The Shadow Void
In a distant corner of the galaxy, the Shadow Void—a vast nebula of unknown origin—is expanding, consuming entire star systems in its wake. The United Coalition of Planets has dispatched teams of specialists to investigate and halt its spread, but none have returned. Now, a new crew aboard the starship Celestial Dawn has been tasked with venturing into the heart of the nebula, uncovering its secrets, and confronting the ancient force that may be responsible for the destruction.
Character 1: Captain Allester Nova, Human Starship Commander
Character Concept: Captain Nova is a seasoned leader and tactician, having commanded numerous missions on the frontier. He’s calm under pressure, with a sharp strategic mind and a deep loyalty to his crew. His role on the Celestial Dawn is to guide the team through the dangerous unknowns of the Shadow Void while keeping his crew united in the face of mounting challenges.
Stats: MA d12, PA d8, MS d10, PS d6
Attributes:
- Commanding Presence (Trait): Inspire allies, granting them +1 to any MS rolls when they are within earshot of your commands.
- Steely Resolve (Trait): Gain advantage on rolls to resist fear or mental attacks.
- Tactical Mind (Skill): Add skill bonus to MA when planning strategies or coordinating actions.
- Rallying Cry (Power): Spend 3 power points to rally your team, restoring 1d4 life points to all allies within 30 feet.
- Calculated Defense (Ability): Twice per day, anticipate an incoming attack, granting yourself or an ally +3 to a defense roll.
Equipment:
- Pulse Pistol: Deals 1d8 damage and grants +2 to attack rolls.
- Tactical Visor: Provides advantage on perception checks when scanning an area for threats or anomalies.
Character 2: Zorna Quell, Cyborg Engineer
Character Concept: Zorna was once human but has been augmented with advanced cybernetics following a near-fatal accident. Now, she uses her enhanced body and sharp mind to keep the Celestial Dawn running smoothly. Zorna is resourceful and tech-savvy, able to hack systems, repair damage, and even disable enemy machines. Her connection to technology makes her invaluable on the mission into the Shadow Void.
Stats: MA d10, PA d8, MS d12, PS d6
Attributes:
- Cybernetic Reflexes (Trait): Gain +1 to PA defense rolls.
- Technological Mastery (Skill): Add skill bonus to MS when hacking, repairing, or interacting with machines.
- Overcharge (Power): Spend 3 power points to supercharge a device or weapon to deal 2d10 extra damage and gain advantage on one attack.
- Field Repair (Ability): Once per day, repair a piece of equipment or machinery, restoring it to working condition regardless of the damage.
- EMP Pulse (Power): Spend 3 power points to disable electronics and machines in a 20-foot radius for one round.
Equipment:
- Plasma Cutter: Deals 1d8 damage and can also cut through metal and obstacles.
- Augmented Toolkit: Grants advantage on rolls related to repairs or modifications of technological devices.
Character 3: Dorex, Alien(Spherazi) Psionic Warrior
Character Concept: Hailing from the far-off planet of Seraphi, Dorex is a powerful psionic warrior who uses his mental abilities to manipulate the battlefield. He wields telekinetic and telepathic powers with deadly precision. While his stoic demeanor makes him seem distant, his loyalty to his crew is unwavering, and he will protect them at any cost. Dorex is on the mission to uncover secrets hidden within the Shadow Void and use his powers to confront whatever ancient force lies at its center.
Stats: MA d12, PA d6, MS d10, PS d8
Attributes:
- Telekinetic Push (Skill): Add skill bonus to Mental Agility when using telekinesis to move or manipulate objects.
- Telepathic Shield (Trait): Gain +1 to any MS defense rolls.
- Mind Blast (Power): Spend three power points to send a wave of psychic energy at an enemy, dealing 2d6 damage and stunning them for one round.
- Psionic Barrier (Power): Spend two power pints to create a mental shield that grants you or an ally +3 to defense rolls for one round.
- Mind Meld (Ability): Once per day, establish a telepathic link with an ally, allowing them to communicate silently and share thoughts over any distance.
Equipment:
- Spherazi Energy Blade: Deals 1d10 damage and can cut through energy shields and barriers.
- Psionic Amplifier: Grants advantage on rolls involving telepathic or telekinetic abilities.
Campaign Start Example:
As the crew of the Celestial Dawn approaches the edge of the Shadow Void, they encounter a derelict station being drawn into the nebula’s expanding force. The station’s systems are malfunctioning, and strange alien creatures lurk in the shadows. Captain Nova uses his Tactical Mind to coordinate a plan, while Zorna hacks the station’s controls using Technological Mastery to stabilize the atmosphere. Dorex senses an unseen presence and uses his Telekinetic Push to hold off one of the creatures attacking them.
When the team is ambushed by hostile robots, Zorna unleashes her EMP Pulse to disable their systems, while Captain Nova rallies his team with a Rallying Cry to restore some of their strength. Dorex uses his Mind Blast to incapacitate the last enemy, leaving the path clear for them to escape the station before it’s consumed by the void.