Screaming Into The Void
The luxury spaceliner The Celestial Empress was lost and now found. Salvage her to be rich, but her violent, terrifying secret may shatter your sanity
$25.00
/ Session
Details
Bi-weekly / Monday - 1:30 PM UTC
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
Campaign Length / 3–7 Sessions
0 / 5 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
You are an independent salvage crew, desperate for a major score to secure your future. Your ship has just picked up a decades-old distress signal from the legendary luxury spaceliner, The Celestial Empress, which vanished fifteen years ago. Finding this "space Titanic" and securing the salvage claim means an astronomical, life-changing payday. All you have to do is board the derelict, art-deco titan and bring back proof of your find. The Empress is no simple ghost ship; it is a tomb saturated with a violent, terrifying secret. This is a psychological sci-fi horror adventure where sanity and reality are rapidly breaking down. You must brave an unseen, crushing force that defeated the original crew, pushing your mind toward paranoia and psychosis. Will you be able to hold onto your reality long enough to get the proof of your claim?
Game style
Combat Lite
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Meet the Game Master
4 years on StartPlaying
5 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Beginner Friendly, Storytelling
About me
I've been playing games since 2005 and running games since 2010. I've played a good sampling of games and I've GMed D&D 3.5 and 5e, Numenera, Cypher System, Mouse Guard, Masks, and more. I run a podcast with some friends (DnD RAW) and used to teach students (ages 8-17) how to play and run their own games of D&D (running and playing basics, table etiquette, safety tools, and table management). I lean into the rule of cool and opt for a good time! If we're running a one shot I'm hoping to give you a mix of a taste of the rules, a sense of the setting, and a whole lot of fun!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
Cypher System you may use any content in the SRD and available on Cypher System Tools (https://tools.cypher-system.com account required, Free). I can also provide some pre-generated characters to select from. Characters should be Tier 1 and can use anything available in the Cypher System Core rulebook. They should fit within the Sci-fi theme (this will be a sci-fi focused game with horror elements). You may also use The Stars Are Fire content. If using https://tools.cypher-system.com the options you may select from: Campaign Genre: Any or Science Fiction Flavors: Combat, Protection, Skills and Knowledge, Stealth, Technology Character Type: Any Focus: Any Descriptor: No species descriptors (you're all humans) Second Descriptor: None, you all only have one descriptor Power Shifts: None Additionally you may start with 1 melee and 1 ranged inexpensive or moderately priced weapon free of charge, roll for your starting Cyphers (you may have your max cyphers to start). Use your Type to determine how many additional pieces of equipment and of what value you may have. Feel free to ask for guidance at any time. Books: Cypher System Core Rules: Science Fiction section and The Stars Are Fire may be used as references.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
For voice and video we will use Zoom. Having the app is preferable but not required, you may use it through your browser if you prefer. Cameras are not required. A audio (headphones and a mic) set up is preferred to cut down on background noises that would be distractions to other players. We will use Roll20 for any maps or rolling, but you may also use physical dice if you prefer/feel comfortable. Roll20.net is free to sign up and use, you will be invited to the game. If you prefer to use your character sheet in a PDF or printed, you will need to provide me a copy beforehand for reference, but you're welcome to not use the built in rollers on Roll20 and instead use a roller of choice or physical dice.
What Rachael Swertfeger (JadeVala) brings to the table
I will have pre-gens available to choose from if you'd prefer to not build your character. Through Roll20 there will be cheat sheets and reference guides available. If you've never played before I will go over all of the rules and how to play so you won't need to study ahead of time! I run games combat light and role-play heavy so I encourage you to get into character and I will do my best to make the NPCs feel alive and real. I want the game to be fun and as immersive as the players want. I welcome feedback after the game as well to improve experience.
Homebrew rules
Rules as written on a Natural 1 I get a free GM intrusion, but I have a homebrew rule that if you'd like to negate the intrusion you may pay 1 XP, if you'd also like to reroll, you may pay an additional 1 XP.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Rachael Swertfeger (JadeVala) creates a safe table
For safety I have the Monte Cook Checklist I can review with the players otherwise you can private message me (on here or in game) any lines and veils you have. I have open door policy. My only request is that if you have to get up and step away just let us know if you will be back (again, in chat in fine, just a BRB message). I schedule breaks and at any time if you need or want one you are welcome to request one (if you don't want to miss the story) or just pop off for a few. I use the X card, if something comes up that is crossing ANY line for you just put an X in the chat (I may message you discreetly just to clarify what crossed the line to avoid it in the rest of the game). Stars and wishes at the end, if we have time! I love to end the game with a bit of chatter about what worked or didn't, what you liked, exchange socials and the likes, but I know games can run longer than intended sometimes.
Content warnings
Safety tools used