Starfinder 2E: Absalom Prime | 18+ | Beginner Safe | Safe Space
Absalom Prime, the credits pit of the Pact Worlds. Do you have what it takes to thrive as a Driftrunner on its streets? Get your crew and find out.
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SYSTEM
EXPERIENCE
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About the adventure
Welcome to Absalom Prime, not just a city, but an entire world swallowed by progress. From the sun-kissed Crown Spires of the corporate elite to the perpetually dim Under-Sprawl where ancient magic and forgotten tech intertwine, every inch of Golarion is now a dizzying, multi-layered urban expanse. You're one of trillions trying to carve out a living in The Grindstone, a sprawling mid-level district where neon dreams clash with harsh reality. Life here is cheap, but freedom is priceless. The Pact Worlds found Absalom Prime centuries ago, not to liberate, but to capitalize. Now, vast corporations like AbadarCorp control everything, from the air you breathe to the very thought of space travel. The glittering promise of the stars is a tantalizing lie for most, monopolized and sold at exorbitant rates, trapping countless within the city's endless layers. But the corporate grip isn't absolute. Whispers of resistance echo through the back alleys of The Grindstone, carried by independent infobrokers and defiant street art. There are secrets buried deep within Absalom Prime's ancient foundations, treasures that predate the corporations, and opportunities to break their chokehold. You and your crew are tired of being small cogs in a corporate machine. You've heard the stories, seen the cracks in the system. The time has come to make your own luck. Will you uncover forgotten truths, hijack a corporate convoy, or ignite a rebellion from the shadows? Absalom Prime is a gilded cage, but its walls are built on secrets, and you're ready to tear them down.
Game style
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
About me
For two decades, the tapestry of storytelling has been my life's work. It's not merely a hobby, but a passionate pursuit to craft worlds where the extraordinary becomes reality. My greatest joy lies in witnessing players step into these realms, not as passive observers, but as architects of their own destinies. I've dedicated myself to building environments where they can explore, thrive, and transform into the heroes, rogues, or scholars their hearts envision. Whether it's scaling impossible peaks, unraveling ancient mysteries, or forging alliances that shape the fate of kingdoms, I champion their every aspiration, ensuring their tales echo through the ages. My journey has been one of constant learning, a deep dive into the intricate machinery of tabletop role-playing. I’ve explored dozens of systems, each a unique lens through which to view the art of collaborative narrative. From the gritty realism of one system to the fantastical whimsy of another, I've honed my ability to discern the perfect fit for each group, each story, each player. Understanding the nuances of different storytelling styles allows me to tailor experiences that resonate deeply, ensuring every participant feels seen and empowered. I've learned that a true storyteller doesn't dictate the path, but illuminates the possibilities, guiding players toward the epic goals they set for themselves. This love for the hobby, far from diminishing over the years, has only intensified. It's a living, breathing passion that continues to evolve, weaving itself ever more deeply into the fabric of my life. To share this passion, to invite others into the worlds I've painstakingly crafted, is a privilege I cherish. I am eager to see the stories you will write, the characters you will embody, and the adventures we will embark on together. Let us forge legends that will be told and retold for years to come, and I will be there, every step of the way, to celebrate your triumphs and champion your dreams.
View Profile →Reviews (10)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Creativity
Storytelling
Going into a 15th session with Dan and I can guarantee that any prospective players of theirs will not regret time spent at their game table. Plenty of room for player creativity and tons of fun character interactions among many other positive points are what you can expect.
I've been playing RPGs with captpandaddy for a few years now. Between random one shots and a long starfinder campaign we've had a lot of fun moments. If you have an idea for a character they'll give you some fun homebrew rules to help you with the fantasy you have for your character. I had a vesk who had a military leadership background, and they gave me a custom skill (leadership) which helped me convince enemies to join our side when they saw a capable leader. I was also given a custom devil shotgun and a devil minion, so I felt like a strong commander that lead from the front, and by example. He is still my favorite character I've had in an RPG to date, and none of it would have been possible without the amazing homebrew. Encounters always felt fair and exciting. Also willing to tone it down/up depending on the needs of the party. They will also help you if you're unsure of your characters abilities. Overall a stellar DM who cares about the players, and is willing to invest as much into your character as you are.
I have always had such an amazing time playing with Dan as my DM. I was brand new to the game when I joined and I was welcomed with open arms. Dan has always been very patient and accepting of the people we play with and I know that he puts a lot of work into each session to ensure we're all having a great time while playing an amazing story!
This stalwart fellow has been a companion and GM for me for going on 9 years now. I love his sense of creativity and the freedom he gives his players to take control of situations. This means that sometimes very creative solutions to problems can arise that neither the party nor our illustrious GM can predict, leading to hilarity and a sense of accomplishment not found in many places other than a TTRPG. I would recommend him to anyone, especially someone just starting their sojourn into TTRPGs.
Character creation
Creating your character
There will be a free session zero to assist in building characters. If you wish, you can use whatever source you have available and create a level 1 character with standard Starfinder 2E rules. You can find them for free at 2e.aonsrd.com This will be an urban adventure with high fantasy elements worked in. There will be minimal space travel, and survival will be how well you can make it on the streets of Absalom We will be using the Stamina and Free-Archetype variant rules from Pathfinder2E, see more details in Homebrew Rules.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
We will be using Discord for voice chat. You will need a free Discord account, and I will provide a link to my Discord channel before session zero. I will be running with Foundry Virtual Tabletop, this program doesn't require you to download anything outside of making sure your web browser is up to date. I have had good experience with Google Chrome and loading the Foundry Server that I will host during game nights. My Personal Cancellation Policy, which does not supersede StartPlayings policy in any way. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p3nbEjYZ1PqlLU28W2hm5uUgwoRPGBFM/view?usp=drivesdk
What CaptPanDad / Dan brings to the table
Welcome, traveler! For two decades, my greatest passion has been crafting incredible sci-fi worlds for players to explore. My joy comes from seeing you step into these universes, not just as players, but as the architects of your own epic destinies. I specialize in freeform narratives, weaving stories on the fly that give every character a chance to have their unforgettable, shining moment. I absolutely love seeing rich character interactions unfold, and I design our combat to be a dynamic, high-octane affair that showcases your unique abilities. However, the real magic is in the challenges that go beyond blaster fire, requiring clever thinking and daring teamwork to succeed. At my table, the "Rule of Cool" always wins out over rigid rulebooks. I'm here to champion your boldest ideas! I'm always excited to work with you to create custom technology or unique alien species to bring your wildest character concepts to life. So, prepare to explore lost ancient ruins, outwit ruthless corporations, and become the star-bound hero you envision. Together, let's forge legends that will echo through the void for years to come!
Homebrew rules
I am an avid believer in the "Rule of Cool", not "Rules as Written". So be prepared for the rules to be set aside for those epic character moments! That said, we will be using the Stamina and Free Archetype Rules from Pathfinder 2E. Stamina replaces traditional Hit Points with a two-tiered system: Stamina Points (SP) and Resolve Points (RP). SP are more easily recovered during combat through specific actions, allowing for sustained engagement, while RP represent more serious, less easily healed damage. This encourages a more dynamic combat flow and less reliance on constant magical healing. Free Archetype rule grants players an additional class feat at every even-numbered level, which must be used to take feats from an archetype. This greatly expands character options, allowing players to incorporate diverse thematic elements and abilities into their builds without sacrificing core class progression, leading to more versatile and unique characters.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How CaptPanDad / Dan creates a safe table
I believe that a safe and comfortable gaming environment is paramount for everyone to truly enjoy the story we build together. That's why I prioritize a comprehensive suite of safety tools at my table: Breaks: I understand that sometimes you just need a moment to step away. We'll take regular breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or simply decompress. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, a quick call for a "break" (or a silent hand signal) is always welcome, and we'll pause the action without question. Lines and Veils: Before we even begin, we'll discuss Lines and Veils. "Lines" are topics that are completely off-limits for the game, things we will not include at all, ever. "Veils" are topics that might be part of the story but will be "faded to black" or handled off-screen, without graphic detail. This ensures we respect everyone's boundaries regarding sensitive content. Monte Cook's RPG Consent Checklist: I utilize this checklist to systematically cover various potentially sensitive topics before the game starts. It's a clear, organized way to ensure we've discussed potential content ranging from violence and horror to romance and body image, allowing you to explicitly opt-in or opt-out of certain themes. Session 0: Every campaign begins with a dedicated Session 0. This is our time to create characters, establish expectations, discuss house rules, define the tone of the game, and most importantly, get to meet those you will be telling a collective story with. It's an open forum for questions, concerns, and making sure everyone feels heard and ready to dive in. Stars and Wishes: At the end of each session, we'll do "Stars and Wishes." "Stars" are things you particularly enjoyed or appreciated during the session. "Wishes" are things you hope to see more of, or anything you'd like to change or improve for future sessions. This is a crucial feedback mechanism that allows us to continuously tailor the game to everyone's enjoyment and comfort. X-Card: The X-Card is a simple, yet incredibly powerful tool. If anything comes up during the game that makes you uncomfortable, simply tap the X-Card (a physical or virtual card). When the X-Card is used, I will immediately skip, edit, or rewind the problematic content, no questions asked. We don't need to discuss why; the immediate priority is your comfort. My goal is for every player to feel secure, respected, and fully engaged in our shared storytelling experience. Your comfort and enjoyment are my highest priority.