Stargrave: Science Fiction Wargames in the Ravaged Galaxy

Stargrave

by Joseph A. McCullough

A skirmish wargame set in a dangerous galaxy where players command a small crew of adventurers hunting for loot, while trying not to call too much attention to their activities.

In a galaxy torn apart by the Last War, vast pirate fleets roam from system to system, robbing, extorting, and enslaving. Attempts to organize resistance, or to establish authority over any territory larger than a city, are quickly and brutally crushed. In this dark time, the only way to survive is to be inconspicuous and hope to be overlooked. Amidst this chaos, however, thousands of independent operators--smugglers, relic hunters, freedom fighters, and mercenaries--roam the dead stars in small ships, scratching out a living anyway they can.

In Stargrave , players take on the role of one of these independent operators. Perhaps they are a cybernetic veteran of the Last War, a psion fleeing slavers, or a mystic warrior attempting to preserve ancient wisdom. Maybe they are a bounty hunter collecting blood money, a robotics expert pushing the bounds of current technology, or a biomorph bred in the genetanks of some forgotten laboratory. Having chosen their own background, players must hire a crew for their ship, choosing a lieutenant with their own unique skill-set, and a handful of soldiers, mechanics, hackers, and other specialists. Some captains may even recruit strange alien lifeforms with abilities no humanoid could ever possess.

Once the players' crews are assembled, they are ready to dive into a campaign. Over a series of games, their crews will have the chance to carry out a variety of missions--recovering lost technology, stealing data, freeing slaves, and fighting back against the pirate fleets. In time, as the crews gain experience, they will become more powerful and hire more talented specialists. The more they grow, however, the more likely it is that a pirate fleet will take note of their activities and come after them!

Genres: Science Fiction, Games, Gaming

176 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can assure those wondering, this isn't just 'Frostgrave in space.' There is enough familiarity for those who have played Frostgrave but enough difference not to be just slightly modified rules. The change to more ranged combat and the captain abilities rather than spells, and the missions make this a different game. And fortunately, a good one! Full marks.

[Andrew Wodzianski · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's impossible for me to review Stargrave without referencing other TTRPGs penned by McCullough.
Namely, Frostgrave.

SG is mostly a re-themed version of FG, and a reader's preference may be solely dependent on genre preference. I personally prefer fantasy tropes, and enjoy FG more. My gaming friends prefer Stargrave. Consequently, SG sees more table time from us.

The rules are simple, but flavorful. The dependence on D20 rolling can be criticized as too "swingy," but I thoroughly enjoy the chaos it can deliver.

As all Osprey affairs with McCullough, the book is beautifully illustrated, expertly laid out, and ripe with easy-to-read charts & tables.

[Joel Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool art and the idea of a miniature agnostic system (one that you aren't required to buy specific figures for) is appealing. I like the concept of a universe which has devolved into roaming gangs/ship crews all out for themselves. They inevitably encounter each other and conflict ensues!

Each captain is imbued with a number of powers to aid and abet his gang. Some of these seem a bit generic and uninspiring, but perhaps the generic qualities will give them a broader usage and broadly apply to a number of gangs.

I haven't yet tried playing a conflict so the jury is still out on the playability of the game.

[Ted Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science Fiction skirmish rules, that allow you to use any miniatures you may already have. Players assemble crews of a variety of differently skilled specialists, to accomplish a selection of scenarios.
Based on the massively successful Frostgrave rules, this book gives you tons to work with, it's relatively uncomplicated, and allows your imagination to run riot with possibilities.
You get ten scenarios, from a basic grab the loot and run heist, to somewhat more complicated missions featuring crashed starships, overgrown factories filled with murderous Warbots, and a moon covered in rivers of lava !
All in all, it's great fun, has lots of very nice art, and allows you to pretty much use any and all of the miniatures you may own.
Amazon already has two supplements listed, and there are free downloadable solo rules available too, but don't think you'll be shortchanged if you get this as there is plenty to enjoy within it's pages.

[Kelvin Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about 60% copy-paste-find-replace from Frostgrave, second edition, and 40% new ideas. The good thing is that Frostgrave 2e is a pretty good source from which to copy, and the new ideas are good ones, some of which can probably be adapted well for Frostgrave.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ruleset is pretty well written. The crew building rules are very flexible but that comes at the cost of feeling a bit fiddly. Hopefully I will get a chance to play in the next few months (once I finish painting my models).

[John Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

14/20.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly more complex than Frostgrave yet all my plaudits for that system still apply.

[Ryan Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great wargame lots of cool ideas