SOLARCRAWL
contents
(Playtest Version 0.2 MOONSHOT)
“My batteries are low and it is getting dark.”
Opportunity Rover, Mars
Written and Illustrated by Galen Pejeau
TOUCHSTONES:
The Outer Wilds by Mobius Digital, No Man’s Sky by
Hello Games, The Black Hack, by David Black, For
All Mankind, by Ronald D. Moore, Gravity, by Alfonso
Cuaron, Blades in the Dark, by John Harper, The Manga
works of Hayao Miyazaki, Paleo by Peter Rustemeyer
Solarcrawl is a campaign framework that takes the dungeon
crawling fantasy of the Black Hack and transposes it
onto an entirely different genre of bold exploration and
discovery: the dawn of a Space Age!
One of you will take on the role of the Game Master (called
Mission Control, or the MC in this game) and present an
entire solar system of wonders never witnessed before. The
rest will take on the job of playing the Astronauts: bold
heroes who strap into multistage rockets and risk their lives
to make a better world.
In addition to the change of genre Solarcrawl also uses a
few assets to put players into the boots of their Astronauts.
Each new celestial object will come with a hexmap as well
as an exploration deck that will be prepared by the MC in
advance.
1 2
CORE MECHANICS
Not every action that an Astronaut takes requires a die roll,
only those with interesting consequences waiting behind Basic Mechanics----pg 2.
either result. When you do take such an action, you make an
Attribute Test based against the Attribute most appropriate Mission Phase-------pg 4.
to the action by attempting to roll under its value on a d20.
Classes--------------pg 11.
Some rolls will be made with Advantage, meaning that the
player rolls the d20 twice and picks the best result, others
Basic Gear----------pg 15.
will be made with Disadvantage, meaning that the player
rolls the d20 twice and picks the worst possible outcome.
Powers--------------pg 17.
The MC never rolls the dice. If an Astronaut is attacked by
an NPC (Non-Player Character), or needs to avoid a hazard Homeworld Phase-pg19.
they make the appropriate test, and roll the damage dice
against themselves if they fail. Advanced Gear----pg 23.
This game also features the Usage Die in many places. MC’s Section-------pg 27.
When using an item with a Usage Die, add the marked
die type to the appropriate roll. If the result is a 1-2, then
Alien Artifacts-----pg 29.
reduce the Usage Die by one die type for any future rolls.
If the Usage Die is a d4 and comes up 1-2, then the supply
Bestiary-------------pg 31.
in question has run out and may not be used again until
replenished. For Issued Gear, this usually means a return
home, for many Alien Relics, replenishment will not be
possible.
There are four classes in Points of Light:
PATHFINDER
soldier, ranger & diplomat
FIELD SCIENTIST
doctor & expert in alien relics
ORBITAL TECH
operation & repairs for ships, and gear
SPACEWALKER
strange master of void energies
 ATTRIBUTES THE MISSION PHASE
Your Astronaut’s Attributes are generated with 3d6 in Astronauts arrive at their destination, explore outside the
BEYOND THE the following order: Strength (STR), Dexterity (DEX), Landing Vehicle, and try to maximize their time before the
Constitution (CON), Intelligence (INT), Wisdom (WIS), SAVES
BLACK constraints of air and fuel require them to return home.
A short list of other games and Charisma (CHA). If a stat of 15+ is rolled the next
must be rolled with 2d6 + 2, then continue with 3d6 until Whenever something
whose mechanics & design
the end or another 15+ is rolled. Once all stats are generated would happen to an
inspired this one: THE PLAYER’S TURN Astronaut that they
2 may be swapped.
might be able to avoid
Ultraviolet Grasslands During a player’s turn their Astronaut may move and
All Stats are useful in the unknown, and this game follows the consequences of,
by Luka Rejec, perform an action. Actions may include using a device,
Luka Rejec’s principle of considering Charisma to be a player makes a kind of
Into the Odd searching an area, communicating with an NPC, using a
sort of Luck Stat. Mission Control may not believe in luck, test known as a save.
by Chris McDowall power, taking a second Move, or using a tool or weapon.
Knave but no spacer that has gazed upon Infinity’s starry expanse Most of these will involve making at least one Attribute
would like to get on her bad side. Test the appropriate
by Ben Milton Test to determine the outcome.
Attribute and determine
Chiron’s Doom
THE PLAY LOOP the result.
by Nick Bate TIME & TURNS
The Stygian Library There are three important units of time in Solarcrawl,
There are two phases of play in Solarcrawl, the Mission STR - Physical harm
by Emmy Allen
Phase & the Homeworld Phase. that cannot be dodged
Moments are used during fraught periods of danger, such
as combat, chases or other crises where Initiative would be DEX - Physical harm
During the Mission Phase, the players exit their Landing rolled.
Vehicle and engage in more classical adventure game that can be dodged
activities, such as exploration, discovery, avoiding or
Minutes are used when exploring a specific location or CON - Environmental
defeating hazards, and generally trying not to die.
engaging in a challenging but non-threatening task. Players harm, toxins or
may choose their order in Minutes, but everyone must have radiation
When they fire up the rockets to return home the Homeworld
the opportunity to take a turn before anyone goes again.
Phase begins.The players step into the role of their Space
Agency, level up their Astronauts, analyze their findings, INT - Resisting the
and develop new technologies to allow them to reach Days are used to make Expedition Draws, the Agency effects of preternatural
further into the depths of their solar system. They plot a divides all planetary bodies into Standard Hexes, 20 or mental attacks
course to a new Destination and roll the Homeworld’s kilometers on a side, other destinations may be divided
Usage Die. into Zones. It takes one Day to travel across a Hex or Zone WIS - Resisting
while exploring it. If the Astronauts are hurrying, they illusions or deceptions
The Homeworld is a battered place, wrung dry by centuries may cross two Hexes or Zones in a day on foot, but in
of misuse. When the Homeworld’s Usage Die reaches zero, unexplored areas they are much more likely to encounter CHA - Anything that
its people have lost the will to reach outwards, curling up danger at the MC’s discretion. involves plain dumb luck
on themselves and disappearing. This is the end of the
campaign, so manage your planet’s resources carefully,
and if you are lucky, you may even improve life there.
3 4
 MOVEMENT & DISTANCE
While exploring, there are four abstracted units of distance:
Close: Anything within arm’s reach,
Nearby: Anything that may be made Close with a Move
action, within pistol range
Far Away: Anything that may be reached with two Move
actions, within rifle range
Distant: Anything that may be made Close within three
Moves, extreme rifle range
EXPEDITION DRAWS
Once per day, an entire crew may decide to make an
Expedition Draw. This may be combined with normal
movement through a Hex or Zone. The MC draws cards off
from the Exploration Deck and places them face down in
front of the players. Continue drawing until there are three
cards that match the terrain type of the explored Hex or
Zone. Discoveries, Hazards and other cards without a suit
are universal. The players analyze the backs of the cards
and choose which one they would like to explore. That
card is flipped and everyone must face the results of their
choice. Some cards will be Hazard Cards. They may be
chosen or discarded, but each card discarded will require a
roll of the Lander Usage Die to represent time spent.
The art on the back of the cards will give clues as to the
nature of the encounter on the other side. A canny crew will
learn to spot danger coming at a distance.
When the Exploration Deck is exhausted, it should be
reshuffled.
deep locations
Some Destinations will have Hexes with a special icon.
When the Astronauts explore that location, the MC should
lay out the corresponding unique card, and build a complex
according to the rules on page 28.
5 6
INITIATIVE
When a crisis, hazard or fight occurs during the Mission
Phase, all players must make a DEX Save. Those who
HD Dmg
succeed may take their round in any order they like,
followed by any NPCs or MC-driven events, and then [1--------------D4
followed by any players who failed their DEX Save. This [2]-------------D6
order remains until the crisis has passed. [3]-------------2D4
[4]-------------D10
HAZARDS, CHALLENGES &
OPPONENTS
[5]-------------D12
[6]-------------D6+D8
There are many ways to die in space; “monsters” are [7]-------------2D8
perhaps the least of them. Storms of radiation, toxic gases [8] -------------3D6
or caustic chemicals might rain down on the Astronauts. [9]-------------2D10
Unstable ground could give way in unfamiliar gravity,
[10] -----------D10+D12
pits of superfine lunar dust could envelope an unlucky
soul, an alien structure could send lightning or plasma
coruscating through its halls without warning.There are
also the rampaging alien fauna, the dormant robot servants
of precursor races, and other ambulatory xenotypes.
All of these are Hazards and ranked by Hit Dice (HD).
If the Hazard is an NPC, then you may calculate it’s Hit ROLL REACTION
Points (HP) by rolling (HD) d8s. You may determine the
damage any Hazard would do to an Astronaut on a failed [1]---Flee, then roll again
Save by the table in the sidebar. [2]-Avoid the Astronauts
[3]-Exchange info/goods
When an Astronaut takes damage they may spend Armor
Points to reduce the incoming amount and then deduct the
with the Astronauts
[4]----Aid the Astronauts
remainder from their Hit Points.
[5]-----Befriend the Crew
FIRST CONTACT [6]--Trick the Astronauts
(roll again for ruse)
If the Astronauts encounter a creature possessing sentience- [7]---Call for help & fight
no hypothetical in a solar system littered with the debris of [8]--Attack immediately
a meddlesome precursor race- then it may be advisable to
attempt communication with the alien being before it all
ends in running and explosions. Use the table in the sidebar
if you need to determine the NPC’s reaction.
 USE OF FORCE THREATS & DEATH

Some Hazards, such as ion storms, freezing cold or When an Astronaut reaches 0 Hit Points they are Out of
asphyxiation, cannot be reckoned with; they do their Action, (OofA) unconscious or disabled and unable to
EXAMPLES damage to an Astronaut on every round, and the only take further actions until the end of the current Hazard
OF USE OF choices are escape the situation or perish. Ohers, such encounter. If the Astronaut’s allies were able to provide
FORCE as barriers, cave-ins or rampaging alien fauna, can be aid, roll a D6 on the Injury Table and, if able, return the
overcome through skill and persistence. If an Astronaut Astronaut to play with 1d4 HP. If no aid was present, then
STR - Melee combat, wishes to overcome such a Hazard and has the means to the Astronaut is lost forever. Later spacecraft may have the
acts of might do so (an appropriate weapon or tool), then they may use capacity for spare characters, but the Torch Lander only
Force to create a solution. carries the number of players at your table.
DEX - Ranged
combat, picking a Astronauts must be in the correct range to use a tool. All INJURY TABLE
mechanical lock tools are close ranged unless listed otherwise. If a long-
ranged device is used in close range, the Astronaut must
CON - Bulling 1.) RUPTURE: the Astronaut’s suit integrity has
roll at Disadvantage.
through an failed and they are leaking air at a dangerous rate.
environmental disaster, The Astronaut must pass a test for the appropriate Attribute An INT Test must be passed by any ally in 1d4
such as a radiation (see sidebar) and may then roll their Class’s damage die, minutes or the Astronaut will asphyxiate if in an
storm or decompression plus any modifiers granted by their equipment. The result airless environment.
is removed from the Hazard’s HP, and the Hazard’s HP
INT - Deciphering a reaches 0, then it has been overcome. Use of Force includes 2.) CONCUSSION: the Astronaut will be at
puzzle, outreasoning an traditional tabletop combat as well as other physical Disadvantage to all Tests for the next hour.
opponent activities such as bending bars, lifting gates, or cracking an
alien computer code. 3.) CONTUSED: STR, DEX & CON are all reduced
WIS - Seeing through
by -2 for the next 24 hours.
mistruth, understanding TWO HANDED WEAPONS
alien communication
Two handed weapons, such as a spear, or a rifle, add +2 4.) SEVERE INJURY: STR or DEX is reduced by -2
CHA - Negotiation, to die rolls, meaning that they are more difficult to use for remainder of the Mission.
bamboozling an effectively but also hit harder.
opponent with wits 5.) SCARRED: the Astronaut gains a permanent
CRITICAL HITS & MISSES mark related to the cause of the injury, and their
CON is reduced by -2 for the remainder of the
In ANY roll when the player rolls a 1, then they have Mission.
achieved a Critical Success. They get more than they were
looking for, accomplish their task in record time, or their 6.) DEAD: the Astronaut received a mortal injury
weapon does double damage. If they roll a 20, then they
and is beyond aid.
have a Critical Failure. Tools break, the situation becomes
worse, or their Astronaut takes double damage.

7 8
 HEALING

Some abilities and items recover a Astronaut’s HP, which

can never go above its maximum value or below zero. If
healing is applied to an OofA Astronaut, then they reenter
play with the recovered amount of HP.

RESTING

When an Astronaut is able to rest in a safe place for an

hour, then they may repair their Armor Point total to full
and roll their class’s Hit Die to recover that many HP.

ENCUMBRANCE

An Astronaut can carry their STR worth of items

comfortably. They can be over-encumbered if they carry up
to twice their STR. They may only move to Nearby each
round and make all tests at Disadvantage. An Astronaut
may not carry more than twice their STR worth of gear.

CLASS WEAPONS

An Astronaut using weapons or gear that they have not been

trained for must do so while rolling with Disadvantage.

ISSUED GEAR

All Astronauts are automatically issued a basic spacesuit,

and may requisition any equipment from the Basic Gear
section, and other sections that they are trained for.

Gear does not have to be paid for, but no Astronaut can

take more than they can carry. Choose carefully, you will
be a long way from any chance to resupply once you have
left the Homeworld.

9
 CLASSES CLASSES

PATHFINDER EXOSCIENTIST

Starting HP: Starting HP:

1d10+4 1d6+4

HP per Level/Resting: HP per Level/Resting:

1d10 1d6

Equipment Ratings: Equipment Ratings:

All Basic Weapons & Armor, Basic Pistols, Light Armor,
Military Gear, Exploration Exploration Gear
Gear
Attack Damage:
Attack Damage: 1d6/1d4 Unarmed or Improvised
1d8/1d6 Unarmed or
Improvised SPECIAL ABILITIES

SPECIAL ABILITIES: May test INT to activate and

May make 1 attack per Level
Once per hour, while in
a perilous situation, the
Pathfinder may regain d8 HP
Rolls with Advantage when
communicating, hearing
sounds, moving silently, and
tracking
utilize xenotech in the field
Rolls with Advantage when
performing delicate tasks,
hearing sounds, and
understanding or operating
alien technology
When using healing abilities
or equipment, add +1d6 to
any HP recovered

11 12
 CLASSES CLASSES

ORBITAL TECH SPACEWALKER

Starting HP: Starting HP:

1d8+4 1d4+4
HP per Level/Resting:
1d8 HP per Level/Resting:
1d4
Equipment Ratings:
All Basic Weapons, Light Equipment Ratings:
Armor, Technical Gear Basic Pistols

Attack Damage: Attack Damage:

1d6/1d4 Unarmed or 1d4/1 Unarmed or Improvised
Improvised

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

May begin each Mission

Phase with one Drone SPECIAL ABILITIES

When rolling a d8, d6 or d4 Begins with three abilities from

Usage Die, only downgrade the Spacewalker’s Powers list
on a result of 1
When Leveling Up, roll WIS and
Rolls with Advantage when INT twice,
operating or repairing
issued equipment, and Rolls with Advantage when
understanding spaceborne testing INT to defend against or
events understand preternatural effects

13 14
 MISSION EQUIPMENT
BASIC GEAR
Medical Kit: One use, Test INT to recover 1d6 HP, takes
30 minutes
Shelter: Unfolds to provide d10 Usage Die of breathable
air and limited atmospheric protection for 4
Sampling Tools: Small shovel, pick and containers,
required to collect sample cards
Electric Lantern: d8 Usage Die
Freeze Dried Meals: d8 Usage Die
Canteen: d8 Usage Die
Ammunition Clip: Recharges one weapon, specify which
MILITARY GEAR
Fragmentation Grenade: One use, +2 to hit rolls &
damage, affects every character within 6ft of impact.
Demolition Charge: One use, timer fuse, does 3d6 dmg,
ignores armor
Collapsible Shield: One use, takes one hand, +4 Armor
EXPLORATION GEAR
Lidar Array: Test INT with Advantage when gathering
information at basecamp
Expedition Kit: d8 Usage Die, one use produces a rope,
light, cutter or any other small useful item that the GM
deems reasonable
Radio: d12 Usage Die, 4 Hex range
Camera: d6 Usage Die, roll with Advantage during R&D
phase if pictures have been taken in each Hex explored.
Probe Kit: Eliminate Disadvantage penalty when
interacting with Xenotech
15
TECHNICAL GEAR
Repair Kit: d6 Usage Die, Test INT with Advantage when
repairing issued equipment
Containment Unit: Holds one sample of hazardous
material safely
Solar Array Pack: Replaces regular backpack, access to
sunlight allows recharging of powered devices over one
day
Catalytic Rebreather Pack: Replaces regular backpack,
access to liquid water allows recharging of breather tanks
WEAPONS AND ARMOR
Knife, Axe, Orbital Service Wrench: Damage as Class
Standard Issue Pistol: Ranged, Disadvantage at Close
range d6 Usage Die
Standard Issue Rifle: Ranged, Disadvantage at Close
range, d4 Usage Die, +2 to hit/damage rolls
EVA Suit: +2 Armor, -2 Encumbrance
Reinforced Suit: +4 Armor, -4 Encumbrance
DRONES
Robotics technology has advanced to the point of building
limited intelligence. A Drone on its own would be about as
smart as a spider, and is usually hard wired to return to base
if its user goes offline. Drone users have a verbal interface
built into their helmet, and make all tests for Drones as
long as it functions. Use the Drones STR and DEX stats for
those tests, the User’s for all others.
Cygnus Drone: 4 STR, 12 DEX, 2HP, flying, When
detecting hidden things, test INT with Advantage if you
take 10 minutes to survey an area
Canis Drone: 10 STR, 10 DEX, 10 HP, does d6 damage in
Melee, may carry one object
Taurus Drone: 16 STR, 8 DEX, 10 HP, cannot fight,
carries up to twice its strength in items
16
 SPACEWALKER POWERS
A Spacewalker may learn any number of powers, as long
as they are of the Spacewalker’s level or below. They begin
Natural 1:
with three level one powers. New abilities can be learned
You may learn any
in two ways, by finding and touching an Alien Anomaly or
power up to your current
by using the R&D phase to fund a Spacewalk. Either way,
level of your choice or
the Spacewalker makes a Wisdom check to learn a new
roll 1d8 for a power on
ability on the list, per the Sidebar.
the next list up.
Success:
POWER CAPABILITY
You may learn a power
up to your current level.
Each Spacewalker Power has a Usage Die, assign Die size
Failure:
at the beginning of the Mission Phase by the below table:
You may roll 1d8 for a
power from any table
Power is Spacewalker’s level or Higher: Single Use
below your current level.
1-2 Levels below Spacewalker’s level: d4 Usage Die
Natural 20.
3-5 Levels below Spacewalker’s level: d6 Usage Die
Nothing but space dust
6-7 Levels below Spacewalker’s level: d8 Usage Die
out there.
8 or more Levels below Spacewalker’s level: Always
LEVEL ONE
[1] Empathic Bond: May be used once after a reaction roll
to adjust the result one level up or down the chart.
[2] Ablation: Convert nearby inert matter to ceramica tile,
gain 2 Armor per level.
[3] Quantum Dance: Cause a small inert object to generate
light and warming heat.
[4] Telekinetics: Move an object that you could lift,
crudely through space. Fist-sized or smaller objects may
be moved with fine control.
[5] Neural Boost: Nearby allies gain +1 to Attributes for
making Saves until end of Encounter.
[6] Phase Shift: Place 3d6 HD of nearby targets just one
dimension over for 3/minutes/level.
[7] Slip the Bonds: The Spacewalker gains slow levitation
abilities for 3 minutes/level.
[8] Faraday Field: Nearby allies become invisible on the
electromagnetic spectrum for 1 minute/level.
17
LEVEL THREE
[1] Negate Energies: Test INT to negate energy effects.
[2] Extrasensory Pulse: Sense the position of all moving
objects within 10m/level.
[3] Cleanse Toxins: Remove all hostile substances from
one target’s bloodstream.
[4] Hibernation: Place one target in a state of near perfect
suspension, consuming almost no air, water or food, until a
designated external stimulus arrives.
[5] Psychic Bond: All nearby allies defend against attacks
with Advantage for 1d4 Moments.
[6] Teleportation: Immediately move yourself to a nearby
location.
[7] Molecular Crucible: While on a planetary body, refill
up to 1d4 Usage Die steps of air or water.
[8] Accelerate Healing: Knit flesh together and return
+1d6 HP to a nearby target.
LEVEL FIVE
[1] Mind Trick: Once after a reaction roll, move the result
up to three locations up or down the track.
[2] Adaptation: Allow one target to operate suitless in an
environment so hostile that it would normally require one.
Lasts 1hr/level.
[3] Precognition: Get a general sense from the GM of the
nature of one location up to 1H away.
[4] Perfect Telepathy: Communicate with other intelligent
beings within sight silently and with perfect clarity.
[5] Summon Vacuum: Drain the atmosphere away from
an entire encounter zone, freezing the area and doing 3d6
damage to unprepared targets.
[6] Mass Driver: Move an object up to the size of a
planetary lander through space at 1G force for 1 min/level.
[7] Weave Matter: Rebuild shattered bones, organs as you
grant one nearby target +3d6HP.
[8] Geodesia: Use nearby matter to create a ceramica dome
that protects against up to 9HD attacks for 10min/level, or
until the Spacewalker loses focus.
18
 LEVEL SEVEN

[1] Bestir Healing: All allied targets regain 2d6 HP as

natural healing processes are accelerated.
[2] Gravitational Spike: Up to 10HD of targets are sent
flying for 2d6 damage each.
[3] Disassembly: One nearby Target takes 2d10 damage,
disintegrating into fine ash if destroyed.
[4] Time Shift: One target takes 2X actions for 1d4 turns.
[5] Orbital Portal: Open a 12ft diameter gate between
any two locations within one planetoid’s orbital space.
[6] The Clock Runs Backwards Also: “Reset” one target
to its state from one minute prior.
[7] Emissary: A perfect replica of you appears anywhere in
the solar system that you choose, to deliver a short message.
[8] Arrow of Time: Receive a vague warning from your
future self, all Tests against one target are rolled with
Advantage for 1d4 Moments.

LEVEL NINE

[1] Time Stop: One target is completely removed from the

Timestream for 1 minute/level.
[2] The Dark Man: An avatar of spacers’ fears is summoned
to drag a target off into the void. Counts as an 8HD creature.
[3] Chronal Portal: Create a 4ft diameter window to
observe any moment in your location’s history. Entering
the portal will cause a paradox that destroys local space.
[4] Light Step: One medium or smaller target is converted
to photons and reassembled anywhere within the system.
[5] Perfect Vision: Point to a circumscribed location on a
map. The GM describes it as if you were there.
[6] Grant Change: Rewrite one word in the preceding
rules. The effects of this power last for 1hour/level. Erase
this power permanently after using.
[7] Perfect Recovery: One target is restored to pristine
condition if they haven’t been dead for more than an hour.
[8] Star Form: Transform into a being of pure light and
thought. Hand your sheet to the MC, your motives are now
beyond mortal understanding.

19

THE *OTHER* SPACE
AGENCY
The solar system will be a
dangerous place, risking
the lives of the Astronauts
that explore it from the very
first time they set foot on
another world. It will only
get more dangerous from
there, there are horrors out
in the dark that scare even
the Spacewalkers.
If you would like to have
the threat of a competing
set of Astronauts, you
can introduce the militant
space agency of Far Crater,
A city state that was never
fully incorporated into the
rest of the Homeworld’s
society, and are sending
out their own expedition
forces in tandem with the
players’.
What is their motive? Will
they share their discoveries
with the Space Agency? Or
will the promise of space
flight end like so many
other noble endeavors,
with blood spilled on a
faraway battlefield?
19
the homeworld phase
THE SPACE AGENCY
When not following the adventures of their Astronauts on
alien worlds, the players will take on the roles of heads of
their Space Agency. This phase is a more abstracted section
of the game, with its actions spread out over weeks or even
years of the Astronauts’ lives.
The Space Agency will direct the return journey from each
expedition, manage the careers of the Astronauts, analyze
their discoveries, and use that information to improve the
lives of the people at home and build better rockets to
send the Astronauts farther from their world on their next
journey.
For the purposes of this playtest, it is recommended that the
first session begin with the touchdown of the Torch Lander
on the Space Agency’s first extraplanetary mission. When
the Astronauts have decided to return, the Homeworld
begins:
1.) Getting Home
2.) Parades & Funerals
3.) Research & Development
4.) Plan Next Mission
5.) Liftoff
GETTING HOME
Once the Lander takes off on its return journey, have the
oldest character roll a d20 and add their Wisdom score.
RE-ENTRY TABLE
5 OR LESS - The heat shields fail on contact with
the atmosphere, all characters take 4d6 dmg. All
discoveries on board are lost.
6-10 - The spacecraft bounces off of the
atmosphere, doing 2d6 dmg to all on board. The
Planetary Usage Die drops a step as a hasty rescue
mission is launched.
11-15 - A rough landing, the players must choose
to have one Astronaut miss the next mission while
recuperating from injuries sustained, or for one
discovery to be lost in the crash.
16-28 - The spacecraft returns safely to the
Homeworld.
29-35 - A flashy landing grants +1 to the result of the
next Homeworld Usage Die roll.
36+ - An excited Homeworld welcomes back its
heroes with celebrations. Increase the Homeworld
Usage Die by one step.
PARADES & FUNERALS GAINING LEVELS
If any Astronaut perished on the last mission, record their Whenever a character
name, as well as location and manner of death on the levels up, increase their
memorial section of the Homeworld Sheet. Every crew will HP by the amount rolled
have their own ritual for commemorating a fallen comrade on their Hit Die.
Next, level up any surviving crew members and fill out
Then roll a d20 for each
crew sheets for any new Astronauts. New Astronauts begin
Attribute, increasing it
at first level.
by 1 if the die roll was
a higher value than the
Attribute.
20
 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Record all discoveries in the appropriate space of the
Homeworld Sheet along with any other notes that may help
with future exploration.
Determine which Advance to mark off from the tree on the
Front of the Homeworld Sheet. If the group is unable to
decide which Advance to take, then the decision falls to the
Exoscientist player(s). If that still does not resolve the issue,
then the MC may step in as Homeworld Adminstration.
No advancement may be taken above the dotted line of
each space vehicle program until that program has been
sucessfully marked off as an Advance. Note that many
Advances will require an R&D roll (a successful INT test),
in-game resources, or both. Once an Advance has been
marked off, it becomes available to the crew as if it was in
the Basic Gear section.
HOMEWORLD USAGE DIE
The Astronaut’s Homeworld begins the game in dire shape:
the oceans have dried, the land is choked in dust, and toxins
have made life increasingly unsustainable.
Each time the Homeworld performs the Liftoff step, one
player must roll the Homeworld Usage Die. It begins as a
d8 and decreases like a normal Usage Die. If it runs out,
then the inhabitants of that world have turned their back on
the stars and fade into obscurity. Their story will end unless
something raises the Homeworld Die on this mission.
To prevent this, the players may invest an R&D phase to
use their hard-won knowledge to revitalize their world. One
player may color in a segment of the Homeworld. When
all 4 sections around a box are filled, mark it and increase
the Homeworld Usage Die by one value. The Homeworld
Usage Die may not go above a d12.
21
MISSION PLANNING
The MC spreads out the sheets for all known Destinations,
and the players decide on where to send their crew. If there
is any disagreement, the players set up a rotating post
of Mission Director, and vote on their Destination with
the Mission Director acting as tiebreaker. A Destination
may have a distance penalty that must be applied to the
Spacecraft’s Usage Die before any rolls.
LIFTOFF
Once a Destination has been selected, have the youngest
character roll a D20 and add their Charisma Score. If you
are unsure as to who that is, have the youngest player roll.
LAUNCH TABLE
5 OR LESS - The Rocket explodes on the launchpad!
All Characters suffer 4d6 fire damage, and the
Planetary Usage Die drops a step during the
resulting chaos and confusion.
6-10 - The Rocket suffers a major malfunction
during liftoff, but the Astronauts are able to use
the escape systems effectively. Roll the Planetary
Usage Die while building anew and carry on with
the Mission.
11-15 - The Rocket suffers a minor mishap and some
damage. All Astronauts suffer 1d6 dmg or all rolls
of the Lander’s Usage Die are taken at -1 during the
duration of the Mission. (Player’s choice)
16-28 - Everything goes by the book.
29-35 - The Astronauts are able to pull off a perfect
landing upon arrival at their Destination. Increase
the Lander’s Usage Die by one step for this mission.
36+ - A lucky pass on arrival allows orbital
photography. The Astronauts may make a free
Expedition draw at their llanding site, peeking
under all cards before choosing.
22
 GEAR ADVANCEMENTS
ADVANCED SUITS
Mark II EVA Suit: +3 Armor, no Encumbrance penalty
AMP Frame:+6 Armor, +2 STR, -1 DEX
Linker’s Rig: May begin with 2 Drones, Limited Flight
Hazard Gear: Test vs. environmental hazards w/Adv
No-Suit: No longer runs out of air/food/water in space
weapon advancements
Automatic Weapons: May make an extra two attack rolls
in one round at the cost of one Usage Die level
Patcher’s Kit: INT test to recover 1d6 HP, d6 Usage Die,
Instant
Sniper Rifle: May make an attack on a hazard card before
encounter begins, unless ambushed
Drophammer: Ignores armor, does +1 DMG
Universal Dart: Silent sedative, works on all encounters
Negative Blade: Increases Force Die by one level
BASE ADVANCES
Scuttle Rover: Doubles exploration speed, as 2HD
creature, d8 Usage Die, roll once per day as Lander
A battery powered all-terrain vehicle that carries the entire
crew, carries no armor, no environmental seals.
Hearth Base: No roll for Landing or Liftoff required, no
Usage Die rolls while at base, May be taken Twice
A permanent presence at a Destination, Hearth Base has
a small atmosphere cracking plant and reactor to allow
refuelling, as well as environmental seals to let the crew
relax.
Video Camera: Records photos with no Usage Die
23
spacecraft
TORCH PROGRAM
Available at the beginning of the game, the Torch uses a
multistage, solid-fuel rocket to escape the Homeworld’s
gravity. An orbiter is mounted atop the rocket, and carries
the Astronauts back and forth between their home and their
Destination. While the orbiter remains uncrewed above the
target, a Lander brings them down for their mission, then
flies back up to the orbiter. All of these components are
single use.
CANDLE PROGRAM
Space stations in orbit around the Homeworld eventually
allow the development of the Candle, a larger craft that
spends its entire existence in space. Powered by a fission
reactor and carrying a centrifugal ring for its crew’s
comfort, the Candle is able to reach much farther into the
solar sytem, delivering its Astronauts to their Destination
in a reusable shuttle.
(NOT YET AVAILABLE IN PLAYTEST)
LANTERN PROGRAM
The Lantern is a deep space research vessel, using an
efficient fusion reactor to generate thrust, as well as nominal
gravity for the crew. It carries multiple dropships to allow
its crew to safely survey and explore their Destination.
(NOT YET AVAILABLE IN PLAYTEST)
INCANDESCENT PROGRAM
Reverse engineering of precursor technologies culminates
in the Incandescent series, powered by a Priori drive, the
spacecraft is capable of near-infinite operations and able to
reach the oort cloud in the very fringe of the system.
(NOT YET AVAILABLE IN PLAYTEST)
24
THE SOLAR SYSTEM
 RUNNING SOLARCRAWL moonshot notes

For both Mission Control and the Astronauts, there are few The Exploration Deck included in the MOONSHOT Building
basic principles to keep in mind when running Solarcrawl playtest only includes 2 suits, Airless, and Ruins, but will complexes
that may help the entire table get the most out of the game: over time be expanded to include the following:
When the Astronauts
1.) The game is primarily about exploration ICE/DESERT explore a Unique
There is no XP for killing things; the only way to level TOXIC/HOT location, the MC should
up is to survive the mission, and the only way to continue OPEN BIOME take the special card
launching missions is to use the crews’ discoveries to CLOSED BIOME that corresponds to that
regreen their Homeworld. location, and then build
Every Destination will have a key on it, showing the suits
out a line of cards to
2.) Mission Control should be a fan of the crew as well as the number of Discoveries and Hazard Cards
that must be included to build the Exploration Deck. The its left that match the
Revel in their successes as well as groaning for their
failures. The Exploration Deck exists to have parts of a MC should feel free to adjust the number of Destinations symbols on that card.
mission be as much of a surprise for the MC as the rest of and Hazards as needed to make the game more or less
the table. challenging for their group. If any hazards are drawn,
they should be placed on
3.) Astronauts should put it all on the line CAMPAIGN FRAME the line of cards at the
With their Homeworld dying, the individuals that have MC’s discretion.
volunteered to go into the void to look for answers At the beginning of the campaign, the Astronaut’s
shouldn’t be scared of a possible death. Every life on the Homeworld is in bad shape, its oceans are dry and its air is
To reach the special
crew matters, but bringing hope home is the mission. In vanishingly thin. It is a planet that is going to have to pin
card, the Astronauts will
case of the worst, at least they’ll be remembered as heroes. all of its hopes on its nascent space program.
have to march through
4.) Space is strange Just maybe the Astronauts that your players embody can the preceeding cards in
The whole table should experience space as a place find something out there on other worlds to extend their order, dealing with any
that is cold, airless, and hostile. Exploring the surface of home’s lifespan, and with a great amount of luck, even encounters along the
the planets in the solar system will have further dangers, reviatlize their world. way.
ranging from toxic environments to hostile inhabitants.
This place is not their home. In early tests, this took the form of Precursor technology
that allowed the Homeworld to build a sustainable
5.) Space is beautiful ecosystem, a rescuing fleet of aliens, signalled by an
Every planet has its wonders, and the Astronauts are among ancient communication array, or even an intergalactic
a lucky few to get to see their world from a distance. spaceship disguised as the farthest planet of the system,
Hopefully every session will have a moment to slow down capable of carrying the entire poulation of the Homeworld
and take it in. to a new home.

It will be wonderful to see what your group comes up with.

27 28
 priori artifacts
Not much can be inferred about the Priori from their ruins,
which are mostly crumbling stone blocks and cyclopean
chambers. The devices they’ve left behind are to a scale that
fits the Astronauts, giving credence to the Exoscientists’
theories that the Homeworld’s population once served the
Priori as menials.
Many Priori Artifacts will come with a Usage Die, and
once exhausted, are impossible to recharge without taking
that item as a Priori Tech Advance. That advance allows
an Astronaut to equip one fully charged version per the
Basic Gear rules. D12 possible alien treasures follow.
[01] Blue Shift Implant
A tiny sliver of crystal and silvery metal. Once inserted
into an Astronaut’s brainstem it allows them to take
double actions for 1d6 moments, at a cost of 2HP per
moment.
[02] Biometal Spinal Implant
A disturbingly organic looking metal centipede shape.
When laid across an Astronaut’s spinal comumn, it fuses
with it, increasing the Astroanut’s STR Attribute by 2, and
lowering their Max HP by 1d6.
[03] Shiftsphere (d6 Usage Die)
A fist-sized ceramic & metal sphere that bonds to its
Astronaut, whistling on the FM band &hovering around
them like a protective mother bird. The Astronaut may
make a WIS test to instantly teleport up to Far range, a
failed roll causes 1d6 dmg and a misplacement at the
MC’s discretion. If the Usage Die runs out, then the
Astronaut vanishes forever.
[04] Torsion Rods (d8 Usage Die)
A set of three rods, made of a verdigrised material. Each
one has a central divide when the two halves are twisted,
lock fixed into place, even in midair, until unlocked.
29
[05] Whistlehound (d10 Usage Die)
A three legged drone of ancient construction. It emits
musical pipings on the AM band, and bonds to the first
Astronaut that responds in the same key, following their
commands and fighting as a 2HD creature. Roll its Usage
DIe once per Mission Phase.
[06] Sineater Spores
A sealed ceramic and glass container. Whn analyzed, the
single-celled creatures inside prove to be remarkably able
to thrive on the toxins that permeate the Homeworld’s
atmosphere with no-ill effects. Color in an two areas of the
Homeworld Sheet.
[07] Motion Sensor (d6 Usage Die)
A strange little sphere that uses crackling static patterns
to indicate movement for hundreds of meters around. Roll
the Usage Die to discard one Hazard Card drawn from the
Exploration Deck.
[08] Disintegrator (d4 Usage Die)
A tiny pyramid of ceramic with three indentations on it. A
bout a minute after all three are pressed, the device emits
a scintillating sphere of blue light that does 2d10 dmg to
everything within Far Range.
[09] Rakefeather (d8 Usage Die)
A carbine sized device that freezes particles in the air and
propels them forward at lethal speeds. Acts as a two handed
weapon that does d8+1 dmg.
[10] Transpositor (d6 Usage Die)
A brass & ceramic device that projects a hazy beam that
lifts and hurls objects as if it were a 5HD, 25 STR creature.
[11] Lightning Lance (d8 Usage Die)
A bronze spear, hums with static and does +2 dmg in melee.
[12] Ten Ton Staff (d6 Usage Die)
A gravity-defying metal staff, hits for d12 dmg in melee.
30
BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

priori remnants failing warden

HD: 3 Acoustic Beam (ranged, 1d6 dmg)
While the Priori vanished from the Solar System long before the Homeworld developed the
written word, they left their structures on most every celestial body. Not every dustblown lonesome vagus
ruin sleeps easily either, some are haunted by the shambling forms of ancient machinery- HD: 4 Lightning Lance (melee, 1d10+2 dmg )
corroded and irrational robots carrying out millenia old commands. Acoustic Beam (ranged, 1d8 dmg)

DECREPIT INFORMER overseer

HD: 1 Screech (WIS test or be HD: 3 Lightning Lance (melee, 1d8+1 dmg )
paralyzed for one round) All 1st Level Spacewalker Abilities

malignant INFORMER
HD: 2 Explosive Fuel Cells A more advanced class of robots than the shambling
(Explodes for 1d8 dmg when defeated) laborer, these beings are capable of some degree
of thought and planning. It is still a rare bot that will
Hovering drones that drift, see the Astronauts as anything other than vagaries to
ghostlike through Priori chambers, be eliminated though.
sporadically repairing and refueling
the machinery of their masters.

aimless laborer
HD: 2 (Will not attack unless provoked)
pitted hulk
functionary HD: 5
HD: 2 (WIll use any tools at hand to fight) Plasma Discharge (ranged, 2d6 dmg)
(Explodes for 2d8 dmg when
defeated)
Varying from the occaisonal solitary, moss-
covered machine to entire thrumming hives Walking war machines of the
of metal, the Laborer robots of the Priori go ancients, likely to identify your
about their duties until time claims even their crew as targets of opportunity.
incredible power sources.

No one knows if they were built in the likeness

of their creators, the Priori left little art
behind, and their drive systems spark and go
dead forever when the bot is removed from its
origin point.

31 32
BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

ground dwellers alien flyers

The solar system bursts with life, with a near-infinite variety of animals, plants and others Thousands of species flit through the skies of alien worlds, a not just those of a paltry
to be encountered out in the far orbits. Here are a few creatures that Astronauts might envelope of gases around a rocky core, but also creature types that might flock through
encounter on strange soil. the upper reaches of a gas giant, or even cloud systems of breathable gases floating free.

birdcage forest
peeper
HD: 8 (Never Attacks)
HD: 1 Thief
(Make an INT test or lose a
An enormous dome of coral-like shell, enclosing
random small item)
a living gasbag filled by a variety of sympathetic
plant organisms. A haven for flyers.
Curious little beasts that will infiltrate
an Astronaut camp searching for shiny
byssian flytrap
objects to line their nests.
HD: 8 Trapping Tentacles
pack hunter
(DEX test or be hit by 1d8 tentacles for 1d4 dmg
HD: 2 Raking Leap each. STR test or be engulfed.)
(1st attack rolls 2x dmg if it hits)
A hungrier, more predatory version of the airborne
Amphibious and terribly fast, these jungle. Birdforms nest there at their peril.
fourlegs
creatures follow a large alpha queen.
HD: 2 fleidermouth
HD: 3 Swallowing Gulp
Large and peaceful grazers among blue (2d6 dmg)
grasses.
A sinuous skysnake whose mouth gapes to enormous
sixlegs size to swallow thousands of tiny flying insects.
HD: 4 Thick Hide (Armor 4)

Enormous horned beasts that bys roc

drift across plainslands, HD: 3 Grabbing Arms
nibbling on the algaes that (DEX test or be grabbed & carried
coat the odd upthrusting away) Inky Vapor (reduces visibility at
rock formation. up to Close Range)

A vicious ambush hunter that propels

itself through the air with gaseous jets
and will attempt to devour anything
that moves.

33 34
BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

hive worlds strange machines

Some worlds, such as the jungle moons of Cepil are crawling with insectoid life. Untethered Life is a story of infinite variety in infinite combinations, and not every encounter can be
by normal gravity or any concept of the square cube law, these scuttling, buzzing creatures easily classifed into the familiar phyla. The tidally locked world of Acheshell is a perfect
can grow to titanic proportions. example, with giant amoebas locked in a struggle against descendents of Priori nanotech.
hiveling nymph sunside starlings
HD: 1 Mulchsplatter HD: 2 Flock (can only be harmed by area
(Regurgitates HD:2 walls & barriers effect weapons or smashing)
instantly out of organic material.
sunside tortoise
hiveling shredder HD: 4 (Armor 4)
HD: 3 (2 Armor, Ignores armor) Solar Beam (ranged, 1d10 dmg)
(Explodes for 1d8 dmg when defeated)
sunside sailback
hiveling queen HD: 5 (Armor 3)
HD: 6 Flung Dervish
(as HD:1 creature,
but does 1d8+1 dmg) The sun blasted side of the tidally
locked world of Achshell was once
After mating , male host to Priori experiments with machine life. Now that
quingentipede hivelings still serve on nanotech have formed a thriving ecosystem of lizard-
HD: 4 Poisonous Bite (CON test each round as ammunition. like machines, constantly warring with the coldside
for 1d6 rounds or take a further 1d6 dmg) coldside crawler creatures.
Hivelings divide their time between building HD: 3 Acidic Flesh (does an extra 1d4 dmg
cepil behemoth jutting towers that graze the edge of their to Armor)
HD: 7 (Armor 5) jungle moon’s atmosphere and warring
with other hives. coldside roller
Slow moving insects larger than HD: 4 (Armor 5)
most planetary landers. Their
spikey, woody shells are host coldside node
to entire ecosystems. HD: 6 Immobile,
Vast, Psychic Mind
(Can use all Spacewalker Powers
up to Level 7)

Colony organisms that have evolved along

the coldside’s hot springs, younger colonies
scavenge armor from Priori ruins and hunt
for biomass, while their elders become
enormous, sessile and philosophical.
35 36
BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM BESTIARY OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

life in vacuum FRACTURED

Airless moons, asteroid belts and drifting Priori ghost ships are home to some of the
strangest things that an Astronaut will see in even their strange solar system. There are
many competing theories as to which creatures are natural, which engineered by that
departed precursor race and which are invasive species brought in from elsewhere.
vapor regia
HD: 3 Flock
(Can only be hurt by area a
effect weapons)
Disassemblers
(does 1d10 dmg to anything
within Close Range, No Save)
A barely visible gaseous cloud
that drifts in planetary orbits,
somehow maintaining cohesion
and a slight thrust. Anything
in that cloud dissolves down
to component atoms.
asteroid anenome
HD: 2 Immobile, Armor 3
Lashing Stingers (4x Attacks, 1d4 dmg each)
solar ray
HD: 1 Armor 1
HD: 4 Incorporeal (can only be hurt by electric or
magnetic attacks.
No physical attacks, but capable of using every
Spacewalker Power up to 5th Level.
Depending on whether you get your information
from the Spacewalkers or the Exoscientists, the
ghosts of space may be malfunctioning Priori
equipment, or failed experiments with space and
time.
The end result is a screaming, flickering presence
of jerky, video static. Once a crew has come to the
attention of a Fractured, it stalks them relentlessly
until destroyed.
great cetopteron
HD: 10 Armor 10
Though they largely confine themselves to the
photosphere of the system’s primary star, these enigmatic
spacewhales will occaisionally embark on a migration
to the farthest orbits. Radio communication becomes
impossible at such times, as their songs fill every
frequency.

Using their ability to sense electric fields

over stellar distances, solar rays
propel themselves through the
black in search of schools of
void polyps. Unfortunately,
the electrical systems of a
spacecraft will draw them by
the hundreds.

37 38
 A NOTE OF THANKS

Author here:

Solarcrawl is a sprawling endeavor, making sure that the cards,

the maps and the book all interact, AND making this a fun game is
going to be a challenge. That’s where you come in.

Over the spring of 2022, this playtest will be free, and if you
happen to read or play it, I would very much appreciate you
dropping a line in the comments of the Solarcrawl Itch page, or
tagging me at @gpejeau on Twitter to let me know what you
think.

Special emphasis on:

>Did the cards spark play for your group? If not, what went wrong
for you?

>Does the Mission Phase feel like it lasts the right amount of time,
or does the Lander Usage Die run out to quickly?

>Do the R&D rolls feel like they progressed in a satisfying manner?

>Despite three passes, did you find a spot in this book where I
spelled it “Astroanut?”

-Much appreciated, and happy trails out there.

-Galen