Image by Jordy Knoop
Conspiracy in the Stars - 5e Dark Matter
D&D in SPAAAAAAAACE! Step into a universe of bounty hunters, galactic explorers, and daring space marines and try and unravel an assassination plot.
TYPE
SYSTEM
LEVELS
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$20.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Sunday - 9:00 PM UTC
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
Campaign Length / 3+ Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Get ready to blast off into a thrilling adventure with Conspiracy in the Stars, a Dungeons & Dragons 5e Dark Matter module designed for players who crave a unique blend of sci-fi intrigue and classic fantasy! Are you a veteran player looking for a fresh challenge, or a newcomer eager to explore the vastness of space with your D20 in hand? This game is for you! If you thrive on rich narratives, compelling mysteries, and the chance to shape a dynamic story, then prepare to leave the familiar fantasy realms behind and venture into the 'Verse and the cosmic unknown. Conspiracy in the Stars launches you into the vibrant, yet perilous, setting in an alternative Milky Way Galaxy, a sprawling expanse teeming with diverse alien cultures, advanced magical technology, and ancient, forgotten secrets. The theme weaves together classic sci-fi tropes of interstellar exploration and political manoeuvring with the high-stakes action and character-driven drama you expect from D&D. Imagine shadowy mega corporations vying for control, burgeoning rebellions challenging established powers, and the chilling whispers of a cosmic horror lurking just beyond the veil of known space. My playstyle emphasizes immersive storytelling, player agency, and a healthy dose of cinematic flair. Expect a balance of challenging combat encounters that require strategic thinking, intricate social roleplaying opportunities where your choices truly matter, and intriguing puzzles that will test your wits. I love to encourage character development, allowing your heroes to grow and evolve as they face the trials of the 'Verse. While the initial start of the campaign is structured to introduce players into the world and there is mysteries to pursue, this is a sand box campaign where players can strike out on your own. Want to explore the mysteries of Dead Magic Zones and discover the lost worlds, or do you want to take whatever jobs you can find as mercenaries for hire, either are options here. Either way we'll delve deep into the lore, explore uncharted planets, and interact with a cast of memorable NPCs, all while striving to make every session feel like a pivotal chapter in an unfolding saga. Prepare for a game where your actions have consequences, and your collective decisions could ultimately determine the fate of the stars!
Game style
Sandbox / Open World
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(7)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Knows the Rules
About me
Welcome, come stay a while and listen! I am a long time gamemaster, and avid tabletop roleplay player. I have been running games for pretty much most of my life from ad hoc adventures in the park when I was a much younger for my friends, regular online sessions, to much grander in person immersive experiences. I always strive to foster a welcoming and safe space for all the people at my table, to allow all to enjoy their hobby. Game Philosophy: - Collaborative Story Telling - we are all here for the same reason, to tell amazing stories, including the gamemaster. - The world is a living one- I like to run games that are fully alive and that the characters are inhabiting, meaning that decisions have consequences, good or bad. - Rules are a framework for a game to enable great moments, if those rules need unique exceptions then so be it. - Player agency - my players are free to choose their own consequences as long as they do not take away from the others at the table. - Serious and Silly - I expect my players to take the story and characters seriously but that does not mean they can not be silly. Roleplay games are meant to be enjoyable, dumb jokes and comedy offers levity to the more serious notes in a story. Favourite Systems: - Dungeons and Dragons - Dark Matter - Call of Cthulhu - Pirate Borg - Alien RPG Thank you for reading this far, if any of this sounds like something you would enjoy then please check out my games or contact me.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Due to Dark Matter having a variety of unique player options, including Races, subclasses, a unique class, feats, backgrounds and skills, there will be a FREE Session 0 to allow players to generate their heroes together. All characters will start at level 3, with some connection between the characters to help enable better gameplay and roleplay in the initial sessions. These will be discussed and come up with during session 0. All classes are available from the core 5e (2014) ruleset, however I would highly advise looking into the unique class options for this setting in the Dark Matter core rule book. In addition I am happy to accept any other of Hit Point Press' classes and subclasses as long as they are discussed during session 0 or before campaign start. I run array statistics of 17 15 13 12 10 8 distributed however you wish. I find this allows for real character customisation, opens up more options for interesting feats.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Players need to have access to a microphone and a webcam, as well as Discord (https://discord.com/) for voice and video calls, I prefer videos as it allows for greater engagement with myself and other players however if you feel more comfortable with just voice that that is understandable. The game will be run in Alchemy (https://alchemyrpg.com/), a free account is required to sign into the game to gain access to the all game materials, character sheets and digital dice rolling.
What Rich brings to the table
I strive for an immersive experience, this includes ambient music, cinematic backdrops and occasional silly voices. Combat is a mix of tactical and free form depending what the situation calls for. I am of the school of Rule of Cool over the Rules as Written so if you have a creative solution to a problem then go for it. I expect players to want to engage with the story and engage with the other players collaboratively, but the characters are more the welcome to explore any aspect of the story they choose. Any abuse or inter-player conflict will not be tolerated, and I expect the players to expect the same from me.
Homebrew rules
I always allow full Hit Points on level up, this is so I can balance encounters better across the party. Also I implement the Bonus action for drinking a potion or a full action to drink a potion with mas hit points gained. All of these mean that encounters tend to be a little more deadly than normal, however I am here to tell a compelling story with consequences and not to TPK every other encounter. I tend to make Death Saves private to add more tension to the game however if the group wishes to have the public then that is not an issue.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Rich creates a safe table
Due to the nature of the setting, this game is a 15 - 18+/R movie rating depending on the table. However I will send a link to a fillable Lines and Veils document to be filled in if needed. I use Alchemy and that has in built Lines and Veils for players with an account as well as X-card system. In game I use the "fade to black" message or audible cue for a topic that a player is uncomfortable with and wants to the scene to end. Any issues that arise in the game that players wish to discus can be done post game privately via video, audio or message.
Content warnings
Safety tools used