure
We had over 3 years of an intense campaign with a core crew, but now we're opening up the world to new players. We are officially off the rails. Where we’re going, we don’t need canon. The key things to know coming in: Instead of Medina Station/Transport Union, we have Elysium. It's functionally the same, just a different name. A big conflict just wrapped up in which the Builders attempted to create the hivemind and failed. The Adro Diamond has been destroyed. The Builders are gone. The protomolecule has nothing left to listen to—though it hasn’t stopped trying. Across the gates, whole worlds have become something new, joined in shared consciousness, a side effect of the Builder's attempted takeover. Collectively, they like to be referred to as World-Beings. Humanity no longer has a single center. Earth is still where we’re from, but it's importance beyond that is waning, as they turn inward to try and fix long-term issues on Earth. Mars, under under new leadership, has brought the Teraforming project back with trade in protomoleclule-derived science and technology from the colonies, they are seeing progress like they haven't in decades and believe they aren't far from a breathable atmosphere. As such, the new, revitalized Mars is the big player from Sol System on the Galactic stage these days. Protomolecule derived tech is everywhere. People are using it to alter themselves, and that's becoming a more and more accepted thing, though it is not without its objectors. The campaign has pivoted to a "thing of the week" West-Marches Style where players can pitch missions. You will be an agent of Elysium called to visit the struggling worlds and help them with their myriad problems.
Game style
West Marches
Sandbox / Open World
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
3 years on StartPlaying
85 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Knows the Rules
About me
At Puzzlebox Events, we specialize in high-quality, interactive game experiences designed to bring small groups together in a truly unique and entertaining fashion. Puzzlebox is primarily a party entertainment service, however, we also offer online Professional GMing here through StartPlaying and bring that same quality game experience to the digital world. I'm Josh, co-founder and Creative Director of Puzzlebox Events. I am also a librarian, poet, and writer. Drawing from my eclectic background, I craft unforgettable gaming experiences that cater to both experienced and newcomers alike. My approach to game mastering is deeply player-focused, welcoming to newcomers, and infused with rich narratives. With a background in libraries, I've honed my skills in facilitating games for diverse audiences, from adults to grade schoolers and teens, with a particular knack for adventures tailored to kids and novices to the hobby. In addition to my endeavors at Puzzlebox Events, I moderate the vibrant Discord community Doors and Corners, dedicated to The Expanse RPG. Here, I orchestrate thrilling one-shots and Ship Combat simulators, adding layers of excitement to the gaming experience. Having played in and run TTRPGs since childhood, my passion for the craft only grows stronger with each passing year, with over a decade of experience under my belt. Whether you need someone to orchestrate a long-running campaign for you and your friends or conduct a dynamic one-shot adventure for team-building exercises among coworkers and other groups, I can be your guy. Please note, that while I proudly draw from my librarian background as part of my public persona, my role here at Puzzlebox Events is independent of any library or educational institution affiliation. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together, where every roll of the dice unveils new possibilities!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
New characters will start at Level 5, and we will walk through character creation before the start of the game. If you have The Expanse RPG book, feel free to make a character in advance, but it won't be necessary, as I will walk you through that process. The other players who have been in the game for a while will have higher level characters and relationships with one another. This is just the nature of the beast. Where I can, I will even the playing field. Each adventure will be as self-contained as possible and not be dependent on having knowledge form the prior 3 years of games. We are in a wide-open era with far more to explore, with unique takes on the Expanse lore. You and your fellow players will guide this journey by suggesting missions for the group in the off weeks.
We had over 3 years of an intense campaign with a core crew, but now we're opening up the world to new players. We are officially off the rails. Where we’re going, we don’t need canon. The key things to know coming in: Instead of Medina Station/Transport Union, we have Elysium. It's functionally the same, just a different name. A big conflict just wrapped up in which the Builders attempted to create the hivemind and failed. The Adro Diamond has been destroyed. The Builders are gone. The protomolecule has nothing left to listen to—though it hasn’t stopped trying. Across the gates, whole worlds have become something new, joined in shared consciousness, a side effect of the Builder's attempted takeover. Collectively, they like to be referred to as World-Beings. Humanity no longer has a single center. Earth is still where we’re from, but it's importance beyond that is waning, as they turn inward to try and fix long-term issues on Earth. Mars, under under new leadership, has brought the Teraforming project back with trade in protomoleclule-derived science and technology from the colonies, they are seeing progress like they haven't in decades and believe they aren't far from a breathable atmosphere. As such, the new, revitalized Mars is the big player from Sol System on the Galactic stage these days. Protomolecule-derived tech is everywhere. People are using it to alter themselves, and that's becoming a more and more accepted thing, though it is not without its objectors, specifically an activist group called O.M.E.L.A.S. using old extremist OPA tactics. The campaign has pivoted to a "thing of the week" West-Marches Style where players can pitch missions. You will be an agent of Elysium called to visit the struggling worlds and help them with their myriad problems. Let me know in advance if you can't make a session, or "skip" yourself on the sessions you plan to miss. This is to prevent you from being charged...unless you really want to just give me money for nothing, which you are more than welcome to do.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
You should have the following: - A Discord account. - A Webcam - Access to a Google Drive (so that you can access the Player Tool document). - A browser, should we use Owlbear Rodeo.
What GM Josh @ Puzzlebox Events brings to the table
I have a player tools document I will send you that includes a character sheet, as well as several other pages of useful reference material.
Homebrew rules
We do indeed have some homebrew rules regarding Protomolecue Tech and "Corruption". I will also be using my own take on Ship Combat, when that becomes relevant. Don't worry. I will give you all the tools to be successful. This game will always be beginner-friendly. My table has some of the kindest folks you will ever meet.
Equipment needed to play
Microphone
Computer
Platforms used
Safety
How GM Josh @ Puzzlebox Events creates a safe table
We will discuss Lines and Veils as well as character creation. The content of this one shot can get intense, but that can exist on a dial. Should players not be comfortable with certain elements of the story, I can and will dial that aspect back.
Content warnings
Safety tools used