Free Rain: An Introductory Module for Stars Without Number
A risky job aboard the battered free trader Free Rain spirals into danger, teaching you Stars Without Number through action on ground and in space.
TYPE
SYSTEM
LEVELS
LANGUAGE
EXPERIENCE
AGE
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Friday - 3:00 PM UTC
Mar 20
Session Duration / 3–4 hours
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Free Rain is an introductory one-shot adventure for Stars Without Number (Revised Edition), designed for 3–5 first-level characters. The story begins with a simple job aboard a battered free trader, but quickly escalates into danger, hard choices, and life among the stars. Expect a grounded, pulpy sci-fi tone—closer to Firefly, Alien, or The Expanse than space opera heroics. This adventure is built to teach the system through play. Players will encounter skill checks, ground combat, hacking, starship navigation, space combat, pursuit, and evasion—giving everyone a hands-on feel for how Stars Without Number works without requiring prior experience. Rules explanations are woven into the session, and new players are very welcome. My GM style emphasizes player choice, cinematic action, and collaborative storytelling. Clever plans are rewarded, violence has consequences, and the universe reacts to what you do. Whether you’re a veteran RPG player new to SWN or completely new to tabletop sci-fi, this game is meant to be accessible, fast-moving, and fun. If all goes well, your crew might just walk away with something priceless: a ship—and a future among the stars.
Game style
Combat Lite
Roleplay Lite
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Theater of the Mind
Organized Play
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(12)
2 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Voices, Sets the Mood
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hello! My name is Michael, I'm 35, I live in Chicago, and I have been playing Dungeons & Dragons since the AD&D days (DMing for 19 years). When I am not performing on the stage I am DMing for groups of players from all over the world. I have been playing D&D5E since the beginning (2014) and love the system. I have hosted over a thousand sessions and have more than 16,000 hours of experience with online table top gaming. I'm down for meeting new people, exploring vast dungeons, slaying monsters, and saving the multiverse, one plane of existence at a time.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Characters will be created before the session, with each player having a brief one-on-one moment with me to build their character. This keeps the game moving smoothly and makes sure everyone starts with a character that fits both the adventure and the rules. All characters will begin at Level 1 using the Stars Without Number: Revised Edition ruleset. No prior experience with the system is required—I’ll walk you through the process, explain options, and help shape a character that matches the kind of sci-fi story you want to play. We’ll figure out the details together once you’ve joined the game, including stats, background, and role aboard the ship. You won’t need to worry about rulebooks or prep ahead of time—just come with a concept (or none at all) and be ready to play.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Before the game, players will need a free Roll20 account and access to Discord for voice-only communication. I’ll provide links to both the Roll20 game and my Discord server once you’ve joined. Please make sure you have a working headset and microphone, and a stable internet connection to ensure clear communication during play. No additional software or rulebooks are required. Everything else—including character creation and game setup—will be handled together before the session so you can jump in ready to play.
What Michael brings to the table
I provide custom maps, tokens, and visual backdrops on Roll20 to support both ground encounters and starship action. The goal is clarity and immersion without slowing the game down. I use character voices and light voice acting to help NPCs feel distinct and memorable, and I enjoy leaning into roleplay moments when players engage with them. Expect a lively table with plenty of in-character interaction. My GM style is friendly, social, and player-first. I care more about everyone having a good time than strict rules enforcement, and I happily lean into the Rule of Cool when it makes the scene better. Combat can be tense and exciting, but the focus is always on fun, storytelling, and player choice rather than punishing optimization. You can expect a welcoming table where questions are encouraged, creativity is rewarded, and the goal is to leave the session smiling—whether you win the fight or barely escape with your lives.
Homebrew rules
n/a
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Michael creates a safe table
Player comfort always comes first. During the one-on-one character creation chat, we’ll take time to discuss any boundaries, sensitivities, or preferences you have so the game stays fun and respectful for everyone. I’m happy to use Lines and Veils, content limits, or any other safety tools players need. These can be shared privately, and you never have to explain more than you’re comfortable with. If something comes up during play, players can message me directly on Discord at any time. I keep an open, supportive table and check in as needed—before, during, and after the session—to make sure everyone is having a good time. The goal is a game where you feel safe, heard, and excited to play, not stressed or uncomfortable.
Content warnings
Safety tools used